This week our class has been learning about the African-American holiday, Kwanzaa.  Some of the Swahili words we have been using are very difficult for us to pronounce yet in spite of that, we now that Kwanzaa celebrates  the past and future with lights, unity, faith and feasting just like our more familiar holidays.    If you have a chance to visit the school, be sure to see our mkekas, the Kwanzaa mats that we have woven with construction paper.  They are proudly, and colorfully,  displayed on the bulletin board outside our classroom.  The sixth principle of Kwanzaa is creativity so today we completed a little project that will become a gift for some lucky family members!  Tomorrow we will begin learning about  Hanukkah. 

We are moving on to our third Math Investigations, What Comes Next?: Patterns and Functions. In this unit, students will investigate what makes a repeating pattern. They will focus on attributes of objects and think about which attributes (i.e., size, color, shape, orientation) are important in the patterns they will be making. Students will  work with simple and complex repeating patterns. They will have many opportunities to copy, create, and extend repeating patterns using a variety of materials and common objects. They will also use patterns to determine what comes next and focus on the part, or unit, of a pattern that repeats.  We have already had some experience with patterns on our monthly calendar so I think many of our students are quite familiar with patterns.

We also welcomed a new student, Patricia, to our classroom this week bringing our total to 19.  She has fit into our routine very nicely and is making friends quickly.

Math night at Leeds, this past Wednesday was very well attended and students and parents alike enjoyed playing Compare, Grab and Count, Roll and Record,  and  Toss the Chips.  Thanks to those of you who were able to attend in this very busy month.

I hope everyone enjoys a good weekend.  Barbara Ann