Butterfly release!

This week our one and only healthy Monarch completed the life cycle!   We watched as a caterpillar ate milkweed leaves, crawled up the side of the net, and made a chrysalis.  Then, we were patient for about 10 days.   This week, our patience was rewarded!   Our Monarch butterfly emerged from the chrysalis!

We let our butterfly rest for one day, and on Tuesday, we went outside in the warm afternoon and released it!   We opened the net container and within ten seconds, our butterfly was off!   Thank you to Brandon for bringing in our ONLY healthy specimen!   

Later in the week, we began Chapter 2 for math.  We learned an easy game to start off the chapter, which came home the day we played it in class.   They learned to use a pencil and a paper clip as a spinner.  First, they spun to find out if they would have to add/subtract '1 more/less' or '2 more/less'.  Then, they spun a number.  It was quite interesting to see if they knew what to do once they spun.  They used a chip to cover a bed with the correct answer on it.  It was VERY quiet while they were thinking at first.  Many caught on quickly to the game, and then some cool math language began!  Many were speaking out loud to help them figure the answers out.  Some used their number line on their name tags to help them, others could use mental math.  Hopefully all of them came home and showed you how to play or even played against you!

Finally, maybe you have been hearing about some cool math games the kids have been introduced to for RtI Math switches!   We have been learning some neat games on the Cool Math 4 Kids website.  We learned "Feed Fribbit Colors", "Color World" and "Marble Lines" so far.  These games are in the Shapes/Colors section of the website.  Later, there are the same games, but using addition and subtraction problems incorporated.   If you allow your child on the computer at home, have him/her show you the cool math games they have learned!   You can also explore more games with them.  Beware, some of the games are very addicting (but also very educational!).   You can click on the link right off this blog, or if you have Ms. Baker's website bookmarked at home, the kids can navigate her website and show you Cool Math 4 Kids!    

Enjoy your weekend everyone!   Thanks for checking in again this week!