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November 16, 2009
We had a wonderful Veterans Day Assembly last week! What a respectful student body we have! It was awesome meeting and listening to veterans that have served our country in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard and the Air Force. Thanks to all of them for their service to our country! Also, thank you Mr. Navilio for the wonderful slide show!
So, what's happening?
First Grade Thanksgiving Feast All first graders will be sharing an early Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday, November 17 th . Check out the Indians and the Pilgrims!
Star Read Aloud
We did not do a new “star” read aloud last week.
Science We had the most fun ever in science last week! We made three kinds of twirlers. All twirlers went home, so, hopefully, students explained to their parents why some twirlers launched the way they did. (Each twirler launched and descended at a different rate of speed.) Next week we build racetracks! What next?
Read and Lead Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math Have two focuses in our current math unit, doubles, data collection, and graphing. We will continue to practice addition and subtraction strategies and work on computational fluency with math games and activities. As far as fluency games go, I think Double Up and Fill Five are room 127's favorites.
AR
Ar is going really well. Be sure to get your “quiz” forms from the student tray and fill in the title and author from your library books so that you can take a computer quiz on one of the classroom computers. We have a number of AR pros now! There is always someone available to assist a “stuck” student with his/her log on!
Homework This is a full week of school. Homework is due Friday and we have spelling tests on Friday.
Writing Workshop We wrote about where our pumpkin pies come from last week. I learned that many families prefer apple pies and those who eat pumpkin pie jump into the car and get theirs at Costco. I have to say that these first graders are very informed about the right amount of time it takes to warm a pumpkin pie in the microwave!
C o m p u t e r L a b
Last week we built roller coasters in the computer lab. We used a program that reinforces what we are learning in our science unit, Balance and Motion . We used the terms momentum, speed, height, push and pull. Students were having so much fun that I almost had to disconnect them from their computers so that they could catch their buses to go home. Teaching should be so rough!
Scholastic Book Orders December order forms are out today, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Have a great week!!!! SYLA, Mrs. B
November 9, 2009
Last week was great! We had five full days of school. We do have one day off this week, Wednesday. We also have a Veterans Day assembly on Tuesday.
So, what's happening?
Read Alouds
Our star “Read Aloud” this week is The Littlest Pilgrim. Our focus will be finding evidence, the setting, and the problem.
Science We made spinners last week! We made three varieties of spinning tops and one double loop string spinner. Twirlers are next! I hear a lot of “Science is awesome, dude!!!!”
Read and Lead Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math Have two focuses in our current math unit, doubles, data collection, and graphing. We will continue to practice addition and subtraction strategies and work on computational fluency with math games and activities. As far as fluency games go, I think Double Up and Fill Five are room 127's favorites.
AR
Ar is going really well. Be sure to get your “quiz” forms from the student tray and fill in the title and author from your library books so that you can take a computer quiz on one of the classroom computers. We have a number of AR pros now! There is always someone available to assist a “stuck” student with his/her log-on!
Homework This is not a full week of school, but it is a full week of homework! Spelling tests will be given Friday as usual.
Writing Workshop We wrote in response to the story Quick As A Cricket . It seems that the students in room 127 are as fast as jaguars, cute as mice, strong as rhinoceroses and as awesome as alligators. I have quite a crew of creative creatures!
C o m p u t e r L a b
We are still working on All the Right Type . Some students are polishing reading skills with Star Fall . We'll soon take a break from ATRT and use some of the math software.
Scholastic Book Orders November orders have been made. December order forms will come home soon.
Have a peaceful and thoughtful Veterans Day! SYLA, Mrs. B November 2, 2009
Parent conferences are over and we are off to a great start in November! We had 11 first graders out sick with the flu last week! This week we have only one still trying to get rid of that old bug! There are only two five- day weeks in November due to Veterans Day and Thanksgiving so we have to make the best of our time in class! We are an awesome class! I know we will accomplish great things in the November weeks that we have.
So, what's happening?
Read Alouds
Our star “Read Aloud” this week is Click, Clack, Moo! Cows That Type. We are talking about vocabulary like furious, ultimatum, and neutral, and we are checking out literacy skills such as main idea, summarizing, story patterns and point of view (stories told in the 3 rd person). I hope my clever first graders don't get any bargaining ideas from those farm animals! Maybe we shouldn't learn the keyboard in computer lab! H-m-m-m-m!
