I am always amazed at how fast the end of the year comes after spring break. I have so enjoyed working with your children. It is always so exciting to see their growth through out the year. From reading to read to reading to understand, from knowing their numbers to adding and subtracting with confidence. From writing a few words or sentences to writing wonderful stories full of imagination. Although it is sad for me to see them leave, I am confident they are going to do amazing work in second grade.
Storyline:
Culmination: Thursday, June 10 at 5:00. It will be in the classroom and then move to the gym.
Please make sure your children at there by 4:45.
We will be having a semi-dress rehearsal on Wednesday, June 9. If your child is a character, I would love it if you could send his or her costume to school on Tuesday or Wednesday. I will send it home on Wednesday.
For the culmination, please have your children come dressed in their costumes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
PLEASE WORK WITH YOUR CHILDREN SO THEY CAN SPEAK THEIR PARTS WITH CONFIDENCE AND WITH VOLUME! IF YOUR CHILD IS A CHARACTER, HE OR SHE NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR PARTS MEMORIZES. NARRATORS CAN READ THEIR PARTS OR MEMORIZE THEM.
Due to the impending decision about the cancellation of the last two days of school, our first grade team has decided to cancel the Carnival. We will not know what the end of the year is going to look like, which makes planning difficult. SO we are going to plan for school ending on June 15.
Volunteers:
I am still looking for people to help with the graduation headbands for the fifth grade. If you can come and join in on the fun, please do!
If you have a fun things to put on the headbands and would like to donate them to our class that would be wonderful!
If you have an extra paper or plastic bag (grocery size)that you can send to school, that would be wonderful. I am going to start sending things home and bags are always a good thing to have on hand.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 23
Storyline:
We are working on creating the song Gabriella sings on her adventures in Venice. The children have been working really hard on composing both the musical and instrumental components of the song. I am really excited about what they have done. I think you will be amazed at the end product.
As I have mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a modified play/retelling of Gabriella's Song. Your children will be bringing home scripts later this week, hopefully by Wednesday. It will be very important that they practice reading their parts at home.
MATH:
Due to the fact that we are coming to the end of the school year as well as entering the "preparing for the culmination" stage of the year, I may be sending math journals home with the children as homework. So, if your child brings his or her math journal home, it may be for one of two reasons. He or she either did not get it done during the given class time or everyone is taking it home for the day. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this. I will not be sending home homelinks and math journals on the same night.
HOMEWORK:
Completing homework is expected. Not completing homework occasionally is fine. We all have those days and nights! However, not turning in any homework assignments for the week in not an exception, it is a pattern. As your child moves through school, homework will continue to be expected. Please help your children with this aspect of school, support them and give them the guidance that they need. Help them develop good habits now and life will be much easier later!
Some tips~
Check your child's homework folder nightly. (Some children have items in their folders from APRIL!!!)
Have your child share what he or she completed during the school day.
Sit down and complete the homework together.
Don't expect them to remember that they have homework. Set up a time each evening where everyone sits down and does work together. Adults can read, work on a crossword puzzle, complete projects for work or home, pay bills etc.
Have a happy Sunday!
Becky
We are working on creating the song Gabriella sings on her adventures in Venice. The children have been working really hard on composing both the musical and instrumental components of the song. I am really excited about what they have done. I think you will be amazed at the end product.
As I have mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a modified play/retelling of Gabriella's Song. Your children will be bringing home scripts later this week, hopefully by Wednesday. It will be very important that they practice reading their parts at home.
MATH:
Due to the fact that we are coming to the end of the school year as well as entering the "preparing for the culmination" stage of the year, I may be sending math journals home with the children as homework. So, if your child brings his or her math journal home, it may be for one of two reasons. He or she either did not get it done during the given class time or everyone is taking it home for the day. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this. I will not be sending home homelinks and math journals on the same night.
HOMEWORK:
Completing homework is expected. Not completing homework occasionally is fine. We all have those days and nights! However, not turning in any homework assignments for the week in not an exception, it is a pattern. As your child moves through school, homework will continue to be expected. Please help your children with this aspect of school, support them and give them the guidance that they need. Help them develop good habits now and life will be much easier later!
Some tips~
Check your child's homework folder nightly. (Some children have items in their folders from APRIL!!!)
Have your child share what he or she completed during the school day.
Sit down and complete the homework together.
Don't expect them to remember that they have homework. Set up a time each evening where everyone sits down and does work together. Adults can read, work on a crossword puzzle, complete projects for work or home, pay bills etc.
Have a happy Sunday!
Becky
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 16, 2010
Storyline:
This past week we have been focusing on playing the instruments the kiddos brought in as well as instruments from the music room. We are working on creating the sounds of Venice. It has been fun to watch and listen to the children work.
As I mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a "retelling" of Gabriella's Song, the book we are using as a base for our storyline. It is my goal to have the parts picked out by early next week (not this week). The children will have to practice their parts at home. Some will have speaking parts and some will be narrators.
We will want the children to "dress for the part". This will not involve anything extravagant. Hopefully, everything you need can be found in your home!
Spelling:
Each week your child brings home note cards with words on them. In the past, the children have been practicing reading the words. Starting two weeks ago, we began working on spelling. Every Friday, your child will have a spelling test on the words he or she brings home. Please be creative in helping your child learn his or her words. There is also a spelling program link on the left hand side of the page that some children are finding fun to use. The words that the children are getting are taken from their writing journals and from the first 100 and second 100 sightword list.
Great Gondola Race:
The children are making great progress in this event. The last day to turn in Gondola slips is Friday, June 11.
Scholastic Book Orders:
I will be ordering books on Monday, May 17. Please turn in any orders or order online.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Becky
This past week we have been focusing on playing the instruments the kiddos brought in as well as instruments from the music room. We are working on creating the sounds of Venice. It has been fun to watch and listen to the children work.
As I mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a "retelling" of Gabriella's Song, the book we are using as a base for our storyline. It is my goal to have the parts picked out by early next week (not this week). The children will have to practice their parts at home. Some will have speaking parts and some will be narrators.
We will want the children to "dress for the part". This will not involve anything extravagant. Hopefully, everything you need can be found in your home!
Spelling:
Each week your child brings home note cards with words on them. In the past, the children have been practicing reading the words. Starting two weeks ago, we began working on spelling. Every Friday, your child will have a spelling test on the words he or she brings home. Please be creative in helping your child learn his or her words. There is also a spelling program link on the left hand side of the page that some children are finding fun to use. The words that the children are getting are taken from their writing journals and from the first 100 and second 100 sightword list.
Great Gondola Race:
The children are making great progress in this event. The last day to turn in Gondola slips is Friday, June 11.
Scholastic Book Orders:
I will be ordering books on Monday, May 17. Please turn in any orders or order online.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Becky
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Saturday, May 8
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Storyline
There is a famous composer named Giuseppe Del Pietro who lives in Venice. He is very frustrated because he has been working for months trying to create a symphony that he must perform in a couple weeks at Piazza San Marco. He has worked and worked and has not been able to create the simplest tune. For the first time in his career, he could not create the simplest tune. Frustrated, he walked to his second story window, and like a miracle, the music found him. Gabrielle's song greeted him from down below. As he listened to her song, he became inspired to continue his work. Giuseppe still need help. That is were we come in. The children of Venice, along with Gabrielle will now help Giuseppe create a symphony for his concert. To prepare, we have been learning about the different elements of music which include: duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre (pronounced tambre),and texture. This week we will be working on pitch and structure. This week, we will also begin to work on the different instrumental families in an orchestra.
In the coming weeks, we will begin working on a modified play that tells the story of the book Gabriella's Song, which will be presented at our culmination. There will be musical parts as well as speaking parts. If your child ends up with a speaking part, they will have to memorize their lines (it won't be too much). The children will learn what parts they are playing by the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. I am playing around with how the culmination will look, we might actually have two plays (two groups doing the same play). We will see......
