Weekly newsletters will be posted online. Newsletters include important upcoming events and reminders. They review skills covered and list next week's skills. They offer questions to ask your child and details about our classroom. Please try to access our newsletter and read about our week regularly. Thank you!
Dear Parents,
This week we took both STAR assessments. (math and reading) Full diagnostic reports will come home in your child's progress report when we return from winter break. However, I am sending a test record showing your child's progress from the beginning of the year. We have so much to celebrate! As a class, we have shown 8 months of growth since the beginning of August in both reading and math and our class reading average is 2.3 in reading and 2.2 in math! I would like to encourage you to promote reading at home to help continue to increase these results. We work really hard in class and student's grow simply by attending school regularly, participating in small groups, and being attentive when the teacher is talking. However, students who are reading at home and demonstrate self-motivation show more progress and greater amounts of growth. Congratulate your child on their growth and encourage them to reach a new goal. What level do they hope to be reading at by spring? What books are they interested in reading and how can we help them get there?
We had a fun time walking to the high school Thursday morning and enjoying a story, game, and treats. Ask your child about our experience. Permission slips for our next trip to the MUSE are due Monday, December 18th.
Upcoming events:
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm *guests encouraged!
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
January 4th- 1st day back in 2018 for students
January 8th- One Book Blitz *Look for more information coming soon!
January 15th- NO school
January 17th- field trip to the MUSE *additional permission slips available under Documents tab
This week’s skills: Review and practice
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: measurement- time to the hour and half hour
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next week's skills: Common assessments- celebrating our learning!
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: no school
Thursday: no school
Friday: no school
This week we took both STAR assessments. (math and reading) Full diagnostic reports will come home in your child's progress report when we return from winter break. However, I am sending a test record showing your child's progress from the beginning of the year. We have so much to celebrate! As a class, we have shown 8 months of growth since the beginning of August in both reading and math and our class reading average is 2.3 in reading and 2.2 in math! I would like to encourage you to promote reading at home to help continue to increase these results. We work really hard in class and student's grow simply by attending school regularly, participating in small groups, and being attentive when the teacher is talking. However, students who are reading at home and demonstrate self-motivation show more progress and greater amounts of growth. Congratulate your child on their growth and encourage them to reach a new goal. What level do they hope to be reading at by spring? What books are they interested in reading and how can we help them get there?
We had a fun time walking to the high school Thursday morning and enjoying a story, game, and treats. Ask your child about our experience. Permission slips for our next trip to the MUSE are due Monday, December 18th.
Upcoming events:
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm *guests encouraged!
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
January 4th- 1st day back in 2018 for students
January 8th- One Book Blitz *Look for more information coming soon!
January 15th- NO school
January 17th- field trip to the MUSE *additional permission slips available under Documents tab
This week’s skills: Review and practice
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: measurement- time to the hour and half hour
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next week's skills: Common assessments- celebrating our learning!
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: no school
Thursday: no school
Friday: no school
Dear Parents,
We have several important items coming home in your child's folder. Please look for these items, review and sign, and return to school ASAP. We are excited about several things coming up on our calendar. Please read the upcoming events sections for new additions! Each child must have a returned permission slip to attend these events.
This week, we took the CASE 21 test in both math and ELA. I will communicate those results when we receive them. Since this is a new test, I am not sure how they will correlate with what we see in the classroom, but I will try to relate this data to what we gather in our assessments. We will take both STAR assessments next week as well. These results will be added to your child's 2nd 9 week's Progress Report and sent home to you on January 5th in your child's Smokie folder. We will also be taking several common assessments to evaluate what your child has retained from the past 9 weeks. I am proud of our growth as a class and look forward to seeing the product. To celebrate how much we have grown and learned so far this year, we will have a Polar Express Pajama party! We will enjoy the movie while sipping sweet hot cocoa. Your kids deserve a reward for their hard work!
We have a lot of coughs and sniffles and a few absent friends right now. Please see the friendly reminder below about tissues and appropriate attire during this cold season.
Upcoming events:
December 11-18th- Christmas Around the World
We have several important items coming home in your child's folder. Please look for these items, review and sign, and return to school ASAP. We are excited about several things coming up on our calendar. Please read the upcoming events sections for new additions! Each child must have a returned permission slip to attend these events.
This week, we took the CASE 21 test in both math and ELA. I will communicate those results when we receive them. Since this is a new test, I am not sure how they will correlate with what we see in the classroom, but I will try to relate this data to what we gather in our assessments. We will take both STAR assessments next week as well. These results will be added to your child's 2nd 9 week's Progress Report and sent home to you on January 5th in your child's Smokie folder. We will also be taking several common assessments to evaluate what your child has retained from the past 9 weeks. I am proud of our growth as a class and look forward to seeing the product. To celebrate how much we have grown and learned so far this year, we will have a Polar Express Pajama party! We will enjoy the movie while sipping sweet hot cocoa. Your kids deserve a reward for their hard work!
We have a lot of coughs and sniffles and a few absent friends right now. Please see the friendly reminder below about tissues and appropriate attire during this cold season.
Upcoming events:
December 11-18th- Christmas Around the World
December 12th- STAR reading testing
December 14th- Walking field trip to MHS for story time with Senior leadership*permission slip in folders
December 14th- STAR math testing
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
January 8th- One Book Blitz *Look for more information coming soon!
January 15th- NO school
January 17th- field trip to the MUSE *permission slip in folders and available under Documents tab
This week’s skills: The Big Race
Phonics: long a (-ake)
Skill: soft c and g (i, e, and y soft as pie)
Grammar: past and present verbs
Math: geometry, fractions
Writing: opinion writing, winter
Next week's skills: Review and practice
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: measurement- time to the hour and half hour
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
December 14th- Walking field trip to MHS for story time with Senior leadership*permission slip in folders
December 14th- STAR math testing
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
January 8th- One Book Blitz *Look for more information coming soon!
January 15th- NO school
January 17th- field trip to the MUSE *permission slip in folders and available under Documents tab
This week’s skills: The Big Race
Phonics: long a (-ake)
Skill: soft c and g (i, e, and y soft as pie)
Grammar: past and present verbs
Math: geometry, fractions
Writing: opinion writing, winter
Next week's skills: Review and practice
Phonics: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Skill: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Grammar: review and test 2nd nine weeks
Math: measurement- time to the hour and half hour
Writing: Christmas Around the World, elf journals
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Dear Parents,
*Please see the note below concerning my absence November 29-December 1st.*
In math, we have been working with 2D and 3D shapes. You can help your child review by watching these videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPZegz690Mg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beTDz9HSNOM
We will work with fractions next week and complete our geometry Unit with an assessment to "show what we know".
Just a Reminder- There is a school-wide policy prohibiting sweet treats for birthday celebrations. We would still LOVE to celebrate your child and will take a few minutes to have some fun for their birthday. You are welcome to bring "treat bag" items to share with the class. (play doh, silly putty, bouncy balls, etc)
Upcoming events:
December 11-18th- Christmas Around the World
December 12th- STAR reading testing
December 14th- STAR math testing
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: Seasons
Phonics: digraph -ph, -wh, -sh
Skill: contractions 's n't
Grammar: subject verb agreement
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: elf writng
Next week's skills: The Big Race
Phonics: long a (-ake)
Skill: soft c and g (i, e, and y soft as pie)
Grammar: past and present verbs
Math: geometry, fractions
Writing: opinion writing, winter
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
*Please see the note below concerning my absence November 29-December 1st.*
In math, we have been working with 2D and 3D shapes. You can help your child review by watching these videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPZegz690Mg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beTDz9HSNOM
We will work with fractions next week and complete our geometry Unit with an assessment to "show what we know".
Just a Reminder- There is a school-wide policy prohibiting sweet treats for birthday celebrations. We would still LOVE to celebrate your child and will take a few minutes to have some fun for their birthday. You are welcome to bring "treat bag" items to share with the class. (play doh, silly putty, bouncy balls, etc)
Upcoming events:
December 11-18th- Christmas Around the World
December 12th- STAR reading testing
December 14th- STAR math testing
December 19th- Polar Express Reader's Theater 2:10pm
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: Seasons
Phonics: digraph -ph, -wh, -sh
Skill: contractions 's n't
Grammar: subject verb agreement
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: elf writng
Next week's skills: The Big Race
Phonics: long a (-ake)
Skill: soft c and g (i, e, and y soft as pie)
Grammar: past and present verbs
Math: geometry, fractions
Writing: opinion writing, winter
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
I will be absent the rest of the week to attend this math conference in Chicago. I am hopeful it will have a direct positive impact on our classroom. I hope to gain new strategies for teaching math and creative ways to excite my learners! I am thankful for the resources our Maryville City Schools offer our teachers and am grateful to be part of this experience. Two 1st grade teachers will represent SHE and hopefully bring back new insight and encouragement for others in the building. I should have email access if you need to reach me. I will also have limited access to Remind and Seesaw communication.
I will be absent the rest of the week to attend this math conference in Chicago. I am hopeful it will have a direct positive impact on our classroom. I hope to gain new strategies for teaching math and creative ways to excite my learners! I am thankful for the resources our Maryville City Schools offer our teachers and am grateful to be part of this experience. Two 1st grade teachers will represent SHE and hopefully bring back new insight and encouragement for others in the building. I should have email access if you need to reach me. I will also have limited access to Remind and Seesaw communication.
Dear Parents,
We are preparing for a geometry lesson on solid figures and are asking for your help. We would like these items by Monday, November 20th. It would be great if you could choose one item from this list. Thanks for your help to make this a fun math activity!
Cheese cubes Rice Krispy Treats (pre-packaged)
Bugles chips Hershey Kisses
Cheese balls ice cream sugar cones (not cake)
Jolly Rangers Kix Cereal
Oreos Mike & Ike candy
Hot Tamales candy baby carrots
You are also invited to a short Reader's Theater performance in our classroom. We are learning the ABC's of Thanksgiving with historical facts and holiday traditions. Check your child's folder for your invitation.
Upcoming events:
November 21st- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater 2:15pm
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph -ch, -tch
Skill: homophones
Grammar: commands and possessives
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next week's skills: Review and Practice
Skill: fluency
Grammar: sentence structure
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
We are preparing for a geometry lesson on solid figures and are asking for your help. We would like these items by Monday, November 20th. It would be great if you could choose one item from this list. Thanks for your help to make this a fun math activity!
Cheese cubes Rice Krispy Treats (pre-packaged)
Bugles chips Hershey Kisses
Cheese balls ice cream sugar cones (not cake)
Jolly Rangers Kix Cereal
Oreos Mike & Ike candy
Hot Tamales candy baby carrots
You are also invited to a short Reader's Theater performance in our classroom. We are learning the ABC's of Thanksgiving with historical facts and holiday traditions. Check your child's folder for your invitation.
Upcoming events:
November 21st- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater 2:15pm
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph -ch, -tch
Skill: homophones
Grammar: commands and possessives
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next week's skills: Review and Practice
Skill: fluency
Grammar: sentence structure
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
11-10-17
Class wants:
flour
salt
If you are able to contribute any of these items, please send them by Tuesday, November 15th.
Thank you to Alison and Elizabeth for sending supplies for this week's projects. We had so much fun making slime and jellyfish in a bottle. It was fun to explore the ocean in a different way! We also did research on different sea creatures. Ask your child about the books we read. Can they tell you facts about manatees, whales or kelp? What is their favorite sea animal? Can they tell you about coral reefs? We learned several under the sea facts this week!
We will have two at home projects coming soon: Look for more information about our Thankful plates and our 1st grade Snow Village. We hope you enjoy talking with your child and creating something fun during these projects!
Upcoming events:
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Skill: ending -ed and the 3 sounds it makes, endings -ing, -es, and -s
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: subtraction, using addition, Unit 3 test
Writing: opinion writing, ocean animal research
Next week's skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph -ch, -tch
Skill: homophones
Grammar: commands and possessives
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Class wants:
flour
salt
If you are able to contribute any of these items, please send them by Tuesday, November 15th.
Thank you to Alison and Elizabeth for sending supplies for this week's projects. We had so much fun making slime and jellyfish in a bottle. It was fun to explore the ocean in a different way! We also did research on different sea creatures. Ask your child about the books we read. Can they tell you facts about manatees, whales or kelp? What is their favorite sea animal? Can they tell you about coral reefs? We learned several under the sea facts this week!
We will have two at home projects coming soon: Look for more information about our Thankful plates and our 1st grade Snow Village. We hope you enjoy talking with your child and creating something fun during these projects!
Upcoming events:
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Skill: ending -ed and the 3 sounds it makes, endings -ing, -es, and -s
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: subtraction, using addition, Unit 3 test
Writing: opinion writing, ocean animal research
Next week's skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph -ch, -tch
Skill: homophones
Grammar: commands and possessives
Math: geometry, shapes
Writing: opinion writing, Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
11-3-17
Class wants:
empty water bottles! Please send in any CLEAR empty plastic bottles with labels removed.
Elmer's clear liquid glue!
liquid starch
If you are able to contribute any of these items, please send them by Tuesday, November 7th.
We are going to have some STEM fun next week in our classroom. We have some slimy exploration of the ocean planned, but we could use your help. If you can send in some extra items listed above, we would greatly appreciate it. We will dive into ocean animals and more 1st grade skills! We will add 8 high frequency words to our board next week and the concept of digraphs (two letters making one new sound)
Upcoming events:
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: ending blends (ex: first, bent, pump)
Skill: synonyms
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: subtraction, missing parts
Writing: opinion writing, Halloween
Next week's skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Skill: ending -ed and the 3 sounds it makes, endings -ing, -es, and -s
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: subtraction, using addition, Unit 3 test
Writing: opinion writing, ocean animal research
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: ARt
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Class wants:
empty water bottles! Please send in any CLEAR empty plastic bottles with labels removed.
Elmer's clear liquid glue!
liquid starch
If you are able to contribute any of these items, please send them by Tuesday, November 7th.
We are going to have some STEM fun next week in our classroom. We have some slimy exploration of the ocean planned, but we could use your help. If you can send in some extra items listed above, we would greatly appreciate it. We will dive into ocean animals and more 1st grade skills! We will add 8 high frequency words to our board next week and the concept of digraphs (two letters making one new sound)
Upcoming events:
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: ending blends (ex: first, bent, pump)
Skill: synonyms
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: subtraction, missing parts
Writing: opinion writing, Halloween
Next week's skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Skill: ending -ed and the 3 sounds it makes, endings -ing, -es, and -s
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: subtraction, using addition, Unit 3 test
Writing: opinion writing, ocean animal research
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: ARt
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
10-27-17
Whew- I'm ready for a weekend! So much to do when we return from a break, getting back into the swing of things with a full week, introducing several new skills, the craziness of Dr. Seuss, and oh the things kids say! My job is hilarious! Your children bring me so much joy, teach me so much, and inspire me to be so much more! Thank you for sharing them with me!
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party * Thanks to Cade's mom for coordinating this event and all who are contributing! All are welcome to join us for the fun at 2:00pm
November 1st- NO school for students
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: Dr Seuss
Phonics: s blends
Skill: opposites
Grammar: plural nouns
Math: doubles and near doubles
Writing: opinion writing
Next week's skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: ending blends (ex: first, bent, pump)
Skill: synonyms
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: subtraction, missing parts
Writing: opinion writing, Halloween
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Technology and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Whew- I'm ready for a weekend! So much to do when we return from a break, getting back into the swing of things with a full week, introducing several new skills, the craziness of Dr. Seuss, and oh the things kids say! My job is hilarious! Your children bring me so much joy, teach me so much, and inspire me to be so much more! Thank you for sharing them with me!
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party * Thanks to Cade's mom for coordinating this event and all who are contributing! All are welcome to join us for the fun at 2:00pm
November 1st- NO school for students
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: Dr Seuss
Phonics: s blends
Skill: opposites
Grammar: plural nouns
Math: doubles and near doubles
Writing: opinion writing
Next week's skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: ending blends (ex: first, bent, pump)
Skill: synonyms
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: subtraction, missing parts
Writing: opinion writing, Halloween
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Technology and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
10-20-17
Welcome back! Man did I miss these kiddos! It has been so nice to see their sweet faces, hear their stories from the break, and watch them dive back into learning! This is when 1st grade really seems to take off. We introduce a lot of skills in 1st grade and work on applying them all year long. We will continue to review phonics skills, but we will be introducing several new concepts each week. This week, we continued working with blends. Before the break we talked about r blends. This week, we read l blends. Next week we will work with s blends (sw, st, sk, sp, etc). After that, we will see vowel and consonant pairs making one sound! The more your child reads the better they will become. Practice together. Enjoy a book while sharing the reading. Here's some more helpful tips for parents: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-parents-can-do-reading-tips-kids
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party *information to come
November 1st- NO school for students
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: A Musical Day
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements and questions
Math: using subtraction, fact families
Writing: using emotion in writing
Next week's skills: Dr Seuss
Phonics: s blends
Skill: opposites
Grammar: plural nouns
Math: doubles and near doubles
Writing: opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Technology and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Welcome back! Man did I miss these kiddos! It has been so nice to see their sweet faces, hear their stories from the break, and watch them dive back into learning! This is when 1st grade really seems to take off. We introduce a lot of skills in 1st grade and work on applying them all year long. We will continue to review phonics skills, but we will be introducing several new concepts each week. This week, we continued working with blends. Before the break we talked about r blends. This week, we read l blends. Next week we will work with s blends (sw, st, sk, sp, etc). After that, we will see vowel and consonant pairs making one sound! The more your child reads the better they will become. Practice together. Enjoy a book while sharing the reading. Here's some more helpful tips for parents: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-parents-can-do-reading-tips-kids
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party *information to come
November 1st- NO school for students
November 22nd- NO school for students
November 23-24th Thanksgiving break
December 20th- NO school for students
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
This week’s skills: A Musical Day
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements and questions
Math: using subtraction, fact families
Writing: using emotion in writing
Next week's skills: Dr Seuss
Phonics: s blends
Skill: opposites
Grammar: plural nouns
Math: doubles and near doubles
Writing: opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Technology and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
9-29-17
I have enjoyed several conferences over the past weeks. Thank you to all the families who took time to meet with me. Your support and commitment to your student is so appreciated and beneficial. Following fall break, you will receive your child's first 9 weeks progress report. After reviewing these items, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns. As a whole, I am pleased with the growth we have already shown as a class. I look forward to seeing the progress we will make over the year.
Next week, we will take several common assessments. We will retake the STAR tests and take a math and language arts semester test. These are not tests to try to study for. These assessments help us better understand what your child remembers from our instruction and is able to apply. We will use these results to help us prepare for areas to reteach.
When we return from break, we will continue working with blends. We will work with l and s blends before moving in to digraphs (th, ch, wh, sh) You may be surprised how much we learn and grow between now and Christmas! Reading with your child will make a HUGE difference. Check out our Blount County library calendar and enjoy a trip over the break!
http://www.blountlibrary.org/198/Children
Upcoming events:
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: using subtraction, balancing equations- Unit 2 test
STEM: Animal senses and sounds
Writing: Animal research
Next week's skills: Common Assessments
Phonics: review short vowels, beginning and ending sounds, r blends
Grammar: sentence structure
Math: addition and subtraction practice
Writing: fall writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
I have enjoyed several conferences over the past weeks. Thank you to all the families who took time to meet with me. Your support and commitment to your student is so appreciated and beneficial. Following fall break, you will receive your child's first 9 weeks progress report. After reviewing these items, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns. As a whole, I am pleased with the growth we have already shown as a class. I look forward to seeing the progress we will make over the year.
Next week, we will take several common assessments. We will retake the STAR tests and take a math and language arts semester test. These are not tests to try to study for. These assessments help us better understand what your child remembers from our instruction and is able to apply. We will use these results to help us prepare for areas to reteach.
When we return from break, we will continue working with blends. We will work with l and s blends before moving in to digraphs (th, ch, wh, sh) You may be surprised how much we learn and grow between now and Christmas! Reading with your child will make a HUGE difference. Check out our Blount County library calendar and enjoy a trip over the break!
http://www.blountlibrary.org/198/Children
Upcoming events:
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: using subtraction, balancing equations- Unit 2 test
STEM: Animal senses and sounds
Writing: Animal research
Next week's skills: Common Assessments
Phonics: review short vowels, beginning and ending sounds, r blends
Grammar: sentence structure
Math: addition and subtraction practice
Writing: fall writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
9-22-17
Can your child tell you about Cherokee legends? This week we read several Native American legends. Six were Cherokee stories. We learned something from each of the characters. In some stories, we learned what not to do. In other stories, we were reminded how to treat others. Check your child's Seesaw for details from our legend studies.
I can't believe we only have 8 days of school until fall break! How can the 9 weeks already be ending? During these next few days, we will retake the STAR assessments to hopefully get a better picture of where we are and what gains we have already made. We will take several common assessments and unit tests too. You will receive this information in your child's 1st 9 weeks Progress Report the Friday following fall break. (Oct. 20) It is very important for your child to attend school each day. However, I understand appointments need to be made and attended. If it is possible to schedule appointments for after 11:15, it would be greatly appreciated. The bulk of our instruction occurs before lunch with editing and journals in the afternoon. I appreciate your attempt to accommodate our schedule. Thank you!
Upcoming events:
September 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: writing complete sentences
Math: commutative addition, using subtraction to add
STEM: Cherokee Legends- Dream Catcher
Writing: 6 traits of Writing- legends, dream catcher stories
Next week's skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: using subtraction, balancing equations- Unit 2 test
STEM: Animal senses and sounds
Writing: 6 traits of Writing- organization (beginning middle end) transitional words
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STem
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Can your child tell you about Cherokee legends? This week we read several Native American legends. Six were Cherokee stories. We learned something from each of the characters. In some stories, we learned what not to do. In other stories, we were reminded how to treat others. Check your child's Seesaw for details from our legend studies.
I can't believe we only have 8 days of school until fall break! How can the 9 weeks already be ending? During these next few days, we will retake the STAR assessments to hopefully get a better picture of where we are and what gains we have already made. We will take several common assessments and unit tests too. You will receive this information in your child's 1st 9 weeks Progress Report the Friday following fall break. (Oct. 20) It is very important for your child to attend school each day. However, I understand appointments need to be made and attended. If it is possible to schedule appointments for after 11:15, it would be greatly appreciated. The bulk of our instruction occurs before lunch with editing and journals in the afternoon. I appreciate your attempt to accommodate our schedule. Thank you!
