The Caribbean

Social Studies

To kick off our new unit, we participated in Caribbean station exploration! In one station the second graders tasted fruits that are native to the Caribbean, like ugli fruit, fried plantains, mango, and coconut! In this station we also explored a big map, where we matched the flags to the Caribbean countries we could find. We discussed the symbolism for the colors and patterns of some of the Caribbean flags, and began asking questions about the climate and location. We added some science in, discussing the kind of soil that might be needed to grow these specific fruits and vegetables that are native to the Caribbean.

In the other station we listened to reggae and calypso music by the famous Bob Marley. As the students listened, they painted how the music made them feel and what it made them think of. Some paintings had peace signs, sunsets, water, trees, rainbows, and people smiling. We looked at all the paintings and reflected on the similarities between them, and what this might mean about the Caribbean culture. Rohan shared that in his picture he used dark moving to light colors because “the song “Don’t Worry be Happy” felt like it was about being nervous but then deciding it’ll be okay.” We are excited to continue to delve into studying the Caribbean, and were thrilled to have stations that combined music, art, food, flags, and maps!

Ask your child what their favorite part of the stations were and why!

Science

This week we learned more about soil by reading the Kids Discover Soil magazine. This magazine gives a lot of information on what soil is composed of, different types, plants that grow in different soils and why. We also talked about how we will make compost bags with red worms. Today, Friday, there was great excitement…the worms arrived!!!  On Monday the scientists will get to meet their new friends.

Art with Iviva:

We are already beginning to think about Passover. Viewing images of how Jews observe Passover around the world, and images of artwork dating from the 14th century to today depicting Seders and Haggadah covers, we began making sketches of our own Passover Seders and celebrations, which we will re-draw on leaning pillows. We can’t wait to stuff and sew our pillows and take them home!