Science This week we will look at the science of motion, spinning to be specific. We will be putting things into motion and having a great time. Of course this will require that we continue to be the outstanding scientists that we have been so far! I have heard many students say to their science partners “I'll help you”, “Good job!” and “Hey look! Their experiment is great!” I have seen many students taking turns and putting supplies away carefully. Keep up the good science choices gang!
Read and Lead
Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math One of our focuses this month is data collection and graphing. We will continue to practice addition and subtraction strategies and work on computational fluency with math games and activities.
AR
We now have 18 out of 20 students participating in AR quizzes. Be sure to read and reread your library books before completing an AR quiz request. I will make sure you have the opportunity to take a quiz, if you make sure you “seriously” read your book! Families! Don't forget to set up the email messenger so that all your friends and family will know when your first grader has “scored” in AR!
Homework Don't forget! This is a full week of school! We have spelling tests this Friday…not to mention share talk and share show!
Writing Workshop We did not do a full workshop during the short week of conferences. We will do our next full workshop on Friday.
C o m p u t e r L a b
We will spend this week and one more week working on All the Right Type . Then we will start splitting our lab time with math and reading computer activities.
Scholastic Book Orders November orders have been made. December order forms will come home soon.
I do believe that we that this Thursday is a Cookie Day! What a great way to start November! SYLA, Mrs. B
October 26, 2009
Are we really in the last week of October? We have been in school for 8 weeks! Well, this week is Conference week. We have only three days of school this week. On Thursday and Friday you will be coming to school to talk about what you have learned and what you still need to work on. Many families have already come in for their conferences so they will have a four-day weekend! Very Cool!!!!
So, what's happening?
Read Alouds
Our star “Read Aloud” last week was Beware of Storybook Wolves ! Based upon laughter and smiles, I think that the caterpillar was the star of the story! Tell your family about this story! Maybe they will want to get a copy and read it too! Then, you can introduce them to the caterpillar!
Science This week we will look at the science of motion, spinning to be specific. We will be putting things into motion and having a great time. Of course this will require that we continue to be the outstanding scientists that we have been so far! I have heard many students say to their science partners “I'll help you”, “Good job!” and “Hey look! Their experiment is great!” I have seen many students taking turns and putting supplies away carefully. Keep up the good science choices gang!
Read and Lead Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math In math we are reviewing basic subtraction and starting to count on 2 and 3. Flexible math groups are in progress to meet the needs of individuals struggling with the week's concept focus.
AR
AR is going really well. 17 out of 20 students are now participating in AR . Our next step is to get more families following our progress at home through the AR Home Connect Program. I'll be going over Home Connect again during parent conferences. We are AR stars!
Homework Awesome! Homework is coming in completed and on time!
Writing Workshop Pizza was our topic last week. EVERYONE identified with pizza. Where did you get it? What was on it? How did it taste?
Computer Lab
Computer lab was so exciting last week! We tackled All the Right Type for the first time and we are now on our way to mastering the keyboard! Fireworks went off all over the [place last week in the computer lab. If we aren't careful, we just might have to duck and cover! Great job First Graders !
Scholastic Book Orders Be sure to get your November book orders in. If you look carefully at the catalogs you will find that selections are leveled and AR status is indicated. Both interest and reading level are important considerations when buying books for young readers! Read on mates!
Here's to a great week! Don't forget! Parent Conferences are coming up soon! SYLA, Mrs. B
October 19, 2009
Finally! We have a full week of school. We won't miss out on anything! PE, music, computer lab, science and all the other cool things we do will happen this week!
So, what's happening?
Read Alouds
Our latest “read aloud” star book was Pumpkin Town . Our focus thinking skills were inference (implied endings), vocabulary (glossy) and creating new endings. Ask your first grader what happened in this story.
Science We had no science last week due to the assembly and the short week. We will waste no time this week making up for lost time! Maybe our experiments can come home this week. H-m-m-m-m! It's a great thought!
Read and Lead Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math In math we are reviewing basic subtraction and starting to count on 2 and 3. Math groups will be forming soon so that activities can be differentiated based upon individual needs and skill levels.
AR
AR is going really well. 17 out of 20 students are now participating in AR . Our next step is to get more families following our progress at home through the AR Home Connect Program. I'll be going over Home Connect again during parent conferences. We are AR stars!
Homework Awesome! Homework is coming in completed and on time!
Writing Workshop What do you do when you see a spider? Posted on the walls of Pod B you will see all the things that the boys and girls in Room 127 do when they happen upon a spider.
