Warm greetings to our Milky Way families!
This week, we continued exploring our second line of inquiry, How waste affects the environment, and our central idea, People’s choices can help care for the Earth, with a special focus on water and air pollution. The students showed great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout our learning experiences.
We began by learning about water pollution. Students watched an educational video that helped them understand the meaning, causes, effects, and ways to prevent water pollution. During our class discussion, students actively shared their thoughts, ideas, and personal experiences, leading to a meaningful and engaging conversation. To deepen their understanding, students worked collaboratively in groups and prepared presentations on different topics related to water pollution, including littering, garbage in the water, oil spills, and wasting water. It was wonderful to see students confidently share their ideas and work together as communicators and thinkers. After the group activity, students worked independently to demonstrate their understanding by drawing one harmful action that pollutes water and one positive action that helps keep water clean. Students proudly explained their drawings, showing that they are becoming knowledgeable learners. Teachers supported the students by helping them write words related to their drawings, which they carefully copied onto their papers.
Next, we shifted our focus to air pollution. Students watched another educational video, followed by another engaging class discussion. Together, we defined air pollution and explored its causes, effects, and ways to prevent it. We discussed how some causes of air pollution come from nature, while others are caused by people. Some examples of air pollution that we discussed included volcanic eruptions, smoke from factories, wildfires, cars and airplanes, and spray can fumes. Students also learned about the effects of air pollution, such as difficulty breathing, global warming, smog, headaches, coughing, dizziness, and harm to plants and animals. We also explored ways to help prevent air pollution, including using public transportation, planting more trees, walking or riding a bike, saving energy by turning off lights and appliances, and wearing masks when necessary. It was wonderful seeing students ask meaningful and thoughtful questions after our discussions. These questions were added to our “Wonder Wall,” encouraging further inquiry and curiosity.
In the Japanese inquiry time, the children learned about spring seasonal foods through a quiz. They also deepened their understanding of directions (front, back, left, and right) by playing games. The quiz was very exciting, and although some children looked a little confused during the direction games, they were able to practice and learn front, back, left, and right in a fun and enjoyable way.
We also had a wonderful and meaningful Reading Time in class. Our focus book was We Are. The students enjoyed listening, reading, and learning together through different reading activities that helped build their confidence and love for reading. First, the teacher read the story aloud to the whole class while the students listened carefully. After that, the students read together with the teacher while pointing their fingers to each word. This helped them follow the text closely and connect spoken words with printed words. Next, the students practiced reading independently. They tried their best to read the words on their own and showed great effort and determination. After individual reading, they paired up with friends and read together. It was wonderful to see students helping one another. Some students asked their friends how to read unfamiliar words and then confidently read them to the teacher. For students who still needed extra support, the teacher provided supplemental learning by helping them master letters and their sounds, which are important foundations for reading development. Step by step, the students are growing in their reading journey.
For our writing lesson, we continued practicing writing CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words on the baseline. Students carefully focused on forming their letters correctly and placing them neatly on the lines. It was wonderful to see their improved writing skills and growing confidence in writing independently. Many students showed better pencil control and correct letter formation. They worked hard to sound out and write simple CVC words while paying attention to neat handwriting.
Milky Way students had a wonderful time during outside play at the schoolyard. They especially enjoyed observing and exploring the tiny roly-polies with great fascination and curiosity. It was lovely to see the children actively engaged in nature, sharing discoveries with friends, and enjoying their outdoor learning experience together.
This week, the teachers introduced the Six Thinking Hats to the students for the very first time. The children were excited to explore the different colored hats and learn how each hat represents a different way of thinking. Students tried to identify the color of the hat and share their thoughts based on how that hat “thinks.” Through this activity, students practiced expressing their ideas, listening to others, and thinking in creative and meaningful ways. Some students talked about feelings, while others thought of positive ideas. It was wonderful to see the children confidently participate and enjoy looking at situations from different perspectives.
Next week will be another exciting and meaningful week for our Milky Way students! We will begin a wonderful hands-on learning experience as the students plant cucumber vegetables in the school garden. This activity will help them learn more about nature, responsibility, and how plants grow. We will also have our students’ medical check-up, the Milky Way/Elementary exchange activity, and of course, their much-awaited tennis lesson which they always enjoy and look forward to. On top of all these exciting events, we are also very happy to welcome our families for the School Open Day! The Milky Way students are especially looking forward to this event because they know their parents will be coming to visit their classroom and see their learning in action. We warmly encourage all parents to come and join us so you can see how your children are growing, learning, and developing confidently at school. Your presence means so much to them, and we are excited to share these meaningful moments together.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and we look forward to seeing you next week!
