The Rainbow Bridge

                                                              Class Newsletter:  January 2012

 

Dear First-Second Grade Parents and Friends,

 

     Greetings  from the desk of ‘The Rainbow Bridge’.   Every month you will be receiving an update on what we are studying in class as well as any pertinent class news and announcements. This newsletter will also be posted on my teacher website.   Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the format or content of this class bulletin.  

                                                                         Thank you!

                                                                          Peter  Chin

  

THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE:  

   In the first math block we introduced the numbers by going from the whole to the parts and continue this analytical process in teaching the four basic operations. We examine one unit and then grasp its component structure. For instance, during the earlier numbers block we examined the hand and noticed how the fingers form a four and a one. Together they are five fingers, but as we spread our fingers we can also see that they can consist of 1 and 2 and 2.

The children were then asked to show different fives themselves. In this way we introduced the first math operation as an additive structuring or as an additive analysis of a number. We can then recombine the parts (synthesis) and form the original number again.  When a teacher asks standard questions about addition, such as 7 + 3 =?  or 2 + 9 =?, there is only one correct answer. The teacher simply compares the student's answer with the solution he already knows. In other words, he only checks for 'right' or 'wrong'. However, when the teacher presents the number 12 and asks how many different combinations of numbers (addends) are possible that add up to this, the teacher and the class are actively calculating instead of just checking for right or wrong. Each answer that the children list is a new challenge to evaluate.

Through the application of this approach, the student learns something basic: a question can have many possible answers and that problems almost always require more than one solution. Ready answers to problems sometimes prevent us from seeing the true variety of possible solutions. This method proposes that teaching from the whole to its components can initiate experiences of individual freedom and cooperative thinking.

                                                                                                   (Adapted from Ernst Schuberth)

AT THE ANVIL:

   We will be entering into our second study of numbers and the four processes. Each process will be initially introduced in a pictorial way as one of the 'King's Advisors'. Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication are all personified in a story and collaborate to help the kingdom and its citizens to return to health and prosperity. The operation symbols will also be introduced with interesting and imaginative pictures which will help the students to distinquish and match the correct process to the problem. Some of the objectives of this block will be to teach and practice: counting sequences in 2's, 3's,4's,5's,and 10's through rhythmic movement, basic addition facts 1-10, the four rules or processes through practical activities and mental math problems, and to record written examples of math problems in a linear format in their morning lesson book.  Following a review of first grade computation skills, second grade level students will begin regular computation practice for addition, subtraction and multiplication in the vertical format.  Other basic math concepts will include time measurement, place values and odd/even numbers.

 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEM ENTS

• Chinese New Year Luncheon: Many thanks to everyone who helped make our 7th annual chinese luncheon a sucess! Special thanks go to Carrie Perry, Diane S., Rose M., Rosemary D., Kylee Schaefer, Michael S., Michael M. and the students! 
• Re-enrollment Note:  Nikosha Orchard, our enrollment coordinator will be calling all class parents and providing them with updated information regarding the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.
• Eurythmy: Ms.Carol Ann Williamson is providing the class with Eurythmy lessons on Wednesday afternoons at 1:15 p.m.  Help is needed for set-up and take down (Approx. 12:50 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.) in the Marigold Kindergarten room. Please see me if you are available. Thanks!
• Curriculum Note: Information on current and projected lesson units is a posted in this teacher website: www.teacherweb.com/fl/sarasota/chin.
• No School: Classes will not be in session on Monday, February 20th.
• Field Trip: Nature walk at Siesta Key Beach on Friday, February 24th