Fun with math manipulatives!

When students manipulate objects, they are taking the first steps toward understanding math processes and procedures. Manipulatives help students connect ideas and integrate knowledge so they gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

At the start of the year, the students have a chance to explore some of the math manipulatives that we will be using all year. The Dragon Crafters spent some time getting to know pattern blocks and geoboards. 

International Dot Day!

On September 15, 2021 we celebrated International Dot Day at Seabury School! We read the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. We discussed the difference between a Fixed Mindset and a Growth Mindset. Our day was filled with many exciting activities revolving around "dots".

We used the Scientific Method to discover how many "dots" (drops) of water a penny can hold. Each of the students made a hypothesis, tested their hypothesis, recorded their data, analyzed the data and discussed the results. We talked about surface tension and discovered other activities we could try at home to further our learning.

The Dragon Crafters used "dots" (Skittles) to practice their graphing skills. They made individual graphs and then we compiled our data to create a class graph.

To finish off our celebration we used our watercolors to create our own "dot" art. Some of us created "negative space" dots. Others took a simple dot and turned it into a work of art. Still others simply created beautiful dot designs.

We're off!

The second and third graders had an exciting start to the 2021-22 school year. The classes were combined for two weeks while Seabury added a new third grade teacher.

We took time to build our class community and get to know each other better.

We worked on the Name Tag Challenge. The students far exceeded my expectations and spent two days working on their amazing creations.

We read the book, North Star by Peter H. Reynolds. Our follow up STEAM activity was to create a way to save our dragon using only popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners.

Our students helped to beautify our parking lot during Art class.

Everyone loves a scavenger hunt. After practicing rainbow breathing, we embarked on a rainbow scavenger hunt.

Our third grade friends moved to their new classroom. They will be missed.