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! 




Thanks for reading! I'm trying to gauge how many parents are able to access the blog and read it, so if you read all the way to the end of this post, will you leave a comment below? I don't need names or much response- just a simple "I read it!" will let me know if this blog is useful to many of you. However, if you have any questions or comments about what we've been doing, you can mention that in a comment on any post and I can reply!
Just click on the blue text that says "comments" at the end of this post.

 Then click on "comment as" and choose "anonymous". You won't have to create an account or sign in. (Like this:)

Thanks again!

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.

First Week in the Bag!

Wow! 
We've been together for an entire week! I've had an absolute blast so far, and I know it's going to be a great year. I've been so impressed with this whole group for the way they've adjusted, and with how much work we've accomplished already. I can tell this is a really hard working class. 
Here's just a few things that we did this week! 
Check back on Tuesday for our next Newsletter!

Listening Center

We learned how to do several Centers that we will continue all year long. This is the part of our day students really get to choose their own learning.

Writing Center

Reading!

 We also learned how to do a Dance Break, which we do every day in between a few lessons so we can move our bodies and stay focused.

Penny- Dice Game

 We learned a few new math games to help us with counting!











 



Today, we used our Writer's Notebooks for the first time! Thanks so much to all the parents who went back out and found the correct primary lined notebooks, and to those who donated extras! We have plenty now. Thanks! 








 
Paige earned a Reward Coupon! Keep your eyes out for these- we have a great group of kids and we'll be giving out lots of these all year to recognize kids who are trying hard!

Happy First Day of School!

Hi Parents and Families! 
We had so much fun today! The day absolutely flew by for me, and I had a great time getting everything started and getting to know all our lovely new first graders! All our kiddos seemed to be having fun, so I hope they tell you all about our day today! Here are pictures of everyone working hard today! See you at Back to School Night on Wednesday at 6:00pm!

 

                                     

First Day Information

Hi Parents and Families!

We are so close to our first day! I can't wait to meet everyone and get started on our year!
Please be sure to meet us on the blacktop on Monday. I will be out there at 8:45. When the bell rings at 9:00, we will say goodbye to parents, and the kids and I will head upstairs. Please make sure your student has a sturdy bag to carry all their supplies upstairs. During the day, I will take pictures of each individual student, and later post them to our blog. So, no need to come upstairs with us- we are trying to enforce a school wide policy that parents don't walk upstairs the first day so our hallways stay clear and safe. After Monday, you are welcome to walk your student up to their locker to help them put things away and get settled before we start at 9:00 sharp. 

Also, I hope you are already planning to join us at Back to School Night this Wednesday the 27^th at 6:00pm, when I can share all our important info for the year. If possible, please do not bring kids to Back to School Night. It is an information heavy night, and usually exceeds their attention span.

Thank so much and see you soon!

-Ms. Heidi

Supply List

Hi Parents! 
We are just about a week from our first day of school! I am getting SO excited to meet everyone and start our year together. Just in case you need another copy of our supply list, here it is! 

1 - Anti-bacterial wipes

1 - 12-count colored pencils

1 - 24-count crayons

8-count dry-erase markers (Expo brand)

4 - Glue sticks

1 - 12-count washable markers

2 - Composition notebooks (primary lined with picture space)
We are looking for the kind that have primary lines and the top half of the page is blank for picture space. These are in stock at Office Depot and Office Max, and you can also find the Mead brand online on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mead-MEA09956-Primary-Journal-K-2nd/dp/B001JTL032/ref=pd_sim_op_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XPVEBJ32D5A9CMZABS1

1 - pencil box

48-count yellow #2 pencils

2 - Pink erasers

1 - Reusable water bottle

2 - Tissue boxes

1 - Two-pocket folder

1 - Set of extra clothes (in case of accident)

Happy In DPS!

Hi Parents and Families! 

Last spring, a team of film makers from DPS came to our school to film a lip dub of Pharell's song "Happy". They got a lot of great footage, and we've finally seen the finished project. There were many schools involved, but see if you can spot some familiar faces on Lincoln's playground! Be sure to watch until the very end of the Youtube video, as they tagged on some extra music to feature a few seconds of our class dancing in the library!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2LfT3v1Ktg&feature=youtu.be

End of Year Wrap Up!

Parents and Families, 
What an amazing year we have had in Room 107! We have come such a long way since we first began building our little community in August. I have really enjoyed watching every student grow and mature this year. This group was such a pleasure to work with- all our kiddos were so enthusiastic and eager to learn. I am going to miss them so much, but am looking forward to saying hi to everyone in the hallway next year. Please enjoy these (many!) pictures of all our end of year activities, and remember to keep working over the summer! See you in August! 

Art Museum Trip: 

Spring Concert:

Zoology Unit: 

Field Day: 

Skate City: 

Wash Park:

Last Day!

Have a wonderful, fun, relaxing summer!