We have begun a math unit all about measurement.  We have been talking about the words shorter and longer to compare the length of a variety of objects.

We discussed the shape of an evergreen tree – a triangle, and talked about how the longest branches are at the bottom and the shortest branches are at the top.

The challenge was posed to the class – How can we place these branches on the tree trunk to make it look like an evergreen tree? These were their first two tries.

The students did a little more thinking and moving and figured it out! Great teamwork!

Then it was time to each student to try it on their own! This was an opportunity for students to use their measuring and comparing skills as well as develop their spatial awareness.

The countdown is on! The students used scissor skills and other fine motor skills to cut out a bell and make a paper chain.  A lot of students thought about patterns as they used both red and green paper strips to make their chain.

Now, each day we take a link off and count how many school days are left before the winter holiday. Students are reviewing counting forwards and backwards to ten.