Upcoming events:
September 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: writing complete sentences
Math: commutative addition, using subtraction to add
STEM: Cherokee Legends- Dream Catcher
Writing: 6 traits of Writing- legends, dream catcher stories
Next week's skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: using subtraction, balancing equations- Unit 2 test
STEM: Animal senses and sounds
Writing: 6 traits of Writing- organization (beginning middle end) transitional words
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STem
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
9-15-17
We now have 30 words added to our word wall. With the 10 Kindergarten words, color words, our names,and numbers words, we have 103 words!! Please help your child review these sight words to strengthen their reading word bank. We have now reviewed each short vowel sound and will begin introducing blends and digraphs to our reading knowledge. We will continue to primarily work with short vowels added new skills for 4 more weeks. After fall break, we will work with long vowels and vowel pairs. I can't wait to see how much we grow this year!
This week, we have fixed baby bear's chair, helped goats cross a bridge safely, and rescued the princess from her pillow tower! What a fun week of STEM challenges connected to our fantasy ELA standards. Check out your child's seesaw to see their STEM designs.
Next week, we will study several Cherokee legends. TN SS standard- 1.7 Interpret legends, stories, and songs that contribute to the development of cultures in Tennessee, including Cherokee, Chickasaw, Shawnee, and Creek tribes. If you have Native American heritage and would be willing to share information, stories, or artifacts from your family's history, please contact me. We would love to incorporate that into our learning.
Hope to see you at the carnival!!
Upcoming events:
September 15th- Fall Carnival 5-8pm
September 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u- word families un, ud, ut, ug
Grammar: adjectives, color and number
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; word problems
STEM: fairy tale challenges
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; sentence fluency- fairy tales
Next week's skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: writing complete sentences
Math: commutative addition, using subtraction to add
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: 6 traits of Writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
We now have 30 words added to our word wall. With the 10 Kindergarten words, color words, our names,and numbers words, we have 103 words!! Please help your child review these sight words to strengthen their reading word bank. We have now reviewed each short vowel sound and will begin introducing blends and digraphs to our reading knowledge. We will continue to primarily work with short vowels added new skills for 4 more weeks. After fall break, we will work with long vowels and vowel pairs. I can't wait to see how much we grow this year!
This week, we have fixed baby bear's chair, helped goats cross a bridge safely, and rescued the princess from her pillow tower! What a fun week of STEM challenges connected to our fantasy ELA standards. Check out your child's seesaw to see their STEM designs.
Next week, we will study several Cherokee legends. TN SS standard- 1.7 Interpret legends, stories, and songs that contribute to the development of cultures in Tennessee, including Cherokee, Chickasaw, Shawnee, and Creek tribes. If you have Native American heritage and would be willing to share information, stories, or artifacts from your family's history, please contact me. We would love to incorporate that into our learning.
Hope to see you at the carnival!!
Upcoming events:
September 15th- Fall Carnival 5-8pm
September 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u- word families un, ud, ut, ug
Grammar: adjectives, color and number
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; word problems
STEM: fairy tale challenges
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; sentence fluency- fairy tales
Next week's skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: writing complete sentences
Math: commutative addition, using subtraction to add
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: 6 traits of Writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
9-8-17
Check out our blog! This week we had special guests come to our classroom. We had guests talk about nursing, construction, dental health, and being an equine vet! How exciting to meet REAL community helpers. Next week, the fire department will visit our class to talk about safety. I'm sure your kiddo will want to check your smoke detectors! (get those batteries ready!) We are continuing to work on short vowel sounds and blending CVC words. We are introducing 6 new high frequency words each week. 1st grade covers alot of material and soon we will be working with blends, digraphs, and long vowel sounds. We will also have 8 new sights words each week. Please take the time to review our weekly skills with your child. As their word bank grows so will their reading fluency. As their fluency develops so will their comprehension. I am amazed at how much 1st graders learn and grow! What an exciting job I have with a front row seat to their incredible brains!
We need VOLUNTEERS! Our PTO fall carnival is September 15th from 5-8:00pm. Our class is in charge of the prize room. We need 12 volunteers to cover our shifts. 2 volunteers at a time will work 30 minutes shifts. A signup sheet is outside our door. You can also email me, or comment on our Seesaw post. You will meet in the Art Room, collect tickets, and help kids make decisions about prize selections! Our carnival is ALWAYS a fun event!
Upcoming events:
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival *buy tickets in advance to save money!
September 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Lucia's Neighborhood
Phonics: short e- word families en, ed, et, eg
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
STEM: special guests from our community!
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; word choice, strong verbs
Next week's skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u- word families un, ud, ut, ug
Grammar: adjectives, color and number
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; word problems
STEM: fairy tale challenges
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; sentence fluency
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library (book fair preview!)
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Check out our blog! This week we had special guests come to our classroom. We had guests talk about nursing, construction, dental health, and being an equine vet! How exciting to meet REAL community helpers. Next week, the fire department will visit our class to talk about safety. I'm sure your kiddo will want to check your smoke detectors! (get those batteries ready!) We are continuing to work on short vowel sounds and blending CVC words. We are introducing 6 new high frequency words each week. 1st grade covers alot of material and soon we will be working with blends, digraphs, and long vowel sounds. We will also have 8 new sights words each week. Please take the time to review our weekly skills with your child. As their word bank grows so will their reading fluency. As their fluency develops so will their comprehension. I am amazed at how much 1st graders learn and grow! What an exciting job I have with a front row seat to their incredible brains!
We need VOLUNTEERS! Our PTO fall carnival is September 15th from 5-8:00pm. Our class is in charge of the prize room. We need 12 volunteers to cover our shifts. 2 volunteers at a time will work 30 minutes shifts. A signup sheet is outside our door. You can also email me, or comment on our Seesaw post. You will meet in the Art Room, collect tickets, and help kids make decisions about prize selections! Our carnival is ALWAYS a fun event!
Upcoming events:
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival *buy tickets in advance to save money!
September 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29- conferences
October 5th- E/I days No school unless participating in enrichment camp
October 9th-16th- Fall Break
October 17th- BACK to School
October 19th- PTO meeting 6-7pm
This week’s skills: Lucia's Neighborhood
Phonics: short e- word families en, ed, et, eg
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
STEM: special guests from our community!
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; word choice, strong verbs
Next week's skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u- word families un, ud, ut, ug
Grammar: adjectives, color and number
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; word problems
STEM: fairy tale challenges
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; sentence fluency
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library (book fair preview!)
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
Please follow this link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4baeaf2da2f85-parent1 if you would like to sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference. If one of these times does not work for you, please contact me for additional options.
Please follow this link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4baeaf2da2f85-parent1 if you would like to sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference. If one of these times does not work for you, please contact me for additional options.
9-1-17
Who can help Jeff the janitor with his small spills? This week, we designed mini-mops using the best materials after conducting absorbency tests. Was your child successful?
We read several Curious George books making connections in reading, STEM, and writing. Talk to your child about books you read. see if they can tell you about VOICE. This week, we talked about an author's tone. Some books are serious, others are funny or scary. What kind of story does your child like to write?
We also introduced padlet to our class this week. Padlet is a great resource where I can add videos connected to our skills. Students can watch videos to review phonics and social science skills. With the short week for labor day, you may want your child to have more exposure to our weekly skills. You can have your child access https://padlet.com/Dulin/neighborhood to find resources!
We need VOLUNTEERS! Our PTO fall carnival is September 15th from 5-8:00pm. Our class is in charge of the prize room. We need 12 volunteers to cover our shifts. 2 volunteers at a time will work 30 minutes shifts. A signup sheet is outside our door. You can also email me, or comment on our Seesaw post. You will meet in the Art Room, collect tickets, and help kids make decisions about prize selections! Our carnival is ALWAYS a fun event!
Upcoming events:
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: Curious George Goes to School
Phonics: short o- word families op, og families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers to 20, subitizing, Unit test
STEM: design a mini-mop for small spills
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; voice, establishing tone
Next week's skills: Lucia's Neighborhood
Phonics: short e- word families en, ed, et, eg
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
STEM: special guests from our community!
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; word choice, strong verbs
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Who can help Jeff the janitor with his small spills? This week, we designed mini-mops using the best materials after conducting absorbency tests. Was your child successful?
We read several Curious George books making connections in reading, STEM, and writing. Talk to your child about books you read. see if they can tell you about VOICE. This week, we talked about an author's tone. Some books are serious, others are funny or scary. What kind of story does your child like to write?
We also introduced padlet to our class this week. Padlet is a great resource where I can add videos connected to our skills. Students can watch videos to review phonics and social science skills. With the short week for labor day, you may want your child to have more exposure to our weekly skills. You can have your child access https://padlet.com/Dulin/neighborhood to find resources!
We need VOLUNTEERS! Our PTO fall carnival is September 15th from 5-8:00pm. Our class is in charge of the prize room. We need 12 volunteers to cover our shifts. 2 volunteers at a time will work 30 minutes shifts. A signup sheet is outside our door. You can also email me, or comment on our Seesaw post. You will meet in the Art Room, collect tickets, and help kids make decisions about prize selections! Our carnival is ALWAYS a fun event!
Upcoming events:
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: Curious George Goes to School
Phonics: short o- word families op, og families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers to 20, subitizing, Unit test
STEM: design a mini-mop for small spills
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; voice, establishing tone
Next week's skills: Lucia's Neighborhood
Phonics: short e- word families en, ed, et, eg
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers; ways to make 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
STEM: special guests from our community!
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; word choice, strong verbs
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
8-25-17
Parents,
I know the short week made homework more difficult. I want to remind you of my philosophy about homework... It helps but it should not be a stress. I understand extra curricular activities, and I want your child involved in more than school work. I hope you can find a way to help your child pace themselves and not become overwhelmed on the last night. The spelling sentences and reviewing phonetic and high frequency words are the most important! The other items are more about the conversations and students understanding concepts. These are difficult to grasp with one or two introductions, homework allows them repeated exposure. Talk through the passages and questions with your child. Make a note on the paper letting us know you discussed it with your child; did they understand?/was it too difficult? If you can not complete a task, simply ask us to send it home for additional time. Your child is busy during school and learning many of these concepts. Your support at home simply helps this growth. Thank you!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
Upcoming events:
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run *Hope to see you at MHS
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay)
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: The Storm
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessive nouns 's
Math: showing numbers in tally marks or tens frames
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; organizing writing, creating a LEAD
Next week's skills: Curious George Goes to School
Phonics: short o- word families op, og families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers to 20, subitizing, Unit test
STEM: design a mini-mop for small spills
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; voice, establishing tone
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
I know the short week made homework more difficult. I want to remind you of my philosophy about homework... It helps but it should not be a stress. I understand extra curricular activities, and I want your child involved in more than school work. I hope you can find a way to help your child pace themselves and not become overwhelmed on the last night. The spelling sentences and reviewing phonetic and high frequency words are the most important! The other items are more about the conversations and students understanding concepts. These are difficult to grasp with one or two introductions, homework allows them repeated exposure. Talk through the passages and questions with your child. Make a note on the paper letting us know you discussed it with your child; did they understand?/was it too difficult? If you can not complete a task, simply ask us to send it home for additional time. Your child is busy during school and learning many of these concepts. Your support at home simply helps this growth. Thank you!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
Upcoming events:
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run *Hope to see you at MHS
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay)
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: The Storm
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessive nouns 's
Math: showing numbers in tally marks or tens frames
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; organizing writing, creating a LEAD
Next week's skills: Curious George Goes to School
Phonics: short o- word families op, og families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers to 20, subitizing, Unit test
STEM: design a mini-mop for small spills
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; voice, establishing tone
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
8-18-17
Parents,
In your child's folder, you will find half sheets of paper with an incorrect sentence. This is Daily Editing; a time in our day following lunch where we talk about grammar and writing. Each day, we work as a class to find and edit the mistakes. We talk about each change, I mark the sentence on the board as your child marks their paper. They then have to rewrite the sentence making the corrections we have talked about. I mark mistakes on the child's paper if they forgot to add them to the rewrite, and they have the opportunity to correct the mistake. Please review these papers with your child. If your child is consistently making mistakes, talk to them about slowing down, double checking their work, and making the corrections we have discussed. This is also an opportunity for us to work on handwriting. Multiple students are asked to "raise their stars" for following directions and doing their best work on this task. This task will help your student in their personal writings as well. The goal is to apply these skills to work in other areas. Encourage your child to always do their best!
Upcoming events:
August 21- NO school (Solar Eclipse)
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay) *information in your child's folder
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: What is a Pal?
Phonics: short a word families an, ad, ap
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition, number words
STEM: Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend- design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: 6 traits of Writing, Ideas and details, Finding a topic
Next week's skills: The Storm
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessive nouns 's
Math: showing numbers in tally marks or tens frames
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; organizing writing, creating a LEAD
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Parents,
In your child's folder, you will find half sheets of paper with an incorrect sentence. This is Daily Editing; a time in our day following lunch where we talk about grammar and writing. Each day, we work as a class to find and edit the mistakes. We talk about each change, I mark the sentence on the board as your child marks their paper. They then have to rewrite the sentence making the corrections we have talked about. I mark mistakes on the child's paper if they forgot to add them to the rewrite, and they have the opportunity to correct the mistake. Please review these papers with your child. If your child is consistently making mistakes, talk to them about slowing down, double checking their work, and making the corrections we have discussed. This is also an opportunity for us to work on handwriting. Multiple students are asked to "raise their stars" for following directions and doing their best work on this task. This task will help your student in their personal writings as well. The goal is to apply these skills to work in other areas. Encourage your child to always do their best!
Upcoming events:
August 21- NO school (Solar Eclipse)
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay) *information in your child's folder
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: What is a Pal?
Phonics: short a word families an, ad, ap
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition, number words
STEM: Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend- design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: 6 traits of Writing, Ideas and details, Finding a topic
Next week's skills: The Storm
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessive nouns 's
Math: showing numbers in tally marks or tens frames
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: 6 traits of Writing; organizing writing, creating a LEAD
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
8-11-17
Parents,
We have taken several assessments this week and reviewed skills from Kindergarten. Next week, we will begin building on those skills. Your child will have homework come home on Monday. PLEASE remember, the conversations are MORE important than the writing. You may write their answers on the comprehension papers if this task is too difficult for them. Discuss the passages and questions, get them thinking! These literacy skills are difficult and take time and practice to develop. Thank you for your support at home!
We will have our first spelling test on Friday. Help your child practice the words. Help them look for patterns, isolate sounds, and use neat handwriting. We will ask your child to use LOWERCASE letters on spelling tests.
We have started using our iPads more each day and you will notice several GREAT pieces of student work on their Seesaw account. Please praise your child for their efforts and add comments and "likes". You can use voice comments too! This week, we used Prodigy, Spark Video, Doodle Buddy, and Notability. I love the productivity apps we use for them to share their learning!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Upcoming events:
August 21- NO school (Solar Eclipse)
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay)
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: K review
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: Cherokee culture and Sam Houston culture
Writing: handwriting, about me narratives
Next week's skills: What is a Pal?
Phonics: short a word families an, ad, ap 1st spelling test on Friday!
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend- design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: 6 traits of Writing, Ideas and details, Finding a topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
We have taken several assessments this week and reviewed skills from Kindergarten. Next week, we will begin building on those skills. Your child will have homework come home on Monday. PLEASE remember, the conversations are MORE important than the writing. You may write their answers on the comprehension papers if this task is too difficult for them. Discuss the passages and questions, get them thinking! These literacy skills are difficult and take time and practice to develop. Thank you for your support at home!
We will have our first spelling test on Friday. Help your child practice the words. Help them look for patterns, isolate sounds, and use neat handwriting. We will ask your child to use LOWERCASE letters on spelling tests.
We have started using our iPads more each day and you will notice several GREAT pieces of student work on their Seesaw account. Please praise your child for their efforts and add comments and "likes". You can use voice comments too! This week, we used Prodigy, Spark Video, Doodle Buddy, and Notability. I love the productivity apps we use for them to share their learning!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Upcoming events:
August 21- NO school (Solar Eclipse)
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits (prepay)
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: K review
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: Cherokee culture and Sam Houston culture
Writing: handwriting, about me narratives
Next week's skills: What is a Pal?
Phonics: short a word families an, ad, ap 1st spelling test on Friday!
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend- design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: 6 traits of Writing, Ideas and details, Finding a topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
8-4-17
Welcome to 1st grade! It has been so much fun getting to know your child. I hope you have heard lots of stories about our day, checked the blog for pictures, and found announcements on Seesaw. Please be sure to check your child's Smokie folder for pieces of their work, paperwork, and other communication. Red Smokie folders need to be returned on Monday.
Thanks to all the parents commenting on Seesaw. It will be fun for students to see posts and read comments. Please feel free to comment on our class blog too. I hope to have students checking the site for updates as well.
Upcoming events:
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: Welcome to 1st grade
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: spaghetti towers, hoop gliders, and penny boats
Writing: handwriting, class rules, names
Next week's skills: K review
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: Cherokee culture and Sam Houston culture
Writing: handwriting, about me narratives
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Welcome to 1st grade! It has been so much fun getting to know your child. I hope you have heard lots of stories about our day, checked the blog for pictures, and found announcements on Seesaw. Please be sure to check your child's Smokie folder for pieces of their work, paperwork, and other communication. Red Smokie folders need to be returned on Monday.
Thanks to all the parents commenting on Seesaw. It will be fun for students to see posts and read comments. Please feel free to comment on our class blog too. I hope to have students checking the site for updates as well.
Upcoming events:
August 26th- Rebel Ready block party and Rebel Run
August 30th- Fall portraits
September 4th- No school
September 15th- Fall Carnival
This week’s skills: Welcome to 1st grade
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: spaghetti towers, hoop gliders, and penny boats
Writing: handwriting, class rules, names
Next week's skills: K review
Phonics: letter sound review
Grammar: capitals in names
Math: counting, graphing, writing numbers
STEM: Cherokee culture and Sam Houston culture
Writing: handwriting, about me narratives
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
5-12-17
Parents- We are excited about planning another Reader's Theater treat for you during our class awards. It's hard to believe we are coming to the end of the school year, but they have grown so much and are getting excited to tackle 2nd grade. How lucky their 2nd grade teachers are! As we look forward to 2nd grade, our Kindergarten friends are preparing to come to first. At this point, we are PROS at 1st grade, so we are going to give them some advice! Next week, we will begin writing letters to our K friends telling them all about 1st grade. We will read these to various K classes and give them the opportunity to ask us questions about what to expect.
This week, we read multiple Fly Guy books, created our own story with this hilarious character, and designed our own insect. It is so much fun learning beyond our curriculum. We also have book clubs going on with some enjoying The Magic Finger, Stanley in Space, and The Chocolate Touch. I hope your child has developed a LOVE for books and continues to read for fun throughout the summer. I encourage you to also participate in the Summer Reading Rally.
Mark your calendars for May 25th at 12:00pm. We will have our class award ceremony and ALL students will be recognized! This event will probably take about an hour. This will also be students last day of school. You are welcome to check your child out early following our class awards if desired. All folders, reports, and projects will be completed by this time. We will enjoy our school-wide awards ceremony in the morning followed by our grade-level Luau celebration at 9:30am.
Under the Documents tab, you will find a letter from our 2nd grade teachers with suggestions for summer.
Upcoming events:
Adventure Week- Down by the Sea
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at playground pavilion) * sign-ups available via email link
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in our classroom)
This week’s skills: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: reading, sorting, comparing 3 digit numbers
STEM: insect designs
Writing: narrative
Next week's skills: Winners Never Quit
Phonics: syllables CV words, prefixes re-, un-
Grammar: adjectives
Math: reading, sorting, comparing, writing 3 digit numbers
STEM: Down by the Sea
Writing: Dear Kindergartners
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: No specials
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents- We are excited about planning another Reader's Theater treat for you during our class awards. It's hard to believe we are coming to the end of the school year, but they have grown so much and are getting excited to tackle 2nd grade. How lucky their 2nd grade teachers are! As we look forward to 2nd grade, our Kindergarten friends are preparing to come to first. At this point, we are PROS at 1st grade, so we are going to give them some advice! Next week, we will begin writing letters to our K friends telling them all about 1st grade. We will read these to various K classes and give them the opportunity to ask us questions about what to expect.
This week, we read multiple Fly Guy books, created our own story with this hilarious character, and designed our own insect. It is so much fun learning beyond our curriculum. We also have book clubs going on with some enjoying The Magic Finger, Stanley in Space, and The Chocolate Touch. I hope your child has developed a LOVE for books and continues to read for fun throughout the summer. I encourage you to also participate in the Summer Reading Rally.
Mark your calendars for May 25th at 12:00pm. We will have our class award ceremony and ALL students will be recognized! This event will probably take about an hour. This will also be students last day of school. You are welcome to check your child out early following our class awards if desired. All folders, reports, and projects will be completed by this time. We will enjoy our school-wide awards ceremony in the morning followed by our grade-level Luau celebration at 9:30am.
Under the Documents tab, you will find a letter from our 2nd grade teachers with suggestions for summer.
Upcoming events:
Adventure Week- Down by the Sea
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at playground pavilion) * sign-ups available via email link
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in our classroom)
This week’s skills: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: reading, sorting, comparing 3 digit numbers
STEM: insect designs
Writing: narrative
Next week's skills: Winners Never Quit
Phonics: syllables CV words, prefixes re-, un-
Grammar: adjectives
Math: reading, sorting, comparing, writing 3 digit numbers
STEM: Down by the Sea
Writing: Dear Kindergartners
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: No specials
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
5-4-17
Parents- The governor of the state of Tennessee, Governor Haslam, is coming to our school! How exciting! Governor Haslam and his wife have chosen Sam Houston for their next Capital to Classroom visit! They will be attending an assembly where 1st graders will sing 2 of our Tennessee songs from our program. He will speak to our student body and tour the school. He will also visit with stakeholders from our community. We will be wearing our TN shirts for his arrival! What an exciting opportunity for our students.
We have two more weeks of new curriculum/skills to cover which means 2 weeks of Homefun and spelling tests. I can't believe the end of the year will be here in just 3 weeks. We will have Adventure Week guests and activities May 17th-25th. We have many exciting things planned. During our last weeks, we will also take Common Assessments and prepare our final progress Reports. Please continue to make your best efforts to get your child to school each day.
