Happy Monday! The Question of the Day was: Will you be inquisitive today? Inquisitive was last week's super bonus word. but it became evident quite quickly that most students did not remember what the word meant. However, this did not stop them from answering yes or no to the question. We had a chat about the importance of actually understanding what you are saying yes or no to. It is okay not to know, but don't agree or disagree with something if you don't know what it is. Find out!
This week's spelling words include a number of homophones and several spelling patterns for the same sound. Be sure your child understands the meaning of the words. We took a first look at all the words today. This included sorting them by spelling patterns.
Flat Stanley is beginning to return or send us news about his adventures. We had our first Mail Call today. Ask your child where Flat Stanley has been so far!
After each month of school, we reflect on the events, activities, and learning that took place in first grade. Today, the students generated an idea web for February. They then used the web to each write their own chapter for their First Grade Memory Books. This time, I asked them to focus on varying their sentences. Instead of "We did X. We did Y. We did Z." shake things up a bit. Maybe: "My favorite part of A was when we Q. I learned that RST. The best part of G was L."
During math, we focused on modeling two-digit addition with regrouping. The most important part of the lesson was understanding when and why ten ones should be regrouped as one ten..
After lunch recess, we read A Rock is Lively. Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long have written and illustrated a series of books like this. They are great for returning to for second and third looks/reads. I love them!
Following P.E. we sat down for our Inner Explorer session. Today, the students were introduced to belly breathing. This was followed by handwriting, We focused on the letters p, q, and v today. Each of these letters is made with one elegant stroke! I've noticed some students becoming a bit careless in the presentation of their work, including penmanship, lately. I will be stressing taking more effort to produce work that will make you proud of what you have done!
In science, we began an investigation involving sand and water. The students made observations as water was added to vials with sand in them. Then, they shook them up! We will check the vials in a couple days to see if there have been any developments.
We ended the day by learning more about Asia using our Map Champ Atlas books. Take a look at a map of Asia with your child and see what observations he/she can make!
There will be a guest teacher in the classroom tomorrow. There will also be a guest presenter about China in the afternoon. Thank you to Mr. Qiao for arranging this cultural experience for the younger students at Bell!
Flat Stanley is beginning to return or send us news about his adventures. We had our first Mail Call today. Ask your child where Flat Stanley has been so far!
After each month of school, we reflect on the events, activities, and learning that took place in first grade. Today, the students generated an idea web for February. They then used the web to each write their own chapter for their First Grade Memory Books. This time, I asked them to focus on varying their sentences. Instead of "We did X. We did Y. We did Z." shake things up a bit. Maybe: "My favorite part of A was when we Q. I learned that RST. The best part of G was L."
During math, we focused on modeling two-digit addition with regrouping. The most important part of the lesson was understanding when and why ten ones should be regrouped as one ten..
After lunch recess, we read A Rock is Lively. Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long have written and illustrated a series of books like this. They are great for returning to for second and third looks/reads. I love them!
Following P.E. we sat down for our Inner Explorer session. Today, the students were introduced to belly breathing. This was followed by handwriting, We focused on the letters p, q, and v today. Each of these letters is made with one elegant stroke! I've noticed some students becoming a bit careless in the presentation of their work, including penmanship, lately. I will be stressing taking more effort to produce work that will make you proud of what you have done!
In science, we began an investigation involving sand and water. The students made observations as water was added to vials with sand in them. Then, they shook them up! We will check the vials in a couple days to see if there have been any developments.
We ended the day by learning more about Asia using our Map Champ Atlas books. Take a look at a map of Asia with your child and see what observations he/she can make!
There will be a guest teacher in the classroom tomorrow. There will also be a guest presenter about China in the afternoon. Thank you to Mr. Qiao for arranging this cultural experience for the younger students at Bell!