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Pam Bird, a local artist will be working with our children this week and one day next week. We will get a to work with Pam a total of six hours. Last year she worked with our first grade classes and the art they produced was amazing! They will be working with a variety of media. It should be a fun week!
I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the Gondola Race. The children are doing a great job. Remember, if the children's gondola sheets are not signed by a parent, I will not move them forward. If you feel your child is struggling, please let me know. I have some "alternative routes" available :)
Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, May 14. If you want to order on line, go to the link I have posted on the left hand side of this page. If you would rather send a check to me that is fine as well. I will do one more book order before the end of the year.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
Storyline
There is a famous composer named Giuseppe Del Pietro who lives in Venice. He is very frustrated because he has been working for months trying to create a symphony that he must perform in a couple weeks at Piazza San Marco. He has worked and worked and has not been able to create the simplest tune. For the first time in his career, he could not create the simplest tune. Frustrated, he walked to his second story window, and like a miracle, the music found him. Gabrielle's song greeted him from down below. As he listened to her song, he became inspired to continue his work. Giuseppe still need help. That is were we come in. The children of Venice, along with Gabrielle will now help Giuseppe create a symphony for his concert. To prepare, we have been learning about the different elements of music which include: duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre (pronounced tambre),and texture. This week we will be working on pitch and structure. This week, we will also begin to work on the different instrumental families in an orchestra.
In the coming weeks, we will begin working on a modified play that tells the story of the book Gabriella's Song, which will be presented at our culmination. There will be musical parts as well as speaking parts. If your child ends up with a speaking part, they will have to memorize their lines (it won't be too much). The children will learn what parts they are playing by the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. I am playing around with how the culmination will look, we might actually have two plays (two groups doing the same play). We will see......
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Pam Bird, a local artist will be working with our children this week and one day next week. We will get a to work with Pam a total of six hours. Last year she worked with our first grade classes and the art they produced was amazing! They will be working with a variety of media. It should be a fun week!
I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the Gondola Race. The children are doing a great job. Remember, if the children's gondola sheets are not signed by a parent, I will not move them forward. If you feel your child is struggling, please let me know. I have some "alternative routes" available :)
Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, May 14. If you want to order on line, go to the link I have posted on the left hand side of this page. If you would rather send a check to me that is fine as well. I will do one more book order before the end of the year.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1
Storyline ~
Venice is now complete! The streets of Venice are full of sound and music! The frieze is a piece of art that all should enjoy.
Last week we explored sound. We explored what sound is, sound vibrations and sound waves. The children went to the Bend Science Station and explored even more aspects of sound. The children were very excited about the experience.
In Music, Mrs.Smith has been working with the children on Elements of Sound. Specifically, dynamics, durations, tempo, timbre, pitch, volume and texture. She has also been exploring the musical instruments in orchestras and the different families such as woodwinds, brass and percussion and strings.
Are you wondering why we are learning so much about sound and instruments? Only time will tell!
Storyline Homework:
Making an instrument
The Great Venetian Gondola Race
Instruments needed in our classroom:
We are looking for percussion instruments to use in our classroom. If you have any we can borrow, that would be wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you to all who donated pencils. We are still looking for erasers and glue sticks.
Make sure you ask your children how they are doing in the colored pencil category and watercolor category. They may need some more to carry them through to the end of the year.
Artist In Residence:
Pam Bird, an Artist in Residence will be working with our children for five days beginning the week of the May 10 and finishing up the following week. Pam is an amazing teacher and artist. I am so excited that she will be working with our children. I have known her for many years (about 15) and I know she will give our children an amazing experience in art! I can't wait because I know I will learn as well! I will be sending out a volunteer schedule next week, as extra hands during an art project is always welcome!
The next two months ~
The next two months are going to fly by. It always amazes me how quickly this time goes. I have spoken to many parents about placement for next year and I thank you for your input. I have to work with the other teachers to make sure all the 2/3 classrooms are as equal as possible in all areas including academics, social and emotional. We spend a great deal of time working through this process. Please know I will do my very best to put your children in an environment that will suit their learning styles and social/emotional needs.
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
Venice is now complete! The streets of Venice are full of sound and music! The frieze is a piece of art that all should enjoy.
Last week we explored sound. We explored what sound is, sound vibrations and sound waves. The children went to the Bend Science Station and explored even more aspects of sound. The children were very excited about the experience.
In Music, Mrs.Smith has been working with the children on Elements of Sound. Specifically, dynamics, durations, tempo, timbre, pitch, volume and texture. She has also been exploring the musical instruments in orchestras and the different families such as woodwinds, brass and percussion and strings.
Are you wondering why we are learning so much about sound and instruments? Only time will tell!
Storyline Homework:
Making an instrument
The Great Venetian Gondola Race
Instruments needed in our classroom:
We are looking for percussion instruments to use in our classroom. If you have any we can borrow, that would be wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you to all who donated pencils. We are still looking for erasers and glue sticks.
Make sure you ask your children how they are doing in the colored pencil category and watercolor category. They may need some more to carry them through to the end of the year.
Artist In Residence:
Pam Bird, an Artist in Residence will be working with our children for five days beginning the week of the May 10 and finishing up the following week. Pam is an amazing teacher and artist. I am so excited that she will be working with our children. I have known her for many years (about 15) and I know she will give our children an amazing experience in art! I can't wait because I know I will learn as well! I will be sending out a volunteer schedule next week, as extra hands during an art project is always welcome!
The next two months ~
The next two months are going to fly by. It always amazes me how quickly this time goes. I have spoken to many parents about placement for next year and I thank you for your input. I have to work with the other teachers to make sure all the 2/3 classrooms are as equal as possible in all areas including academics, social and emotional. We spend a great deal of time working through this process. Please know I will do my very best to put your children in an environment that will suit their learning styles and social/emotional needs.
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 25
Storyline:
The frieze is up with only a few details to complete. It is a wonderful piece of art. I am continually amazed at what the children are creating. Storyline is truly a gift to the teaching profession in so many ways! Most of the children have finished their autobiographies. They are located in the hall outside out classroom. Please take a moment to read them. The children wrote and illustrated their books and edited their own writing. This means that you will find mistakes in the spelling or grammatical errors. This is truly their writing. As you read these autobiographies, notice how the children have become school children in Venice! Again, another gift of storyline.
This week we will begin exploring sound, as it will become a very important part of our storyline. Remember, we will be going to the Bend Science Station this Thursday and Friday. Please make sure your child returns the permission slip that went home last week.
The Great Venetian Reading Race:
Our race is off to a great start. It has come to my attention that some children are feeling some pressure with this event. It is VERY IMPORTANT that this does not become a burden for your child. If this occurs PLEASE contact me. I will make accommodations for your child. Please help me emphasis it is not a race against other children, so there are not winners or losers. If I hear "Stella" putting another child down or criticizing a child's efforts, Stella's gondola will have to go into the gondola repair shop for one or two days.
Cooking on Thursday!
WOW! What a fun (and exhausting) afternoon. The combined the three first grade classrooms and divide them up into three groups. This children when through three cooking stations. They made pizza, pasta and watched learned how to make gelato. After going through the rotations, the children went out to recess while the parents cooked and set up the cafeteria downstairs. The children came in and had a feast! They ate their pizza, some pasta and desert. Some characters from the Gabriella's song came to visit as well. Luigi, the singing Gondolier and the Signor Pagliani, the happy baker came to visit! It was a great time for everyone. I want to thank Susan Cunningham, Shanna Laherty, Jenny Cornutt, Janet Chase, Tami Hatfield and Nicole Wood for helping with this event. Please let me know if I missed anyone!!!!
I would also like to thank Mark Cunningham for making the Realto Bridge for our classroom. It is a great hit!
On Friday another character from the book came to visit. Widow Santucci came for a few minutes. She is a very sad woman who's husband passed away many years ago. We will be learning more about her in the future.