Next week, May 9th, will be our last Library visit. Please see the Seesaw post regarding our Little Free Library. Your child will "hike" to the outdoor classroom after viewing the Book Fair. May 16th, will be the last day to turn in library books as Mrs. Thomas will begin conducting inventory in our library before summer. May 12th, will be our last visit to STEM with Mr. Kirkland as he will begin collecting our iPads and doing technology inventory.
Mark your calendars for May 25th at 12:00pm. We will have our class award ceremony and ALL students will be recognized! This event will probably take about an hour. This will also be students last day of school. You are welcome to check your child out early following our class awards if desired. All folders, reports, and projects will be completed by this time. We will enjoy our school-wide awards ceremony in the morning followed by our grade-level Luau celebration at 9:30am.
Under the Documents tab, you will find a letter from our 2nd grade teachers with suggestions for summer.
Upcoming events:
May 11th- Garden Event 5-6pm
Adventure Week- Down by the Sea
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at playground pavilion) *look for email with sign-ups available on May 10th
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in our classroom)
This week’s skills: The Kite
Phonics:long i, igh, ie, one syllable words with y
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: subtraction, adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a kite!
Writing: narrative
Next week's skills: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: reading, sorting, comparing 3 digit numbers
STEM: insect designs
Writing: narrative
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library *see Seesaw for details!
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and GYm
Friday: STEM
Parents- The governor of the state of Tennessee, Governor Haslam, is coming to our school! How exciting! Governor Haslam and his wife have chosen Sam Houston for their next Capital to Classroom visit! They will be attending an assembly where 1st graders will sing 2 of our Tennessee songs from our program. He will speak to our student body and tour the school. He will also visit with stakeholders from our community. We will be wearing our TN shirts for his arrival! What an exciting opportunity for our students.
We have two more weeks of new curriculum/skills to cover which means 2 weeks of Homefun and spelling tests. I can't believe the end of the year will be here in just 3 weeks. We will have Adventure Week guests and activities May 17th-25th. We have many exciting things planned. During our last weeks, we will also take Common Assessments and prepare our final progress Reports. Please continue to make your best efforts to get your child to school each day.
Next week, May 9th, will be our last Library visit. Please see the Seesaw post regarding our Little Free Library. Your child will "hike" to the outdoor classroom after viewing the Book Fair. May 16th, will be the last day to turn in library books as Mrs. Thomas will begin conducting inventory in our library before summer. May 12th, will be our last visit to STEM with Mr. Kirkland as he will begin collecting our iPads and doing technology inventory.
Mark your calendars for May 25th at 12:00pm. We will have our class award ceremony and ALL students will be recognized! This event will probably take about an hour. This will also be students last day of school. You are welcome to check your child out early following our class awards if desired. All folders, reports, and projects will be completed by this time. We will enjoy our school-wide awards ceremony in the morning followed by our grade-level Luau celebration at 9:30am.
Under the Documents tab, you will find a letter from our 2nd grade teachers with suggestions for summer.
Upcoming events:
May 11th- Garden Event 5-6pm
Adventure Week- Down by the Sea
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at playground pavilion) *look for email with sign-ups available on May 10th
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in our classroom)
This week’s skills: The Kite
Phonics:long i, igh, ie, one syllable words with y
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: subtraction, adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a kite!
Writing: narrative
Next week's skills: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: reading, sorting, comparing 3 digit numbers
STEM: insect designs
Writing: narrative
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library *see Seesaw for details!
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and GYm
Friday: STEM
4-28-17
Parents- Your child took both the STAR reading and STAR math tests this year. You will find a slip of paper noting their growth on both tests and a full sheet detailing their results. You will also find a slip of paper showing their past 3 weeks of AR tests. In 2nd grade, many teachers set point goals for their students. Students are required to complete a certain number of point within a month. I want your child prepared and successful in 2nd grade. If they are not able to read independently and take tests, now is the time to practice! Please encourage your child to read at home and take AR tests and stay on task during AR workstations.
It was so much fun seeing your child's presentation of their talent. We have some very gifted friends. I loved the variety of activities they presented. We are good at many things! Ask your child about their friends' talents!
Upcoming events:
May 11th- Garden Event 5-6pm
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at pavilion)
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in classroom)
This week’s skills: What can You Do?
Phonics: word endings -er, -est (change y to i)
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: Talent Show!
Writing: narrative about Key to Success (personal goals)
Next week's skills: The Kite
Phonics:long i, igh, ie, one syllable words with y
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: subtraction, adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a kite!
Writing: narrative
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents- Your child took both the STAR reading and STAR math tests this year. You will find a slip of paper noting their growth on both tests and a full sheet detailing their results. You will also find a slip of paper showing their past 3 weeks of AR tests. In 2nd grade, many teachers set point goals for their students. Students are required to complete a certain number of point within a month. I want your child prepared and successful in 2nd grade. If they are not able to read independently and take tests, now is the time to practice! Please encourage your child to read at home and take AR tests and stay on task during AR workstations.
It was so much fun seeing your child's presentation of their talent. We have some very gifted friends. I loved the variety of activities they presented. We are good at many things! Ask your child about their friends' talents!
Upcoming events:
May 11th- Garden Event 5-6pm
May 25th- Luau 9:30am (at pavilion)
May 25th- Class Awards 12:00pm (in classroom)
This week’s skills: What can You Do?
Phonics: word endings -er, -est (change y to i)
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: Talent Show!
Writing: narrative about Key to Success (personal goals)
Next week's skills: The Kite
Phonics:long i, igh, ie, one syllable words with y
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: subtraction, adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a kite!
Writing: narrative
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents- this week we took both STAR math and reading assessments. These tests are not read aloud and are adaptive based on your child's responses. Questions increase and decrease in difficulty depending on student responses. As a system, we use these assessments to measure student growth, comparing the beginning of the year to the spring. I have ordered copies of diagnostic reports and hope to have them sent home on Friday. You will see small slips of paper in their folders showing their growth from the first test taken in August.
4-21-17
Parents- Please read the note enclosed in your child's Friday folder and HomeFun. We are having a "Talent show" next week and would like your child to present to our class.
On Monday, your child should wear their red Smokie shirt and bring a sack lunch with disposable items only. (no sodas please)
We will take both STAR tests next week for our final growth measure. Please help your child get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive on time Tuesday and Wednesday. These scores will be used to evaluate me, guide placement decisions for next year, and make instructional decisions. Encourage them to do their best! Let's give them every opportunity to SHOW what they KNOW!
On Friday, we will have Strut prize day, Blast Blevins, and Field day events. We will enjoy a picnic lunch if the weather is nice. (The cafe will provide sack lunches for those who choose to purchase.) We will eat lunch at 11:30am if anyone would like to join us. We will probably go to the pavilion below the 1st grade playground. Our field day events will start at 12:40pm on the back playground on the baseball field. You are welcome to come cheer and take pictures. It is usually a fun event with silly races and games! If the weather is sunny, you may want to apply sunblock to your child or send some in their backpack. We will be outside multiple times and field day will be in the afternoon sun. You may also send a hat for your child to wear outside. Please make sure they are wearing running shoes and appropriate clothing for outdoor games.
Upcoming events:
April 24th- field trip! * bring sack lunch and wear your red Smokie t-shirt
April 25th STAR reading
April 26th- STAR math
April 27th- Officer Carroll visit
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day *see note above
This week’s skills: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed -ing; long e- y and ie
Grammar: exclamations
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: creating a 120 dot picture
Writing: narrative about art or creativity
Next week's skills: What can You Do?
Phonics: word endings -er, -est (change y to i)
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: Talent Show!
Writing: narrative about Key to Success (personal goals)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Field Trip- NO specials
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Field day- NO specials
Parents- Please read the note enclosed in your child's Friday folder and HomeFun. We are having a "Talent show" next week and would like your child to present to our class.
On Monday, your child should wear their red Smokie shirt and bring a sack lunch with disposable items only. (no sodas please)
We will take both STAR tests next week for our final growth measure. Please help your child get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive on time Tuesday and Wednesday. These scores will be used to evaluate me, guide placement decisions for next year, and make instructional decisions. Encourage them to do their best! Let's give them every opportunity to SHOW what they KNOW!
On Friday, we will have Strut prize day, Blast Blevins, and Field day events. We will enjoy a picnic lunch if the weather is nice. (The cafe will provide sack lunches for those who choose to purchase.) We will eat lunch at 11:30am if anyone would like to join us. We will probably go to the pavilion below the 1st grade playground. Our field day events will start at 12:40pm on the back playground on the baseball field. You are welcome to come cheer and take pictures. It is usually a fun event with silly races and games! If the weather is sunny, you may want to apply sunblock to your child or send some in their backpack. We will be outside multiple times and field day will be in the afternoon sun. You may also send a hat for your child to wear outside. Please make sure they are wearing running shoes and appropriate clothing for outdoor games.
Upcoming events:
April 24th- field trip! * bring sack lunch and wear your red Smokie t-shirt
April 25th STAR reading
April 26th- STAR math
April 27th- Officer Carroll visit
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day *see note above
This week’s skills: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed -ing; long e- y and ie
Grammar: exclamations
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: creating a 120 dot picture
Writing: narrative about art or creativity
Next week's skills: What can You Do?
Phonics: word endings -er, -est (change y to i)
Grammar: types of sentences
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: Talent Show!
Writing: narrative about Key to Success (personal goals)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Field Trip- NO specials
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Field day- NO specials
4-13-17
Parents- Can you slow down time? I don't want this year to end! We only have 6 weeks left together! Thank you for sharing your child with me. I hope you can see how much they have grown this year. I am so proud of their progress.
This week in math we started adding two digit numbers. Next week, we will continue while adding regrouping and subtracting. The biggest thing your child needs to remember is starting with the ones place. Only single digits can go in each place. Next week we will see number over 9 in the ones place and use regrouping! They are get in the habit of starting in the tens place, they will miss several problems in the future. Please help remind them! We have a Cha Cha Cha song to help us remember. See if your kid can sing it for you!
Upcoming events:
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 17th- Permission slips DUE for IJAMS*
* additional copies can be found under the Documents tab
April 24th- field trip! * bring sack lunch
April 25th STAR reading
April 26th- STAR math
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day
This week’s skills: The New Friend
Phonics: ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions with not
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: research America, make iMovie trailer
Writing: meeting someone new, Our new Sam Houston Smokies!
Next week's skills: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed -ing; long e- y and ie
Grammar: exclamations
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: creating a 120 dot picture
Writing: narrative about art or creativity
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Computer lab and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents- Can you slow down time? I don't want this year to end! We only have 6 weeks left together! Thank you for sharing your child with me. I hope you can see how much they have grown this year. I am so proud of their progress.
This week in math we started adding two digit numbers. Next week, we will continue while adding regrouping and subtracting. The biggest thing your child needs to remember is starting with the ones place. Only single digits can go in each place. Next week we will see number over 9 in the ones place and use regrouping! They are get in the habit of starting in the tens place, they will miss several problems in the future. Please help remind them! We have a Cha Cha Cha song to help us remember. See if your kid can sing it for you!
Upcoming events:
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 17th- Permission slips DUE for IJAMS*
* additional copies can be found under the Documents tab
April 24th- field trip! * bring sack lunch
April 25th STAR reading
April 26th- STAR math
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day
This week’s skills: The New Friend
Phonics: ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions with not
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: research America, make iMovie trailer
Writing: meeting someone new, Our new Sam Houston Smokies!
Next week's skills: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed -ing; long e- y and ie
Grammar: exclamations
Math: adding two digit numbers- regrouping
STEM: creating a 120 dot picture
Writing: narrative about art or creativity
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Computer lab and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
4-7-17
Parents- I will be chaperoning a Maryville High School band event Friday, April 7th. My son is a senior in the band, and they have been invited to play at the TMEA conference at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. I am sad to miss the Strut as I know it is always a FUN time, but I have a sweet sub arranged and my awesome TA, Buffie! The kids will have a great day!
We will have our class picture taken on Monday, April 10th. Only pre-purchased pictures will be printed. Please return your order forms by Monday.
Next week, we have an early dismissal day on Thursday the 13th. Please let me know if there will be any changes to your child's regular dismissal plans. The next field trip permission slip is in your child's Friday folder. Please mark your calendars and return the slip and fee as soon as possible. We will be collecting permission slips and Smokie Strut fundraiser monies next week. Each day your child brings in donations, their name will be added to a drawing for a prize!
Check out your child's Seesaw for a video of their Koma Koma project planting seeds, gardening, harvesting, and baking apple pie. We used this fun STEM activity to review time and learn about the life of an apple tree!
Upcoming events:
April 10th- Class Picture Day
April 13th- early dismissal 11:30am
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip!
April 25th STAR reading
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day
This week’s skills: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: oo, ew, ou
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: time elapse
Writing: spring writing
Next week's skills: The New Friend
Phonics: ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions with not
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: research America, make iMovie trailer
Writing: meeting someone new, Our new Sam Houston Smokies!
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO specials
Friday: NO specials
Parents- I will be chaperoning a Maryville High School band event Friday, April 7th. My son is a senior in the band, and they have been invited to play at the TMEA conference at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. I am sad to miss the Strut as I know it is always a FUN time, but I have a sweet sub arranged and my awesome TA, Buffie! The kids will have a great day!
We will have our class picture taken on Monday, April 10th. Only pre-purchased pictures will be printed. Please return your order forms by Monday.
Next week, we have an early dismissal day on Thursday the 13th. Please let me know if there will be any changes to your child's regular dismissal plans. The next field trip permission slip is in your child's Friday folder. Please mark your calendars and return the slip and fee as soon as possible. We will be collecting permission slips and Smokie Strut fundraiser monies next week. Each day your child brings in donations, their name will be added to a drawing for a prize!
Check out your child's Seesaw for a video of their Koma Koma project planting seeds, gardening, harvesting, and baking apple pie. We used this fun STEM activity to review time and learn about the life of an apple tree!
Upcoming events:
April 10th- Class Picture Day
April 13th- early dismissal 11:30am
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip!
April 25th STAR reading
April 28th- STRUT prize day/ field day
This week’s skills: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: oo, ew, ou
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: time elapse
Writing: spring writing
Next week's skills: The New Friend
Phonics: ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions with not
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: research America, make iMovie trailer
Writing: meeting someone new, Our new Sam Houston Smokies!
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO specials
Friday: NO specials
3-31-17
Parents- I can't believe we have started our last 9 weeks together. The end of the year will be here before we know it! We have so many exciting events coming soon. Please make note of the dates below. We have had to change our class picture day multiple times. We have an upcoming early dismissal and another fun field trip planned. We will also have Spirit Week next week to celebrate and prepare for our Smokie Strut fundraiser.
Upcoming events:
April 3-7th- Spirit Week *check Seesaw for details
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 10th- Class Picture Day *Date changed!
April 13th- early dismissal 11:30am
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip! * permission slip coming home April 7th
April 25th STAR reading
This week’s skills: Whistle for Willie
Phonics: oo as in book, hood, shook
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition and subtraction strategies
STEM: design an outdoor space for Willie
Writing: pet journaling, informative writing
Next week's skills: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: oo, ew, ou
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: time elapse
Writing: spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: NO specials
Parents- I can't believe we have started our last 9 weeks together. The end of the year will be here before we know it! We have so many exciting events coming soon. Please make note of the dates below. We have had to change our class picture day multiple times. We have an upcoming early dismissal and another fun field trip planned. We will also have Spirit Week next week to celebrate and prepare for our Smokie Strut fundraiser.
Upcoming events:
April 3-7th- Spirit Week *check Seesaw for details
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 10th- Class Picture Day *Date changed!
April 13th- early dismissal 11:30am
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip! * permission slip coming home April 7th
April 25th STAR reading
This week’s skills: Whistle for Willie
Phonics: oo as in book, hood, shook
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition and subtraction strategies
STEM: design an outdoor space for Willie
Writing: pet journaling, informative writing
Next week's skills: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: oo, ew, ou
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: time elapse
Writing: spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: NO specials
3-10-17
Parents- We are so excited to share our Tennessee program with you on Monday. You will drop off your child at the room (in costume) at 5:45. You will collect your child from the classroom after the show as well. Our class stands in the middle of the stage so any seat should be a good view! All students have painted t-shirts with the TN flag. Students without character parts will wear their t-shirt. (we will have these at school on Monday morning, and they will wear them home) If your child has a "character" part in our upcoming program, they need to wear their costume on Monday morning for a dress rehearsal. Please let me know if you need help creating a costume. We have a few props we can help add accessories to your character or use items from previous shows. Also, please send a change of clothes for the rest of the day. They should wear their costume again on Monday night! I hope you plan to join us in the gym that evening.
Next week, we will complete common assessments for the past 9 weeks. If your child will be absent on the 13th or 14th, please let me know as soon as possible.
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm *arrive by 5:45
March 15-17th- NO snow make-up days- Enjoy!
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 11th- Class Picture Day *Date changed!
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip! * information coming after spring break
This week’s skills: All about Tennessee
Phonics: review and application
Grammar: review and application
Math: addition strategies review
STEM: Tennessee: America at it's BEST
Writing: Tennessee journaling
Next week's skills: Common Assessments
Phonics: end of 9 weeks testing
Grammar: end of 9 weeks testing
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: Mo Willems author study
Writing: spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: NO school
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
Parents- We are so excited to share our Tennessee program with you on Monday. You will drop off your child at the room (in costume) at 5:45. You will collect your child from the classroom after the show as well. Our class stands in the middle of the stage so any seat should be a good view! All students have painted t-shirts with the TN flag. Students without character parts will wear their t-shirt. (we will have these at school on Monday morning, and they will wear them home) If your child has a "character" part in our upcoming program, they need to wear their costume on Monday morning for a dress rehearsal. Please let me know if you need help creating a costume. We have a few props we can help add accessories to your character or use items from previous shows. Also, please send a change of clothes for the rest of the day. They should wear their costume again on Monday night! I hope you plan to join us in the gym that evening.
Next week, we will complete common assessments for the past 9 weeks. If your child will be absent on the 13th or 14th, please let me know as soon as possible.
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm *arrive by 5:45
March 15-17th- NO snow make-up days- Enjoy!
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 11th- Class Picture Day *Date changed!
April 14th- Good Friday holiday, NO school
April 24th- field trip! * information coming after spring break
This week’s skills: All about Tennessee
Phonics: review and application
Grammar: review and application
Math: addition strategies review
STEM: Tennessee: America at it's BEST
Writing: Tennessee journaling
Next week's skills: Common Assessments
Phonics: end of 9 weeks testing
Grammar: end of 9 weeks testing
Math: end of 9 weeks testing
STEM: Mo Willems author study
Writing: spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: NO school
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
3-3-17
Your child will have a book in next week's HomeFun. They need to read this book and complete the book report sheet in their folder. They can also take an AR test on this book. Please be sure to return the book in their Homework folder on Friday.
Due to the Tennessee unit of study and review of skills, we will NOT having spelling this week. Your child will complete an adjectives page with a family partner. They write the adjectives on one and tell the adjectives on the other. Have FUN!
If your child has a "character" part in our upcoming program, please let me know if you need help creating a costume. We have a few props we can help add accessories to your character or use items from previous shows. Please send a note or email me if you want assistance.
If your child has an additional speaking part, please help them practice their lines. We do not want them struggling to remember a line and dealing with stage fright. Learn them with confidence at home and they will be good on stage too!
Mark your calendars and plan to join us in the gym. You will drop off your child at the room (in costume) at 5:45. You will collect your child from the classroom after the show as well. Our class stands in the middle of the stage so any seat should be a good view!
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 10th- Class Picture Day
This week’s skills: 22 Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ir, er, ur)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: design an insect
Writing: Animal stories/ opinion writing
Next week's skills: All about Tennessee
Phonics: review and application *NO spelling
Grammar: review and application
Math: addition strategies review
STEM: Tennessee: America at it's BEST
Writing: Tennessee journaling
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Your child will have a book in next week's HomeFun. They need to read this book and complete the book report sheet in their folder. They can also take an AR test on this book. Please be sure to return the book in their Homework folder on Friday.
Due to the Tennessee unit of study and review of skills, we will NOT having spelling this week. Your child will complete an adjectives page with a family partner. They write the adjectives on one and tell the adjectives on the other. Have FUN!
If your child has a "character" part in our upcoming program, please let me know if you need help creating a costume. We have a few props we can help add accessories to your character or use items from previous shows. Please send a note or email me if you want assistance.
If your child has an additional speaking part, please help them practice their lines. We do not want them struggling to remember a line and dealing with stage fright. Learn them with confidence at home and they will be good on stage too!
Mark your calendars and plan to join us in the gym. You will drop off your child at the room (in costume) at 5:45. You will collect your child from the classroom after the show as well. Our class stands in the middle of the stage so any seat should be a good view!
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
April 10th- Class Picture Day
This week’s skills: 22 Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ir, er, ur)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: design an insect
Writing: Animal stories/ opinion writing
Next week's skills: All about Tennessee
Phonics: review and application *NO spelling
Grammar: review and application
Math: addition strategies review
STEM: Tennessee: America at it's BEST
Writing: Tennessee journaling
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
2-23-17
We will soon begin practicing for our 1st grade program. Our grade level splits into two groups. We will perform on Monday, March 13th with Mrs. Nelson's and Mrs. Burchfield's classes. Our show will start at 6:00 in the gym. Students will arrive at 5:45 in our classroom to prep and organize. We will practice songs and lines at school. We will also send home scripts for students to practice speaking parts at home. We would love for students to have parts memorized by March 8th or 9th. Please look in your child's HomeFun folder on Monday February 27th to see if they signed-up for a speaking part and begin having them read their part multiple times each day. Their lines will be highlighted and you can read the line before theirs as a prompt. I can't wait to see them on stage teaching you all about Tennessee!
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
*Please send in a white t-shirt by March 3rd. These will be painted and worn for our show!
