Dear families, The first grade class has had a very busy and productive two weeks. Thank you for attending the Bookworm culmination. They received numerous compliments for their talented performances from last week. I was so impressed by their determination and motivation to read during this 3 month project. Over the year, the reading skills and stamina have strengthened for each of our first graders. In preparation for our upcoming academic year, we were invited to Ms. Conlon and Mrs. Martin's classrooms for a glimpse into second grade. Although they will be learning new concepts, it was comforting for the students to see familiar work and routines. They were excited to learn of the research projects for the upcoming year. We explored the classroom accompanied by the second grade students as our tour guides. Then, on Friday, our class offered the same opportunity to the rising Kindergarteners. They were excellent role models and introduced the highlights of first grade. We look forward to our last two days of school. Many fun activities are scheduled which will enable the students to socialize and enjoy their friends before we part for summer vacation. Enjoy the weekend Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Learning to distinguish the coins -Adding the coins together -Showing various ways to form a given quantity of money (ie 55 cents) using different combinations of coins -Collecting state quarters for our new collectors book -Reviewing addition and subtraction with regrouping Reading and Writing -Milo and the Magical Stone by Marcus Pfister- a book offering the choice of a happy or sad ending- Each ending teaching a valuable lesson -Alexander and the Dragon by Katharine Holabird - Reading Stamina- reading for 30 minutes -Writing a story summary for the book Making a Way for Duckling by Robert McCloskey -Learning to write Cinquain Poems- use of adjectives and verbs Spelling -Learning the two sounds of /oo/ as represented in the words food and good -Reviewing the three sounds of the suffix -ed (id, t, d) -Reviewing sight words -Sight word tic-tac-toe Social Studies - Hosted the Kindergarten class for a preview and tour of the first grade classroom -Visited the Second grade classroom for the first grade's transition for September -Amicus event -Played organized games with our Literacy Helpers for our last visit together.
0 Comments
Dear families, The seventh and eighth grade students hosted a Cultural Bazaar this Friday. Stations were set up to represent different countries. First grade was led by their 7th/8th grade leader to 4 countries of choice. When visiting these countries, the middle school students presented their projects. They informed the first graders about traditions, customs and informative facts of their studied country. The students were also offered food samples from the respective regions. This week, first grade will celebrate the culmination of the Bookworm. Throughout the event, the students have been highly motivated and proud to contribute to its growth. Their dedication to this group project and to reading was impressive. I look forward to seeing their costumes this Thursday! Best, Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Studying and sorting coins -Learning to distinguish between the nickel, quarter, dime and penny -Comparing the quarter and nickel- similar in appearance -Adding money- by counting by 5's and 10's Reading and Writing -Elmer and the Dragon -Reading stamina- Students read for 30 minutes and recorded their reading for the bookworm -Completing the Bookworm Character Clues Project -Writing a "Reflection on My Reading Life" Spelling -Review of sight words - people, little, down, your and should -Learning the three sounds of the suffix ending -ed (id, d, t) -Practicing learned vowel teams -Review of the three ways to spell /er/ Science/Social Studies -Completion and Presention of the Bird projects to their classmates- A picture and description of their bird, where they live, what they eat and interesting facts of their chosen bird. -Cultural Bazaar- learning traditions and factual information of different countries hosted and presented by the 7th and 8th grade students. Dear Families, First grade had a spectacular performance at Spring Concert. I am impressed by how comfortable they have become during stage performances. Two first graders even presented their Book Buzz at All School Meeting. Hat's off to Jack and Chace! The class has been working on our upcoming Bookworm project. Each student has written 3 clues for their chosen character. The audience will use these clues to help them guess which character each student is representing. In advance, I thank you for your help with their costumes. Have a great weekend Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
Chapter 15- Calendar and Time -Reviewing the months of the year and days of the week -Practicing to read the calendar -Learning the parts of the clock (face, minute hand, hour hand) -Telling time by the hour and half hour -Reading the time on digital and analog clocks -Practicing terminology- o'clock, half past, digital, analog Reading and Writing -Reading Clocks and More Clocks by Pat Hutchins -Guji, Guji by Chih Yuan Chen- We completed a reading response to identify the problem and solution within this story -Writing Weekend News- expanding on details -Writing interesting facts for Science project -Creating three clues for their bookworm character Spelling -Reviewing /ar/ and /or/ sounds -Practicing the three ways to spell the sounds of er (er, ur, ir) -Reading and sorting er, ir, ur words Social Studies/Science -Learning how to gather information for our first research project -Studying birds -Writing about where our bird lives -Finding and documenting interesting facts about our birds -Creating and painting our clay model birds Dear parents, Meeting all of the families and friends was a splendid occasion. It was especially enjoyable to witness the wonderful relationship between your child and grandparent/friend. We had a very busy morning. The first graders were very excited to share their published stories and Color poems that they wrote this past week. They had a terrific time teaching their guests math games. The students also had the chance to show off their strong math skills. Our morning concluded after attending PE together. I hope the visitors all enjoyed being part of our First grade class. In addition, we had a chance to give the grandparents a sneak preview of a song we have been practicing with Mr. Murdock. Mr. Murdock continues to inspire us! First grade will perform this song and short skit at All School Meeting May 23rd. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the beautiful weather. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 13 Addition and Subtraction (continued) -Double digit addition with regrouping -Double digit subtraction with regrouping -Problem solving questions -Practice and recognition of the symbols (+ and-) -Review of tens and ones for regrouping -100 chart game- to add numbers to 100 Reading and Writing -Grandma, Grandpa and Me by Mercer Mayer -Elmer and the Dragon- Chapter 5 -Weekend News- Writing with more details -Reading activity "Dee the Queen" to practice the use of /ee/and /ea/ -Final draft of the Color Poem -Choosing a literary character to "become" for the Bookworm celebration. Spelling -Sounds of /ar/ and /er/ -Review the long sounds of e (e, ee, ea and y) -Write sentences to practice the use of sight words Science -Beginning our study of birds -Writing a description of their chosen bird including size, colors and distinctive features . -Sculpting a clay model of their bird Dear families, Thank you to all the parents for joining us for our Authors' Celebration. I applaud the hard work and creativity of the first grade class. The students were eager to share their stories with our guests. They look forward to reading their work to their grandfriends next week. We have a busy month approaching, Please make sure to review your calendars for the upcoming events. A special thanks to all of the parents that offered snacks and volunteered their assistance to organize this event. Have a wonderful weekend. Seema Curriculum Highlights Mathematics
-Chapter 13 Addition and Subtraction -Addition of two digit numbers without regrouping -Review of 10 base blocks- place value of tens and ones -Addition of two digit numbers with regrouping -Subtraction of two digit numbers with and without regrouping -Make 10 -Go Fish game to practice math facts -Vocabulary- regroup Reading and Writing -Authors' Celebration- Final touches to our published books -Practice/Rehearsing our stories aloud -Weekend news- Writing at least 5 sentences -Writing Poems- Choosing a color to describe -Sequencing words in alphabetical order -Playing Four in a Row Game- to practice reading Magic e words Spelling -Learning the sound of ea. -Practicing words spelled with ee and ea -Reviewing words spelled with ch and tch -Practicing sight words- says, little, good Science -Discussing attributes of birds -Selecting a bird to research for an upcoming project Dear families, We had a very eventful week awaiting the arrival of the baby chicks. They are here! The students have watched them peck their ways into the world and gain the strength to get on their feet. It is fascinating to observe the first few days of life. First grade has been preparing for the upcoming Authors' Celebration. The students have been working diligently on perfecting their stories and illustrations. They are all very excited to read their stories to you. This past week, we were very fortunate to receive a visit from the Kindness club of Ms. Tammaro and Ms. Lawless. The older group of students came to our class to play board games. The first grade was so appreciative to share this special time together. I look forward to seeing you this week. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 12 continued- numbers 0-40 -Number values- review of place values (ones & tens) -Assessment for Chapter 12 -Intro to Chapter 13- Addition of two digit numbers without regrouping -Use of place value chart to learn addition Reading and Writing -Read the book Rooster's Off to See the World by Eric Carle -Read the book Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Ruth Heller -Weekend news writing activity -Finishing touches for their published books Spelling -Learn the vowel team ee such as in sleep, green -Review of suffix endings -Review of the two sounds of y at the end of words (my, bunny) Science -Learning about the Life cycle of Chicken eggs -Discuss the development of the chicks -Observe the newborn chicks -Vocabulary- oviparious -Chickens Aren't the Only Ones- a book explaining that not only do birds lay eggs, but reptiles, fish, amphibians, insects and many invertebrates. Dear families, The first grade students have been learning about chickens. Casey Farm donated eggs for the Kindergarten and 1st grade class to observe. We have been counting the days until our eggs will hatch. The whole cycle is 21 days. We are more than half way there! In preparation, we have be studying facts about chickens, eggs, and their life cycle. We enjoyed reading Hatching Chicks in Room 6, which detailed the stages of the embryos development. The class participated in candling the eggs with Ms. Bullard. In addition, we improved our art skills by learning how to draw a baby chick. We are excited for the hatchlings to arrive. Next week, we have Arts and Poetry night. I hope to see you there. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics -Chapter 12 continued -Comparing numbers 1-40 to assess the larger/smaller values -Counting numbers using base blocks (tens and ones) -Finding the missing digit in a pattern -Problem solving ~Challenge questions Reading -Hatching Chicks In Room 6 by Caroline Arnold -Elmer and the Dragon- Chapter 4 -No Roses for Harry by Gene Zion -Reading Stamina- we read for 25 min Writing -Reviewing elements of a story- Beginning, Middle and End -Writing story summary of No Roses for Harry by Gene Zion -Publishing the final draft and illustrations of their stories Spelling -Reviewing long a sound (a-e, ai, ay) -Learning long 0 sounds (o-e, oa, ow) -Organizing words in alphabetical order -Practicing sight words- before, because, friend Science -Facts about Chickens -Parts of the Egg -Development of the egg -Life Cycle of a Chicken -Candling eggs Dear families, The students have been working diligently on the final draft of their writing. They have been learning about story sequencing and the editing process. They are checking their stories for a beginning, middle and end and adding more interesting details. Next week, we will begin illustrating their books. We are very excited for the final product. In All School Meeting, Ms. Lord and the 8th grade class gave a presentation to honor MLK's legacy. This was performed in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of his death. As you are walking through the hallways, take note of our growing bookworm. Great work! Have a terrific weekend! Seema Curricular HighlightsMathematics -Making tally charts -Showing data in a bar graph -Interpreting the data -Assessment- for Chapter 11 -Beginning Chapter 12- Numbers 1-40 -Identifying numbers 1-40 -Learning and practicing number words Reading and Writing -Words that contain the vowel teams /ai/ and /ay/ -Final draft of poems -Beginning the editing process of our books -Adding details to our stories -The Stray Dog by Marc Simont- This book was chosen to highlight the use of dialogue within the story -No More Noisy Nights by Holly Niner Spelling -Learning additional ways to spell the long a sound (ai, and ay) -Reviewing when to use /ch/ or/ tch/ -Practicing the sight words- our, over, pull Social Studies -Learning cardinal directions -Using the directions on a map to locate specific areas -Using the directions to describe where one site in relation to another Dear families, Welcome back. I hope everyone had an enjoyable spring break. I was impressed with the amount of reading by the first graders over vacation. Our book worm is growing! This week we had a special visit from Casey farm. This is a coastal farm on more than 300 acres of land located near Newport. During the group study, we learned about interesting features of hens and roosters, such as distinguishing features and habitat The students were very excited to pet the visiting hen. Ms. Markovich also brought an egg museum. This display contained the eggs of various birds. The class was fascinated to see the difference size eggs from hummingbird, to turkey to the even bigger ostrich egg. In addition, we have an incubator set up in the kindergarten room. We will be able to observe the hatching of chicks over the next 21 days. Poet and author Lyn Hoopes returned to FA. Most of the students remember working with Lyn from previous years. The children were very eager to see her pictures, hear her poetry and most of all, write their own poems . We look forward to sharing our work with you. Have a wonderful weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
Chapter 11- Picture and Bar Graphs -Sorting objects/data -Showing data as a picture graph -Organizing, and interpreting data of the picture graph -Vocabulary- data, picture graph, more, fewer, most, least Reading and Writing -Reviewing the two sounds of Y -Please, Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley -Poetry reading & writing with Lyn Hoopes -Sentence stretchers- adding detail to our sentences -Stories- Over the spring break.... -Learning about the editing process Spelling -Learning the two ways to spell /ch/ at the end of a word (ch, tch) -Determining when to use -tch -Reviewing short vowels -Sight words- saw, also, many Science We had a very informative visit from Casey Farms. The presentation included a slide show, a display of various bird eggs and a live hen. The farm has set up an incubator with eggs to allow Kindergarten and first grade to observe. The chicks will hatch in 21 day. Dear families, This week included the annual kickoff for the first grade's bookworm. Students from grades 2-8 volunteered to participate in this special event. Each student was presented with a shape from an older student that shared the same shape. Every book or chapter that the students read is recorded on their assigned shape and added to our bookworm. The book worm begins at the library and crawls its way to the commons until our reading celebration in May. Over the week, we enjoyed our field trip to see Charlotte's Web. We also watched FA's own production of the Wizard of Oz. Under the direction of Mr. Murdock and Mr. Bean, our very talented middle school students entertained the crowds with 3 terrific performances. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics Chapter 10 continued- Weight -comparing weight and numbers -measuring in units -using terminology- heavy, heavier, lighter, as heavy as -problem solving-finding the weight of objects using different units -assessment of Chapter 10 Reading -practicing to read open syllables within two syllable words -decoding two syllable words that end with y. -recognizing the two sounds of y at the end of words (i and e) -Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon -Elmer and the Dragon- Chapter 3 -Jack and the Beanstalk Writing -practicing to write using story stretchers such as the 5 w's (who, what, where, when, why) -writing about their favorite sport/hobby -spelling two syllables words that end with y -reviewing the doubling rule with suffix ending Social Studies -We are developing our mapping skills. The students learned the compas points of north, south, east and west. Each student created their own map which included a map key. |
AuthorKatie Nelson Archives
January 2018
Categories |