Reading Logs -
Please excuse the long message, but it is important.
To piggy back on the Venetian reading event, I would still like children to turn in their reading logs. For the past two weeks, I have been having some children stay in for part of the morning recess to complete their weekly reading homework (As I mentioned I would in a past newsletter). The homework is to read at least 10 minutes a night for 5 nights a week. Reading 50 minutes in one night is good, however, reading fewer minutes over more nights is better.
If your child does not turn in their reading log or does not have five days checked off on their reading log, they will owe me time during recess. For example, Stella read three nights and turned in her reading log. She has not put down the amount of time she read, so I have no way of knowing how long she has read. Stella will owe me 20 minutes of recess time, which would be two days(10 minutes per day). Caterina read seven nights and she did not write the times down. She does not own me any time because she met the five night requirement. The children that stay in and make up reading homework will be able to use that time for the Great Venetian reading event starting this week.
Why am I doing this you may be asking. I feel like that the children need to be held accountable for the homework assignments. I feel reading is one of the most important academic subjects in school and just as important in our lives. Children will not improve if they do not practice. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.
I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable weekend!
Becky
The frieze is up with only a few details to complete. It is a wonderful piece of art. I am continually amazed at what the children are creating. Storyline is truly a gift to the teaching profession in so many ways! Most of the children have finished their autobiographies. They are located in the hall outside out classroom. Please take a moment to read them. The children wrote and illustrated their books and edited their own writing. This means that you will find mistakes in the spelling or grammatical errors. This is truly their writing. As you read these autobiographies, notice how the children have become school children in Venice! Again, another gift of storyline.
This week we will begin exploring sound, as it will become a very important part of our storyline. Remember, we will be going to the Bend Science Station this Thursday and Friday. Please make sure your child returns the permission slip that went home last week.
The Great Venetian Reading Race:
Our race is off to a great start. It has come to my attention that some children are feeling some pressure with this event. It is VERY IMPORTANT that this does not become a burden for your child. If this occurs PLEASE contact me. I will make accommodations for your child. Please help me emphasis it is not a race against other children, so there are not winners or losers. If I hear "Stella" putting another child down or criticizing a child's efforts, Stella's gondola will have to go into the gondola repair shop for one or two days.
Cooking on Thursday!
WOW! What a fun (and exhausting) afternoon. The combined the three first grade classrooms and divide them up into three groups. This children when through three cooking stations. They made pizza, pasta and watched learned how to make gelato. After going through the rotations, the children went out to recess while the parents cooked and set up the cafeteria downstairs. The children came in and had a feast! They ate their pizza, some pasta and desert. Some characters from the Gabriella's song came to visit as well. Luigi, the singing Gondolier and the Signor Pagliani, the happy baker came to visit! It was a great time for everyone. I want to thank Susan Cunningham, Shanna Laherty, Jenny Cornutt, Janet Chase, Tami Hatfield and Nicole Wood for helping with this event. Please let me know if I missed anyone!!!!
I would also like to thank Mark Cunningham for making the Realto Bridge for our classroom. It is a great hit!
On Friday another character from the book came to visit. Widow Santucci came for a few minutes. She is a very sad woman who's husband passed away many years ago. We will be learning more about her in the future.
Reading Logs -
Please excuse the long message, but it is important.
To piggy back on the Venetian reading event, I would still like children to turn in their reading logs. For the past two weeks, I have been having some children stay in for part of the morning recess to complete their weekly reading homework (As I mentioned I would in a past newsletter). The homework is to read at least 10 minutes a night for 5 nights a week. Reading 50 minutes in one night is good, however, reading fewer minutes over more nights is better.
If your child does not turn in their reading log or does not have five days checked off on their reading log, they will owe me time during recess. For example, Stella read three nights and turned in her reading log. She has not put down the amount of time she read, so I have no way of knowing how long she has read. Stella will owe me 20 minutes of recess time, which would be two days(10 minutes per day). Caterina read seven nights and she did not write the times down. She does not own me any time because she met the five night requirement. The children that stay in and make up reading homework will be able to use that time for the Great Venetian reading event starting this week.
Why am I doing this you may be asking. I feel like that the children need to be held accountable for the homework assignments. I feel reading is one of the most important academic subjects in school and just as important in our lives. Children will not improve if they do not practice. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.
I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable weekend!
Becky
Friday, April 16, 2010
April, 16, 2010
Storyline:
This week we have been working on our frieze, autobiographies and characters. The frieze is ALMOST complete! There are still a few details to finish. The children are writing autobiographies from the point of view that they are school children living in Venice. The writing is amazing and they are truly taking on their characters.
Next week is going to be a bit busy (what's new). On Monday, the first grade team will have a professional development day, so we will all be out of school. Patty Neumann is going to be the substitute for me.
Ancestroy Worksheet:
If you did not get it completed, please try to do so by Tuesday. Also, if you can be looking at work completed by your child's famous Italian ancestor over the next few weeks, that would be great as well.
On Thursday we are going make some Italian treats. All the first grade classes will be divided up and will be rotating to three different cooking stations. We will be making pizza, pasta and gelato. After all our hard work the children will be able to enjoy the tastes of Italy! Thank you to all the parents who contacted me about helping. I think this will be a very fun and exciting experience for the children.
We have been working on "Venice" vocabulary: The words we have been working on so far are ~
Canal
Lagoon
Ancestor
There is one or two more, but I can't remember what they are! I will make sure I write them down for next week.
Bend Science Station
On Thursday, April 29 and Friday April 30 we will be going up to the Bend Science Station. We will doing some science experiments on sounds and vibrations. This will be directly related to our storyline which is very exciting! Half of the class will be going up on Thursday and half the class will be going up on Friday. Transportation is being provided by the Bend Science Station (they have a 16 passenger bus and David Bermutez is a certified bus driver and teacher whom I have known for 17 years! HE IS AN AMAZING SCIENCE TEACHER!). If I need parent volunteers, I will send out an email. We will be leaving at 9:20 AM and returning to school around 10:45 AM
Reading, math and writing are all coming along quite well. I am really pleased with what the children are doing in all the subject areas. Today I was in awe watching the children reading on the carpet. They were 100% engaged. All were reading independently or buddy reading. It was wonderful. I think we are getting to the point where they are really beginning to enjoy the process of reading, as it is not so much work. They are beginning to read for content and comprehension. What a joy!
I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend! What a day today! The sun felt so warm and lovely!
Becky
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday, April 11
STORYLINE:
Last week we worked on our frieze, picked our Italian names and the children were put into families. This week the students will be assigned their family name, which will be famous Italian composers, scientists and artists. Once they get their last names, students will begin to do a research project on their "ancestors". This paper will not be as extensive as the animal research papers the kiddos did for the last storyline (WHEW). We will also be working on our characters for the frieze and biographies.
WRITING: We are working hard on our writing. I am impressed with the work the kiddos are doing. I started a new format which seems to be working with the organizational aspects of their stories. We continue to work on adjectives to describe our nouns. We are working on using "Big Words" and synonyms. Using words other than good, pretty, cool nice, fun etc. when we are talking and writing make everything much more exciting!
Homework: Please make sure you correct your child's Homelinks for math. Also, remember to fill out the reading logs.
The Great Gondola Race: We will be starting a reading event at school associated with our storyline. Students will be riding on their gondolas through the canals of Venice and earning prizes along the way! More information will be coming home later this week or early next week!
I hope you had a great weekend. I just got back from Portland at 6:00! It was a one day up and back event. One nice thing was that was the last trip to Portland for soccer for a while!
Becky
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 4, 2010
Storyline:
This week we will begin working on our Frieze of Venice as well as our characters. As I have mentioned earlier, our children will become school children living in Venice, Italy.
They will be taking on Italian names. Some children have come up with some names that are not really Italian, so they will not be able to use those names. I have a list of names at school that children can use. If the your child wants to find a name, Google Italian baby names. You should be able to find some great lists. If your child picks a name at home, please make sure they know what the word means in Italian.