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: 21 The Garden
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ar, or, ore)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: money, coins
STEM: President's day: biography of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
Writing: Frog and Toad Reader's Theater
Next week's skills: 22 Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ir, er, ur)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: design an insect
Writing: Animal stories/ opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
We will soon begin practicing for our 1st grade program. Our grade level splits into two groups. We will perform on Monday, March 13th with Mrs. Nelson's and Mrs. Burchfield's classes. Our show will start at 6:00 in the gym. Students will arrive at 5:45 in our classroom to prep and organize. We will practice songs and lines at school. We will also send home scripts for students to practice speaking parts at home. We would love for students to have parts memorized by March 8th or 9th. Please look in your child's HomeFun folder on Monday February 27th to see if they signed-up for a speaking part and begin having them read their part multiple times each day. Their lines will be highlighted and you can read the line before theirs as a prompt. I can't wait to see them on stage teaching you all about Tennessee!
Upcoming events:
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
*Please send in a white t-shirt by March 3rd. These will be painted and worn for our show!
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: 21 The Garden
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ar, or, ore)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: money, coins
STEM: President's day: biography of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
Writing: Frog and Toad Reader's Theater
Next week's skills: 22 Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ir, er, ur)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: design an insect
Writing: Animal stories/ opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
2-17-17
Parents- Due to the short week next week, we took our spelling pretest early and are sending home Homefun folders and Smokie folders today. If your child would like to start completing homework pages or practicing spelling words over the weekend or during our PD day, they will shorten their work load for next week. With the field trip and Monday PD, we will have a lot to cover in just 3 full academic days! This link will take you to a padlet wall with activities connected to next's week's skills. https://padlet.com/Dulin/Dulin-garden
They can watch videos and answer questions to help them gain understanding and practice skills. There are multiple videos about plants and even a clay animation video of our story of the week! Videos also include songs and short clips about our phonics skills. Remember, your child can use Spelling City to practice their weekly words as well.
Upcoming events:
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: 20 Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: compound words, short e (ea)
Grammar: prepositions
Math: money, coins
STEM: design a rollercoaster to carry Rabbit safely back to his burrow
Writing: cause and effect writing
Next week's skills: 21 The Garden
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ar, or, ore)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: money, coins
STEM: President's day: biography of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
Writing: Frog and Toad Reader's Theater
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No school
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: No specials
Parents- Due to the short week next week, we took our spelling pretest early and are sending home Homefun folders and Smokie folders today. If your child would like to start completing homework pages or practicing spelling words over the weekend or during our PD day, they will shorten their work load for next week. With the field trip and Monday PD, we will have a lot to cover in just 3 full academic days! This link will take you to a padlet wall with activities connected to next's week's skills. https://padlet.com/Dulin/Dulin-garden
They can watch videos and answer questions to help them gain understanding and practice skills. There are multiple videos about plants and even a clay animation video of our story of the week! Videos also include songs and short clips about our phonics skills. Remember, your child can use Spelling City to practice their weekly words as well.
Upcoming events:
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: 20 Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: compound words, short e (ea)
Grammar: prepositions
Math: money, coins
STEM: design a rollercoaster to carry Rabbit safely back to his burrow
Writing: cause and effect writing
Next week's skills: 21 The Garden
Phonics: r controlled vowels (ar, or, ore)
Grammar: pronouns
Math: money, coins
STEM: President's day: biography of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
Writing: Frog and Toad Reader's Theater
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No school
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: No specials
2-10-17
Parents- Thank you to those who donated tubes for our Robo-arm challenge. We had a great time trying to collect moon rocks! Was your child successful? Check out our blog for pictures and your child's Seesaw account for their research, sketch, and self assessment rubric.
Please note the important dates below. We have only had 4 permission slips returned. Your child will not be allowed to attend without a permission slip. We have been to the MUSE before and it has always been a great experience. I hope your child is able to join us!
Please check Seesaw to see other reminders, projects from your child's day, and to get an idea how you can support your child at home.
Upcoming events:
February 11th- 3:00 tip-off at Maryville College
February 13th- permission slips due, Valentine's due, Valentine boxes due
February 14th- Valentine exchange
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip *extra permission slips under Documents
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: endings -y, -ful
Math: measurement
STEM: design a robo arm to collect a moon rock
Writing: Planet research and informational writing
Next week's skills: 20 Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: compound words, short e (ea)
Grammar: prepositions
Math: money, coins
STEM: design a rollercoaster to carry Rabbit safely back to his burrow
Writing: Valentine's writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Parents- Thank you to those who donated tubes for our Robo-arm challenge. We had a great time trying to collect moon rocks! Was your child successful? Check out our blog for pictures and your child's Seesaw account for their research, sketch, and self assessment rubric.
Please note the important dates below. We have only had 4 permission slips returned. Your child will not be allowed to attend without a permission slip. We have been to the MUSE before and it has always been a great experience. I hope your child is able to join us!
Please check Seesaw to see other reminders, projects from your child's day, and to get an idea how you can support your child at home.
Upcoming events:
February 11th- 3:00 tip-off at Maryville College
February 13th- permission slips due, Valentine's due, Valentine boxes due
February 14th- Valentine exchange
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip *extra permission slips under Documents
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- possible snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: endings -y, -ful
Math: measurement
STEM: design a robo arm to collect a moon rock
Writing: Planet research and informational writing
Next week's skills: 20 Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: compound words, short e (ea)
Grammar: prepositions
Math: money, coins
STEM: design a rollercoaster to carry Rabbit safely back to his burrow
Writing: Valentine's writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
We have a STEM challenge next week that requires some additional supplies. We need:
paper towel rolls
toilet paper rolls
wrapping paper rolls
plastic spoons
plastic forks
flattened cardboard
Please bring donations by Tuesday, February 7th!
paper towel rolls
toilet paper rolls
wrapping paper rolls
plastic spoons
plastic forks
flattened cardboard
Please bring donations by Tuesday, February 7th!
Let's cheer on Coach Placeres and the Maryville Scots, February 11th at 3:00pm! Make plans to join me at Maryville College as we watch the men's basketball team play Ferrum. Let's see commitment and discipline in action!
Please tell the ticket agent you are in Mrs. Dulin's class for FREE admission. Thank you to Santina's dad!
Please tell the ticket agent you are in Mrs. Dulin's class for FREE admission. Thank you to Santina's dad!
2-4-17
Parents-
Please help your child decorate a box for our Valentine exchange! We want each child to have a way to collect their special cards and treats. You can see details below in the previous Valentine post. Be creative, have fun, just please keep it to a reasonable size! :)
Please remember with the crazy weather we have had, we will do our best to go outside for fresh air and space to run. If the temperature is above feels like 32 and it is not raining, we will go outside. If your child wears a jacket in the morning, they are asked to wear it outside. They can always take it off if they get hot. I would rather have children prepared for the chilly temperatures than shaking in the cold.
Also, please talk to your child about where and where NOT to put their fingers! We often ask students to go wash their hands when we find their fingers in face holes, but we can not prevent these things from happening. This spreads germs when fingers come out of holes and contributes to kids getting sick when going in holes! EW! We have tissues throughout our classroom and encourage students to use those at ANY time, followed by germ gel or proper hand washing. I do not want friends home sick, so please remind students why its best to stay OUT of face holes.
Parents-
Please help your child decorate a box for our Valentine exchange! We want each child to have a way to collect their special cards and treats. You can see details below in the previous Valentine post. Be creative, have fun, just please keep it to a reasonable size! :)
Please remember with the crazy weather we have had, we will do our best to go outside for fresh air and space to run. If the temperature is above feels like 32 and it is not raining, we will go outside. If your child wears a jacket in the morning, they are asked to wear it outside. They can always take it off if they get hot. I would rather have children prepared for the chilly temperatures than shaking in the cold.
Also, please talk to your child about where and where NOT to put their fingers! We often ask students to go wash their hands when we find their fingers in face holes, but we can not prevent these things from happening. This spreads germs when fingers come out of holes and contributes to kids getting sick when going in holes! EW! We have tissues throughout our classroom and encourage students to use those at ANY time, followed by germ gel or proper hand washing. I do not want friends home sick, so please remind students why its best to stay OUT of face holes.
http://www.visiontimes.com/2015/07/13/7-reasons-not-to-pick-your-nose-no-1-its-dangerous.html
We are sad to see Charlotte go but hope you enjoyed this experience with your student! We started the old cartoon version of the movie on Wednesday and will complete the video Friday. It is fun to see the book come to life, but we hope your child notices the details author's can create in your mind when they use descriptive language and we use our imagination!
Upcoming events:
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information below!
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip *permission slip in Friday folder
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o, oa and ow
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: telling time, hour, half hour, elasped time
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to E.B. White
Next week's skills: 16 Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: endings -y, -ful
Math: measurement
STEM: design a robo arm to collect a moon rock
Writing: Planet research and informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information below!
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
February 24th- MUSE field trip *permission slip in Friday folder
March 13th- 1st grade program 6:00 pm
March 15-17th- snow make-up days
March 20-24th- Spring Break
April 7th- Smokie Strut
This week’s skills: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o, oa and ow
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: telling time, hour, half hour, elasped time
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to E.B. White
Next week's skills: 16 Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: endings -y, -ful
Math: measurement
STEM: design a robo arm to collect a moon rock
Writing: Planet research and informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
We will exchange Valentines with our classmates on February 14th. Please send 22 Valentines on Monday, February 13th. Cards should be signed by your child but NOT addressed to individual students. (This makes the distribution process more enjoyable for us all!) You will NOT need a class list to make your Valentine's! Your child should also bring in a decorated box to collect their cards. This could be an empty cereal box, shoebox, or purchased box from the store. Thank you for your help in preparing your child for this fun time with friends!
1-26-17
Parents-
We are 100 days smarter and I am 100 days more in love with your kiddo! We had such a fun day celebrating 100 days of 1st grade. I hope your child has lots of stories to share from our stations, project displays, and funny photos. Check out your child's Seesaw account for more details and be sure to visit our classroom blog for pictures of our day!
Our students loved sharing their 100 day projects and talking about how they made them. Many of them described time with family as they counted, glued, and designed their projects. What fun! I hope you will enjoy decorating a Valentine box with your child next! Boxes are due February 14th!
In your child's folder, you will find a detailed list specific to YOUR child from their latest STAR testing. *Please note- one is for math and one is for reading* This list shows skills your child is ready to learn or should review and practice. Please take the time to review this skill list. I have placed a green star next to items I think would be best to focus on at this time. Some of these concepts can easily be incorporated into your reading time together. It will suggest questions to ask and give you ideas about what how your child should relate to the author or story. You may also want to find fun apps or games to practice some of the skills. I hope this Instructional report will help you!
We had several students not do well on this week's Comprehension test. Therefore, we went over this test in class finding answers in our story and talking about reasoning skills. Most of the questions missed were not forgotten details from the story but rather using the information from the story. Why would the author _____? What did the picture help you to know? Reasoning, applying information, and inferring are all difficult skills for 1st graders. Most of us can remember details, parts of a story, but using that information to determine purpose, make conclusions, or deduce information is tough. This is one of the skills our HomeFun practices in the comprehension pages. It takes time to develop and must be practiced. See if your child can remember why they missed a question. Can they remember where we found the correct information or why we inferred a different answer when reviewing the test?
Please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 19 Tomas Rivera and will return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from Tomas Rivera and the phonics skills of long o with oa and ow. (I apologize for my mistake in the news last week)
Upcoming events:
February 1st- Author Melissa Sweet visits
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information in your child's folder and details above!
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long a, ai and ay
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: telling time, digital and analog clocks
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Where Does Food Come From? connection: life cycles, farm food and produce
Writing: Letters to classmates
Next week's skills: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o, oa and ow
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: telling time, hour, half hour, elasped time
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to E.B. White
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: NO specials
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents-
We are 100 days smarter and I am 100 days more in love with your kiddo! We had such a fun day celebrating 100 days of 1st grade. I hope your child has lots of stories to share from our stations, project displays, and funny photos. Check out your child's Seesaw account for more details and be sure to visit our classroom blog for pictures of our day!
Our students loved sharing their 100 day projects and talking about how they made them. Many of them described time with family as they counted, glued, and designed their projects. What fun! I hope you will enjoy decorating a Valentine box with your child next! Boxes are due February 14th!
In your child's folder, you will find a detailed list specific to YOUR child from their latest STAR testing. *Please note- one is for math and one is for reading* This list shows skills your child is ready to learn or should review and practice. Please take the time to review this skill list. I have placed a green star next to items I think would be best to focus on at this time. Some of these concepts can easily be incorporated into your reading time together. It will suggest questions to ask and give you ideas about what how your child should relate to the author or story. You may also want to find fun apps or games to practice some of the skills. I hope this Instructional report will help you!
We had several students not do well on this week's Comprehension test. Therefore, we went over this test in class finding answers in our story and talking about reasoning skills. Most of the questions missed were not forgotten details from the story but rather using the information from the story. Why would the author _____? What did the picture help you to know? Reasoning, applying information, and inferring are all difficult skills for 1st graders. Most of us can remember details, parts of a story, but using that information to determine purpose, make conclusions, or deduce information is tough. This is one of the skills our HomeFun practices in the comprehension pages. It takes time to develop and must be practiced. See if your child can remember why they missed a question. Can they remember where we found the correct information or why we inferred a different answer when reviewing the test?
Please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 19 Tomas Rivera and will return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from Tomas Rivera and the phonics skills of long o with oa and ow. (I apologize for my mistake in the news last week)
Upcoming events:
February 1st- Author Melissa Sweet visits
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information in your child's folder and details above!
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long a, ai and ay
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: telling time, digital and analog clocks
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Where Does Food Come From? connection: life cycles, farm food and produce
Writing: Letters to classmates
Next week's skills: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o, oa and ow
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: telling time, hour, half hour, elasped time
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to E.B. White
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: NO specials
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
If you have enjoyed our Book Blitz experience and would like to support us in another literacy adventure, check out my project site at https://www.donorschoose.org/project/book-blitz/2426108/
You can help by donating even the smallest amount. I have selected two classic literature pieces to share with our class if funded.
You can help by donating even the smallest amount. I have selected two classic literature pieces to share with our class if funded.
Charlotte’s Web at the Movies
Foothills 12 Cinema
Saturday, January 28 and Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am
Full Length Version Showing of Charlotte's Web. Run Time is 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission: $1 First Come First Serve Refreshments offered for sale
Foothills 12 Cinema
Saturday, January 28 and Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am
Full Length Version Showing of Charlotte's Web. Run Time is 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission: $1 First Come First Serve Refreshments offered for sale
1-20-17
Parents- Please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 18 Where Does Food Come From and will return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from Where Does Food Come From and the phonics skills of long a with ai and ay.
Some of you may not know that our copies are not made on-site. Teachers must submit items to be copied to Central Office and wait for them to be distributed. Our testing materials for this Friday were requested digitally on Tuesday morning, but unfortunately have not made their way back to our classroom. They may arrive late, been delivered to the wrong school, or another teacher may have picked them up from our workroom by mistake. Therefore, we took our tests digitally today. I sent the test to your child's iPad and they opened them in an app called Notability. This is something we do often with other tasks and materials. They completed the test as usual with some portions read aloud and submitted them to Seesaw. I graded them on Seesaw but was not able to write on them. You will find their scores in the comment section. If you are not sure which questions they missed, comment back and I will clarify which numbers. My copies for the rest of the 9 weeks have returned from the copy shop, so next week's testing will be paper as in the past.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Wilbur and all the farm animals in Charlotte's Web. Remember, you can find additional copies of the reading calendar on our blog if needed. Please use this time to have conversations with your child about vocabulary, character emotions, and making predictions. Each morning, your child is reflecting on an element from the previous chapter. I am presenting them with a prompt and they are responding on Seesaw with a drawing and recording of their explanation. Have you learned more about your child and their thoughts on Charlotte's Web? This week, they wrote about the risk of friendship, busyness of life, and outdoor play.
Have you started working on your 100 day project? What ideas have you thought of? I hope this is a fun time with your child being creative together. Our 100th day of 1st grade is still scheduled for January 26th and the weather does not look like it will interfere at this point! We are almost 100 days smarter!
Upcoming events:
January 25th- 100 item projects DUE
January 26th- tentative 100th day of school
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information to come
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e, ee and ea
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: place value, ordering numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Big Trip connection: friendship
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next week's skills: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long a, aiand ay
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: telling time, digital and analog clocks
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Tech and Guidance
Parents- Please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 18 Where Does Food Come From and will return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from Where Does Food Come From and the phonics skills of long a with ai and ay.
Some of you may not know that our copies are not made on-site. Teachers must submit items to be copied to Central Office and wait for them to be distributed. Our testing materials for this Friday were requested digitally on Tuesday morning, but unfortunately have not made their way back to our classroom. They may arrive late, been delivered to the wrong school, or another teacher may have picked them up from our workroom by mistake. Therefore, we took our tests digitally today. I sent the test to your child's iPad and they opened them in an app called Notability. This is something we do often with other tasks and materials. They completed the test as usual with some portions read aloud and submitted them to Seesaw. I graded them on Seesaw but was not able to write on them. You will find their scores in the comment section. If you are not sure which questions they missed, comment back and I will clarify which numbers. My copies for the rest of the 9 weeks have returned from the copy shop, so next week's testing will be paper as in the past.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Wilbur and all the farm animals in Charlotte's Web. Remember, you can find additional copies of the reading calendar on our blog if needed. Please use this time to have conversations with your child about vocabulary, character emotions, and making predictions. Each morning, your child is reflecting on an element from the previous chapter. I am presenting them with a prompt and they are responding on Seesaw with a drawing and recording of their explanation. Have you learned more about your child and their thoughts on Charlotte's Web? This week, they wrote about the risk of friendship, busyness of life, and outdoor play.
Have you started working on your 100 day project? What ideas have you thought of? I hope this is a fun time with your child being creative together. Our 100th day of 1st grade is still scheduled for January 26th and the weather does not look like it will interfere at this point! We are almost 100 days smarter!
Upcoming events:
January 25th- 100 item projects DUE
January 26th- tentative 100th day of school
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information to come
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e, ee and ea
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: place value, ordering numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Big Trip connection: friendship
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next week's skills: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long a, aiand ay
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: telling time, digital and analog clocks
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Some Writer connection: biography
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Tech and Guidance
1-13-17
Parents- please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 17 The Big Trip and return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from The Big Trip and the phonics skills of long e with ee and ea.
Our 2nd 9 week Progress Reports are included in your child's Smokie folder. You will also find common assessments given to evaluate several of these skills. If you have any questions or concern, please email me or contact at 983-324. I would be happy to further explain any item or meet to discuss areas of deficiency. Overall, I am so pleased with the growth of our class and love seeing the increase in their abilities!
Our 100th day of 1st day is fast approaching! We are almost 100 days smarter! To help celebrate this event, we are asking all students to prepare a 100 item project connected to Charolotte's Web. You will see more details about this project in your child's Smokie folder. If you have any questions or would like suggestions, please feel free to contact me. We will present these projects to the class on our 100th day and have them displayed for our winter open house! Thank you for your participation and we hope you enjoy this time with your child!
Upcoming events:
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
*Use your child's calendar or the link under the Classroom Blog post to continue reading Charlotte's Web with your child!
January 13th- 2nd 9 week progress reports go home
*please KEEP documents, SIGN envelope, and RETURN in Smokie folder
January 16th- NO school Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
January 25th- 100 item projects DUE *see letter in folder
January 26th- tentative 100th day of school
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information to come
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: Animal Groups
Phonics: silent e, long i, "ghost letters" kn, wr, mb
Grammar: endings -er and -est
Math: ten more, ten less, adding tens, comparing numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Animal Groups connection: design afarm including 5 animal groups
Writing: Pig and Spider informative writing
Next week's skills: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e, ee and ea
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: place value, ordering numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Big Trip connection: friendship
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents- please note the change: Due to the One Book Blitz, we are reorganizing our curriculum stories to align with Charlotte's Web themes. Next week, we will move on the story 17 The Big Trip and return to story 16 Let's Go To The Moon the week of February 6th. Your child's spelling words for next week will come from The Big Trip and the phonics skills of long e with ee and ea.
Our 2nd 9 week Progress Reports are included in your child's Smokie folder. You will also find common assessments given to evaluate several of these skills. If you have any questions or concern, please email me or contact at 983-324. I would be happy to further explain any item or meet to discuss areas of deficiency. Overall, I am so pleased with the growth of our class and love seeing the increase in their abilities!
Our 100th day of 1st day is fast approaching! We are almost 100 days smarter! To help celebrate this event, we are asking all students to prepare a 100 item project connected to Charolotte's Web. You will see more details about this project in your child's Smokie folder. If you have any questions or would like suggestions, please feel free to contact me. We will present these projects to the class on our 100th day and have them displayed for our winter open house! Thank you for your participation and we hope you enjoy this time with your child!
Upcoming events:
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
*Use your child's calendar or the link under the Classroom Blog post to continue reading Charlotte's Web with your child!
January 13th- 2nd 9 week progress reports go home
*please KEEP documents, SIGN envelope, and RETURN in Smokie folder
January 16th- NO school Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
January 25th- 100 item projects DUE *see letter in folder
January 26th- tentative 100th day of school
February 2nd- SHE Winter Open House (dinner 5-7pm) open classrooms 5:30-6:30
February 14th- Valentine exchange *more information to come
February 15th- Spring Portraits
February 20th- NO school for students
This week’s skills: Animal Groups
Phonics: silent e, long i, "ghost letters" kn, wr, mb
Grammar: endings -er and -est
Math: ten more, ten less, adding tens, comparing numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Animal Groups connection: design afarm including 5 animal groups
Writing: Pig and Spider informative writing
Next week's skills: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e, ee and ea
Grammar: compound sentences with and, but, so
Math: place value, ordering numbers
STEM: Charlotte's Web and Big Trip connection: friendship
Writing: Letters to Charlotte's Web characters and classmates
Next weeks specials:
Monday: NO school
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
So excited to kick off our One Book Blitz! Aren't you curious about the book title? Get ready for some fun on Monday when we return to school and start the new year with a new book! Everyone gets their own copy to enjoy at home and at school. The program will run from January 9th- February 3rd. Check out the link below for more information.
http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/one-book-blitz-districts-partner-for-reading-event/article_6156ed5f-3a0d-5854-ae2f-bce5f534a8af.html
12-20-19
A great big thank you to all our parents who organized, donated, and served at our Polar Express party! Everyone had a wonderful time. What a great way to celebrate the end of 2016! We also finished our math unit on Geometry studying plane shapes, solid figures, and fractions. When we return from the break, we will return to working with place value, comparing numbers, and addition strategies.
