Room 21 Newsletter, April 21, 2006

CLASS NEWS

The class has embarked on a new Storyline. This Storyline is an invention theme, where each child creates a character who is are toy inventor that works in the research and development department of a major toy company. So far they have already formed design teams and have been brainstorming about invention ideas. We will keep you posted as their ideas move towards becoming a reality in our storyline.

We began a new Math unit on measurement this week. The students are investigating length, height, time, and volume, using both metric and standard units. You can help by pointing out items and their measurements around the home.

We are wrapping up our time with the Architect in the classroom. The final project was constructing colonial style model structures. These will be on display along with projects from schools around Portland at the AIA Gallery opening May 4, 2006. Attached is information on the opening and our field trip to visit them.

FIELD TRIPS

May is just around the corner and we are going hither and yon next month. First it’s downtown with our Architect, then to Brookside Wetland with Lynn from the city’s Department of Environmental Services, and finally off to Opal Creek. This week I sent home a note about the Opal trip. To help with planning it helps to know who is coming. A few parents told me they want to come, if you are interested but have not “officially” told me please do so soon. We only need about five and those slots are filling up. Info and permissions slips for the May 4th trip are attached