Branch Families,
We are just over the moon about our unit this month! Our solar system study was packed with fun and exciting activities, songs, table stations, and art! It’s always fun to watch our Branchers grow and learn each month. They are growing in their knowledge, independence, and skills!
Blasting off into Space!
Our learning started with the names and order of the planets in our solar system. Our Branchers quickly memorized all the words to our new planet song and many facts about the planets. They learned new vocabulary like orbit, star, supernova, and satellite. They also took special interest in Pluto, which is no longer considered a planet and is now classified as a dwarf planet. With the help of another catchy song, the Branchers now know the names of all the dwarf planets, too! They’re well on their way to becoming space scientists.
This month, Branchers also got to pretend to be astronauts in our newly transformed Space Station. There, they practiced new vocabulary, dressed up as astronauts, and used the computer to complete their research. The Branchers did a great job building rocket ships and visiting distant planets.
Stellar Art Creations!
No month in the Branch classroom is complete without ART! We started the month with self-portraits and meal name tags. This month, we created star-shaped self-portraits, and each Brancher had the opportunity to color their rocketship name tag. The Branchers continue to improve not only in their fine motor skills as they draw themselves but also in how clearly they write their names! They have grown so much! Throughout the school year, we’ve been saving all their self-portraits. This month, we will gather them all to create a special book showcasing their hard work, so stay tuned for that!
Mastering Moon Math!
In the Branch classroom, we love practicing our math skills! Whether we’re patterning, measuring, or counting, there are numbers everywhere! This month, we learned about moon phases and practiced our fractions. We discussed as a group how the moon always stays the same, but its phase (or the size and shape) changes throughout the month when we look up at the night sky. We discovered the four basic phases of the moon: crescent moon (or banana moon, as the Branchers like to call it), half moon, gibbous moon, and, of course, the full moon.
As a morning circle activity, we tested our math skills by adding up the different moon phases. Since we love making math and science delicious, we explored our moon phases using Oreos! Each Brancher had their own Oreo. First, they pulled the cookie apart to reveal the frosting circle, and they quickly made the connection that it resembled a full moon. Then, we challenged them to slowly “take away” the frosting until they created each of the moon phases. Afterward, we celebrated our learning by enjoying a tasty Oreo cookie!
With our moon knowledge, our next goal was to record our information on paper—literally! We started by making DIY puffy paint using shaving cream, glue, and glow-in-the-dark paint. Each Brancher then cut out five moons—two crescents, two half moons, and one full moon. They used puffy paint to decorate each moon before gluing them onto the black paper provided. It’s impressive to see the progress each Brancher has made with their scissor skills!
Exploring Space Vehicles!
Next on our space adventure was exploring how we get into outer space! We learned about different types of space vehicles: satellites, rovers, and rocketships. We discovered that scientists use satellites in space to collect information. We also realized how thankful we are for satellites in our daily lives. One of the jobs of a satellite that we explored in depth was its role in helping with maps and locating places. Branchers had the opportunity to explore Google Earth and see how far away satellites in space can take pictures of Earth. We found Big Ben in London, looked at Antarctica, and even spotted Growing Tree! It is amazing to see all the details in these pictures. Then we talked about Curiosity, a Mars rover. We discussed how a rover is similar to a car, but it can be remotely controlled. We also discussed the various components that comprise a rover. Branchers even had a chance to play with gravity-defying windup rovers at the magnet station.
Oh My Stars!
After learning about the planets, how astronauts enter space, and some of the tools they use, our next topic was stars, including our favorite, the Sun! We started by discussing constellations. We learned that constellations are pictures in the night sky. Each Brancher then had the chance to create their own constellation! To make this activity even more fun, we used mini marshmallows as our stars! Each Branch drew the pattern of the Big Dipper and then used glue to place their marshmallows onto their night sky. Finally, after they finished creating, each Brancher was able to taste test a marshmallow.
Our study of our stars didn’t stop there! The Branchers also learned about the life cycle of a star. Did you know that stars in the sky explode, creating a bright and beautiful display of colors before gradually fading away? This is called a SUPERNOVA! As a class, we researched fun facts and interesting information about supernovas and found many incredible photographs. The Branchers were so intrigued by the beautiful exploding wonders that we decided to create our very own! Using liquid watercolors and salt, we made some stunning supernovas!
Lastly, we learned about shooting stars. We found out that shooting stars aren’t actually stars but are rocks flying very fast through space. Each Brancher then had the chance to color and make their own shooting star. After coloring their shooting star, they carefully attached a straw to the back. Using their own straw power, they created a spectacular meteor shower on the playground!
Looking Ahead to August!
Time is flying by! Just like that, August is here. Our final month with our Branchers. Although this month is bittersweet, we feel so honored, privileged, and grateful to have spent this entire school year with each and every one of your children. They have all grown so much during this year. We’ve seen growth in independence, like zipping their coats, folding blankets, and matching shoes. We’ve also noticed their friendships deepen, their empathy for others grow, and their mindfulness flourish. They are truly blossoming, and without a doubt, we know they are ready to move up to the Blossom classroom. We are so excited for their next big adventure. But until then, we will make every day in the Branch classroom count and continue making memories together! For August, we have many fun adventures and activities planned in the Branch classroom as we explore Geology. We’re going to have a ROCK’n good time!
Lastly, THANK YOU for all your support and for allowing us to be such a big piece of their little lives. Our hearts are full!
Ms Gracen and Ms Heather