We will begin writing our picking names and biographies on Wednesday or Thursday.
The Rialto Bridge...
The children would love to have the Rialto Bridge in our room. Are there any parents out there that work with building and would be willing to build a small bridge for our classroom? The kiddos want to put it in our doorway, so they can walk across the bridge when they enter and exit our classroom. Let me know if you are interested!! It would be a simple bridge......
Scholastic Book Orders:
Remember to look at the link to scholastic books orders with your children. The orders are due on April 7.
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend!
Becky
This week we will begin working on our Frieze of Venice as well as our characters. As I have mentioned earlier, our children will become school children living in Venice, Italy.
They will be taking on Italian names. Some children have come up with some names that are not really Italian, so they will not be able to use those names. I have a list of names at school that children can use. If the your child wants to find a name, Google Italian baby names. You should be able to find some great lists. If your child picks a name at home, please make sure they know what the word means in Italian.
We will begin writing our picking names and biographies on Wednesday or Thursday.
The Rialto Bridge...
The children would love to have the Rialto Bridge in our room. Are there any parents out there that work with building and would be willing to build a small bridge for our classroom? The kiddos want to put it in our doorway, so they can walk across the bridge when they enter and exit our classroom. Let me know if you are interested!! It would be a simple bridge......
Scholastic Book Orders:
Remember to look at the link to scholastic books orders with your children. The orders are due on April 7.
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend!
Becky
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 30
Greeting everyone!
I wanted to mention a few things...
Storyline:
As you may have heard, our next storyline we are traveling to Venice. Your children will become school children living in Venice, Italy. The storyline is book based, which means it is based on a book! The book is titled
Gabriella's Song. It would be most helpful if you DID NOT BUY OR READ THE BOOK to your child, as incidents in the story will become part of our storyline.
There was a Homefun assignment sent home Tuesday that is due on Thursday.
Thank you for your support!
Scholastic Book Orders:
I have finally given up on doing the ordering myself (it has been a control issue>>>)and am now going to have you order books online. On the left hand side of the page is a link to the Scholastic Web site. I will be sending home some of these magazines in the next few days so you have a hard copy. If you do not want to order online, just return your order by April 7 and I will order your books for you. Please make a check out to Scholastic Book Orders.
Here is a letter explaining the details.
Online Ordering Information
Scholastic Activation Code: DZ2VB (this code is also on the left hand side of page)
Dear Parent,
Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time! With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in
the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online. It's so simple! Here's how it works: SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and
Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class
Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always. Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online? Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with
every parent online order. Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.
Thank you,
Becky
I wanted to mention a few things...
Storyline:
As you may have heard, our next storyline we are traveling to Venice. Your children will become school children living in Venice, Italy. The storyline is book based, which means it is based on a book! The book is titled
Gabriella's Song. It would be most helpful if you DID NOT BUY OR READ THE BOOK to your child, as incidents in the story will become part of our storyline.
There was a Homefun assignment sent home Tuesday that is due on Thursday.
Thank you for your support!
Scholastic Book Orders:
I have finally given up on doing the ordering myself (it has been a control issue>>>)and am now going to have you order books online. On the left hand side of the page is a link to the Scholastic Web site. I will be sending home some of these magazines in the next few days so you have a hard copy. If you do not want to order online, just return your order by April 7 and I will order your books for you. Please make a check out to Scholastic Book Orders.
Here is a letter explaining the details.
Online Ordering Information
Scholastic Activation Code: DZ2VB (this code is also on the left hand side of page)
Dear Parent,
Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time! With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in
the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online. It's so simple! Here's how it works: SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and
Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class
Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always. Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online? Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with
every parent online order. Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.
Thank you,
Becky
Friday, March 12, 2010
March 12
WOW! The past couple weeks have been amazing! I hope you enjoyed the National Parks last night. I was so proud of each child in our class. They did a fantastic job. People kept coming up to me and asking what grade the children were in. When I told them first grade they were amazed. The Junior Park Rangers were so professional and enthusiastic and best of all - confident!
We will be finishing up with some final activities next week.
I wonder were we are going when we get back from spring break??
Remember that there are only two days of school next week, Monday and Tuesday. I will be meeting with you on Thursday and Friday to share the wonderful growth your children have made through out the year. If you have not contacted me about coming, I will assume that you are coming. Please let me know if you are not going to attend the conference for your child.
Have a great weekend! I am off to Portland for the weekend. It is soccer season in our family again! YIPEE.
Becky
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
Storyline:
We are gearing up for the culmination. We have been working on our presentation boards. They are looking very nice! The children are very excited about them.
Today I sent home the research papers that the kiddos have written. Please have your children practice reading their papers several times over the weekend.It will be important that your children feel comfortable with the material in their reports, especially if they are using the presentation boards.
I have gone over the papers several times. If you find any mistakes, please let me know and I will fix them. I think I have read them so many times that I can't see the mistakes anymore!
Here is the schedule I have for the evening of the 11th. Several people did not sign up so I put them in the empty available spots. Please let me know if the time your child is scheduled to "work" does not work for you.
4:30 to 5:00 Sachi, Isabella, Maddie, Mimi, Taleah
5:00 to 5:30 Chase, Sam, Simon, Abby, Carson
5:30 to 6:00 Jake, Henry, Bronwyn, Gavin, Lauren, Scarlett
6:00 to 6:30 William, Jaden, Aidan, Michael, Audrey
Please make sure your children are there a 5 to 10 minutes before their "work shift" begins.
The colors of the park ranger uniforms are brown, green, gray and tan (blue jeans are fine too). It would be great if the kiddos could come in "uniform" for the culmination. Pants and a shirt would be great. If the girls REALLY want to were dresses that if fine too!
One of the great things about all school storylines is the energy is it creates around the school. If you can, try to come early or stay later to explore all the parks at our school. They are truly amazing.
National Geographic Young Explorers:
Yesterday the kiddos brought home a N.G. Young Explores magazine. If you go to the website listed on the left, you can get to the same magazine. The kiddos can read the magazine on line and the cool thing is they can read along with a nice lady who is reading the text. Click on "Listen and Read". Now, another cool thing... we didn't get to the frog portion of the magazine, however, if you click on "For Teachers" on the menu bar, then click on "Young Explorers Interactive Whiteboard Content" you can get to the frog part of the magazine. It is the teacher version. But it is pretty neat. Finally, at the top of the menu on the main page there are some fun activity links for the kids to do. Explore the site and have fun!
CONFERENCES:
I have not heard from a few of you about conferences. Please let me know if you are coming so I can plan ahead!
Thank you!
Becky
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 27
Storyline:
RESEARCH PAPERS:
Our research papers are ready for the kiddos to do a final edit. They are very good and filled with a great deal of information. Thank you for working with you children on this assignment. I have told the children they can choose how they want to present their information at our culmination. I have given them two options (call me crazy). The first option is to read their research paper and the second option is to make a tri-fold presentation board or poster using the information from their research papers. I have the boards at school. If they pick the later, they may want to bring in some pictures of their animals. I know many children have pictures already. We will be working on our reports next week. Please talk with your children about how they want to present their information.
OIL SPILL:
We completed our last Scientific Inquiry on Wednesday. The children found that fur works the best at soaking up oil and cotton balls works second best. On Thursday they each wrote a conclusion to the experiment. You can find the process, data and conclusions in the hall across from our room.
MISTREATMENT OF MANATEES:
On Friday, we received a message from Biscayne that manatees were being mistreated by Tour Guide companies. A tour guide separated a calf from its mother and then the mother got hit by the rudder of a boat as she was trying to get to her calf. The Jr. Park Rangers watched a video clip of the incident. We talked about the mistreatment of animals as well as other dangers posed to animals by humans. We decided that we need to create some rules for visitors to the park to follow.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The children were also concerned about visitors to our park not knowing English. We discussed the problem and several students suggested that we learn how to say hello in different languages. I told the children to go home and see if their parents know a foreign language and to see if they could write it down and learn them how to say hello. The children can then come back to class and teach the word or phrase to the rest of us.
