It's BLIMP day!
This blog post will not be able to adequately reflect what fun we....OK, I REALLY mean...I....had today. It's such a pleasure to have such a fun job....combining science, math, literacy, and language into one activity is SO MUCH FUN (call me nerdy if you want!).
Anyway, we practiced sounds (which are coming along so nicely). The boys are able to, with only minimal assistance, identify sounds and combine CV. Today we made real words by adding a consonant sound to the end of the CV. We made words like sat, sick (spelled 'sik), this, sid, and shut. The kids have made so much progress!
Then....we learned all about blimps. We watched this video of a blimp landing (see below), then read a children's book about blimps. I forgot to bring home the name of the author and I'm unable to find a picture of the cover.
Next, we talked about balloons and what makes them rise or sink. As the boys watched, I blew up a balloon (with my mouth). Holding it, I had the children predict whether, when I let go, if they thought the balloon would go up or down. 75% predicted that the balloon would float up. Only one thought it would sink. They watched in anticipation (i'm not kidding.....on the edge of their chairs), and counted down as I let the balloon go. Of course, it immediately floated to the floor....(proving once and for all that I'm not just full of hot air).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LGIVvfkSPY&feature=context&context=G2c00c15FAAAAAAAADAA
Next, we predicted what would happen when Ms. Carol used a helium tank to blow up a balloon. The children, after seeing the previous balloon sink, thought it would sink. Of course, they were so excited when she let go and it floated upward. We talked about the difference and determined that the TYPE of air was different and introduced the word 'helium'. Ms. Carol, ever full of knowledge, shared that 'blimps' are soft balloons and Zeppelins are hard balloons.
Finally, we made our own 'blimps'. Using a helium filled balloon, we attached a small basket (coffee filter) using yarn and tape. OK, I admit.....they do resemble a hot-air balloon, but we talked about the fact that the air isn't hot, but is a different type of gas called helium, just like blimps use. Who knew blimps were so much fun (and such a great language topic)?
Happy St. Patrick's Day and we look forward to welcoming Jack on Monday.
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| Today we learned all about blimps! After watching a short view of a blimp landing (see below), we read |
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| Eight 'cotton ball' people are too many. The blimp won't lift! Too heavy. |
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| The boys and their 'blimps'. |
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| Beau brought a St. Patrick's Day cookie to share with his friends! |
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| Making the blimp. |
