Elementary

3rd/4th: Week of Jan 26

Wow! What a crazy week!  We missed our Gammas during the winter storm and were so happy to see them on Wednesday.  Even though we had a two day school week, we were able to accomplish quite a bit. Math          Gamma 1’s reviewed how to compare fractions with different denominators and took a closer look at finding and creating equivalent fractions.  Gamma 2’s reviewed adding and subtracting decimals and applied the skills to a real life situation – shopping at a toy store. We also have begun estimating/rounding with decimals and will continue this next week. ELA      We […]

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Elementary students give presentation at school with small classes.

2nd: Week of Jan 26

Math The Betas were busy this week measuring everything in the classroom – large and small! We learned how to “mark the spot” to reuse the same measuring tool repeatedly when measuring big things, and practiced adding up several smaller measurements to find a grand sum. Next week we’ll wrap up measurement and close out our unit! Geometry and fractions are next. ELA In Phonics this week we studied the syllable: “consonant+le.” We learned that when we see this group of letters at the end of a word it is always a separate syllable and the e doesn’t make a

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Elementary student displays work at project based school.

K/1st: Week of Jan 26

Water, water, everywhere… Dove deeper into the ocean (600 feet deep) into the twilight zone! Alphas learned that very little light reaches the dysphotic zone, which makes photosynthesis inoperable and plants obsolete. We explored many critters that live here, but focused on two enemies. The sperm whale vs the giant squid! While oceanographers have not captured video of the battle, tentacle marks left on sperm whales offer some evidence as to what might occur in the dark. One video animated a model of how sperm whales use echolocation to find their favorite food. Alphas collaged the great battle and depicted many epic

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Kindergarten student works with addition at STEM school in Austin.

3rd/4th: Week of Jan 19

Gammas packed a lot into our three day week, and we were excited to  discover that we have several budding poets among us.  We were grateful for  the beautiful weather during recess and lunch.  As the weather takes a turn this weekend, stay warm and safe! Math          Gamma 1’s reviewed fractions less than or equal to one. They compared fractions with the same denominators (⅓ < ⅔) or the same numerators ( ⅓ > ⅛ ).  They began comparing fractions with unlike denominators ( 4/6 > ¼).  They are using tools like  fractions bars, number lines and strip diagrams to help them.

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Two elementary students perform in front of class at micro school.

2nd: Week of Jan 19

Math In Math this week we wrapped up our time unit by learning about AM/PM and discussing the length of various daily activities. We also wrote out a sample schedule for a normal day AND conceived of a spectacular dream schedule for a most-perfect day! Always a favorite Beta activity :) On Thursday we launched our unit on measurement by learning about standard and nonstandard units of measurement, how to properly measure, and measuring several items in the classroom using nonstandard units. ELA Book Clubs are rolling right along! It is so heartening to see students independently reach for our

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Elementary student displays clay crafts at project based school in Austin.