MATH: This week we measured out and compared lengths. We discussed the difference between tall and long. Next week we will put the results in rank order from shortest to longest.
WRITING: We were able to sneak in one free write last week and worked on our research papers.
TOYS at SCHOOL:
I have asked the children to refrain from bringing toys to school. It is becoming an issue with sharing, losing, misplacing and accusing others of stealing. If you have any questions about this please contact me.
THIS WEEK:
This week we are really going to be focusing on our storyline. We have a great deal to finish up before culmination. We may have one more problem at the park, we will see how the first few days go!
RESEARCH PAPERS:
Our research papers are ready for the kiddos to do a final edit. They are very good and filled with a great deal of information. Thank you for working with you children on this assignment. I have told the children they can choose how they want to present their information at our culmination. I have given them two options (call me crazy). The first option is to read their research paper and the second option is to make a tri-fold presentation board or poster using the information from their research papers. I have the boards at school. If they pick the later, they may want to bring in some pictures of their animals. I know many children have pictures already. We will be working on our reports next week. Please talk with your children about how they want to present their information.
OIL SPILL:
We completed our last Scientific Inquiry on Wednesday. The children found that fur works the best at soaking up oil and cotton balls works second best. On Thursday they each wrote a conclusion to the experiment. You can find the process, data and conclusions in the hall across from our room.
MISTREATMENT OF MANATEES:
On Friday, we received a message from Biscayne that manatees were being mistreated by Tour Guide companies. A tour guide separated a calf from its mother and then the mother got hit by the rudder of a boat as she was trying to get to her calf. The Jr. Park Rangers watched a video clip of the incident. We talked about the mistreatment of animals as well as other dangers posed to animals by humans. We decided that we need to create some rules for visitors to the park to follow.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The children were also concerned about visitors to our park not knowing English. We discussed the problem and several students suggested that we learn how to say hello in different languages. I told the children to go home and see if their parents know a foreign language and to see if they could write it down and learn them how to say hello. The children can then come back to class and teach the word or phrase to the rest of us.
MATH: This week we measured out and compared lengths. We discussed the difference between tall and long. Next week we will put the results in rank order from shortest to longest.
WRITING: We were able to sneak in one free write last week and worked on our research papers.
TOYS at SCHOOL:
I have asked the children to refrain from bringing toys to school. It is becoming an issue with sharing, losing, misplacing and accusing others of stealing. If you have any questions about this please contact me.
THIS WEEK:
This week we are really going to be focusing on our storyline. We have a great deal to finish up before culmination. We may have one more problem at the park, we will see how the first few days go!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 21
Storyline:
Culmination: Thursday, March 11. the children will be divided into four groups. Each group will have one 30 minute time slot. I will be sending information out next week about the specifics.
Last week was a very busy week at the park.
Monday: A ship lost a 100 gallon oil barrel in Biscayne Bay and it was leaking oil very slowly. The question posed to the children was what would happen to the oil? We completed a scientific inquiry and found out several things. The children brainstormed ideas of what might happen to the oil and water. We completed several experiments that tested our hypothesis. The children learned that oil is lighter (less dense) than water and rises to the top of water. We learned a very big work - hydrophobic (does not like water). In simple terms the molecules of oil do not like the molecules in water so they stay away from each other.
Wednesday: The children arrived at school and the park had been closed due to the spread of the oil. Most of the animals left Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. However, several of the park animals were affected by the oil. A dolphins blowhole was partially covered and could barely breathe. One of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles was stuck on the beach and was overheating because it could not get back to the water and the flamingo's wings were covered in oil! Again, we competed another scientific inquiry. We wanted to find out how the oil affected the bird' wings and how we could get the oil off of the animals to make them safe again. We found out that feathers are waterproof and water rolls right off wings. We learned that dry wings and wet wings weigh the same. We learned that wings with oil on them weigh more than dry wings. We also learned that oil makes wings stick together and are heavy. Front his experiment we found that oil made the birds unable to fly because the wings stick together and are too heavy so the birds can't fly. Next, we tried cleaning the wings with warm water and warm water with soap. Again, based on our experiment, we concluded warm water and soap worked best to clean the oil off of animals.
This week: Most off the animals are now gone from the park due to the oil spill. This week we will complete another scientific inquiry on cleaning the oil up from the bay.
Last week there was also a lost hiker in one of the national parks, so the children completed a first aid and safety course on Thursday.
HOMEFUN FOR THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, Feb. 23: It is 100's Day ! Sorry for the late notice!!! Please help your child count out 100 snacks and bring them to school on Tuesday. Please refrain from bringing candy. Raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, peanuts, almonds, popped popcorn, teddy grams all would be wonderful choices.
Wednesday, Wednesday 24: Home Links as well this week.
Writing: We will finish up our research papers this week and begin working on some poetry.
Math: This week we will be focusing on comparing weights and lengths of the animals in Biscayne National Park.
Conferences: There will be no school on Wednesday March 17 through Friday, March 18. Conferences will be Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19.
Please know that I will not be holding conferences on Wednesday as I will need the day to prepare for the conferences on the following to days. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The Regional Reading Conference I attended was fantastic for several reasons. First, it made me realize I am doing many good things in the classroom (yeah). Second, I have so much new information to synthesize it is completely overwhelming. Lastly, I can't wait to SLOWLY implement some of these new ideas into the classroom. I took sessions on differentiation, the "Boys Brain", teaching vocabulary and Reading Workshop models in the classroom. I listened to amazing speakers that also shared wonderful thought provoking messages. I am always amazed when I go to conferences or take classes. There is so much to learn and there are so many ways to become a better teacher. I love it, even though at the same time is it somewhat depressing!
I hope you have all had a nice weekend!
Becky
Culmination: Thursday, March 11. the children will be divided into four groups. Each group will have one 30 minute time slot. I will be sending information out next week about the specifics.
Last week was a very busy week at the park.
Monday: A ship lost a 100 gallon oil barrel in Biscayne Bay and it was leaking oil very slowly. The question posed to the children was what would happen to the oil? We completed a scientific inquiry and found out several things. The children brainstormed ideas of what might happen to the oil and water. We completed several experiments that tested our hypothesis. The children learned that oil is lighter (less dense) than water and rises to the top of water. We learned a very big work - hydrophobic (does not like water). In simple terms the molecules of oil do not like the molecules in water so they stay away from each other.
Wednesday: The children arrived at school and the park had been closed due to the spread of the oil. Most of the animals left Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. However, several of the park animals were affected by the oil. A dolphins blowhole was partially covered and could barely breathe. One of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles was stuck on the beach and was overheating because it could not get back to the water and the flamingo's wings were covered in oil! Again, we competed another scientific inquiry. We wanted to find out how the oil affected the bird' wings and how we could get the oil off of the animals to make them safe again. We found out that feathers are waterproof and water rolls right off wings. We learned that dry wings and wet wings weigh the same. We learned that wings with oil on them weigh more than dry wings. We also learned that oil makes wings stick together and are heavy. Front his experiment we found that oil made the birds unable to fly because the wings stick together and are too heavy so the birds can't fly. Next, we tried cleaning the wings with warm water and warm water with soap. Again, based on our experiment, we concluded warm water and soap worked best to clean the oil off of animals.
This week: Most off the animals are now gone from the park due to the oil spill. This week we will complete another scientific inquiry on cleaning the oil up from the bay.
Last week there was also a lost hiker in one of the national parks, so the children completed a first aid and safety course on Thursday.
HOMEFUN FOR THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, Feb. 23: It is 100's Day ! Sorry for the late notice!!! Please help your child count out 100 snacks and bring them to school on Tuesday. Please refrain from bringing candy. Raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, peanuts, almonds, popped popcorn, teddy grams all would be wonderful choices.
