24 March 2014

Plants Aplenty!

Last week our class was immersed in plants.  Lots and LOTS of plants!!

We started the week tapping into our schema about plants and learning lots of new info.  
 

And then we moved right into diagrams and labels....and tree maps, too!  I created this same anchor chart last year and used it again this year to guide our independent writing and hands-on activities.

I made the kids responsible for adding to our tree map.  I love their inventive spelling :)
 

This year I had the kids assemble and label the parts of  a flower.



We used the info from our tree maps to create our little Flower Friends!  I've GOT to get these hung up...they're just too cute!


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One of my kids' favorite activities from the week was our whole group math game...Flower Power!

This is how we played it last year..

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This year I have a whole different set of kids, so we played the game a bit differently.  We tossed our little beanbags onto two different numbers and used the manipulatives to join those numbers together and then create a number sentence to match.  We talked about how we didn't need to worry about which number to write first in the equation because when you're joining two numbers {addends} together, it doesn't matter which number goes first. 

Then we took those same numbers and practiced subtraction  We first identified the largest number and counted out a set of manipulatives to match.  Then we talked about that sneaky ol' Linus the Minus who likes to take things away and then we removed that amount from the set.  The kids practiced writing number sentences for that, too.  They absolutely LOVED this game!  Sooooo...it's made its way into our math dessert tubs.  They are VERY eager to finish their work so they can play this game over & over!


Speaking of math, my kids were rockin' their plant themed math journal activities last week!  We used these cut & paste printables from my It's a Spring Thing! Interactive Math Printable packet and added these...and several more...to our math journals.  They're blossoming into such great little math minded thinkers!!



We celebrated Plant Day last Friday and spent the day investigating, measuring, & observing lots of different plants.  Then each of our kids got their own little pot and we planted seeds.  I bought three different seed packets and the whole time I was picking them out and was seriously sweating.  I have NO clue what flowers grow best.  I have a black thumb. This is definitely me....

I am *praying* we have at least a few that sprout.  I looked everywhere for rye grass, but to no avail.  Instead, I picked out Cosmos, Marigolds, and Portulacas.  The kids got to pick out which seed they wanted to plant, then we came back inside, added their names to our "Grow, Flower, Grow!" chart, and then read the book...

We are SO anxious to see which flower grows first!!!  

It was definitely a busy week.  If you want to read more about what we did during plant week last year, you can check it out HERE.

We're learning all about insects for the next couple of weeks!  Can't wait to share what we've been doing!!


17 comments:

  1. You make the best anchor charts!!! I wish I was as talented as you, but I will continue to try. Love it!
    Kelly
    MyFabulousClass

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  2. Love all of your adorable plant activities and anchor charts! Looks like a fantastic week of learning! We just finished up insects and had a great time learning about creepy crawlers. I had a student bring in ladybugs for our "insect investigation lab" and within a few day students started bringing in all sorts of different insects for us to observe. I had to draw the line when one of my first graders brought in a bunch of spiders. When I explained to her that they -are NOT insects- she responded with, "I know that. I wanted us to compare and contrast." Spiders in the classroom is a no, no! I hope your students enjoy being little entomologists as much as mine did! Can't wait to see all of the fun activities you put together for insects.

    http://frugalinfirst.blogspot.com/

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  3. You kill me with your cuteness! XOXO

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  4. I loved ALL of it (of course), but the great flower race is just.my.fav!

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  5. I guess I'm going in to school early to make a math flower....I can't wait. This is perfect for my students. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Pinned everything! Love it all! Thanks for sharing:)

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  7. Your too cute posts make my heart happy! :)

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  8. Wow! So much fun : ) I love the math flower!!

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  9. You picked some good seeds! I plant Marigolds with my students every year and as long as you have a sunny window and turn them every few days they are pretty easy. The portulacas will self sow or you can pick the dry seed heads in the fall and use them for spring plants next year. Good luck!

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  10. Such a great post! Thanks for sharing all your sweet charts and great ideas.

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  11. Looks like a lot of fun! I love the flower race idea. I bet your kids are excited to see which flower wins! I wish my anchor charts looked as cute as yours. Thanks for sharing!

    Antoinette :)
    http://shoelacesandsugarcookies.blogspot.com

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  12. I loved your gray thumb part, in addition to all of the teaching ideas! I am right there with you!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  13. I loved your gray thumb part, in addition to all of the teaching ideas! I am right there with you!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  14. I always grow zucchini plants with my kindergartners. They are one of the fastest sprouting plants (7 days if I remember correctly. They have an excellent sprouting rate if watered properly and can be replanted at home in the garden or a pot. I always have at least one family send me a picture of their sweetie holding the first zucchini he/she harvested.
    I love your anchor charts! They are always so colorful, cute, and informative!! :)
    Tonya

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  15. I love your blog so much!!! These are all such great ideas!! I made my math flower today and love it. I have a quick question for you. When you made your anchor chart- label the plant did you use butcher paper or construction paper?

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  16. I LOVE your anchor charts! You are such an inspiration to this teacher way over on the East Coast!! Please keep posting your gorgeous anchor charts!!! Love love love your blog!
    ✿Sue✿
    Science for Kids Blog

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  17. I would love to have the labels for the parts of the flowers! Where can I purchase/ find them?!

    Thanks!

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