Over the break, your child could play Prodigy to review skills and continue practicing. I also recomend used the website MobyMax to practice both math and Language Arts skills. During the break, your child can read books and return to school to take AR tests. Simply bring in the books or write down the title and author's name. Your child could bring in a list of books to test on! Reading is the BEST practice! You will find other suggestions under the "links" tab to benefit your child while away from school.
When we return from break, we will have our Book Blitz celebration and work on the story Animal Groups with the phonetic skills of long i/silent e, digraphs kn, wr, mb, suffixes -er and -est, and conjugating the verb be. Due to the Book Blitz, we will rearrange our story sequence. We will move Let's Go to the Moon to the week of February 6th. (For those of you who study in advance!)
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, make beautiful memories with your family, and take time to enjoy the simply parts of life with joy and laughter! Wishing you the best in 2017!
A great big thank you to all our parents who organized, donated, and served at our Polar Express party! Everyone had a wonderful time. What a great way to celebrate the end of 2016! We also finished our math unit on Geometry studying plane shapes, solid figures, and fractions. When we return from the break, we will return to working with place value, comparing numbers, and addition strategies.
Over the break, your child could play Prodigy to review skills and continue practicing. I also recomend used the website MobyMax to practice both math and Language Arts skills. During the break, your child can read books and return to school to take AR tests. Simply bring in the books or write down the title and author's name. Your child could bring in a list of books to test on! Reading is the BEST practice! You will find other suggestions under the "links" tab to benefit your child while away from school.
When we return from break, we will have our Book Blitz celebration and work on the story Animal Groups with the phonetic skills of long i/silent e, digraphs kn, wr, mb, suffixes -er and -est, and conjugating the verb be. Due to the Book Blitz, we will rearrange our story sequence. We will move Let's Go to the Moon to the week of February 6th. (For those of you who study in advance!)
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, make beautiful memories with your family, and take time to enjoy the simply parts of life with joy and laughter! Wishing you the best in 2017!
We will have outdoor recess if the feels-like temperature is above 32 degrees. It is a grade-level wide policy. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately.
On December 19th, we will have a school-wide assembly called our Christmas Potpourri. Students and staff are encouraged to dress festive. Wear your crazy Christmas attire! Hats will be permitted. Let's enjoy this fun time together with some green and red!
12-9-16
This week, we began learning about holiday traditions in other countries. Ask your child about their experiences in:
December 6th- Netherlands (Holland)
December 7th- England with Mrs. Nelson
December 8th- France
December 9th- Australia
Next week, we will travel to:
December 12th- Italy with Mrs. Burchfield
December 13th- Sweden with Mrs. Fortenberry
December 14th- Isreal with Mrs. McMahan
December 15th- Germany with Mrs. Bellah
December 16th- Mexico with Mrs. Nelson
December 19th- America with Mrs. Dulin
Your child will experience other 1st grade teachers and other traditions. We are comparing those traditions to the ones our families participate in. Begin talking to your child about their favorite parts of the winter holidays. In your child's homefun next week you will find a worksheet to complete. We will use this information to help your child share about their American traditions.
Next week, we will not have a "story of the week" from our 1st grade curriculum. We are using this time to study holiday traditions around the world, practice fluency by rehearsing a reader's theater of The Polar Express, and complete common assessments covering skilss taught during this 9 week period. Your child will take a cumulative spelling test with 20 grade-level words (not advanced) to determine their retention of the phonics skills taught. You may want to review the previous lists from A Musical Day through The Big Race. This test will cover blends, vowels, and digraphs.
Upcoming events:
December 6th-19th Christmas Around the World
December 19th- Christmas Potpourri **Wear your green and red!
December 19th- Polar Express Readers Theater 2:10pm *see invitation below
December 20th- last day for students
December 20th- Polar Express pajama party
January 9th- 1st day of 2017 for students
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
This week’s skills: The Big Race
Phonics: silent e, long a (cake, grape), soft c and g (race, cage)
Grammar: verbs with -ed
Math: solid figures
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next week's skills: The Polar Express
Phonics: review, fluency and expression
Grammar: inflectional endings
Math: fractions
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
This week, we began learning about holiday traditions in other countries. Ask your child about their experiences in:
December 6th- Netherlands (Holland)
December 7th- England with Mrs. Nelson
December 8th- France
December 9th- Australia
Next week, we will travel to:
December 12th- Italy with Mrs. Burchfield
December 13th- Sweden with Mrs. Fortenberry
December 14th- Isreal with Mrs. McMahan
December 15th- Germany with Mrs. Bellah
December 16th- Mexico with Mrs. Nelson
December 19th- America with Mrs. Dulin
Your child will experience other 1st grade teachers and other traditions. We are comparing those traditions to the ones our families participate in. Begin talking to your child about their favorite parts of the winter holidays. In your child's homefun next week you will find a worksheet to complete. We will use this information to help your child share about their American traditions.
Next week, we will not have a "story of the week" from our 1st grade curriculum. We are using this time to study holiday traditions around the world, practice fluency by rehearsing a reader's theater of The Polar Express, and complete common assessments covering skilss taught during this 9 week period. Your child will take a cumulative spelling test with 20 grade-level words (not advanced) to determine their retention of the phonics skills taught. You may want to review the previous lists from A Musical Day through The Big Race. This test will cover blends, vowels, and digraphs.
Upcoming events:
December 6th-19th Christmas Around the World
December 19th- Christmas Potpourri **Wear your green and red!
December 19th- Polar Express Readers Theater 2:10pm *see invitation below
December 20th- last day for students
December 20th- Polar Express pajama party
January 9th- 1st day of 2017 for students
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
This week’s skills: The Big Race
Phonics: silent e, long a (cake, grape), soft c and g (race, cage)
Grammar: verbs with -ed
Math: solid figures
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next week's skills: The Polar Express
Phonics: review, fluency and expression
Grammar: inflectional endings
Math: fractions
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
|
12-6-16
In your child's Friday folder, you will find a recent STAR reading test record. We have now taken this test 3 times, August, September, and December. At this point in the year, we would consider 1.5-1.6 (GE) on grade level. Our current class average is 2.4! I am so proud of this bunch of readers. Late April- early May will be our last STAR benchmark for the year. Our goal is to grow at least one year. So, if your child started the year at 1.2, or goal would be to reach or go beyond 2.2. If you have questions about your child's progress, please do not hesitate to ask. I can honestly say, from past experience, I have always noticed a significant difference between students who focus and do their best in small groups and choose to read additionally at home from those who are distracted and do not read daily at home. Your efforts at home DO make a difference, and so does your child's effort in class! Please take time to praise them for their hard work and encourage them to continue growing!
Your child recieved a new bookmark showing their new reading range (ZPD) to help them find book in our classroom library. You can help your child find appropriate books at home by following the step by step instructions found under our Documents tab labeled Find AR Books. The ZPD listed next to your child's score results suggests books that will help your child continue to stretch their reading level. At the top of that range, they may need more support with vocabulary or concent.
In your child's Friday folder, you will find a recent STAR reading test record. We have now taken this test 3 times, August, September, and December. At this point in the year, we would consider 1.5-1.6 (GE) on grade level. Our current class average is 2.4! I am so proud of this bunch of readers. Late April- early May will be our last STAR benchmark for the year. Our goal is to grow at least one year. So, if your child started the year at 1.2, or goal would be to reach or go beyond 2.2. If you have questions about your child's progress, please do not hesitate to ask. I can honestly say, from past experience, I have always noticed a significant difference between students who focus and do their best in small groups and choose to read additionally at home from those who are distracted and do not read daily at home. Your efforts at home DO make a difference, and so does your child's effort in class! Please take time to praise them for their hard work and encourage them to continue growing!
Your child recieved a new bookmark showing their new reading range (ZPD) to help them find book in our classroom library. You can help your child find appropriate books at home by following the step by step instructions found under our Documents tab labeled Find AR Books. The ZPD listed next to your child's score results suggests books that will help your child continue to stretch their reading level. At the top of that range, they may need more support with vocabulary or concent.
12-2-16
Next week, we will begin learning about holiday traditions in other countries. We will experience Christmas Around the World in our classroom and also with other 1st grade teachers. Ask your child about their experiences in:
December 6th- Netherlands (Holland)
December 7th- England with Mrs. Nelson
December 8th- France
December 9th- Australia
December 12th- Italy with Mrs. Burchfield
December 13th- Sweden with Mrs. Fortenberry
December 14th- Isreal with Mrs. McMahan
December 15th- Germany with Mrs. Bellah
December 16th- Mexico with Mrs. Nelson
December 19th- America with Mrs. Dulin
Upcoming events:
December 6th-19th Christmas Around the World
December 7th- STAR reading testing
December 9th- STAR math testing
December 20th- last day for students
December 20th- Polar Express pajama party
January 9th- 1st day of 2017 for students
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
This week’s skills: Seasons
Phonics: digraph sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, subject/verb agreement
Math: shapes
STEM: researchiong seasons
Writing: winter and elf writing
Next week's skills: The Big Race
Phonics: silent e, long a (cake, grape), soft c and g (race, cage)
Grammar: verbs with -ed
Math: solid figures
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Next week, we will begin learning about holiday traditions in other countries. We will experience Christmas Around the World in our classroom and also with other 1st grade teachers. Ask your child about their experiences in:
December 6th- Netherlands (Holland)
December 7th- England with Mrs. Nelson
December 8th- France
December 9th- Australia
December 12th- Italy with Mrs. Burchfield
December 13th- Sweden with Mrs. Fortenberry
December 14th- Isreal with Mrs. McMahan
December 15th- Germany with Mrs. Bellah
December 16th- Mexico with Mrs. Nelson
December 19th- America with Mrs. Dulin
Upcoming events:
December 6th-19th Christmas Around the World
December 7th- STAR reading testing
December 9th- STAR math testing
December 20th- last day for students
December 20th- Polar Express pajama party
January 9th- 1st day of 2017 for students
January 9th- One Book Blitz kickoff
This week’s skills: Seasons
Phonics: digraph sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, subject/verb agreement
Math: shapes
STEM: researchiong seasons
Writing: winter and elf writing
Next week's skills: The Big Race
Phonics: silent e, long a (cake, grape), soft c and g (race, cage)
Grammar: verbs with -ed
Math: solid figures
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Dear Parents,
We are preparing for a geometry lesson on solid figures and are asking for your help. We would like these items by Monday, December 5th. It would be great if you could choose one item from this list. Thanks for your help to make this a fun math activity!
Cheese cubes Rice Krispy Treats (pre-packaged)
Bugles chips Hershey Kisses
Cheese balls ice cream sugar cones (not cake)
Jolly Rangers Kix Cereal
Tootsie Rolls sugar cubes
Whoppers Marshmallows
Hot Tamales candy Mike&Ike candy
We are preparing for a geometry lesson on solid figures and are asking for your help. We would like these items by Monday, December 5th. It would be great if you could choose one item from this list. Thanks for your help to make this a fun math activity!
Cheese cubes Rice Krispy Treats (pre-packaged)
Bugles chips Hershey Kisses
Cheese balls ice cream sugar cones (not cake)
Jolly Rangers Kix Cereal
Tootsie Rolls sugar cubes
Whoppers Marshmallows
Hot Tamales candy Mike&Ike candy
11-18-16
I hope you can join us for The ABC's of the First Thanksgiving. *See the invitation on Seesaw and in your child's folder. We will be practicing lines next week. It is always amazing to hear our fluency increase and our vocabulary grow. Plus, we learn several facts about the Thanksgiving holiday!
We have multiple writing pieces displayed in the hallway we would love to share with you. You are invited to check out our Fire and Police appreciation letters and our Thanksgiving writings.
Upcoming events:
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
December 2nd- field trip *permission slips DUE MONDAY
*There will NOT be chaperones for this trip due to limited space.
*Students will bring a sack lunch or may purchase a bag lunch from the cafe.
* additional copies can be found under the Documents tab
This week’s skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: homophones
Math: place value
STEM: making green and playdoh
Writing: Thanksgiving writing
Next week's skills: Thanksgiving
Phonics: digraph review
Grammar: nouns, verbs, adjectives
Math: place value continues
STEM: Thanksgiving
Writing: Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: No school
Thursday: No school
Friday: No school
I hope you can join us for The ABC's of the First Thanksgiving. *See the invitation on Seesaw and in your child's folder. We will be practicing lines next week. It is always amazing to hear our fluency increase and our vocabulary grow. Plus, we learn several facts about the Thanksgiving holiday!
We have multiple writing pieces displayed in the hallway we would love to share with you. You are invited to check out our Fire and Police appreciation letters and our Thanksgiving writings.
Upcoming events:
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
December 2nd- field trip *permission slips DUE MONDAY
*There will NOT be chaperones for this trip due to limited space.
*Students will bring a sack lunch or may purchase a bag lunch from the cafe.
* additional copies can be found under the Documents tab
This week’s skills: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: homophones
Math: place value
STEM: making green and playdoh
Writing: Thanksgiving writing
Next week's skills: Thanksgiving
Phonics: digraph review
Grammar: nouns, verbs, adjectives
Math: place value continues
STEM: Thanksgiving
Writing: Thanksgiving
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech and Guidance
Wednesday: No school
Thursday: No school
Friday: No school
High Frequency Word List | |
File Size: | 148 kb |
File Type: |
11-4-16
This week, we read about Fritz and his friends. Fritz made cupcakes for his friends and invited them to a party. We had a party on Monday with donut treats, crafts, and more! Throughout the week, we planned game games. We had to write out step by step instructions on how to play. It was difficult to include all the details. On Friday, our friends got to enjoy our game and we rotated to all the different variations. We read the directions, watched demonstrations, and took turns playing. What a fun way to introduce informative writing! check out our blog for pictures from our planning and playing!
next week, we will begin introducing 8 new high frequency words per week. We will also have increased skill difficulty. We cover a lot of material in 1st grade. Please help your child practice reading sight words. You may use the list included above. Please help your child practice reading and understanding the meaning of their spelling words. Our spelling list involves our phonics skill for the week and is a great way to practice applying the decoding skill. We will begin adding digraphs, long vowels, and vowel teams to our reading toolbox. The more your child reads, the more they will grow! Thank you for your support at home an dtime spent supporting your student! It is such a joy to see and HEAR their growth!
Website Suggestion: Moby Max is a great tool for practicing a variety of academic areas. Go to http://www.mobymax.com/tn1890 to access your child's account. They can choose from language, fact fluency, vocabulary and more!
Upcoming events:
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
December 2nd- field trip *permission slip and information going home next Friday
*There will NOT be chaperones for this trip due to limited space.
*Students will bring a sack lunch or may purchase a bag lunch from the cafe.
This week’s skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: final blends (-nk, -ng, -st, -nt, -mp)
Grammar: a, an, and the
Math: adding three digits
STEM: game creation, writing step-by-step instructions
Writing: sentence stretching
Next week's skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th; endings -s, -es, -ed, -ing
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: addition and subtraction word problems; Unit 3 math test
STEM: oceanographer discovery
Writing: informative writing, sea creatures
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: No school
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
This week, we read about Fritz and his friends. Fritz made cupcakes for his friends and invited them to a party. We had a party on Monday with donut treats, crafts, and more! Throughout the week, we planned game games. We had to write out step by step instructions on how to play. It was difficult to include all the details. On Friday, our friends got to enjoy our game and we rotated to all the different variations. We read the directions, watched demonstrations, and took turns playing. What a fun way to introduce informative writing! check out our blog for pictures from our planning and playing!
next week, we will begin introducing 8 new high frequency words per week. We will also have increased skill difficulty. We cover a lot of material in 1st grade. Please help your child practice reading sight words. You may use the list included above. Please help your child practice reading and understanding the meaning of their spelling words. Our spelling list involves our phonics skill for the week and is a great way to practice applying the decoding skill. We will begin adding digraphs, long vowels, and vowel teams to our reading toolbox. The more your child reads, the more they will grow! Thank you for your support at home an dtime spent supporting your student! It is such a joy to see and HEAR their growth!
Website Suggestion: Moby Max is a great tool for practicing a variety of academic areas. Go to http://www.mobymax.com/tn1890 to access your child's account. They can choose from language, fact fluency, vocabulary and more!
Upcoming events:
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
December 2nd- field trip *permission slip and information going home next Friday
*There will NOT be chaperones for this trip due to limited space.
*Students will bring a sack lunch or may purchase a bag lunch from the cafe.
This week’s skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: final blends (-nk, -ng, -st, -nt, -mp)
Grammar: a, an, and the
Math: adding three digits
STEM: game creation, writing step-by-step instructions
Writing: sentence stretching
Next week's skills: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th; endings -s, -es, -ed, -ing
Grammar: proper nouns
Math: addition and subtraction word problems; Unit 3 math test
STEM: oceanographer discovery
Writing: informative writing, sea creatures
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: No school
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
10-28-16
This Monday, we will celebrate Seuss with Wacky Tacky day. See the note included in your child's Smokie folder.
For our upcoming STEM project, we have some supply requests. They do not need to be new items as we love to recycle objects for our creations. You may be able to grab some at a local restaurant this weekend. (The items will not be returned to you.) Do you have?:
5 large plastic spoons
10 marbles or small balls of similar size
5 sets of chopsticks
5 dice
Old game tokens
Thank you to all our parents you have donated items for our fall party and communicated with Mrs. Akard. Your efforts and her organization help make a memorable event for your child. I am looking forward to Monday afternoon as I know the students will be excited.
After a week of Dr. Seuss books, I feel my tongue is tied and I'm slightly out of breath! We have enjoyed several of his books. His characters are so funny and the rhyming text is silly. Ask your child about his "cliff hanger" books: What Pet Should I Get? and Butter Battle Book. I think they were frustrated by Seuss' book endings! I suggest reading more Dr. Seuss at home if your child needs practice with rhyming, decoding, fluency or sight words. Have them read Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks, One Fish Two fish, or Go Dog Go!
Website Suggestion: Moby Max is a great tool for practicing a variety of academic areas. Go to http://www.mobymax.com/tn1890 to access your child's account. They can choose from language, math facts, vocabulary and more!
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party 1:50pm
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
This week’s skills: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: s blends (st, sn, sm, sp, sl)
Grammar: opposites
Math: addition and subtraction strategies, doubles facts, near doubles
STEM: Rhyming, clay animation
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing
Next week's skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: final blends (-nk, -ng, -st, -nt, -mp)
Grammar: a, an, and the
Math: adding three digits
STEM: game creation, writing step-by-step instructions
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing (Halloween)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
This Monday, we will celebrate Seuss with Wacky Tacky day. See the note included in your child's Smokie folder.
For our upcoming STEM project, we have some supply requests. They do not need to be new items as we love to recycle objects for our creations. You may be able to grab some at a local restaurant this weekend. (The items will not be returned to you.) Do you have?:
5 large plastic spoons
10 marbles or small balls of similar size
5 sets of chopsticks
5 dice
Old game tokens
Thank you to all our parents you have donated items for our fall party and communicated with Mrs. Akard. Your efforts and her organization help make a memorable event for your child. I am looking forward to Monday afternoon as I know the students will be excited.
After a week of Dr. Seuss books, I feel my tongue is tied and I'm slightly out of breath! We have enjoyed several of his books. His characters are so funny and the rhyming text is silly. Ask your child about his "cliff hanger" books: What Pet Should I Get? and Butter Battle Book. I think they were frustrated by Seuss' book endings! I suggest reading more Dr. Seuss at home if your child needs practice with rhyming, decoding, fluency or sight words. Have them read Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks, One Fish Two fish, or Go Dog Go!
Website Suggestion: Moby Max is a great tool for practicing a variety of academic areas. Go to http://www.mobymax.com/tn1890 to access your child's account. They can choose from language, math facts, vocabulary and more!
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party 1:50pm
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
This week’s skills: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: s blends (st, sn, sm, sp, sl)
Grammar: opposites
Math: addition and subtraction strategies, doubles facts, near doubles
STEM: Rhyming, clay animation
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing
Next week's skills: A Cupcake Party
Phonics: final blends (-nk, -ng, -st, -nt, -mp)
Grammar: a, an, and the
Math: adding three digits
STEM: game creation, writing step-by-step instructions
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing (Halloween)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Tech and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
10-21-16
Please look at all the documents enclosed in your child's manila envelope for the 1st 9 weeks. You may KEEP all the documents, sign the envelope, and return it with your child's purple folder. If you have any questions about your child's scores or progress, please do not hesitate to contact me. Several standards on the back of the Progress Report will be assessed throughout the year. We hope to continue to grow! I am already pleased with our academic growth. Please notice your child's latest STAR reading report. Be aware of their new ZPD to help your child select appropriate books withing their reading level to best help their continue growing. Follow the instructions under the Documents link to help your child find AR books best suited for their ability.
We have had several visitors in our classroom over the past months and all have been impressed by what our students are able to accomplish! Praise your child for their efforts!
It was such fun to see all the kids after fall break and hear their stories from their time away from school. Those experiences and conversations are so beneficial to their growth and development. Never underestimate the positive effect a simple conversation or walk in the park can have. Thanks again for sharing your joys with me! I am so fortunate to call SHE home and spend my days with your kiddos.
Upcoming events:
October 21st- Progress Reports go home
October 31st- fall party
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
This week’s skills: A Musical Day
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: addition and subtraction facts, fact families
STEM: sounds, instruments, emotions
Writing: sentence stretching, music stories
Next week's skills: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: s blends (st, sn, sm, sp, sl)
Grammar: opposites
Math: addition and subtraction strategies, doubles facts, near doubles
STEM: Rhyming, clay animation
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Please look at all the documents enclosed in your child's manila envelope for the 1st 9 weeks. You may KEEP all the documents, sign the envelope, and return it with your child's purple folder. If you have any questions about your child's scores or progress, please do not hesitate to contact me. Several standards on the back of the Progress Report will be assessed throughout the year. We hope to continue to grow! I am already pleased with our academic growth. Please notice your child's latest STAR reading report. Be aware of their new ZPD to help your child select appropriate books withing their reading level to best help their continue growing. Follow the instructions under the Documents link to help your child find AR books best suited for their ability.
We have had several visitors in our classroom over the past months and all have been impressed by what our students are able to accomplish! Praise your child for their efforts!
