Week 22

MATH
This week Caleb began learning subtraction, the opposite of addition.  He used the pictures on his worksheets and his blocks to understand how to subtract.  "This is like solving for the unknown!" Caleb said, as he realized he already knew how to figure subtraction problems. 

LANGUAGE ARTS
Caleb finished the Word Families Reader that he had been reading from each week to practice different word endings.  He wrote words for UP and UT.  Caleb practiced reading aloud and I started reading the book Little House in the Big Woods aloud to him.  I asked Caleb to think of and write a sentence that summed up the first chapter we read.  He also drew a picture of the log cabin in the woods and their pig in a pen.

SCIENCE & S.S.
This week we started reading a book about George Washington.  The stories we have been reading in S.S. and L.A. take place throughout America's history.  We have discussed the differences from life in America today.  "I think I would have liked living back then and getting to hunt wild animals!"

Caleb practiced with his Spanish DVD and made a color wheel to help him remember the Spanish words for colors.

We continued to read from our books about rocks and minerals, and Caleb learned about where diamonds, gold and other precious gems come from.  We are going to start learning about electricity in many different forms, and as a fun intro to that Caleb and some friends got to dissect an old radio.  The first thing they learned was how to safely make sure electrical units are unplugged before being worked with!  The project turned out to be the highlight of his week.  He was able to recognize parts inside the radio, like magnets and springs, and he was amazed at the many wires and cool-looking pieces inside.

ART
Caleb made more Valentines for friends this week and worked on fiber projects in art class.  Tomorrow we will attend the Artist Reception at Greenwood Institute d'Art where artists are displaying hand-spun and dyed wool, carved wooden bowls, handmade paper, and paintings.  The artists will be there to meet with and discuss how they make their artwork.

P.E.
Caleb did movement activities with the other kids in his Art & Movement class.  They also had a lesson on emergency situations and how to call for help, including knowing their home phone number.  Caleb got to practice by calling home 3 times by himself during class!