IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

Exploring the pattern blocks

Today during math workshop, the kids were put into groups and set out to explore several materials that we have in our classroom. I challenged them to find as many different ways as they could for their manipulative. I noticed that Aidan arranged 12 little plastic bears in two neat rows. Upon asking him what he created, he replied, “It’s a rectangle.” That caused Hutton some confusion because he looked at it and said, “No, I see eleven!” Aidan and I looked to Hutton for some explanation about how the 12 bears arranged in a rectangle could mean eleven, but he showed us he was right too- the two rows Aidan had so neatly and carefully formed together looked like a one and a one next to one another- eleven. We talked in a group about how each of us had been correct- we had all seen the material in different ways and gave the bears different uses.

Aidan's bear formation

How many kids will it take?

As I walked to see what some of the other groups were doing, I saw Monica and another friend were working on a very long creation that stretched from one end of the classroom to the other. It was huge! Monica exclaimed excitedly, “Its even taller than Mrs. Argus!” I asked Monica if she was absolutley positive that it was bigger than me. How could she be sure? We decided to have me lay down on the floor next  to the creation to see for sure who was taller. Monica was right- “Way taller than Mrs. Argus!” But the interest didn’t stop there. Cameron wondered, “How many people tall is it?” Children began laying next to our creation to see how many would reach the other end of the room. We decided it was about five children long. Some children wondered about building another long creation tomorrow and trying to extend the length. I wonder what other ways of non-standard measurement the kids will come up with.

Regan during Reader’s Workshop

"I made a lazer tag place" - Christian

Good evening families! I am sure by this time you have heard a lot of exciting stories and news about our first day from your child. We have had a very busy day here at the Lab School, including Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops, Math Workshop, some studio time and free exploration to learn about our room. One of the most exciting parts of the day was seeing the children thrive during work times. I love  how fearlessly the kids tried the new materials and activities I asked them to engage with and jumped right into our learning experience. I can’t wait to see where the year takes us.

Welcome to School 60! I am so exited to begin the school year with our wonderful students and families. I look forward to seeing you at our Back to School Night on Thursday, August 4th at 6pm. You will be able to see our classroom, do a scavenger hunt with your family, and meet other families from our class.

I’d like to share a little bit about myself. My name is Marissa Argus and I am a 2009 graduate of Butler University. I have been teaching kindergarten for the past two years in the South Indianapolis area and am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the School 60 team. I am originally from the Chicago suburbs but have been a resident of Indianapolis since college.  My husband and I recently purchased our first home on the north side and love walking our two dogs in the Broad Ripple area. I love gardening, reading and am an avid fan of women’s roller derby.

Welcome to the School 60 community!