Writer's Workshop

This past week the students completed their reports on a friend in their class. Friday was spent reading the reports to their partner. We learned many interesting facts about each other! This week we will begin functional writing. There are many kinds of functional writing, from street signs to application forms to invitations. Primary grade students are most familiar with writing directions. They may write directions for games or craft projects. They also may give directions to the reader on how to make or do something. The students must provide a list of materials needed; present the steps in a logical order; and include all necessary steps and details. They may also add illustrations or diagrams that will make their instructions easier to follow. We will begin this week demonstrating how we write steps to make a yummy snack that we will follow, make and enjoy on Friday!

Watching the Inauguration of Our New President!

Presidential Inauguration

It's hard to not get caught up in the buzz and excitement of the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama. Your child may want to watch some of the Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future, a concert on the Disney channel tonight at 8:00pm. Miley Cirus and the Jonas Brothers will be performing. Until tonight, they may want to learn a few inauguration facts or download some coloring sheets.

Book Fair!

Remember...our class will be going to the Scholastic Book Fair on Wednesday, January 21st. Put your child's money in an envelope or baggie and send it with them on Wednesday. Most books cost four or five dollars.

Poetry Week

This week we are reading and discussing poetry during Reader's Workshop. Today we heard three poems by Langston Hughes.
Tomorrow we will be listening to and reading some poetry by Jack Prelutsky. Ride a Purple Pelican, is a book of poems by this poet. This book has been one of my favorites ever since someone gave it to my son when he was in first grade! Our former students have always enjoyed reading these rambunctious, tongue-twisting rhymes. Click on the link above to visit Mr. Prelutsky's website. The students also will be illustrating poems, reading them with partners to practice fluency and browsing baskets of poetry and rhyming books. The next time you visit the public library encourage them to check out the poetry section....We're sure they will find something they like.

Math Investigations

In Math Investigations we are currently working on a book titled Quilt Squares and Block Towns. The students are observing, describing, comparing, classifying, representing and building with 2-D and 3-D shapes. They also are developing vocabulary for naming and describing these shapes. The slideshow below shows the students working through a few of the activities in this book. One activity has them matching Geoblocks to 2-D pictures on paper. In another activity they are building a wall of a constant height and width, while using a variety of blocks. They also work with a partner in another activity to find a particular Geoblock that is in a bag (no peeking!). They must think about the characteristics of the block and feeling the length of the sides and the number of vertices.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Flag Salute

You guys did an awesome job Friday at our Spirit Day Flag Salute!

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone had a fantastic holiday break.  We can't wait to see you!  Our January newsletter will go home tomorrow.  Make sure to note the important dates for this month. Also watch for information coming home regarding changes to Destination Success.  We invite you to join us in the courtyard this Friday at 8:35 for Spirit Day.  The first grade classes will be reading some poems and singing some songs to bring in the new year.  We hope to see you there!