This week's spelling unit focuses on consonant digraphs. There are quite a few spelling patterns so some students may need to focus a bit more than usual on them this week.
After completing a morning work paper about even numbers and examining the spelling words, the first graders reflected on the school events that took place in November. They selected their favorites and wrote them as the next chapter in their First Grade Memory Books.
Following recess, the boys and girls participated in a Second Step lesson about being assertive when asking for help. They learned the difference between being passive, aggressive, and assertive. More information about this can be found in this week's homework packet.
During reading, the entire class took part in a Reader's Theatre play titled Bob, the Goofy Reindeer. Ask your child about it! We then began our next math unit-Chapter 2: Numbers to 1,000.
After collecting the class following lunch recess, I was met with a barrage of tales about misdeeds that had taken place while playing outside. I asked students who had something to tell me to write it down after completing their student planners. This will be our practice from now on. It will give the students some time to calm themselves and think about what happened. I can then address matters as needed.
Following P.E., we again discussed strategies for problem-solving when things do not go the way you may want them to go. We talked about being upstanders. Upstanders try to help others, but not by joining the fray or ordering people to do things. We talked about using polite voices to remind friends about school or classroom rules. We also read the book The Worst Best Friend. Ask your child to tell you about what happened to the friends in the book.
During science, we revisited the concept of levels of liquids in containers. The students cut, arranged, and glued to complete a "Falling Bottle" puzzle. They then wrote an explanation of what the picture showed. Many of these explanations were confusing. Please look for a copy of this activity to come home tomorrow so that you can ask your child about it. Thank you!
Finally, we read and discussed the book Rain Forest by Helen Cowcher. We also explore the rain forest items and artifacts from South America on display in the classroom. Many foods, spices, and medicines come from rain forest plants. The students tried to identify a couple by smell. They also learned how monkeys make chocolate possible! Ask your child for details about that!
Please check backpack mail for notes about Pajama Day, Taste of South America, and our Class Party.
We will read The Great Kapok Tree tomorrow.
After completing a morning work paper about even numbers and examining the spelling words, the first graders reflected on the school events that took place in November. They selected their favorites and wrote them as the next chapter in their First Grade Memory Books.
Following recess, the boys and girls participated in a Second Step lesson about being assertive when asking for help. They learned the difference between being passive, aggressive, and assertive. More information about this can be found in this week's homework packet.
During reading, the entire class took part in a Reader's Theatre play titled Bob, the Goofy Reindeer. Ask your child about it! We then began our next math unit-Chapter 2: Numbers to 1,000.
After collecting the class following lunch recess, I was met with a barrage of tales about misdeeds that had taken place while playing outside. I asked students who had something to tell me to write it down after completing their student planners. This will be our practice from now on. It will give the students some time to calm themselves and think about what happened. I can then address matters as needed.
Following P.E., we again discussed strategies for problem-solving when things do not go the way you may want them to go. We talked about being upstanders. Upstanders try to help others, but not by joining the fray or ordering people to do things. We talked about using polite voices to remind friends about school or classroom rules. We also read the book The Worst Best Friend. Ask your child to tell you about what happened to the friends in the book.
During science, we revisited the concept of levels of liquids in containers. The students cut, arranged, and glued to complete a "Falling Bottle" puzzle. They then wrote an explanation of what the picture showed. Many of these explanations were confusing. Please look for a copy of this activity to come home tomorrow so that you can ask your child about it. Thank you!
Finally, we read and discussed the book Rain Forest by Helen Cowcher. We also explore the rain forest items and artifacts from South America on display in the classroom. Many foods, spices, and medicines come from rain forest plants. The students tried to identify a couple by smell. They also learned how monkeys make chocolate possible! Ask your child for details about that!
Please check backpack mail for notes about Pajama Day, Taste of South America, and our Class Party.
We will read The Great Kapok Tree tomorrow.