Maps and Compasses

In keeping with covering our social studies standards of using maps and understanding the concepts of north, south, east and west we explored our school today using maps and compasses.  I asked the children to tell me how to get to the office.  We looked at the path we would take on the map from our room to the office.  Then we lined up at the door to go to the office. With compasses in hand the students told me we had to head south.  At the top of the ramp we went west.  Every time we changed directions the students checked their compasses.  Our next job will be to find the most northern, southern, western, and eastern parts of the building.

We also learned a sight word game called BANG!  Every child pulls a sight word from a box.  If the child can read the word, he keeps it.  If now she puts it back in the box.  The box is passed around and around and the children gather more cards, UNTIL they pull the word BANG, in which case all the words are put back in the box.  Everyone shows the cards they draw and reads the letters out loud.  I've watched several kids pick up a few new sight words from just one time playing this game.

After reading a book written by fifth graders we decided to write our own book.  The class is writing a story about snowmen that come to life.  We worked on the introduction today.  Once we publish the book everyone will have a copy to take home.

Remember, tomorrow is an early release day!  Have fun in the snow.
Becky Roper