Computer Lab
Computer lab was so exciting last week! We tackled All the Right Type for the first time and we are now on our way to mastering the keyboard! Dylan got fireworks and moved up a level on his first session! Who-o-o- Ho-o-o-o! We will begin using math and language arts software as soon as we get a regular keyboarding schedule started. Before long we will even word-process our first small document! We will even learn to import fun clip art!
Anti-Bullying Assembly We had a great assembly last Thursday! These are the important points that you can review with your first grader. • What is a bully? • The bystander is important. • We tell bullies to stop. • The Power of One! • Bullies are not cool! • Tell an adult.
Scholastic Book Orders Be sure to get your November book orders in. If you look carefully at the catalogs you will find that selections are leveled and AR status is indicated. Both interest and reading level are important considerations when buying books for young readers! Read on mates!
Cookie Day Our October cookie days are Thursday, October 8 th and 22 nd .
Here's to a great week! Don't forget! Parent Conferences are coming up soon! SYLA,
October 12, 2009
I hope all of you enjoyed your three day weekend! You should be well rested now and ready to learn. It looks like you have another three day weekend coming up this Friday. I should have some really eager learners for the rest of October!
So, what's happening?
Planners Remember to have moms and dads check your planners! Their initials and notes help us stay in communication!
Science Science rocks in Room 127! We are having a great time! We have been working in small groups learning to take turns, assist, encourage and critique one another while doing some great experiments. Last week we continued experimenting with balance, weights and counterweights. I am afraid we may have disturbed kids in Australia with our shouts when our experiments were successful. More experiments to come this week!
Read and Lead Boys and girls! Don't forget to record all of your regular homework reading and any other reading that you do on your green Read and Lead sheets. This is the perfect opportunity for you to earn FREE cookie coupons and FREE book shopping coupons! Read on! Record! Earn!
Math We have officially completed our first unit of study in math. We will be taking our first District Framework Test this week. Results of the test will be shared during parent conferences at the end of the month.
AR
This will be the first week that Mrs. Wolf comes in to assist in AR. The students that have yet to experience AR books and comprehension quizzes will soon be in the “know”! Parents! Don't forget that you can check on your student's AR progress on-line. Log onto the MHL website, click on library and go from there. Your student should know their user name and password.
Homework Great job!!!! Nearly 100% on time! Homework is due on the last school day of the week, usually that is a Friday!
Writing Workshop In last week's writing workshop worked on writing complete sentences. We compared things that we did when we were little with things that we are able to do now. This week we will be working on word choice. We will be trying to find words that are interesting and fun to listen to in a story!
Computer Lab
This week we go to the computer lab for the first time! We will start out familiarizing ourselves with a “keyboarding” program called All The Right Type .
Cookie Day Our October cookie days are Thursday, October 8 th and 22 nd .
Have a great week everyone. Don't blink! October is rolling along pretty quickly! SYLA, Mrs. B
October 5, 2009
It's October! We have finished our first month of school!
So, what's happening?
Planners We only had two moms in time out for not signing planners last week! Of course, it is the first grader's responsibility to get those signatures! Families, remember that the most important part of the planner is the message that your first grader has written. Very often, that message is meant to fuel a conversation about what happened in the classroom that day. Probably, the second most important part of the planner is the opportunity to communicate (along with that terrific plastic pocket for notes and envelopes).
Science We started Motion and Balance last Friday! We used the following vocabulary: balance, weight/counterweight, stable, unstable. We will use those same words in our experiments this Thursday. There is no school on Friday, our regular science day.
Reading Reading groups are heading into their third week. Make sure you are reviewing the Read Well homework sheets nightly to reinforce the daily classroom reading.
Math We have now started stories about separating, subtraction. We will continue to build on the addition skills that we have acquired so far and practice counting-on strategies. Important Math Vocabulary: add, number sentence, vertical addition, sum, equal, subtract, difference, pattern
AR
Accelerated Reader is getting a great start in room 127! Two first graders are already taking tests on their on in the classroom. Very soon Mrs. Wolf will be coming in twice a week to help other students become familiar with the process. Encourage your first grader to read at home, fill out an AR computer quiz request, and check his/her comprehension skills at the classroom computer.
Homework Homework completion is almost 100%! This is a class full of awesome blossoms (girls) and awesome possums (Boys did not wish to be called blossoms, therefore we have possums!!!) Parents! Please call if you have questions about completion or modification of your child's homework! Homework must fit your child and your family as a whole!
Homework is always due on Friday, or the last school day of a short week.
