Happy Fall!

Hello Parents and Families! 
I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've had a chance to update the blog with pictures and stories about what's been going on in first grade for the past few weeks. We've been so busy, and now that our kiddos have gotten really good at learning all the rituals and routines for our classroom, we are really taking off with our learning. Here's what's been happening lately: 

A few weeks ago we started our first Science unit! To help us get started observing the world using our senses, and writing about our observations, we took a field trip to Wash Park! We observed from several spots in the park, and though it was too wet to go sit by the flowers, we got to watch as the sprinklers made rainbows!

 Back in the classroom, we started our Zoology unit! I'm sure you've heard about our new class pet. She's a gorgeous Ball Python named Stella! Stella is helping us learn all about the fascinating world of reptiles.Our kids have done a great job having open minds and welcoming in an animal that normally doesn't get the best press! One big focus of our Zoology unit is learning to respect and admire every single animal on the planet. Our python is very sweet and docile. Several students have already been able to hold her and all those who want to try this will soon have a chance. 

Every day, students have the chance to observe our snake, our fish, and our aquatic frog. We are practicing using scientific language for our observations, and writing what we see instead of opinions like "the fish are cute." Kids have been doing a great job with this, and are really using their observation time to look closely at things and come up with their own wonderings and questions based on careful examination of the animals.  

In math, we are beginning to work with more and more tools that help us organize our thinking around mathematics. Some of these tools are rulers, dominoes, base 10 blocks, geoboards, pattern blocks, balances, and playing cards. We use these tools in many ways, so we always take some time to have kids explore the materials on their own. You'll see some of these materials coming home in the future as part of the math games. 

This past Friday, we took our second trip to the Library. Those students who brought back their books from the first week were able to check out TWO books this time! Because we go to Library every other week, books won't be due until that day. Last Friday's check outs are due Oct. 10th. Students won't be able to check out a new book without bringing the old ones back, so please help your first grader practice responsibility with keeping track of their books. 

 Finally, you may also have heard that two Fridays ago we filled our marble jar! This is our class incentive tool, and whenever our whole community does something good, we add a marble. When it's full, the kids vote on what their reward will be. This time, we did a popcorn party. We are already earning marbles towards our next party, so stay tuned for what that will be! 




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Week Two!

Hello Everyone! 
Our second week of school was great! We have been learning and practicing so many routines and becoming very independent with them. Now, we're really taking off with our curriculum. 

Playing "Top-It"

Dice Roll and Tally Count

In math, we've been learning the games that we will play all year to help us practice important number sense skills. Later, I will send home some of these games for you to play as a family INSTEAD of the weekly math homework sheet . We've been focusing on automatically recognizing dots on dice as numbers, so we don't have to count them each time. Playing games that involve dice at home is a great, fun way to practice this. See how fast your child can shout the number rolled on one die. For a challenge, see how fast they can shout the answer for the total of two dice rolled.

Spelling Practice

We also spent time learning more centers. Ms. Becca, our para, is such an important person during this time! She helps provide small group instruction every day.

Ms. Becca's Group

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check the HOMEWORK tab for this week's newsletter with important info.