When people think about NASA they usually remember either the triumphs of landing on the moon or the tragedies of the Challenger and Columbia. Most don't know about the many failures before a rocket ever successfully lifted off to even go 40 miles into the air. Some of these failures occurred before NASA was officially created but many were after its creation. I have tried to teach the class that it took years of failure before success. Yesterday I brought in several DVDs from and/or about NASA that showed several of the more spectacular failures such as the televised Vanguard I. We all could laugh because we knew the eventual outcome.
My DVDs showed some old footage from the flight of a monkey, Alan Shepard, John Glenn and the Apollo 11 Moon landing. We then skipped forward to the Space Shuttle and then on to my photos from the Air & Space Museum's Space Flight room.
Tuesdays is always a short teaching day so we began looking at the many ways one have a specific number. I started with the number 6. I explained there is only one symbol to represent 6 but we can get 6 items many ways. I have a wooden set of number blocks that increase incrementally so I could pull out the number 6 block and the number 1 and number 5 blocks to compare. They quickly saw that the one and five blocks together were the same height as the number 6 block. I let them pick a number to stand beside the 6 and then figure out what else was needed. When we had used all the combinations possible they requested we use the number 10 block and start over. We did an easier version of this in the Fall so they would understand our number system increased by one when we counted. The difference between the Fall and now is what we teachers live and love to see! Most of the class could put any block beside the 10 and tell what number block to select next.
Our Mexican picnic moved indoors but this class is rarely bothered by changes of plans. They were quite happy to eat at the tables since the food was different and so many parents were here with them. Thank you so much for joining your children. I know they were thrilled to have you here.
We begin Arts Festival rehearsals at Hollins next week. The Early Learners will go over the next 2 Tuesdays to rehearse and view their art work on Thursday (the 27th). Parents, grandparents and special friends are invited to breakfast and the art viewing at 8:30-10:00 on Friday (the 28th). The musical/drama performances begin at 10:30 in the Little Theatre. Although the younger children are first to perform, I encourage you to stay and watch the 2 older groups. They are simply amazing and you will get a taste of what to expect in a few years for your child.
Class picture orders are due tomorrow.
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