Wednesday, Wednesday 24: Home Links as well this week.
Writing: We will finish up our research papers this week and begin working on some poetry.
Math: This week we will be focusing on comparing weights and lengths of the animals in Biscayne National Park.
Conferences: There will be no school on Wednesday March 17 through Friday, March 18. Conferences will be Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19.
Please know that I will not be holding conferences on Wednesday as I will need the day to prepare for the conferences on the following to days. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The Regional Reading Conference I attended was fantastic for several reasons. First, it made me realize I am doing many good things in the classroom (yeah). Second, I have so much new information to synthesize it is completely overwhelming. Lastly, I can't wait to SLOWLY implement some of these new ideas into the classroom. I took sessions on differentiation, the "Boys Brain", teaching vocabulary and Reading Workshop models in the classroom. I listened to amazing speakers that also shared wonderful thought provoking messages. I am always amazed when I go to conferences or take classes. There is so much to learn and there are so many ways to become a better teacher. I love it, even though at the same time is it somewhat depressing!
I hope you have all had a nice weekend!
Becky
Monday, February 15, 2010
February 15
STORYLINE:
This past week at Biscayne National Park we had an incident that involved obnoxious tourist. On Monday, some tourist came to visit our park and they were very loud and left garbage all over the park and in the water. They even took some coral and the animals were no longer safe from all the garbage! We learned about "Leave No Trace" over the next few days. More tourist came back later in the week and this time the Junior Park Rangers were ready. They stopped the tourist and talked to them about the harmful effects of leaving garbage in the park and how it is important to respect nature and other people. They told the tourist to leave the park as if they had never been there. It was great to see the children respond to this incident. I can't wait to see what happens at our park next!
WRITING:
Last week we worked on our research papers. They are coming along wonderfully. We will finish them up this week as well as do some free writing.
MATH:
Last week we finished Unit 4 and have begun Unit 5. I sent home an overview of Unit 5 on Wednesday. I noticed that some children returned the overview on Thursday. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
Why is it important:
1. It reviews what we are covering in the unit.
2. Teaches you the language we are using at school. It is important for you to become familiar with the language of this math program so that you can more readily support your children in the years to come at Highland.
3. It has the answers to the Home Links!
READING:
We are making such wonderful progress in reading. I am very excited to see the children sitting and reading on their own at school. I know we are all busy, but I can not reinforce enough the importance of reading at home. The children should be reading at least 10 to 15 minutes 5 times a week. On the reading logs that are being returned, I can see that is not happening for some. Practicing at home will only increase your child's success at school. Reading at home will not only help your child become a better reader, it will help your child become a better writer.
JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
It is important that they children are reading "just write books". A "just right book" is one that they child struggles on 3 to 5 words on a page in a chapter book and 1 to 2 words on a page in shorter books. If they struggle more than that amount, they are reading a book that is too hard. If they are working on reading the words to often, they are not comprehending what they are reading and most likely are developing bad reading habits that will be hard to break. If your child really wants to read a book that is too hard, make sure you are there to support them.
SPECIALS:
We do not have any specials this week.
On another note, I will be in Portland on Thursday and Friday at a reading conference with Linda Gross and Michele Cross. Patty Neumann, who has been my substitute in the past will cover my class.
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
See you tomorrow.
Becky
This past week at Biscayne National Park we had an incident that involved obnoxious tourist. On Monday, some tourist came to visit our park and they were very loud and left garbage all over the park and in the water. They even took some coral and the animals were no longer safe from all the garbage! We learned about "Leave No Trace" over the next few days. More tourist came back later in the week and this time the Junior Park Rangers were ready. They stopped the tourist and talked to them about the harmful effects of leaving garbage in the park and how it is important to respect nature and other people. They told the tourist to leave the park as if they had never been there. It was great to see the children respond to this incident. I can't wait to see what happens at our park next!
WRITING:
Last week we worked on our research papers. They are coming along wonderfully. We will finish them up this week as well as do some free writing.
MATH:
Last week we finished Unit 4 and have begun Unit 5. I sent home an overview of Unit 5 on Wednesday. I noticed that some children returned the overview on Thursday. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
Why is it important:
1. It reviews what we are covering in the unit.
2. Teaches you the language we are using at school. It is important for you to become familiar with the language of this math program so that you can more readily support your children in the years to come at Highland.
3. It has the answers to the Home Links!
READING:
We are making such wonderful progress in reading. I am very excited to see the children sitting and reading on their own at school. I know we are all busy, but I can not reinforce enough the importance of reading at home. The children should be reading at least 10 to 15 minutes 5 times a week. On the reading logs that are being returned, I can see that is not happening for some. Practicing at home will only increase your child's success at school. Reading at home will not only help your child become a better reader, it will help your child become a better writer.
JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
It is important that they children are reading "just write books". A "just right book" is one that they child struggles on 3 to 5 words on a page in a chapter book and 1 to 2 words on a page in shorter books. If they struggle more than that amount, they are reading a book that is too hard. If they are working on reading the words to often, they are not comprehending what they are reading and most likely are developing bad reading habits that will be hard to break. If your child really wants to read a book that is too hard, make sure you are there to support them.
SPECIALS:
We do not have any specials this week.
On another note, I will be in Portland on Thursday and Friday at a reading conference with Linda Gross and Michele Cross. Patty Neumann, who has been my substitute in the past will cover my class.
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
See you tomorrow.
Becky
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 12010
Storyline:
This week during our storyline time we worked on creating our animals for the frieze. We watched a few video clips about some of our animals. It is my goal to have at least one video clip on each animal the children are studying. During our Writing Workshop time, we have been working on our research papers.
Schedule:
Our classroom schedule is changing on Monday. We will begin whole group reading time at 9:20 and reading groups will begin at 9:50. If you are going to drop you children off and stay at school, I will try to have things for you to do. I am hoping to start putting our Topic Books together and I may also have some recording work to do as well.
Valentine's Day:
I will be looking for parents to help with our Valentine's Day celebration. We will be partying with Ms. Doyle's 2/3 class. Like our parties in the past, we will decorate cookies in one room and complete a craft in the other room. This time, I get the cookie decorating and Ms. Doyle is in charge of the the craft. The activities will begin at 2:15 and go until 3:15. We will set up at 2:00. I am looking for 2 people in my room and 2 people for Ms. Doyle's room. Please let me know if you are willing to help!
As far as Valentines, we will be making Valentine Envelopes this week. I am asking that if your child plans on giving out cards/treats that they give them out to each child in the class. Below you will find a class list.
The Sparrow Club is selling Val-O-Grams. If you would like to purchase one, I believe they are for sale in the front office. The Val-O-Grams will be delivered in the afternoon of the 12th.
Class list:
Abby, Aidan, Audrey, Bronwyn, Carson, Chase, Gavin, Henry, Isabella, Jaden, Jake, Lauren, Maddie, Michael, Mimi, Sachi, Simon, Scarlett, Sam, Taleah, William
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
This week during our storyline time we worked on creating our animals for the frieze. We watched a few video clips about some of our animals. It is my goal to have at least one video clip on each animal the children are studying. During our Writing Workshop time, we have been working on our research papers.
Schedule:
Our classroom schedule is changing on Monday. We will begin whole group reading time at 9:20 and reading groups will begin at 9:50. If you are going to drop you children off and stay at school, I will try to have things for you to do. I am hoping to start putting our Topic Books together and I may also have some recording work to do as well.
Valentine's Day:
I will be looking for parents to help with our Valentine's Day celebration. We will be partying with Ms. Doyle's 2/3 class. Like our parties in the past, we will decorate cookies in one room and complete a craft in the other room. This time, I get the cookie decorating and Ms. Doyle is in charge of the the craft. The activities will begin at 2:15 and go until 3:15. We will set up at 2:00. I am looking for 2 people in my room and 2 people for Ms. Doyle's room. Please let me know if you are willing to help!
