BRIDGES AND MAPS

After our trip to the Falls, Fang inspired friends to make maps, some made maps of the Falls, others made maps of the school. 

Maps help support spatial thinking, helping them to see their place in the world. 

One of the maps that Fang worked on showed himself, Valentina and Mr Andrade, his group from the Falls.   It also contained volcanoes and waves of lava.  The class enjoyed listening to the exciting and scary story that went with the picture.


The Falls trip was a great way for me to introduce bridge building with small blocks.  We introduced the idea at group time and friends worked together during the morning on bridges and towers.



How do we build a bridge that it is stable?  How do you build a bridge that your 'mini me' can walk on without falling off?  How do you build a bridge so that the water or lava can flow underneath? The children experimented with making the bridge wide, or tall, and using different shaped blocks.



Margot inspired some friends to make a tent in the classroom by bringing in a little backpack with camping supplies that she had made.  Mr Billadeau helped them hang the sides of the tent against the loft, and the children worked together to make it comfortable.

Decisions to be made, team work, and lots of cushions helped.

Before going to P.E. we read 'My mighty journey' by John coy.  Beautifully illustrated and written book about St. Anthony's Falls in Minneapolis.  It tells the story from the Falls perspective and all the changes it has seen.

QUESTIONS

In Spanish, what number and color did you roll?
What camping items did Margot have in her bear backpack?
Can you remember one thing that happened to the waterfall?