As of Monday, we are officially into our 20-minute Daily 5 rotations. I'm so proud of how well they practice the correct expectations and how hard they are working. I’m impressed how much stamina they have built since the first couple weeks of school. They have to do Work on Writing and Read to Self every day. Listen to Reading, Buddy Reading and Work Word are the free choices.
In science, we’re learning all about making observations and the scientific method. The students discovered that all of our five senses play a role in observing the world around us. Everyone, including me, is getting use to the new math curriculum. They are doing a fantastic job with the using a 10 frame, adding in any order and counting back to subtract strategies. Manners was our shared reading theme this week. We created an anchor chart as a class about how we can show good manners at school. Everyone had wonderful ideas and suggestions. See if your child can retell one of the books we read: My Mouth is a Volcano, Manners at School or Do Unto Otters. Please join me for Open House next Thursday, October 6 from 6-7 pm. You can sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences, shop at the Book Fair, pick up fundraiser items, see your child’s work, including a book he/she wrote, and take a tour of our classroom and the special classes. I hope to see everyone there! Book Fair: September 30-October 7 Helper/snack list: Mon- Blake Tues- Sofie Wed- Aryah Thu- Makenzie Fri- Ava
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We had another great week. The students finished their apple observations. The project was a big hit. On Tuesday, they got to taste a red, green and yellow apple, then we charted our favorites on a smart board graph. Everyone loved the applesauce making process, and most everyone liked it :) They are making a recipe book today for it. See how much your child can tell you about Johnny Appleseed. We learned lots of facts, as well as some tall tales!
All of our Daily 5 rotations are officially launched. We are all excited to be fully into our rotations sometime next week. I'm so proud of how well they practice the correct expectations and how hard they are working. Friendly reminder about the Double Mint Club. We are working on doubles in math. The 3 sheets I sent home last Friday are just for practice. Next Friday September 30, we are taking a 2 minute timed doubles test. Those who pass get to have their name on our Double Mint Club chart and receive a pack of gum. We also have been practicing in our class, but if you would like extra sheets, please let me know. Thank you! Picture Day: September 27 Helper/snack list: Mon- Brylee Tues- Slayden Wed- Clover Thu- Tori Fri- Eli I forgot to mention last week what an amazing day the students had on Thursday when I was out for first grade collaboration. I wrote, "Mrs. Waddell will be proud of me" on the board and had the sub put positive things the class did as a whole or an individual on Post-it notes. It was a wonderful start to my day on Friday when I walked in and saw my Post-it filled board. I was so proud how well behaved and respectful they were, although I didn't expect any less :)
We launched Word Work and Listen to Reading this week—the last of our Daily 5! The students have been doing awesome practicing the expected behaviors and building their stamina. It's amazing how much everyone has improved on writing small moment stories. We started discussing how we make our writing come to life by unfreezing people (making them move or talk), telling stories in small steps and making readers feel what we write by using lots of emotion and detail. Have your child tell you one of the stories he/she wrote this week! They are loving the science apple unit. We are working on making observations. I peeled an apple for each table on Monday, and each day they record how the apple looks and how much it weighs. We learned that an observation is not an opinion, even though most of us would agree that the apples are starting to look "ugly" and "hideous." :) Picture Day: September 27 Open House: Thursday, October 6, 6-7 This is an informal, come and go event. I'd love to see everyone there! I will have student work displayed, and I know the kids would enjoy showing you around the room. There will be a Parent Teacher Conference day/time signup sheet as well. Fall Party: Friday, October 14, 11:45-12:30 This is a half day, so after the party the kids are free to leave if you plan to come. There will be Halloween/fall games and cookie decorating. We ask that you please bring $1 by Tuesday, October 11. More info and reminders to come! Helper/snack list: Mon- Gabby Tues- Anthony Wed- Logan Thu- Sofie (birthday) Fri- Thomas (birthday) It's hard to believe we've been in school more than 4 weeks already! We are still working on Read to Someone for Daily 5 and have learned so much. On Wednesday, the students practiced "Coaching or Time?" If the partner who is reading gets stuck on a word, the other partner counts to 3 in his/her head, then asks, "Would you like coaching or time?" If the partner wants coaching, they figure out a strategy (stretch the word, reread, etc.) to figure out the word. If the partner wants time, the coach gives him/her more time to figure it out. They did a great job executing!
We started discussing working with a partner to write a small moment story. The students practiced telling a story to a friend, answering the partner's questions about the story, then retelling the story using more details. They learned that having classmates listen and help with their writing makes them better writers and storytellers. Our community helper visitors were a huge success. The kids loved listening to Nurse Chelsea and Mr. Smith. They were respectful and had great questions. It was so beneficial for them to hear firsthand what a community helper career is like. Helper/snack list: Mon- Blake Tues- Jayce Wed- Aryah Thu- Makenzie Fri- Ava Another week for the books! I'm sure you weren't surprised when I told you we won the lunch challenge for the second time and earned extra recess today. Also, teachers are always commenting how straight and quiet our line is in the hall. It's quite impressive!
We launched Read to Someone on Monday, and the students are loving it. They enjoy reading with a buddy. We've been going over the expected behaviors during this time—EEKK (elbow, elbow, knee, knee), start right away, read the entire time, etc. They are practicing the three ways to read to a buddy as well. Ask your child which way is his/her favorite! We are getting deeper into Small Moment Stories. So far, the students have wrote four of their own and get better each time. See if your child can tell you what small moment stories are and how I related them to a watermelon! The students should be excited to hear that we have two special guests coming next Thursday to speak about their jobs as Community Helpers. We've been discussing and learning about those who do work for our community, so I'm looking forward to the students hearing about it first hand. The new math curriculum has been tough, mainly because it's a change, but everyone is starting to get familiar with it and do a great job. I'm so proud! Upcoming Events: Skating Party: September 8, 6–8 pm at Springfield Skateland $5 per person ($1 comes back to Willard East) and $3 dinner special Fundraiser packets are due Tuesday, September 6. Spanish club starts next Wednesday. You must be registered to attend. Tuesday and Thursday Running Club with Coach F. starts next week. Helper/snack list: Mon- No school Tues- Anthony Wed- Eli Thu- Morna Fri- Ally Have a wonderful 4-day weekend! |
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