Where have the past two weeks gone? I feel like it was just November and now we are already just a couple weeks from Christmas! Things in 1st grade are as busy as ever. I can tell that Decembertitis has definitely struck our classroom as these little first graders have a lot to say, even when I am teaching. Please remind your child to follow our school rules and be respectful to others in the classroom.
Don't forget, next week our class will ring the Salvation Army Bell before and after school. I'll send a photo to you via the Remind App of your 1st grader in action. Remember they can dress for the event in holiday hats, jewelry or any other flair you have!
We had so much fun during our personal narrative writing celebration! We were able to share our stories with our 4th grade buddies. After reading, the 4th graders offered one compliment and one area to improve upon. The students were receptive to the suggestions, since they came from their smart 4th grade friends! Here are a few kiddos sharing their writing! I decided to send the samples home rather than saving them for conferences because they are absolutely amazing and you must see their hard work!
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| Anabelle share her writing. |
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| Morgan shares her writing. |
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| Ethan shares his writing. |
Have you heard about Globe Trot Scott? This mystery boy has been sending us packages teaching us about holidays all around the world. So far packages have arrived from France, Uganda and Italy. These packages teach us about each country and holiday traditions that are celebrated, include a book to share, treats and/or a craft to complete. The students complete a travel journal to showcase their new knowledge. It is exciting for our students to learn about other cultures and their holiday traditions. I'm working on a video highlighting all of our fun with the unit and will post it when complete (over winter break). For now, enjoy a few snapshots!
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| Skyler tries some Buche De Noel |
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| Anthony makes a drum from Uganda that is often hung on trees. |
Meet Bentley
Have you met Bentley? Bentley was new to Washington this year and we are sure lucky he joined our classroom! Bentley has sure learned to make everyone smile with his fun personality! Bentley likes Pumpkin Pie (my favorite!) and video games. He enjoys spending time with his brother and cousins.
Meet Alexis
Alexis is another new student to Washington. We are thrilled she has joined our classroom as well! Alexis likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and loves reading. I often find her with a chapter book in the classroom reading like crazy. Alexis is always helping others in the classroom, including me! Below she leads calendar math.
We also celebrated a 1/2 birthday in class on Friday. Happy 1/2 Birthday Leah! Thanks for the yummy treats and we are glad to celebrate with you!
A Peek at Our Week
Reading: In reading we are working on identifying story structure, including characters, setting and plot. We have also began identifying character dialogue and the use of quotation marks. Our phonics focus is final blends like in the words camp, think, and just.
Math: In math we are working on subtraction strategies. Students have practiced counting on, counting back and taking away to complete subtraction sentences. This week we will work to rearrange the problems as well as determine the relationship between addition and subtraction. The students are utilizing Daily 5 stations well and have been introduced to computers as an option for math practice.
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| Emily works on Everyday Math games. |
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| Anthony, Trevor and Iris complete Math with Self stations. |
Writing: We are beginning our next unit on procedural nonfiction in writer's workshop. We began this unit by making trail mix and then writing the steps to complete the process. Students will work to plan and then write their first "how to" book next week.
Social Studies: Students are working hard to understand different cultures and beliefs. They will use their new knowledge to make connections and then compare and contrast holiday traditions.
Upcoming Reminders
December 12-16: Ringing the Bell for Salvation Army (see schedule on calendar)
December 22: Grinch Day! (Wear green and/or pajamas!)
December 23-January 2: Winter Break
