This week we began studying the Inuit people.
"The Inuit tribe were a hardy people who were nomadic fishermen and hunters. The Inuit tribe lived on the western and northern coasts along the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The Inuit survived the harsh climate in Igloos made of snow bricks or in the temporary tepee-shaped tents that were used on hunting trips."
-https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/indian-tribes/inuit-tribe.htm
Math/Science Center:
We made predictions of how many sugar cubes or mini marshmallows it would require to cover each igloo. The children watched videos of the Inuit people cutting snow blocks and then layering them carefully to build snow houses. The structure of these depends upon the base, so we discussed the importance of beginning with a solid foundation. These cracks between the snow blocks are filled in with snow to prevent the wind from penetrating, much like we filled in with glue. The tunnel serves a purpose as well for protection from animals as well as the wind. We left out the window feature as well as the hole at the top for air and smoke ventilation. Each child counted numerous times as they constructed their igloo to see how much their prediction was different from the actual usage. Most predictions were around 13-20, with the actual number being closer to 100-150.
Some of the children have joined the "Coin Club" as they are able to identify the quarter, nickel, dime and penny. This is a part of our meeting so is a fun and casual way to familiarize them with coins.
Fine Arts/Art Center:
We began constructing a life size igloo in our classroom which some of the children assisted with, as well as pastel on paper igloo pictures.
Literacy/Language Arts:
We are searching for the letter P in our reading, and some children are practicing blends and digraphs in reading groups. We have read many stories about the Artic and Inuit people, including: Building an Igloo, Wild Eggs, Kamik's First Sled, Igloo/Native American Homes, Indians of the Arctic and Subarctic, Cub's Big World, The Inside Story-Igloo, Kumak's Fish, Snow Happy, and also read more in our chapter book Oliver and Amanda and the Big Snow. We responsively read high frequency word books in reading groups, and hunted for letter families in books and magazines.
The children all love our Solo cups and building towers most mornings. I love that two of them were actually playing chess with the cups!
The fourth grade boys came to our classroom to read a story, and after the JK students created an illustration of what their imaginary friend would look like. Most had striking similarities to their real life friends! The fourth grade girls also presented a skit they have been practicing since before winter break and then helped our class color and cut out their own gingerbread friends. Both were fun and another opportunity for our class to see the bigger children and socialize with them. It creates such a sense of community for them to be a part of our students' lives.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Massey