As far as Valentines, we will be making Valentine Envelopes this week. I am asking that if your child plans on giving out cards/treats that they give them out to each child in the class. Below you will find a class list.
The Sparrow Club is selling Val-O-Grams. If you would like to purchase one, I believe they are for sale in the front office. The Val-O-Grams will be delivered in the afternoon of the 12th.
Class list:
Abby, Aidan, Audrey, Bronwyn, Carson, Chase, Gavin, Henry, Isabella, Jaden, Jake, Lauren, Maddie, Michael, Mimi, Sachi, Simon, Scarlett, Sam, Taleah, William
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Januarry 30, 2010
SCHEDULE CHANGE
Last week, Mr. Dean sent out an email regarding a master schedule and some changes that will be occurring in the some of the classrooms. This new schedule will begin Monday, February 8.
Our schedule is one that will be changing. I have spend countless hours working on a schedule that I feel meets the needs of my students. What does this mean for us? First and most importantly, the children are going to have to learn some new daily routines. I am hopeful that they will adjust quickly. Secondly, if you are currently volunteering in our room, the areas you are volunteering in may change. It is my hope that this will be workable for you. Please know that I love having all of you in my class and helping the children, but I completely understand if our new schedule does not fit your schedule or area of comfort. I am going to post the new schedule outside our classroom on Monday, Feb. 1. I have put your names in the time slots you are currently volunteering in so you can see what the changes are. If you need to change please cross out your name, as well as let me know.
SPELLING BEE
As you know, the spelling bee took place on Friday for the kindergartners and first graders. We had many children stay in the competition for two to four rounds. I was very proud of all the kiddos that participated. In the end, Michael Chase won the event. Nice job Michael!
STORYLINE
Last week we focused our energy on learning about animal classification. We watched a wonderful video on the subject and the student took notes as they were watching. It was VERY cool to watch them do this! We completed a picture sort with animals and created lists that described each class. Again, it was awesome to watch them work in groups of two and three. Next week we will begin writing our research papers and begin to create the animals found in our park. We will also be talking about what our responsibilities are as Junior Park Rangers.
HOMEFUN
Animal Research Assignments 1 and 2 are due on Monday, Feb. 1. If your child did not turn in the first assignment PLEASE help them complete it by Monday! The second assignment was sent home on Friday.
PLEASE help your child remember to put his or her name on their math homework assignments. Often, they can't figure out if it is theirs when I ask, therefore, I recycle it and send the assignment home again.
Reading Logs and books are due each Monday. If you do not want your child to receive books, let me know. However, the children are still responsible for turning in a reading log. It is a good habit to get into, as this requirement will continue through middle school.
Poem folders are due each Monday. Please read through them with your children over the weekend, as they are sent home on Friday.
YEARBOOK PRE-ORDERS are due this week. If you want to order a yearbook for your child, the order needs to be in this week. Please contact the office for details.
PENNIES FOR PEACE - this week is the last week of the Bend La Pine fundraiser for Pennies of Peace. If you can donate to this cause it will be greatly appreciated.
I hope you all have an enjoyable Sunday!
Becky
Last week, Mr. Dean sent out an email regarding a master schedule and some changes that will be occurring in the some of the classrooms. This new schedule will begin Monday, February 8.
Our schedule is one that will be changing. I have spend countless hours working on a schedule that I feel meets the needs of my students. What does this mean for us? First and most importantly, the children are going to have to learn some new daily routines. I am hopeful that they will adjust quickly. Secondly, if you are currently volunteering in our room, the areas you are volunteering in may change. It is my hope that this will be workable for you. Please know that I love having all of you in my class and helping the children, but I completely understand if our new schedule does not fit your schedule or area of comfort. I am going to post the new schedule outside our classroom on Monday, Feb. 1. I have put your names in the time slots you are currently volunteering in so you can see what the changes are. If you need to change please cross out your name, as well as let me know.
SPELLING BEE
As you know, the spelling bee took place on Friday for the kindergartners and first graders. We had many children stay in the competition for two to four rounds. I was very proud of all the kiddos that participated. In the end, Michael Chase won the event. Nice job Michael!
STORYLINE
Last week we focused our energy on learning about animal classification. We watched a wonderful video on the subject and the student took notes as they were watching. It was VERY cool to watch them do this! We completed a picture sort with animals and created lists that described each class. Again, it was awesome to watch them work in groups of two and three. Next week we will begin writing our research papers and begin to create the animals found in our park. We will also be talking about what our responsibilities are as Junior Park Rangers.
HOMEFUN
Animal Research Assignments 1 and 2 are due on Monday, Feb. 1. If your child did not turn in the first assignment PLEASE help them complete it by Monday! The second assignment was sent home on Friday.
PLEASE help your child remember to put his or her name on their math homework assignments. Often, they can't figure out if it is theirs when I ask, therefore, I recycle it and send the assignment home again.
Reading Logs and books are due each Monday. If you do not want your child to receive books, let me know. However, the children are still responsible for turning in a reading log. It is a good habit to get into, as this requirement will continue through middle school.
Poem folders are due each Monday. Please read through them with your children over the weekend, as they are sent home on Friday.
YEARBOOK PRE-ORDERS are due this week. If you want to order a yearbook for your child, the order needs to be in this week. Please contact the office for details.
PENNIES FOR PEACE - this week is the last week of the Bend La Pine fundraiser for Pennies of Peace. If you can donate to this cause it will be greatly appreciated.
I hope you all have an enjoyable Sunday!
Becky
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January
STORYLINE
As you may have heard, Friday was a very busy day in the afternoon. The children participated in a Junior Park Ranger Convention, which will continue all day on Monday. Children are learning about climate, seasons, geology, geography, plants, animal classification and ecosystems. After they participate in this convention, they will receive a merit badge to put on their personal park banner. Last week we also worked on our characters. We all have new storyline names. During storyline time, I will be know as Ranger Crystal Coral.
This week we will begin work on several areas of our park. We will be learning about the four ecosystems located in the park and the history of the park. We will also finish our frieze. The children will be picking an animal to research. Each child will research their animal at home and bring in notes taken at home. With those notes, the children will write a research paper at school. Every other night (or so), your child will come home with a homework assignment to complete based on their animal. It will be VERY important that your child completes each assignment and that all words are spelled correctly. They will need your support to complete this project. More information will come home on Tuesday.
MATH: Last week we worked on measurements using our rulers. We worked on measuring items longer than a foot and measuring objects in inches. Next week we will be introducing time to the quarter hour. The vocabulary we will be using is "quarter to" and "quarter after".
WRITING: This week we will continue to do writer's workshop. Children are publishing books, working with me and working independently.
READING: During our reading time, children are working in a variety of areas based on their needs. We are starting to do a great deal of vowel pattern work. When you child brings home work completed in school, it is important to review the work with your child. Ask them what they did, why, how did they complete the activity. Also, to help solidify the concepts, have them play "I Spy" after reading or before reading. Have your children look for words that contain the concepts taught. For example, if your child brought home a /ee/, /ea/, /e/ word sort, have them look for and read words that contain those vowel patterns. Do not do this while they are reading. However, if they come upon a word that they have difficulty with you can ask them what they know in the word that will help them figure out what it is. If they need more guidance, ask them what they know about the /ea/ vowel pattern. Make sure they re-read the sentence once they figure out the word.
I want to express to you how proud I am of your children. They are working very hard and continuing to develop wonderful friendships. They are becoming more and more independent as we continue through the year. I hope you are seeing the growth they are making and are sharing in the successes they are finding at school.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
Becky
As you may have heard, Friday was a very busy day in the afternoon. The children participated in a Junior Park Ranger Convention, which will continue all day on Monday. Children are learning about climate, seasons, geology, geography, plants, animal classification and ecosystems. After they participate in this convention, they will receive a merit badge to put on their personal park banner. Last week we also worked on our characters. We all have new storyline names. During storyline time, I will be know as Ranger Crystal Coral.