It was such fun to see all the kids after fall break and hear their stories from their time away from school. Those experiences and conversations are so beneficial to their growth and development. Never underestimate the positive effect a simple conversation or walk in the park can have. Thanks again for sharing your joys with me! I am so fortunate to call SHE home and spend my days with your kiddos.
Upcoming events:
October 21st- Progress Reports go home
October 31st- fall party
November 8th- NO school for students
November 23rd- NO school for students
November 24-25th- Thanksgiving break
This week’s skills: A Musical Day
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: addition and subtraction facts, fact families
STEM: sounds, instruments, emotions
Writing: sentence stretching, music stories
Next week's skills: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: s blends (st, sn, sm, sp, sl)
Grammar: opposites
Math: addition and subtraction strategies, doubles facts, near doubles
STEM: Rhyming, clay animation
Writing: sentence stretching, opinion writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
9-30-16
As you plan for your fall break, remember to plan fun ways for your child to continue learning and practicing our skills. Your child has a log in for Moby Max https://www.mobymax.com/signin to practice math and reading skills. This sight can be accessed on a computer, ipad, or tablet. They will find multiple ways to grow their vocabulary, comprehension, and fact fluency skills.
Our wonderful PTO pays for our school subscription to Reading Eggs. Follow this link to log in http://app.readingeggs.com/login to practice more reading skills. This sight can be accessed on a computer, ipad, or tablet. Advanced readers can also go to Reading Eggspress on this site. This is an engaging site for phonics practice and application.
Your child will need to know their login information: It is first initial last initial and their lunch number (with no spacing) for the username. Their password is she and their lunch number (with no spacing) Please let me know if your child is unable to access MobyMax or Reading Eggs from home due to a login error.
Here are some more suggestions do not require a log in! :
Check out this website for additional phonics practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/phonics-videos-for-kindergarten-level-2/
Check out this website for additional fluency practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/phonics-readers/
Check out this website for additional sight word practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/materials/sight-words/
Check out this website for additional comprehension practice: http://www.k12reader.com/subject/reading-skills/reading-comprehension/1st-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheets/
Thank you for your efforts at home to support our work here at school. With more practice, comes more confidence. With more confidence, comes more success!
Upcoming events:
October 5th- All Pro Dad's
October 5th- Key Assembly for Speak with Good Purpose
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
October 18th- Students return to school
October 31st- fall party *information to come!
This week’s skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas
Math: missing parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Animal sounds
Writing: sentence stretching, animal stories
Next week's skills: End of the 9 weeks assessments
There will be NO homefun this week.
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: review nouns, verbs, and adjectives
Math: practice fact fluency with addition and subtraction
STEM: fall FUN
Writing: fall themed sentence stretching
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
As you plan for your fall break, remember to plan fun ways for your child to continue learning and practicing our skills. Your child has a log in for Moby Max https://www.mobymax.com/signin to practice math and reading skills. This sight can be accessed on a computer, ipad, or tablet. They will find multiple ways to grow their vocabulary, comprehension, and fact fluency skills.
Our wonderful PTO pays for our school subscription to Reading Eggs. Follow this link to log in http://app.readingeggs.com/login to practice more reading skills. This sight can be accessed on a computer, ipad, or tablet. Advanced readers can also go to Reading Eggspress on this site. This is an engaging site for phonics practice and application.
Your child will need to know their login information: It is first initial last initial and their lunch number (with no spacing) for the username. Their password is she and their lunch number (with no spacing) Please let me know if your child is unable to access MobyMax or Reading Eggs from home due to a login error.
Here are some more suggestions do not require a log in! :
Check out this website for additional phonics practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/phonics-videos-for-kindergarten-level-2/
Check out this website for additional fluency practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/phonics-readers/
Check out this website for additional sight word practice: http://www.kizphonics.com/materials/sight-words/
Check out this website for additional comprehension practice: http://www.k12reader.com/subject/reading-skills/reading-comprehension/1st-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheets/
Thank you for your efforts at home to support our work here at school. With more practice, comes more confidence. With more confidence, comes more success!
Upcoming events:
October 5th- All Pro Dad's
October 5th- Key Assembly for Speak with Good Purpose
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
October 18th- Students return to school
October 31st- fall party *information to come!
This week’s skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas
Math: missing parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Animal sounds
Writing: sentence stretching, animal stories
Next week's skills: End of the 9 weeks assessments
There will be NO homefun this week.
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: review nouns, verbs, and adjectives
Math: practice fact fluency with addition and subtraction
STEM: fall FUN
Writing: fall themed sentence stretching
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: NO school
Friday: NO school
9-23-16
Please review the short vowel sounds with your child and read over our previous high frequency words. We now have 50 sight words on our word wall including color words! In a few weeks, we will be introducing 8 new words per week. We want each student fluent in these frequently occurring words.
As we approach fall break, I hope you start planning your child's reading adventure while away from school! Do you have any books picked out for them to enjoy? Have you thought about starting a chapter book together? Do you visit the Blount County library? Check out their calendar for upcoming events... http://www.blountlibrary.org/kids-and-teens/just-for-kids/
We are almost finished with our first read-aloud chapter book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Ask your child about the characters in our story. What is has been their favorite part in the book? What do they predict will happen in the end? Our next chapter book will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Upcoming events:
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
Thank you for the gifts and cards for this farewell. SHe has worked closely with your child in reading and math. She has also led lessons for writing, vocabulary, STEM, and editing. We celebrated her last day with streamers, tears, and cupcakes! Her next placement is at Carpenter's Elementary in 3rd grade math. We hope to have her visit in the spring to see how much we have grown!
September 29th- Firefighter visit
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm*
*We need volunteers! Contact Asher's mom, Tammy, or add your name to the signup sheet hanging outside our classroom door.
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
October 31st- fall party *information to come!
This week’s skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: folktales and legends
Next week's skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas
Math: missing parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Animal sounds
Writing: sentence stretching, animal stories
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Please review the short vowel sounds with your child and read over our previous high frequency words. We now have 50 sight words on our word wall including color words! In a few weeks, we will be introducing 8 new words per week. We want each student fluent in these frequently occurring words.
As we approach fall break, I hope you start planning your child's reading adventure while away from school! Do you have any books picked out for them to enjoy? Have you thought about starting a chapter book together? Do you visit the Blount County library? Check out their calendar for upcoming events... http://www.blountlibrary.org/kids-and-teens/just-for-kids/
We are almost finished with our first read-aloud chapter book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Ask your child about the characters in our story. What is has been their favorite part in the book? What do they predict will happen in the end? Our next chapter book will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Upcoming events:
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
Thank you for the gifts and cards for this farewell. SHe has worked closely with your child in reading and math. She has also led lessons for writing, vocabulary, STEM, and editing. We celebrated her last day with streamers, tears, and cupcakes! Her next placement is at Carpenter's Elementary in 3rd grade math. We hope to have her visit in the spring to see how much we have grown!
September 29th- Firefighter visit
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm*
*We need volunteers! Contact Asher's mom, Tammy, or add your name to the signup sheet hanging outside our classroom door.
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
October 31st- fall party *information to come!
This week’s skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: folktales and legends
Next week's skills: How Animals Communicate
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas
Math: missing parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Animal sounds
Writing: sentence stretching, animal stories
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
9-16-16
It was a pleasure to meet with more parents this week to discuss goals, achievements, and areas to strengthen for your child. I appreciate hearing your concerns and encourage you to please voice any questions you may have. I hope we continue to work as a team throughout the year to help your child grow. I am honored to share a year with your child and truly treasure my time spent with them. Thank you for trusting me. I look forward to celebrating their success with you. If you were not able to sign up for a conference, please contact me for more available times.
This week in reading we talked about fantasy stories. Check out our blog for pictures from our latest STEM challenges related to our ELA curriculum. We helped bears, saved goats, and rescued a princess! We also wrote fairy tales. Come see our hallway display of fantasy stories next week. Who was your child's story character? What setting did they choose? Did they add details?
Upcoming events:
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm*
*We need volunteers! Contact Asher's mom, Tammy, or add your name to the signup sheet hanging outside our classroom door.
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *look for signups coming soon for enrichment camp* NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
This week’s skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u, consonants qu, z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: fantasy and fairy tale challenges
Writing: fantasy stories; adding details
Next week's skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: folktales and legends
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
It was a pleasure to meet with more parents this week to discuss goals, achievements, and areas to strengthen for your child. I appreciate hearing your concerns and encourage you to please voice any questions you may have. I hope we continue to work as a team throughout the year to help your child grow. I am honored to share a year with your child and truly treasure my time spent with them. Thank you for trusting me. I look forward to celebrating their success with you. If you were not able to sign up for a conference, please contact me for more available times.
This week in reading we talked about fantasy stories. Check out our blog for pictures from our latest STEM challenges related to our ELA curriculum. We helped bears, saved goats, and rescued a princess! We also wrote fairy tales. Come see our hallway display of fantasy stories next week. Who was your child's story character? What setting did they choose? Did they add details?
Upcoming events:
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm*
*We need volunteers! Contact Asher's mom, Tammy, or add your name to the signup sheet hanging outside our classroom door.
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *look for signups coming soon for enrichment camp* NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
This week’s skills: Gus Takes the Train
Phonics: short u, consonants qu, z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: fantasy and fairy tale challenges
Writing: fantasy stories; adding details
Next week's skills: Jack and the Wolf
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition and subtraction basics
STEM: Cherokee Legends
Writing: folktales and legends
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
9-9-16
Thank you to the families who have met with me this week. I look forward to meeting with more parents next week. If you have not signed up for a conference, please see the link below or contact me for more available times.
During conferences, I will explain AR reading in more detail, explain how to find books on your child's level, and make suggestions for tracking your student's progress. Remember to check the green Resource folder sent home at the beginning of the year for additional information.
This week, we talked about addition basics. We made bead bracelets to help show parts of numbers. Ask your child parts of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Help them practice their facts by asking, " If I have 4 and you have 3, how many do we have in all?" or "If we made 8, and I had 3, how many did you have?"
This week was packed with Community Helpers! My sister, mother, and husband all came to share their professions. What fun it was to share my family with my kiddos! I am sure they all loved the identical twin thing! I also loved having my family meet my new class of 1st graders. What did your child learn this week? Check out our blog for more information and pictures from the week with our guests!
Upcoming events:
September 6th-8th, 13th-15th: after-school Parent Teacher Conferences *follow link below to sign up!
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *look for signups coming soon for enrichment camp* NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short e, consonants y, w;
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: Community Helpers
Writing: adding details, letters to the military, Thank you cards to guests
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short u, consonants qu, z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: fantasy and fairy tale challenges
Writing: fantasy stories; adding details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Thank you to the families who have met with me this week. I look forward to meeting with more parents next week. If you have not signed up for a conference, please see the link below or contact me for more available times.
During conferences, I will explain AR reading in more detail, explain how to find books on your child's level, and make suggestions for tracking your student's progress. Remember to check the green Resource folder sent home at the beginning of the year for additional information.
This week, we talked about addition basics. We made bead bracelets to help show parts of numbers. Ask your child parts of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Help them practice their facts by asking, " If I have 4 and you have 3, how many do we have in all?" or "If we made 8, and I had 3, how many did you have?"
This week was packed with Community Helpers! My sister, mother, and husband all came to share their professions. What fun it was to share my family with my kiddos! I am sure they all loved the identical twin thing! I also loved having my family meet my new class of 1st graders. What did your child learn this week? Check out our blog for more information and pictures from the week with our guests!
Upcoming events:
September 6th-8th, 13th-15th: after-school Parent Teacher Conferences *follow link below to sign up!
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm
October 6th-7th: Intervention and Enrichment *look for signups coming soon for enrichment camp* NO regular school
October 10-17th: fall break
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short e, consonants y, w;
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: Community Helpers
Writing: adding details, letters to the military, Thank you cards to guests
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short u, consonants qu, z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: fantasy and fairy tale challenges
Writing: fantasy stories; adding details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
9-2-16
We had a fun time doing absorbency tests this week during class STEM and designing our mini-mops. Check out our blog for pictures!
Each month our school will focus on a different Key of Excellence. This month's Key was Integrity. We have a Key assembly to celebrate one child from each class who has demonstrated the Key. In my class, I do not choose a winner. I have the students vote for a classmate after we talk about specific examples of what this Key looks like. Students are not allowed to vote for themselves and are encouraged to justify their choice with a specific example. I LOVE when my students are recognized by their peers for their good choices! Several students received votes from classmates but Congratulations goes to J.T. for representing our class as the winner of the Key of Integrity.
Over the holiday weekend, please find time to enjoy a book with your child!
We had a fun time doing absorbency tests this week during class STEM and designing our mini-mops. Check out our blog for pictures!
Each month our school will focus on a different Key of Excellence. This month's Key was Integrity. We have a Key assembly to celebrate one child from each class who has demonstrated the Key. In my class, I do not choose a winner. I have the students vote for a classmate after we talk about specific examples of what this Key looks like. Students are not allowed to vote for themselves and are encouraged to justify their choice with a specific example. I LOVE when my students are recognized by their peers for their good choices! Several students received votes from classmates but Congratulations goes to J.T. for representing our class as the winner of the Key of Integrity.
Over the holiday weekend, please find time to enjoy a book with your child!
Upcoming events:
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
September 2nd: Key Assembly Congratulations J.T. our Integrity winner!
September 5th: NO school- Enjoy the long weekend!
September 6th-8th, 13th-15th: after-school Parent Teacher Conferences *follow link below to sign up!
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants l, x; inflectional ending -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames- Unit 1 test
STEM: build a mini-mop to clean up small spills
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, consonantsy, w;
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: Community Helpers
Writing: adding details, letters to the military, Thank you cards to guests
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No school
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: STEM
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
September 2nd: Key Assembly Congratulations J.T. our Integrity winner!
September 5th: NO school- Enjoy the long weekend!
September 6th-8th, 13th-15th: after-school Parent Teacher Conferences *follow link below to sign up!
September 23rd: Miss Brinkmann's last day
We would LOVE to thank Miss Brinkmann for all her hard work and additional support in the classroom during her placement with us by surprising her with a going away gift. If you would like to contribute to her future classroom by donating class supplies or a monetary gift, please send those with your child in a discrete bag. (post-it notes, pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, scissors, clips) You may also wish to send her a personal note. We will collect those and recognize her on Friday the 23rd. Thank you in advance for joining us in expressing our appreciation.
September 30th: PTO fall Carnival 5:00-8:00pm
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants l, x; inflectional ending -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames- Unit 1 test
STEM: build a mini-mop to clean up small spills
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, consonantsy, w;
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition basics
STEM: Community Helpers
Writing: adding details, letters to the military, Thank you cards to guests
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No school
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: STEM
Students can practice their weekly spelling words at home in fun digital ways using a website called Spelling City. This is the site we use to take our pre-test each Monday. The site has puzzle games, matching games, and skill based games (alphabetizing) to practice their spelling words. Both regular and advanced word lists have been posted. Follow the link under the Useful Links tab of our website. If our weekly lists do not come up initially, search Maryville TN Sam Houston Elementary Dee Dulin
Please follow the link below if you have not signed up for a Parent Teacher Conference. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4baeaf2da2f85-parent
Next week, we will discuss community workers and goods/services in our Social Sciences unit. We would love for your child to share a part of a family member's job with our class. Please send a tool that someone in your family uses for their job on Thursday for your child to share. Make sure they know how the tool is used in the job as they will explain how their family member uses it to our class. We will use an app called Yak-it to record a video of the tool's explanation.
8-26-16
Check out our blog for pictures from our storm challenge! Were we able to protect Mr. Cottonball? Check your child's Seesaw account for more information about our STEM project. Look at their sketch, ask about their material choices, and see how they graded themselves on the rubric. (If you are not connected to your child's Seesaw account, please contact me for assistance.) They love to listen to recorded comments and see "likes" on their work!
Several students have started taking AR tests. Look in your child's folder for details about their AR bookshelf. During conferences, I will show you how to set-up AR email updates to know when your child has tested on a book. They CAN read books at home and take tests on them at school. Please understand the difference between reading comprehension and listening comprehension. We use AR to gauge their READING comprehension (what they understand and remember from their reading) not their listening comprehension (what they remember from a read aloud story) You may listen to your child read, help with occasional words, and even talk about the story, but please do not read the book to them. Again, we will discuss this further at conferences*.
*Please check your email for a Sign-up Genius link to schedule your parent teacher conference. I would like to meet with all of my families if possible. Please let me know if you need additional time options.
This was our first week to take a pre-test on spelling words and have the opportunity to earn Advanced words. Several students earned this challenge option, but many of them did not do well on the Advanced test. Please help your child practice these words throughout the week. Your child's HomeFun folder will be highlighted for the word list to study and use in Spelling Sentences.
Upcoming events:
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
August 31st: Summer Reading Rally Breakfast Congratulations Abigail! She will have a special morning to celebrate her summer reading!
September 2nd: Early Dismissal (11:30)
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames
STEM: Protect Mr. Cottonball
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- storms/weather
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants l, x; inflectional ending -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames- Unit 1 test
STEM: build a mini-mop to clean up small spills
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Check out our blog for pictures from our storm challenge! Were we able to protect Mr. Cottonball? Check your child's Seesaw account for more information about our STEM project. Look at their sketch, ask about their material choices, and see how they graded themselves on the rubric. (If you are not connected to your child's Seesaw account, please contact me for assistance.) They love to listen to recorded comments and see "likes" on their work!
Several students have started taking AR tests. Look in your child's folder for details about their AR bookshelf. During conferences, I will show you how to set-up AR email updates to know when your child has tested on a book. They CAN read books at home and take tests on them at school. Please understand the difference between reading comprehension and listening comprehension. We use AR to gauge their READING comprehension (what they understand and remember from their reading) not their listening comprehension (what they remember from a read aloud story) You may listen to your child read, help with occasional words, and even talk about the story, but please do not read the book to them. Again, we will discuss this further at conferences*.
*Please check your email for a Sign-up Genius link to schedule your parent teacher conference. I would like to meet with all of my families if possible. Please let me know if you need additional time options.
This was our first week to take a pre-test on spelling words and have the opportunity to earn Advanced words. Several students earned this challenge option, but many of them did not do well on the Advanced test. Please help your child practice these words throughout the week. Your child's HomeFun folder will be highlighted for the word list to study and use in Spelling Sentences.
Upcoming events:
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
August 31st: Summer Reading Rally Breakfast Congratulations Abigail! She will have a special morning to celebrate her summer reading!
September 2nd: Early Dismissal (11:30)
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames
STEM: Protect Mr. Cottonball
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- storms/weather
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants l, x; inflectional ending -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames- Unit 1 test
STEM: build a mini-mop to clean up small spills
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
8-19-16
Another great week together!
In this week's folder, you will find our first Friday testing. You will find your child's weekly fluency check. This is a one minute timed reading on a "grade-level" passage. I will record these occasionally for additional information for parents. You will find your child's first recorded reading on Seesaw. Our words-per-minute goal changes throughout the year. We start with 30 words in 1 minute and end the year with a goal of 75 words per minute. We also check for accuracy during this reading. I will mark any missed words and try to write the word your student said in its place. This helps me look for patterns. Do they always miss high frequency words that can't be "tapped out"? Do they have a particular sound they struggle with? Is there a letter or letter sound they don't recognize? Our accuracy goal is 94%. We will discuss this data in more detail later in the year. You will also find their vocabulary (high frequency word) test, phonics test (short a), and comprehension test from What is a Pal? Your child will be graphing their test results each week to help motivate them and keep them accountable for their effort reflected on the test. Math tests will not be given weekly. They will occur at the end of a unit, typically every 3-4 weeks with formative assessments throughout that time. Additionally information about your child's academic ability is gathered daily during small groups. Your child reads to Mrs. Buffie and me daily. We hear them decode words, blend words, and apply skills. We get the joy of seeing this process develop and become easier over the course of the year! What an amazing job I have!
If you have questions about your child's weekly tests, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Upcoming events:
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am *WRIST BAND FOR ENTRANCE*
August 24th: fall portraits *prepaid envelope in folder
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
August 31st: Summer Reading Rally Breakfast Congratulations Abigail! She will have a special morning to celebrate her summer reading!
September 2nd: Early Dismissal (11:30)
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n, d, p, f
Grammar: nouns
Math: numbers 0-12, tally marks
STEM: Interview a friend, make a bracelet to represent your friend
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- friendship
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames
STEM: Protect Mr. Cottonball
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- storms/weather
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Another great week together!
In this week's folder, you will find our first Friday testing. You will find your child's weekly fluency check. This is a one minute timed reading on a "grade-level" passage. I will record these occasionally for additional information for parents. You will find your child's first recorded reading on Seesaw. Our words-per-minute goal changes throughout the year. We start with 30 words in 1 minute and end the year with a goal of 75 words per minute. We also check for accuracy during this reading. I will mark any missed words and try to write the word your student said in its place. This helps me look for patterns. Do they always miss high frequency words that can't be "tapped out"? Do they have a particular sound they struggle with? Is there a letter or letter sound they don't recognize? Our accuracy goal is 94%. We will discuss this data in more detail later in the year. You will also find their vocabulary (high frequency word) test, phonics test (short a), and comprehension test from What is a Pal? Your child will be graphing their test results each week to help motivate them and keep them accountable for their effort reflected on the test. Math tests will not be given weekly. They will occur at the end of a unit, typically every 3-4 weeks with formative assessments throughout that time. Additionally information about your child's academic ability is gathered daily during small groups. Your child reads to Mrs. Buffie and me daily. We hear them decode words, blend words, and apply skills. We get the joy of seeing this process develop and become easier over the course of the year! What an amazing job I have!
If you have questions about your child's weekly tests, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Upcoming events:
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am *WRIST BAND FOR ENTRANCE*
August 24th: fall portraits *prepaid envelope in folder
Second Harvest Food Drive – We will be collecting cans for the Second Harvest Can Challenge from August 29 – Sept 8. We will have collection containers at the main entrances. The winner will be announced at the MHS vs Alcoa football game on Friday, Sept 9th.
August 31st: Summer Reading Rally Breakfast Congratulations Abigail! She will have a special morning to celebrate her summer reading!