Writing Workshop In writing workshop we wrote a sad moment in time and what we did to make ourselves feel better.
Cookie Day Our October cookie days are Thursday, October 8 th and 22 nd .
Well, onward with October! We have two short weeks coming up. There is no school on Friday the 9 th and Friday the 16 th . However, I think that we will have plenty of time to dig in and learn many new things! SYLA, Mrs. B
September 28, 2009
We have finally finished all of our testing! Yippee! Now we can start putting together all the routines that we have been learning to form our daily classroom schedule! Yep, that includes our first week of Read Well reading groups. Watch for the first Read Well reading homework today!!!!!
So, what's happening?
Recess Yes! I am seeing “I” messages without any prompting from me! Moms and Dads need to remind their boys and girls that they may always come to an adult when something very serious has happened or when an “I” message does not work. Use this as a guiding rule: 1. REPORT big problems. 2. Use “I” messages for small problems. 3. TATTLING is telling on a friend just to get them in trouble.
Planners First Graders! You are doing a great job reminding your parents to sign your planners! Your parents are even using my favorite “plastic pouch” in the back of the planner for important notes, checks, and cookie cards! There are a few parents that you are going to have to put in “time out” for not reading and signing your planners! (I think 3 minutes will do!)
Science We start Motion and Balance this Friday! We will be doing some amazing experiments! These experiments are so much fun that you‘ll probably think that we were just playing in school!
Reading Wow! Our first week of Read Well reading groups was a super success! Awesome job first graders! Parents need to watch for the Read Well homework sheets that support the reading that is being done during group time. Read the selections nightly for fluency (accuracy, expression, proper pausing, and comprehension).
Math We should be working with subtraction strategies this week. A few students are still using dinosaur or teddy bear counters to add, and may do so when we start to subtract also. That is OK! We are working on mental math strategies that should soon make them independent of manipulatives. Room 127 LOVES math. Our favorite math game so far is “On/Off”!
Spelling We have some awesome spellers in Room 127! WE also have a couple students who are confused about whether they take the first or second grade spelling test. Talk with your first grader about which test they are taking. Remind them, too, that spelling well on the first grade spelling test is nothing to sneeze at!
Homework Homework completion is almost 100%! This is a class full of awesome blossoms (girls) and awesome possums (Boys did not wish to be called blossoms, therefore we have possums!!!) Parents! Please call if you have questions about completion or modification of your child's homework! Homework must fit your child and your family as a whole!
Writing Workshop Whoa! We have some future authors in our room! We have written our second story (graphic organizer, rough draft and final copy) and have had our second readings in the “author's chair”. Remember, Mrs. B keeps all writing in the writing portfolios through the spring semester. Please feel welcome to visit our portfolios at any time!
Cookie Day Cookies are $.45 each. You may get cookie cards through the PTA. Call the office or speak to a PTA rep. Students may keep their cards/money in their pencil boxes on cookie days.
Again, we have had another super week in first grade. We will soon be starting computer lab and taking AR tests. It is amazing how much we learn and do as first graders. SYLA, Mrs. B
September 21, 2009
We have finally finished all of our testing! Yippee! Now we can start putting together all the routines that we have been learning to form our daily classroom schedule! Yep, that includes our first week of Read Well reading groups. Watch for the first Read Well reading homework today!!!!!
So, what's happening?
Recess All is well! Kids are coming in happy and “damp”! They are all lining up nicely for water or quietly getting their personal water bottles. Outside lines are peaceful and most students are being very respectful toward one another! Occasionally, we have to share “I” messages when feelings get hurt or someone has been momentarily disrespectful. An “I” message goes like this: Student 1: I don't like it when…… Student 2: I'm sorry I didn't mean to OR I won't do that again…..etc. Students talk to each other, trying to resolve small differences, before coming to Mrs. B.
Morning Folders Just about everyone has mastered the process of entering our room, putting snacks, lunch bags, homework/notes, backpacks and jackets away, and setting up their morning folders! Their calendars are out! Their poetry is ready and their AM calendar math is ready to go! Awesome job Room 127!
Social Studies/Science We read our first issue of National Geographic. One of the featured articles was bout the good bugs in our gardens. We also finished up our Me Book activities and made our own “me's” to hang above us in the room!
Reading Our class has done many things to prepare for the start of reading groups. We have practiced reading independently, learned how to complete word work activities to be done during the morning reading block time, learned how to respond to a Read Aloud activities (sometimes to be done during the reading block and sometimes to be done with more teacher guidance) and learned how to use the classroom Voice Chart for maintaining the “just right” noise level! We'll let you know next week just how our first reading group week went!