This week we will begin work on several areas of our park. We will be learning about the four ecosystems located in the park and the history of the park. We will also finish our frieze. The children will be picking an animal to research. Each child will research their animal at home and bring in notes taken at home. With those notes, the children will write a research paper at school. Every other night (or so), your child will come home with a homework assignment to complete based on their animal. It will be VERY important that your child completes each assignment and that all words are spelled correctly. They will need your support to complete this project. More information will come home on Tuesday.
MATH: Last week we worked on measurements using our rulers. We worked on measuring items longer than a foot and measuring objects in inches. Next week we will be introducing time to the quarter hour. The vocabulary we will be using is "quarter to" and "quarter after".
WRITING: This week we will continue to do writer's workshop. Children are publishing books, working with me and working independently.
READING: During our reading time, children are working in a variety of areas based on their needs. We are starting to do a great deal of vowel pattern work. When you child brings home work completed in school, it is important to review the work with your child. Ask them what they did, why, how did they complete the activity. Also, to help solidify the concepts, have them play "I Spy" after reading or before reading. Have your children look for words that contain the concepts taught. For example, if your child brought home a /ee/, /ea/, /e/ word sort, have them look for and read words that contain those vowel patterns. Do not do this while they are reading. However, if they come upon a word that they have difficulty with you can ask them what they know in the word that will help them figure out what it is. If they need more guidance, ask them what they know about the /ea/ vowel pattern. Make sure they re-read the sentence once they figure out the word.
I want to express to you how proud I am of your children. They are working very hard and continuing to develop wonderful friendships. They are becoming more and more independent as we continue through the year. I hope you are seeing the growth they are making and are sharing in the successes they are finding at school.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
Becky
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010
Storyline:
As you know the whole school has been given a new challenge. Students in each classroom are becoming experts on a National Park. Our park is Biscayne National Park. This week we have been busy creating our frieze. It is coming along quite well. We have some more work to do and hope to have the setting complete by Thursday. We also had Craig Letz come to visit the first grade students. He has worked for several national parks. He talked to the children about what Park Rangers do, what they wear, what types of jobs there are in parks and a variety of other topics. Next week we will be working on our characters. For those of you who are new to Storyline, this is a really fun component to this teaching method. Each child will become a "character" in our national park story. This will include filling out a biography, making up a new name (which they will be called during storyline time) and creating a self-portrait of their character. Please talk with your children about some fun names to pick. My name is going to be Ranger Coral.
On Thursday, the third homefun assignment was sent home with the kiddos. They are to begin the process of becoming Junior Park Web Rangers. They can use their new storyline names when for their login names. Please help your child complete the homefun assignment.
Later this week or early next week, I will be sending out a volunteer request for parents to come into the classroom to help with a mini ranger convention we are going to have in class.
Math: This week in math we reviewed time, money, frames and arrows. Measuring and temperature was introduced to the kiddos.
Writing: We are writing three to four days a week. We continue to work on extending our stories and adding adjectives to our nouns, using upper case letters when appropriate and using punctuation. New this week was beginning our Daily Oral Language. Each morning the children work on writing and oral language skills.
Reading: Currently there are 5 different reading groups in the class. Each group is working on areas that pertain to their current ability. We are also working our our Cafe Menu. We have added some more strategies. Under comprehension, we added Back Up a Re-read. We added a new item on our menu. Fluency, "I can read smoothly and with understanding. The strategy that we have discussed for fluency is the importance of re-reading text more that one time. We have added "reading with voice" or intonation. Fluency helps us read more accurately and allows us to comprehend what we are reading.
Homefun:
Web Ranger and Reading 10 to 15 minutes each day.
I hope you all have a relaxing three day weekend.
See you on Tuesday.
Becky
As you know the whole school has been given a new challenge. Students in each classroom are becoming experts on a National Park. Our park is Biscayne National Park. This week we have been busy creating our frieze. It is coming along quite well. We have some more work to do and hope to have the setting complete by Thursday. We also had Craig Letz come to visit the first grade students. He has worked for several national parks. He talked to the children about what Park Rangers do, what they wear, what types of jobs there are in parks and a variety of other topics. Next week we will be working on our characters. For those of you who are new to Storyline, this is a really fun component to this teaching method. Each child will become a "character" in our national park story. This will include filling out a biography, making up a new name (which they will be called during storyline time) and creating a self-portrait of their character. Please talk with your children about some fun names to pick. My name is going to be Ranger Coral.
On Thursday, the third homefun assignment was sent home with the kiddos. They are to begin the process of becoming Junior Park Web Rangers. They can use their new storyline names when for their login names. Please help your child complete the homefun assignment.
Later this week or early next week, I will be sending out a volunteer request for parents to come into the classroom to help with a mini ranger convention we are going to have in class.
Math: This week in math we reviewed time, money, frames and arrows. Measuring and temperature was introduced to the kiddos.
Writing: We are writing three to four days a week. We continue to work on extending our stories and adding adjectives to our nouns, using upper case letters when appropriate and using punctuation. New this week was beginning our Daily Oral Language. Each morning the children work on writing and oral language skills.
Reading: Currently there are 5 different reading groups in the class. Each group is working on areas that pertain to their current ability. We are also working our our Cafe Menu. We have added some more strategies. Under comprehension, we added Back Up a Re-read. We added a new item on our menu. Fluency, "I can read smoothly and with understanding. The strategy that we have discussed for fluency is the importance of re-reading text more that one time. We have added "reading with voice" or intonation. Fluency helps us read more accurately and allows us to comprehend what we are reading.
Homefun:
Web Ranger and Reading 10 to 15 minutes each day.
I hope you all have a relaxing three day weekend.
See you on Tuesday.
Becky
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Janurary 9, 2010
It was great to see all the kiddos last week and be in school again. Although I enjoyed my winter break, I was eager to see all the children again. As you know, we started our all school storyline.
National Park Ranger Connie came to our school on Monday and presented us with a challenge. She was sad to share with us that kids are not visiting National Parks anymore. Instead they are going to places likes Disney World and Six Flags. She asked each class to create a replica of National Park. Each teacher drew a park name out of a hat. We picked Biscayne National Park. She also asked us to host a National Park Open House Event to include tours, to encourage families of Bend to visit a National Park.
We eagerly took on the challenge and began by learning about Biscayne National Park. We have been watching videos and looking at slide shows. The students realized they have a lot to learn about Biscayne National Park but are eager to learn and share about this beautiful park. I’m so glad they are up to the challenge.
Reading:
In reading, along with teaching phonics and phonemic awareness, I am integrating a new program into my curriculum. It focuses on four areas of reading.
1. Comprehension - I understand what I read
2. Accuracy - I can read the words
3. Fluency -I can read accurately, with expression, and understand what I read.
4. Expanding Vocabulary - I know, find and use interesting words.
For each heading, I am introducing different strategies the children can use to help them in their work in each area. As the year progress, I will be introducing more and more strategies. Last week we covered:
Comprehension
- Check for understanding: Stop every few pages and talk about what you have read. If you can't retell the story or are not sure what is going on, go back and reread the passage
- Cross-Checking: If you come to a word that is difficult, ask yourself three questions
- Do the pictures and/or words look right?
- Does the word sound right?
- Does the word make sense?
- Go back and check the word or ask for help. Re-read the sentence
- Tune in to interesting words and use new vocabulary in speaking and writing.
Math:
We are staring a new math unit. Last week I sent home an information packet explaining our next chapter. Please read it, as it explains what we are doing!
Writing: We continue to write 3 to 4 times per week. We are working on sentence fluency, spelling and using descriptive language.
P.E. and Music: We will have P.E. next week.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I love talking about your children!
Best to you all,
Becky
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