September 2nd: Early Dismissal (11:30)
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n, d, p, f
Grammar: nouns
Math: numbers 0-12, tally marks
STEM: Interview a friend, make a bracelet to represent your friend
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- friendship
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: numbers 0-20, tally marks, tens frames
STEM: Protect Mr. Cottonball
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- storms/weather
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Supply needs: For our upcoming STEM challenges, we would appreciate some donations...
cottonballs
cupcake liners
coffee filters
aluminum foil
wax paper
Thank you!
cottonballs
cupcake liners
coffee filters
aluminum foil
wax paper
Thank you!
8-12-16
I am so impressed by our class. We have 22 sweet and respectful students. Your children have great manners and have made our first 8 days together a real treat! Next week, we will divide into our reading curriculum. We will take 5 weeks to review each short vowel along with consonants sounds. After that, we will begin introducing new concepts of blends, long vowels, and digraphs. We will work with your child AT THEIR LEVEL. Some students will be ready for challenges and others will need more support. Our class time functions on small groups, so we can cater individual student needs better. We will offer advanced lessons, reading material, and vocabulary to students ready for the stretch. We will review and practice phonics with students needing more time to apply skills.
Your child will bring home an orange homework folder on Monday and pace themselves throughout the week to complete the pages inside. You may assist your child as needed. I recognize they will need more support at the beginning of the year to learn this routine and understand the assignments. Please ask questions if you are curious about my philosophies on homework or my choices for items included in your child's folder.
Please remember to return your purple Smokie folder on Monday and include any notes or information for the teacher inside. This folder is a great communication tool along with Remind and email. If you have not signed up for classroom reminders through Remind please find the information in your child's folder. Seesaw is also a GREAT tool for checking your child's progress. If you are not connected to your child's digital portfolio, please see the flyer included in your child's folder. I encourage you to "like" items and add comments. You can even add voice comments for your child!
Upcoming events:
August 15th: STAR math test (baseline)
August 19th- 1st spelling test What is a Pal? (short a)
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am
August 24th: fall portraits
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: graphing, numbers 0-12
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, Native American culture introduction, constructing class totem pole
Writing: Introduction of 6 traits: Ideas, sentence stretching, introducing editing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n, d, p, f
Grammar: nouns
Math: numbers 0-12, tally marks
STEM: Interview a friend, make a bracelet to represent your friend
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- friendship
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
I am so impressed by our class. We have 22 sweet and respectful students. Your children have great manners and have made our first 8 days together a real treat! Next week, we will divide into our reading curriculum. We will take 5 weeks to review each short vowel along with consonants sounds. After that, we will begin introducing new concepts of blends, long vowels, and digraphs. We will work with your child AT THEIR LEVEL. Some students will be ready for challenges and others will need more support. Our class time functions on small groups, so we can cater individual student needs better. We will offer advanced lessons, reading material, and vocabulary to students ready for the stretch. We will review and practice phonics with students needing more time to apply skills.
Your child will bring home an orange homework folder on Monday and pace themselves throughout the week to complete the pages inside. You may assist your child as needed. I recognize they will need more support at the beginning of the year to learn this routine and understand the assignments. Please ask questions if you are curious about my philosophies on homework or my choices for items included in your child's folder.
Please remember to return your purple Smokie folder on Monday and include any notes or information for the teacher inside. This folder is a great communication tool along with Remind and email. If you have not signed up for classroom reminders through Remind please find the information in your child's folder. Seesaw is also a GREAT tool for checking your child's progress. If you are not connected to your child's digital portfolio, please see the flyer included in your child's folder. I encourage you to "like" items and add comments. You can even add voice comments for your child!
Upcoming events:
August 15th: STAR math test (baseline)
August 19th- 1st spelling test What is a Pal? (short a)
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am
August 24th: fall portraits
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: graphing, numbers 0-12
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, Native American culture introduction, constructing class totem pole
Writing: Introduction of 6 traits: Ideas, sentence stretching, introducing editing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n, d, p, f
Grammar: nouns
Math: numbers 0-12, tally marks
STEM: Interview a friend, make a bracelet to represent your friend
Writing: narrative writing, narrow topic, add details- friendship
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
8-5-16
Welcome to 1st grade!
It has been great getting to know your child. We have had an exciting start to 1st grade with spaghetti and glider challenges, learning iPad skills, and making new friends. Thank you for sharing your child with me this year. I look forward to the memories we will make together. It is my goal to build a love for learning in your child. I want to inspire all my students to be their best and continuously strive to grow. I appreciate open communication with my families and want to encourage you to email me anytime with any concerns or questions. I would also enjoy seeing comments on our class blog! Thank you for returning paperwork, bringing in supplies, and paying school fees. Our year has started smoothly because of your participation!
Upcoming events:
August 5-9th: STAR reading test (baseline)
August 10-15th: STAR math test (baseline)
August 19th- 1st spelling test What is a Pal? (short a)
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am
August 24th: fall portraits
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Welcome, meeting friends, learning classroom procedures, baseline assessments
Next week's skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: graphing, numbers 0-12
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, Native American culture introduction, constructing class totem pole
Writing: Introduction of 6 traits: Ideas, sentence stretching, introducing editing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Welcome to 1st grade!
It has been great getting to know your child. We have had an exciting start to 1st grade with spaghetti and glider challenges, learning iPad skills, and making new friends. Thank you for sharing your child with me this year. I look forward to the memories we will make together. It is my goal to build a love for learning in your child. I want to inspire all my students to be their best and continuously strive to grow. I appreciate open communication with my families and want to encourage you to email me anytime with any concerns or questions. I would also enjoy seeing comments on our class blog! Thank you for returning paperwork, bringing in supplies, and paying school fees. Our year has started smoothly because of your participation!
Upcoming events:
August 5-9th: STAR reading test (baseline)
August 10-15th: STAR math test (baseline)
August 19th- 1st spelling test What is a Pal? (short a)
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Run 8:00am
August 20th- MCSF Rebel Ready Block party 10:00am
August 24th: fall portraits
September 5th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Welcome, meeting friends, learning classroom procedures, baseline assessments
Next week's skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: graphing, numbers 0-12
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, Native American culture introduction, constructing class totem pole
Writing: Introduction of 6 traits: Ideas, sentence stretching, introducing editing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
It was SO nice to meet so many new friends in 1st grade tonight and start our year together. Thank you for making time to join us at Open House, dropping off supplies, and filling out excessive paperwork! Checking any of those items off our list will give us more time to focus on making your child feel welcome on Wednesday. Most of you completed several forms tonight that will make our first day together safer and more productive. You also took home a purple Smokie folder. This folder will service as weekly communication. You may return any additional forms in this folder on Wednesday. I am looking forward to working with you and your child this year! Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have about first grade.
Our class awards will be presented on Thursday, May 19th at 1:15pm. (following specials classes) We would love for you to join us as we celebrate our growth and tremendous success this year! Each student will be recognized. A collection of student work will be presented and a student-created story of memories will be shared. You don't want to miss this final moment in 1st grade!
Would you like to help us celebrate the end of our school year? Check out this link for more information and ways to help. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044fafa82ea6fa7-luau
All of our parents are invited to help serve and celebrate with our students in 1st grade! We will begin our party after our school-wide morning assembly (9:00ish)
All of our parents are invited to help serve and celebrate with our students in 1st grade! We will begin our party after our school-wide morning assembly (9:00ish)
Get your child reading this summer and keep them motivated with our READING RALLY! In your child's Friday folder, you will find a log sheet with your child's current ZPD (booklevel zone) and some book suggestions. Our school will once again be hosting a reading rally to promote continued reading throughout the summer. Your child can read a book on their level and come to school to take AR tests during the summer months. They can even earn prizes! Check out this video with more information:
https://voice.adobe.com/a/bz0wk
https://voice.adobe.com/a/bz0wk
REBEL READY, a block party for Maryville families, will be held on the MHS campus, August 20, 2016. We will start the day at 8 A.M. with the annual MCSF REBEL RUN (10K, 5K & 1 Mile), followed by REBEL READY from about 10 A.M. – 2 P.M..
We are excited about the opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate education and our 25 year partnership with the Maryville City Schools Foundation … with tons of fun activities. There will be food, games, bounce houses, athletic endeavors, music, a food drive, line dancing, dunking booth, and so much more.
REBEL READY Mission: To celebrate the spirit of excellence and strength of opportunity that is Maryville.
REBEL READY Goal: To host a block party for Maryville students and families – setting the stage for students to “reach higher” in the new school year.
Link to register for the Run: https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Maryville/MCSFRebelRun5K
Next week, we will enjoy visits from Ripley's Aquarium, Titanic Pigeon Forge, and Premier Martial Arts. We will also have Dr. Herbert from MJHS come to talk to us about oceanography! What an exciting week we are planning to finish out our school year! We will also visit Kindergarten classes to share what we know about 1st grade and help answer any questions they may have. I am looking forward to our last few days together.
5-6-16
Parents,
This week, we took our STAR math test. In your child's folder, you will find their test record for the year. Each STAR score is listed. You can see their progress throughout the year. Our goal is to grow each student one full year regardless of where they start. Check out your child's growth. How far have they come? Praise them for their efforts and the result of their hard work! This particular math test does not simply test them on 1st grade standards and applying those skills on more difficult problems. It moves into 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade standards (things not covered in our classroom) I am impressed with their application of skills and understanding of concepts not directly taught yet.
Next week, we will have our last Spelling test, Story of the Week, and weekly tests. Your child's only homework will be spelling practice. *some may have incomplete math practice from last week* We will celebrate the success of the Smokie Strut, enjoy field day, and have a special guest from the MUSE. Our prize day for the Strut fundraiser includes inflatables! We will have 30 minutes to play, jump, and slide with our friends! (9:00-9:30am) In addition to that celebration, we will be allowed to BLAST Blevins with water soakers at 11:15. Our field day activities will begin at 12:40pm. If your child has fair skin and it is a sunny day, they might want to bring sunscreen or a hat to cover their face. If it is a hot day, they may bring a water bottle to take outside. You are invited to watch and cheer for us as we rotate through 6 stations of games and races. Field Day events will take place on the 3rd grade side of our building by the large playground on the baseball field. You could sit on the hill and watch or even rotate with us to take pictures!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 16-19th- Adventure Week: Down by the Sea
May 19th- Last day for students
9:00 Luau party! *look for email with signup genius link coming soon
1:15 Class Awards *see invitation
This week's skills:
Story: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design an insect with all parts included
Writing: Fly Guy Adventure *check out our stories displayed in the hallway!
Next week's skills:
Story: Winners Never Quit
Phonics: syllable pattern CV (baby, even)
Grammar: prefixes
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design a field to move a ball from one end to the other quickly
Writing: What to Expect in 1st grade (Dear Kindergartener/soon-to-be First Grader)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: NO Specials (Library closed for inventory-please return all books)
Thursday: Art
Friday: NO specials
Parents,
This week, we took our STAR math test. In your child's folder, you will find their test record for the year. Each STAR score is listed. You can see their progress throughout the year. Our goal is to grow each student one full year regardless of where they start. Check out your child's growth. How far have they come? Praise them for their efforts and the result of their hard work! This particular math test does not simply test them on 1st grade standards and applying those skills on more difficult problems. It moves into 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade standards (things not covered in our classroom) I am impressed with their application of skills and understanding of concepts not directly taught yet.
Next week, we will have our last Spelling test, Story of the Week, and weekly tests. Your child's only homework will be spelling practice. *some may have incomplete math practice from last week* We will celebrate the success of the Smokie Strut, enjoy field day, and have a special guest from the MUSE. Our prize day for the Strut fundraiser includes inflatables! We will have 30 minutes to play, jump, and slide with our friends! (9:00-9:30am) In addition to that celebration, we will be allowed to BLAST Blevins with water soakers at 11:15. Our field day activities will begin at 12:40pm. If your child has fair skin and it is a sunny day, they might want to bring sunscreen or a hat to cover their face. If it is a hot day, they may bring a water bottle to take outside. You are invited to watch and cheer for us as we rotate through 6 stations of games and races. Field Day events will take place on the 3rd grade side of our building by the large playground on the baseball field. You could sit on the hill and watch or even rotate with us to take pictures!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 16-19th- Adventure Week: Down by the Sea
May 19th- Last day for students
9:00 Luau party! *look for email with signup genius link coming soon
1:15 Class Awards *see invitation
This week's skills:
Story: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design an insect with all parts included
Writing: Fly Guy Adventure *check out our stories displayed in the hallway!
Next week's skills:
Story: Winners Never Quit
Phonics: syllable pattern CV (baby, even)
Grammar: prefixes
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design a field to move a ball from one end to the other quickly
Writing: What to Expect in 1st grade (Dear Kindergartener/soon-to-be First Grader)
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: NO Specials (Library closed for inventory-please return all books)
Thursday: Art
Friday: NO specials
4-29-16
Parents,
I am SO proud of each student's growth in reading this year. We have a lot to celebrate! In your child's folder, you will find their test record for the year. Each STAR score is listed. You can see their progress throughout the year. Our goal is to grow each student one full year regardless of where they start. Check out your child's growth. How far have they come? Praise them for their efforts and the result of their hard work!
Next week, we will take the STAR math test. This test is not read to them which can cause difficulty for some students. Please encourage them to do their best. They will take this test on their iPads and have scratch paper to use when needed to work problem. Encourage them to use multiple strategies. You can also help prepare your child by working out math facts for both addition and subtraction.
I honestly can't believe we only have 3 weeks of school left this year. Several exciting events will take place over the next few weeks. Look for more information about field day, prize day, awards ceremony, and a luau party!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 16-19th- Adventure Week: Down by the Sea
May 19th- Last day for students
9:00 Luau party! *look for email with signup genius link coming soon
1:15 Class Awards *invitation coming soon
This week's skills:
Story: The Kite
Phonics: long i igh, y, ie
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite!
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next week's skills:
Story: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design an insect with all parts included
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Fly Guy Adventure
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Parents,
I am SO proud of each student's growth in reading this year. We have a lot to celebrate! In your child's folder, you will find their test record for the year. Each STAR score is listed. You can see their progress throughout the year. Our goal is to grow each student one full year regardless of where they start. Check out your child's growth. How far have they come? Praise them for their efforts and the result of their hard work!
Next week, we will take the STAR math test. This test is not read to them which can cause difficulty for some students. Please encourage them to do their best. They will take this test on their iPads and have scratch paper to use when needed to work problem. Encourage them to use multiple strategies. You can also help prepare your child by working out math facts for both addition and subtraction.
I honestly can't believe we only have 3 weeks of school left this year. Several exciting events will take place over the next few weeks. Look for more information about field day, prize day, awards ceremony, and a luau party!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 16-19th- Adventure Week: Down by the Sea
May 19th- Last day for students
9:00 Luau party! *look for email with signup genius link coming soon
1:15 Class Awards *invitation coming soon
This week's skills:
Story: The Kite
Phonics: long i igh, y, ie
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite!
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next week's skills:
Story: Hi! Fly Guy
Phonics: suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: addition and subtraction fluency
STEM: design an insect with all parts included
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Fly Guy Adventure
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
4-22-16
Parents,
Next week we take the STAR reading test. The best way to prepare your child for this test is reading , reading, reading! Encourage them to do their best. Reminder them to read the question first and go back to the passage to find the answer. Help your child do their best by staying positive, helping them get to bed early the night before, and getting them a healthy breakfast to start their day! The results from this test will be compared to the scores from the beginning of the year to help measure growth. I am excited for your child to show you their progress!
Check out our blog for pictures from our fun Strut experience! What a great day running, dancing, and cheering! Be sure to send in your child's collected donations. You can send these in daily in the Strut envelope or in a bag marked with your child's name. Our Strut efforts make a BIG difference for Sam Houston!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
April 27th- STAR reading test
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 19th- Last day for students
This week's skills:
Story: What Can You Do?
Phonics: endings -er and -est, changing y to i, syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: What Can I Do? challenges (review measurement, time, and graphing)
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next week's skills:
Story: The Kite
Phonics: long i igh, y, ie
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite!
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Tech and Guidance
Parents,
Next week we take the STAR reading test. The best way to prepare your child for this test is reading , reading, reading! Encourage them to do their best. Reminder them to read the question first and go back to the passage to find the answer. Help your child do their best by staying positive, helping them get to bed early the night before, and getting them a healthy breakfast to start their day! The results from this test will be compared to the scores from the beginning of the year to help measure growth. I am excited for your child to show you their progress!
Check out our blog for pictures from our fun Strut experience! What a great day running, dancing, and cheering! Be sure to send in your child's collected donations. You can send these in daily in the Strut envelope or in a bag marked with your child's name. Our Strut efforts make a BIG difference for Sam Houston!
Upcoming events:
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings something from home. Thank you!
April 27th- STAR reading test
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
May 19th- Last day for students
This week's skills:
Story: What Can You Do?
Phonics: endings -er and -est, changing y to i, syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: What Can I Do? challenges (review measurement, time, and graphing)
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next week's skills:
Story: The Kite
Phonics: long i igh, y, ie
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite!
*supply needs: cardboard tubes, boxes (cereal or packaging), dowels, ribbon, crepe paper
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Tech and Guidance
Get ready to STRUT tomorrow!
The Smokie Strut has been changed to April 21st due to the rain in the forecast for Friday. Please make sure your child wears running shoes and comfortable clothing. We have water bottles and t-shirts ready for them! You are welcome to run/walk with us or cheer from the sideline. We will be on the course at the front of the school from 8:30-9:00. We will have a picnic lunch and cheer for the 3rd grade runners too! It will be a fun-filled day! |
Next week, we are reading the story What Can You Do? This story is about discovering what you do well. At home, please discuss different ways your child feels successful and answer these questions: What do you do well? Why it is important to always try your best? What personal goals do you set for yourself? How do you feel when you reach your goals? Your child also has the option of completing a Learning Project about something that he/she can do well. Each student will present his/her “talent” to our class on Friday. This could be an iMovie, powerpoint, live performance, poster, photographs, or speech.
4-15-16
Parents,
Next week is Spirit Week!! Your child has written you a letter with details about the school plan to gear up for the Smokie Strut on Friday, April 22nd. Each day will be celebrated with a different theme. Check Seesaw or the photo below for more details about each day. We would LOVE for every student to participate. On Friday, we will wear the t-shirts provided by our AMAZING PTO! We will keep those shirts here at school to be sure ALL students are wearing them for the Strut. They will come home wearing their new SuperPower shirt! If you are able to join us for the Strut, our 1st grade team should be running at 8:30am. We will have 30 minutes on the course. Several parents volunteer to help with this event which is a GREAT way to cheer for our students as well. A great big thank you to all those who help with this fun, fantastic fundraiser! Please be sure your child is wearing tennis shoes and comfortable pants or shorts for this event. We run outside around the front parking area and good shoes are a MUST a help prevent injury! Our PTO is also providing each student with a water bottle. I will fill these with ice water before our run and they will be able to take these home on Friday too! I hope everyone has started asking for donations and sponsors. It is always motivating to know someone is anxious to know your total laps ran!
Upcoming events:
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings somethign from home. Thank you!
April 27th- STAR reading test
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed and -ing (dropping e or doubling the consonant), long e from ie and y (story, chief)
Grammar: contractions
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: Pointillism creations
Writing: Informational writing
Next week's skills:
Story: What Can You Do?
Phonics: endings -er and -est, changing y to i, syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: What Can I Do? challenges (review measurement, time, and graphing)
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech lab and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: No specials
Parents,
Next week is Spirit Week!! Your child has written you a letter with details about the school plan to gear up for the Smokie Strut on Friday, April 22nd. Each day will be celebrated with a different theme. Check Seesaw or the photo below for more details about each day. We would LOVE for every student to participate. On Friday, we will wear the t-shirts provided by our AMAZING PTO! We will keep those shirts here at school to be sure ALL students are wearing them for the Strut. They will come home wearing their new SuperPower shirt! If you are able to join us for the Strut, our 1st grade team should be running at 8:30am. We will have 30 minutes on the course. Several parents volunteer to help with this event which is a GREAT way to cheer for our students as well. A great big thank you to all those who help with this fun, fantastic fundraiser! Please be sure your child is wearing tennis shoes and comfortable pants or shorts for this event. We run outside around the front parking area and good shoes are a MUST a help prevent injury! Our PTO is also providing each student with a water bottle. I will fill these with ice water before our run and they will be able to take these home on Friday too! I hope everyone has started asking for donations and sponsors. It is always motivating to know someone is anxious to know your total laps ran!
Upcoming events:
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe *please be sure your child is able to purchase lunch form the cafe or brings somethign from home. Thank you!
April 27th- STAR reading test
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed and -ing (dropping e or doubling the consonant), long e from ie and y (story, chief)
Grammar: contractions
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: Pointillism creations
Writing: Informational writing
Next week's skills:
Story: What Can You Do?
Phonics: endings -er and -est, changing y to i, syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: What Can I Do? challenges (review measurement, time, and graphing)
Writing: Informational writing/ Biography
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Tech lab and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: No specials
4-8-16
Parents,
This week we read The New Friend with a character from Japan moving to the United States! We learned more about our country by studying US symbols like the flag, Statue of Liberty, and White House. Ask your child about their favorite symbol. After researching symbols through video and text, we created movie trailers using iMovie. We pretended a documentary was being made about US symbols and we were in charge of creating the movie trailer to promote the film. Our trailer had to include at least 3 symbols, clear information, and excite viewers. Check out your child's creation! *disclaimer- iMovie is not a free app
We also used iMovie to produce a trailer about spring during our writing time. What creative technology learning FUN!
Upcoming events:
April 8th- Officer Hicks visit * ask your child what they learned!
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 28th- Smokie Strut
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: The New Friend
Phonics: words with /ow/ (power, sour)
Grammar: contractions
Math: fractions
STEM: iMovie, US symbols
Writing: Informational writing
Next week's skills:
Story: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed and -ing (dropping e or doubling the consonant), long e from ie and y (story, chief)
Grammar: contractions
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: Pointillism creations
Writing: Informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech lab and Guidance
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Parents,
This week we read The New Friend with a character from Japan moving to the United States! We learned more about our country by studying US symbols like the flag, Statue of Liberty, and White House. Ask your child about their favorite symbol. After researching symbols through video and text, we created movie trailers using iMovie. We pretended a documentary was being made about US symbols and we were in charge of creating the movie trailer to promote the film. Our trailer had to include at least 3 symbols, clear information, and excite viewers. Check out your child's creation! *disclaimer- iMovie is not a free app
We also used iMovie to produce a trailer about spring during our writing time. What creative technology learning FUN!
