Heart Room

Teacher: Sue Creswell

Description

The first graders of Heart Room study a variety of communities. We begin with our classroom team of individuals working together, honoring our uniqueness with respect and cooperation. Throughout the year we look at animal communities, both local and abroad, to weave in many of our science concepts. In the fall we focus on the Pajaro Valley, culminating with a week of building and operating a realistic model of a community. Later in the year we pretend to take a seven continent tour of the world, sharing cultural foods, dances, arts and celebrations. Time is also spent learning about our natural resources and how we can help sustain communities for all living beings.

Addressing the state standards through these thematic and relevant topics, gives us motivation to learn the tools of reading, writing, and math. A balance of skill building and purposeful activities fills our days with focus and creativity. Monthly field trips into the community help achieve that connectiveness and purpose.

Enriching Activities

• Build and operate a classroom-size model of a community
• Hike at Mt. Madonna and study the redwoods and the forest habitat
• Put on puppet shows and class skits or plays
• Pretend to tour the world and enjoy cultural foods, music, art and literature
• Bring your teddy bear for two days of bear activities
• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and build a classroom kelp forest in a box
• Study the solar system and build space crafts
• Hike at Elkhorn Slough and focus on bird adaptations and the slough food chain/web

Linscott Charter School 220 Elm Street Watsonville, California 95076 (831) 728-6301