June 24, 2019
Dear Camp Families,
Welcome to our first year of camp for the older students! I hope that everyone has a great time. My goal is to do some enrichment lessons in reading, writing, math and science through direct instruction and a STEM project. To give you an idea of what we will be doing….here is my plan.
We will be reading the chapter book “The Lemonade War.” This is a book about a brother and sister who set up opposing lemonade stands. In math, we will focus on graphing, measurement and money. In reading, aside from reading the book itself, we will also read other books about lemonade stands. I have purchased numerous books (involving lemonade stands), at various reading levels so as to meet the needs of each student and also to challenge students. I believe the books are not only great literature, but will also spark interest in lemonade stands. In writing, we will focus on writing about what we have read. We will write using different comprehension strategies including- predicting, making connections, sequencing, and summarizing. After the math, reading, and writing parts of the morning we will take a break to go outside/have a snack/play. I anticipate that this will happen around 10:15 each morning.
The second part of the morning will focus on STEM activities. Our goal is to build lemonade stands with a partner. Using a variety of materials, students will create lemonade stands. I will have them draw their designs, create names for their stands and create business cards. They will choose a recipe from a children’s cookbook.
On Friday, the students will finish the book and their lemonade stands. We will set the stands up at the end of the camp day and students will “sell” lemonade.
I am planning on sending home a folder each night. The folder will contain the book we are reading as well as a “homework” assignment. There will be one math activity and one reading/writing activity. Completing these assignments is COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY. I know it’s the summer and everyone is busy. I just thought some parents and students might enjoy the enrichment work. Please return the folder each morning of camp.
The weather looks really great this week. It’s going to get pretty warm, but it will be sunny which is great. My classroom does have air conditioning. Please send cold water every day for your child. Each child should have water for the classroom, plus water/drink for snack. Once the students have chosen their recipes for their lemonades, I will ask for help with the supplies for making the lemonade.
Finally, I did purchase three play cash registers for the “sale day.” I could use one or two more- just to borrow for the week. If you happen to have one we could borrow, please let me know by Tuesday.
I am looking forward to a great week of fun and hands on learning!!! If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to email me at potterk@sjsusa.org
Mrs. Potter
:)