Math Math is the trickiest part of our day. Although it is scheduled everyday for an hour in the afternoon, it also happens during morning folder time, at odd times when we respond to a graph question of the day and whenever a “teachable” moment comes up that offers us the opportunity to use math in everyday life. Right now, during our official math block, we are working on addition (combining numbers). We are using games, completing fact sheet activities, arranging numbers on number boards (by moving and grouping numbers with counters), and practicing a new addition strategy called “counting on”. Subtraction is not far off!
Spelling Spelling Tests are going well! Students understand that we do our best and nothing more is expected on a test. There are SO many 100%'s! If you think that the 1 st grade spelling is too easy for your child, please send me a note and I'll start sending home the 2 nd grade list. Quite a few students are already taking the 2 nd grade test! We have great “spelling bees” in Room 127!
Homework Homework completion is almost 100%! This is a class full of awesome blossoms (girls) and awesome possums (Boys did not wish to be called blossoms, therefore we have possums!!!) Parents! Please call if you have questions about completion or modification of your child's homework! Homework must fit your child and your family as a whole!
Well, that's it for this week! I'm “pooped” just thinking about all the things that these first graders are already doing!! SYLA, Mrs. B
September 14, 2009
Here comes our first full five-day week of school! First we had a two-day week. Then, we had a four-day week. Now, we are going to put in a full five days as first graders!!! Yes!
This is what we did last week!
We took Read Well Tests for reading group and book box placement. We completed Early Literacy Testing. We learned how to Read Independently (RIBS). We completed our first Quick Write writing experience. We began to practice a few of our math routines. We took our first Spelling test. We turned in our first homework packets. We TOTALLY mastered using our Morning Folders. We really got the hang of DLR and Print practice. We worked on Our “Me Books”, Me Art, and mini books.
Here is a “peek” into the “firsts” of this week !
DRA Testing will be a big part of this week. We will visit word family and word sort routines. We will experience a “Read Aloud” follow-up activity. We will learn how to share “Self Manager” Rainy Day Activities. We will have our first Friday Share Time.
Let's have a great week! Once we get through all the Reading Testing and learn all the first grade routines, we are going to have some great fun and learn SO much! Oh yes! I hope to see all families at Curriculum Night this Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30. SYLA, Mrs. B
September 7, 2009 Wow! We had a terrific two days in First Grade ! We started our first day out by marching through the First Grade Balloon Arch in front of the whole school! Then we said the Pledge of Allegiance with the whole school and listened as the other grade levels were introduced. After we returned to our classroom we began to learn some of the routines that first graders need to know. Then we wrote our own classroom rules. Once they were written, we all signed the rules chart and promised to follow them so that everyone in our room could learn, feel safe and be happy. Yep! Room 127 is off to a great start! We started using our Morning Folders and learned how to do a daily Math Problem Solving activity! We even went to our first music Class with Mrs. Lee. Oh yes! We also took our first math assessment. We were awesome and focused during this first assessment! We will be taking many assessments during the week of Sept. 8 th -11 th (DRA, Read Well Placement, Early Literacy and First Grade Math Readiness). While taking all those other assessments we will be working on our Me Books, doing our first Quick Write and Making Words….just for starters! This class is awesome! They have come to school with so many ideas and skills! I hope to see them all with their families at the Meet and Greet Picnic/BBQ on Friday the 11 th ! Rock on First Grade! SYLA, Mrs. B
Hello Boys and Girls! Kataya , Anthony , Dylan , Rachelle , Phillip , Jordan , Cristopher , Emily , Raiden , Genevieve , Derek , Ella , Austin , Janmarco , Faith , Seth , Evy , Bailey , Stephen , Phoenix
Welcome to First Grade! Who-Hoo!!!!!!
I have been having so much fun working in my classroom! I have been moving desks, putting up bulletin boards, writing the names of my new students in all kinds of places and planning the first few weeks of school! I can't wait to meet all of you and your families on the First Grade Orientation Day, Sept. 1, from 2-3:30. On that day you'll get to meet Buddy the Google (our classroom gecko), locate your desk and mailbox, and ask me all the questions about First Grade that are bouncing around in your heads. Don't forget to bring all of your school supplies so that I can organize them before school starts. Please check out the different parts of this website for other information about Room 127, YOUR NEW ROOM!
SYLA, Mrs. B (SYLA, see ya' later alligator)
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