by newschoolsyr | Apr 27, 2018 | 2017 - 2018, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, math
A small group of students in first, second and third grade explored fractions using multiple representations of ONE. With parquetry pieces they considered the fractional parts of a hexagon. In the process they learned that the denominator means how many equal parts...
by newschoolsyr | Mar 29, 2018 | 2017 - 2018, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, science
Our second through fourth graders have recently wrapped up a science unit on bats. In this unit we studied unique qualities and characteristics of specific bat species, compared bats to birds, learned about echolocation, and contributed to bat conservation. Some of...
by newschoolsyr | Mar 29, 2018 | 2017 - 2018, grade 2, grade 3, language arts
For the past several weeks our book club read Jackie French Koller’s fantasy chapter book, Dragonling. This book follows the relationship of a young boy, Darek, who goes against everything he knows and befriends a young dragon in hopes to return him to his homeland...
by newschoolsyr | Jan 27, 2018 | 2017 - 2018, grade 3, grade 4, science
Students in grades 3 and 4 enjoyed a unit on variables. To help them learn that in order to test a single characteristic in a design, you can only change one variable. Bugsocopters, fun paper twirling designs, came to the rescue. First the students were given a...
by newschoolsyr | Jan 27, 2018 | 2017 - 2018, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, math
Students in grades 2, 3 and 4 were part of a three week measurement unit where we explored length, weight, temperature and volume. In each lesson students used tools to explore the huge world of measurement. After studying a thermometer and the two scales of...
by newschoolsyr | Nov 4, 2017 | 2017 - 2018, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, language arts
Lucy Calkins inspired a poetry unit for our students in grades 1-3. Each week of her unit inspires children to consider a new “ingredient” or strategy. The unit began with experimenting with looking at ordinary things in a new way. Subsequent classes explored looking...