Upcoming events:
April 8th- Officer Hicks visit * ask your child what they learned!
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 28th- Smokie Strut
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: The New Friend
Phonics: words with /ow/ (power, sour)
Grammar: contractions
Math: fractions
STEM: iMovie, US symbols
Writing: Informational writing
Next week's skills:
Story: The Dot
Phonics: endings -ed and -ing (dropping e or doubling the consonant), long e from ie and y (story, chief)
Grammar: contractions
Math: adding two digit numbers
STEM: Pointillism creations
Writing: Informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Tech lab and Guidance
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
4-1-16
Parents,
This week in STEM, we reviewed time and used elapsed time to solve problems. I was happy to have some more practice. Our first day was not easy, but by Wednesday we were using clocks and showing time quickly. We planned a garden, cared for it, and harvested apples. We showed digital and analog times and made illustrations to match each task. Then we used Koma Koma to create a stop motion video to show our garden project. Check out your child's Seesaw to see their project!
Upcoming events:
April 8th- Officer Hicks visit
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 28th- Smokie Strut
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: words with oo (cool, smooth)
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing and fractions
STEM: Elasped time, Stop Motion, planted apple trees.
Writing: Spring writing
Next week's skills:
Story: The New Friend
Phonics: words with /ow/ (power, sour)
Grammar: contractions
Math: fractions
STEM: iMovie, US symbols
Writing: Informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech lab and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
This week in STEM, we reviewed time and used elapsed time to solve problems. I was happy to have some more practice. Our first day was not easy, but by Wednesday we were using clocks and showing time quickly. We planned a garden, cared for it, and harvested apples. We showed digital and analog times and made illustrations to match each task. Then we used Koma Koma to create a stop motion video to show our garden project. Check out your child's Seesaw to see their project!
Upcoming events:
April 8th- Officer Hicks visit
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 18-22nd- Spirit Week!! *see Seesaw and the photo below for details
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 25th- NO more charging in the cafe
April 22nd- Smokie Strut
April 27th- STAR reading test
April 28th- Smokie Strut
May 4th- STAR math test
May 13th-Strut Prize Day and Field Day
This week's skills:
Story: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: words with oo (cool, smooth)
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing and fractions
STEM: Elasped time, Stop Motion, planted apple trees.
Writing: Spring writing
Next week's skills:
Story: The New Friend
Phonics: words with /ow/ (power, sour)
Grammar: contractions
Math: fractions
STEM: iMovie, US symbols
Writing: Informational writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Tech lab and Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
3-24-16
Parents,
I hope you all had an amazing and relaxing spring break. Your child has come back to school ready to learn! We had a great short week getting back into our routines. The end of the year is some how FAST approaching. We only have a few weeks left together. We will be working hard learning more vowel pairs, segmenting words, adding to our reading vocabulary, and tackling more complex math activities in preparation for 2nd grade. Please be sure to check your child's folder for updates, flyers, and their work. If you see incomplete papers, have them finish that work at home. If you see something with poor markings, take time to review the work with them. We learn a lot of new skills in first grade and the best way for you to help is to talk with your child about their day. Ask them what books they read or what game we played.
In your child's folder you will find the 3rd 9 weeks progress report. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Our timed reading goal has moved to 75 words per minute and our mastery goal remains >85%.
Upcoming events:
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
April 18-28th- STAR testing
April 28th- Smokie Strut
This week's skills:
Story: Whistle for Willie
Phonics: words with oo (book, hood)
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: designing an outdoor space for Willie
Writing: informative and opinion writing
Next week's skills:
Story: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: words with oo (cool, smooth)
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing and fractions
STEM: Elasped time, Stop Motion, planted apple trees.
Writing: Spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Parents,
I hope you all had an amazing and relaxing spring break. Your child has come back to school ready to learn! We had a great short week getting back into our routines. The end of the year is some how FAST approaching. We only have a few weeks left together. We will be working hard learning more vowel pairs, segmenting words, adding to our reading vocabulary, and tackling more complex math activities in preparation for 2nd grade. Please be sure to check your child's folder for updates, flyers, and their work. If you see incomplete papers, have them finish that work at home. If you see something with poor markings, take time to review the work with them. We learn a lot of new skills in first grade and the best way for you to help is to talk with your child about their day. Ask them what books they read or what game we played.
In your child's folder you will find the 3rd 9 weeks progress report. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Our timed reading goal has moved to 75 words per minute and our mastery goal remains >85%.
Upcoming events:
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
April 18-28th- STAR testing
April 28th- Smokie Strut
This week's skills:
Story: Whistle for Willie
Phonics: words with oo (book, hood)
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: designing an outdoor space for Willie
Writing: informative and opinion writing
Next week's skills:
Story: A Tree is a Plant
Phonics: words with oo (cool, smooth)
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing and fractions
STEM: Elasped time, Stop Motion, planted apple trees.
Writing: Spring writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
See you on March 21st!
SAM HOUSTON STATUE UNVEILING
When: Saturday, March 19th at 10:30am
Where: Maryville Municipal Building (west end)
Our Sam Houston Singers will be singing at the event, and Governor Haslam, Senator Lamar Alexander, Mayor Tom Taylor, and other dignitaries will be present.
When: Saturday, March 19th at 10:30am
Where: Maryville Municipal Building (west end)
Our Sam Houston Singers will be singing at the event, and Governor Haslam, Senator Lamar Alexander, Mayor Tom Taylor, and other dignitaries will be present.
3-7-16
Parents- No homework this week! We just need to practice our lines tonight and remember to wear our costumes tomorrow. If your child is not dressed as a character, they need to wear blue jeans on Tuesday. If your child is a character, please send them in their costume on Tuesday morning for our dress rehearsal. Also, please send a change of clothes for after our performance. We can keep their costume for the evening show or we can send it home at your request. Students need to be in our classes at 5:45 pm on Tuesday night, ready to change and go on stage at 6:00pm. Thank you for your support and efforts to make this show a success. I think you will be impressed by our first graders!
Parents- No homework this week! We just need to practice our lines tonight and remember to wear our costumes tomorrow. If your child is not dressed as a character, they need to wear blue jeans on Tuesday. If your child is a character, please send them in their costume on Tuesday morning for our dress rehearsal. Also, please send a change of clothes for after our performance. We can keep their costume for the evening show or we can send it home at your request. Students need to be in our classes at 5:45 pm on Tuesday night, ready to change and go on stage at 6:00pm. Thank you for your support and efforts to make this show a success. I think you will be impressed by our first graders!
3-4-16
We have had a great week talking about Tennessee, switching classes, and rehearsing for our program. We look forward to sharing our performance with you. Please see the details below for more information about dates and times!
Next week we will have three days of review and assessment. We will practice what we have learned so far and get ready for our last 9 weeks together. Please prepare to read with your child over the spring vacation. Plan a trip to our local library, visit McKay's in Knoxville for inexpensive books, or pull out some home favorites. Set up a reading plan. See the attached file for tips on how to improve your child's home reading. Remember, they can read books at home and bring them in when we return to school to take AR tests. Just be sure the book is the appropriate level for your child and the book is listed with Accelerated Reader. http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx
We have had a great week talking about Tennessee, switching classes, and rehearsing for our program. We look forward to sharing our performance with you. Please see the details below for more information about dates and times!
Next week we will have three days of review and assessment. We will practice what we have learned so far and get ready for our last 9 weeks together. Please prepare to read with your child over the spring vacation. Plan a trip to our local library, visit McKay's in Knoxville for inexpensive books, or pull out some home favorites. Set up a reading plan. See the attached file for tips on how to improve your child's home reading. Remember, they can read books at home and bring them in when we return to school to take AR tests. Just be sure the book is the appropriate level for your child and the book is listed with Accelerated Reader. http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx
tipsforparentsreadingathome.pdf | |
File Size: | 597 kb |
File Type: |
I look forward to hearing about your child's adventures away from school when we return on March 21st.
Upcoming events:
March 8th- 1st grade program 6:00pm
March 10-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 22nd- Vet visit: dog safety
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
April 8th- Officer Hicks Vist
April 15th- Class Picture Day
April 18-29th- FINAL STAR TESTING
Next skills covered:
When we return from break, we will be on Whistle for Willie working on /oo/. In math, we will begin graphing.
Upcoming events:
March 8th- 1st grade program 6:00pm
March 10-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 22nd- Vet visit: dog safety
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
April 8th- Officer Hicks Vist
April 15th- Class Picture Day
April 18-29th- FINAL STAR TESTING
Next skills covered:
When we return from break, we will be on Whistle for Willie working on /oo/. In math, we will begin graphing.
Parents-
We can't wait to share our program with you! We have done a great job during our daily rehearsals and continue to get better and better! We will have a dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning for half of our school. You are welcome to come see this performance as well. It should start in the gym around 8:10am. Our official program will be Tuesday evening at 6:00pm. Students need to arrive at our classroom at 5:45pm. Students not wearing a character costume need to wear blue jeans and closed toed shoes. We will have our painted t-shirts to wear on stage. I recommend getting a seat on the right side of the gym when facing the stage. We will be standing on the left side of the stage and the best angle to see us is at a diagonal. Thank you for your help donating t-shirts, practicing lines, and getting costumes together.
We can't wait to share our program with you! We have done a great job during our daily rehearsals and continue to get better and better! We will have a dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning for half of our school. You are welcome to come see this performance as well. It should start in the gym around 8:10am. Our official program will be Tuesday evening at 6:00pm. Students need to arrive at our classroom at 5:45pm. Students not wearing a character costume need to wear blue jeans and closed toed shoes. We will have our painted t-shirts to wear on stage. I recommend getting a seat on the right side of the gym when facing the stage. We will be standing on the left side of the stage and the best angle to see us is at a diagonal. Thank you for your help donating t-shirts, practicing lines, and getting costumes together.
2-26-16
Parents,
This week, we took both the STAR reading and math tests. This test is used to measure growth and national percentile ranking. You should have received your child test record for STAR reading that shows all their scores for the year. Look at their GE (grade equivalence) and see how far they have come since the beginning of the year. I am pleased with their progress. We will take this test again in April as a final measure. Having your child read daily as part of a nightly routine will greatly increase your child's progress and help prepare them for 2nd grade. Helping your child review math facts for both addition and subtract will also help your child's scores increase in math. You will receive a full diagnostic report with your child's 3rd 9 weeks progress report. If you have questions about these scores, please feel free to contact me.
Please continue to help your child practice their line for the program so they will be confident and comfortable in front of an audience. We will have 30 minute rehearsals daily next week. If your child is a character, please help prepare a costume for your child to wear. They can bring in the costume by March 4th or 7th to start using during rehearsal. Thank you! All students will have a painted t-shirt to wear during the program if they are not in costume. Please remember to send in your child's shirts if you have not done so already by Monday.
Upcoming events:
February 29th- T-shirts DUE
March 8th- 1st grade program
March 10-11th- E/I or Snow Makeup days
March 14-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
This week's skills:
Story: Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled e, i, and u
Grammar: pronouns
Math: adding three numbers, addition strategies
STEM: designing a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Smokey's Tale
Phonics: review
Grammar: review
Math: subtraction and addition strategies
STEM: Rocky Top soil
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Parents,
This week, we took both the STAR reading and math tests. This test is used to measure growth and national percentile ranking. You should have received your child test record for STAR reading that shows all their scores for the year. Look at their GE (grade equivalence) and see how far they have come since the beginning of the year. I am pleased with their progress. We will take this test again in April as a final measure. Having your child read daily as part of a nightly routine will greatly increase your child's progress and help prepare them for 2nd grade. Helping your child review math facts for both addition and subtract will also help your child's scores increase in math. You will receive a full diagnostic report with your child's 3rd 9 weeks progress report. If you have questions about these scores, please feel free to contact me.
Please continue to help your child practice their line for the program so they will be confident and comfortable in front of an audience. We will have 30 minute rehearsals daily next week. If your child is a character, please help prepare a costume for your child to wear. They can bring in the costume by March 4th or 7th to start using during rehearsal. Thank you! All students will have a painted t-shirt to wear during the program if they are not in costume. Please remember to send in your child's shirts if you have not done so already by Monday.
Upcoming events:
February 29th- T-shirts DUE
March 8th- 1st grade program
March 10-11th- E/I or Snow Makeup days
March 14-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
This week's skills:
Story: Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled e, i, and u
Grammar: pronouns
Math: adding three numbers, addition strategies
STEM: designing a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Smokey's Tale
Phonics: review
Grammar: review
Math: subtraction and addition strategies
STEM: Rocky Top soil
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Supply Request: We are in need of toilet or paper towel tubes! Thank you!
We are preparing for our upcoming 1st grade program. Each child needs a plain white t-shirt (undershirts are perfect!) Please send in a white shirt for your child and any additional shirts you would be willing to donate. Write your child's name in the collar or on the label. We will be painting these shirts, so your child will bring home their modified shirt after the program. These shirts are needed by February 29th but can be sent in at any time. Thank you!
2-19-16
Parents,
We had a wonderful time exploring the museum in Oak Ridge on Thursday. Ask your child about the maze, ice balloon experiment, and brain teaser puzzles. Thank you to our chaperones for helping guides our groups and monitor students. Our class experiences are more exciting when we share them with our parents. Check the blog for more pictures from our trip...it was hair-raising!
Please be sure to read all the reminders and requests. Each child needs a white t-shirt to paint for our program. See the orange print above and below for more details.
Students have also been asked about speaking parts in addition to the songs and activities they will participate in during the show. Look for your child's lines to practice in their folder if they have an additional speaking part to rehearse. We will also begin rehearsing here at school. We would like your child familiar with their part before February 29th. They will learn and practice the songs at school with Mrs. Gildrie. I hope you will mark your calendar for March 8th and join us for a fun show all about Tennessee!
Upcoming events:
February 5th- 1st grade Health Fair
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Valentine exchange and Early Dismissal (11:30 am)
February 29th- T-shirts DUE
March 8th- 1st grade program
March 10-11th- E/I or Snow Makeup days
March 14-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
This week's skills:
Story: The Garden
Phonics: r controlled a and o
Grammar: pronouns
Math: addition strategies, doubles +1, adding three numbers
STEM: iReady
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled e, i, and u
Grammar: pronouns
Math: adding three numbers, addition strategies
STEM: designing a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: technology and guidance
Friday: no specials- program practice
2-19-16
Parents,
We had a wonderful time exploring the museum in Oak Ridge on Thursday. Ask your child about the maze, ice balloon experiment, and brain teaser puzzles. Thank you to our chaperones for helping guides our groups and monitor students. Our class experiences are more exciting when we share them with our parents. Check the blog for more pictures from our trip...it was hair-raising!
Please be sure to read all the reminders and requests. Each child needs a white t-shirt to paint for our program. See the orange print above and below for more details.
Students have also been asked about speaking parts in addition to the songs and activities they will participate in during the show. Look for your child's lines to practice in their folder if they have an additional speaking part to rehearse. We will also begin rehearsing here at school. We would like your child familiar with their part before February 29th. They will learn and practice the songs at school with Mrs. Gildrie. I hope you will mark your calendar for March 8th and join us for a fun show all about Tennessee!
Upcoming events:
February 5th- 1st grade Health Fair
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Valentine exchange and Early Dismissal (11:30 am)
February 29th- T-shirts DUE
March 8th- 1st grade program
March 10-11th- E/I or Snow Makeup days
March 14-18th- Spring Break
March 21st- Students return to school
March 24th Progress Reports go home
March 25th- No school, Holiday
This week's skills:
Story: The Garden
Phonics: r controlled a and o
Grammar: pronouns
Math: addition strategies, doubles +1, adding three numbers
STEM: iReady
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Amazing Animals
Phonics: r controlled e, i, and u
Grammar: pronouns
Math: adding three numbers, addition strategies
STEM: designing a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: technology and guidance
Friday: no specials- program practice
2-10-16
❄️With the snow day, we have rescheduled our field trip.❄️ We will now be going to the Oak Ridge Museum on February 18th. Thank you for your flexibility!
Due to the interrupted week with snow, abbreviated day on Friday, and professional day on Monday, Smokie folders will NOT be sent home on February 12th. Folders will be sent home on Friday, February 19th as usual.
❄️With the snow day, we have rescheduled our field trip.❄️ We will now be going to the Oak Ridge Museum on February 18th. Thank you for your flexibility!
Due to the interrupted week with snow, abbreviated day on Friday, and professional day on Monday, Smokie folders will NOT be sent home on February 12th. Folders will be sent home on Friday, February 19th as usual.
Supply need: We need empty water bottles for a STEM project next week. Please start collecting and sending in empty 16-20oz bottles. Soda bottles will work as well as long as they are clear plastic bottles. Thank you!
We are preparing for our upcoming 1st grade program. Each child needs a plain white t-shirt (undershirts are perfect!) Please send in a white shirt for your child and any additional shirts you would be willing to donate. Write your child's name in the collar or on the label. We will be painting these shirts, so your child will bring home their modified shirt after the program. These shirts are needed by February 29th but can be sent in at any time. Thank you!
2-5-16
Parents,
To the many parents who were able to make it to Open House, thank you for your time and support. I know your child enjoyed showing you many parts of our day and their displayed work. Please know you are always welcome to visit or volunteer. If you were not able to make it, please check your child's Seesaw account for an Adobe Voice project about our school day.
Remember our Valentine exchange is planned for February 12th! Please send in 17 signed Valentines (not addressed) and a decorated box by February 11th.
Upcoming events:
February 5th- 1st grade Health Fair
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Valentine exchange and Early Dismissal (11:30 am)
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o; oa, ow; contractions with are and have
Grammar: synonyms
Math: measurement, time
STEM: designing a Little Free Library to match a designated community
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: short e, ea; compound words
Grammar: prepositions and phrases
Math: time to the hour and half hour
STEM: designing a marble roller coaster!
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Field trip no specials
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: early dismissal no specials
Parents,
To the many parents who were able to make it to Open House, thank you for your time and support. I know your child enjoyed showing you many parts of our day and their displayed work. Please know you are always welcome to visit or volunteer. If you were not able to make it, please check your child's Seesaw account for an Adobe Voice project about our school day.
Remember our Valentine exchange is planned for February 12th! Please send in 17 signed Valentines (not addressed) and a decorated box by February 11th.
Upcoming events:
February 5th- 1st grade Health Fair
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Valentine exchange and Early Dismissal (11:30 am)
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o; oa, ow; contractions with are and have
Grammar: synonyms
Math: measurement, time
STEM: designing a Little Free Library to match a designated community
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Little Rabbit's Tale
Phonics: short e, ea; compound words
Grammar: prepositions and phrases
Math: time to the hour and half hour
STEM: designing a marble roller coaster!
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Field trip no specials
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: early dismissal no specials
1-29-16
Parents,
Check out our blog for pictures from the week! We had a great time celebrating 100 days of 1st grade. The kids loved the video with the pictures of their "aged" self. It was so fun to watch their reaction when seeing themselves "old".
They also had fun working in a team to create a vehicle with 100 items. Not only did they use 100 items but their vehicle had to match their chosen location. This project connected to last week's Big Trip story. (with the snow days we could not complete this project earlier) check out the pictures from this activity too!
Next week, we will continue our study of food and introduce other areas of healthy living. We will have a "Health Fair" on February 5th with a doctor talking to us about germs and hand washing, a representative talking about dental health and teeth brushing, and a nutritionist talking about good food choices. (This is also connected to February being Dental Health month.)
Hopefully you will be able to make our Winter Open House on Thursday evening. *see flyer for more details in the Friday folder. Our classroom will be open from 5:30-6:30pm, pieces of your child's work will be displayed in the hallway, and specials teachers will be waiting you greet you in their classrooms as well. Our PTO will also be providing a FREE chili dinner in the cafeteria. Thank you to our gracious PTO!
Check your child's folder for information about our Valentine exchange planned for February 12th! Please read the enclosed note CAREFULLY as there are specific instructions explained.
Upcoming events:
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Early Dismissal 11:30am
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng and long a ai; ay, contractions
Grammar: multiple meaning words
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o; oa, ow; contractions with are and have
Grammar: synonyms
Math: measurement, time
STEM: designing a Little Free Library to match a designated community
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer lab and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
Check out our blog for pictures from the week! We had a great time celebrating 100 days of 1st grade. The kids loved the video with the pictures of their "aged" self. It was so fun to watch their reaction when seeing themselves "old".
They also had fun working in a team to create a vehicle with 100 items. Not only did they use 100 items but their vehicle had to match their chosen location. This project connected to last week's Big Trip story. (with the snow days we could not complete this project earlier) check out the pictures from this activity too!
Next week, we will continue our study of food and introduce other areas of healthy living. We will have a "Health Fair" on February 5th with a doctor talking to us about germs and hand washing, a representative talking about dental health and teeth brushing, and a nutritionist talking about good food choices. (This is also connected to February being Dental Health month.)
Hopefully you will be able to make our Winter Open House on Thursday evening. *see flyer for more details in the Friday folder. Our classroom will be open from 5:30-6:30pm, pieces of your child's work will be displayed in the hallway, and specials teachers will be waiting you greet you in their classrooms as well. Our PTO will also be providing a FREE chili dinner in the cafeteria. Thank you to our gracious PTO!
Check your child's folder for information about our Valentine exchange planned for February 12th! Please read the enclosed note CAREFULLY as there are specific instructions explained.
Upcoming events:
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 12th- Early Dismissal 11:30am
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng and long a ai; ay, contractions
Grammar: multiple meaning words
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Tomas Rivera
Phonics: long o; oa, ow; contractions with are and have
Grammar: synonyms
Math: measurement, time
STEM: designing a Little Free Library to match a designated community
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer lab and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
1-22-16
Parents,
What a crazy week with a holiday and two snow days! We were able to take our comprehension test on The Big Trip after reading the story again this morning. We also took our spelling test since the words were given on Tuesday and lists are always available online for the entire year. In the future, please be sure your child is prepared for spelling every Friday. We did not take our phonics or vocabulary tests yet. I am going to continue to teach those skills next week and hopefully test on those skills on Tuesday. We will continue to introduce next week's skills as well. BUSY! We were able to do progress monitoring and timed reads today as well. Please review these items in your child's folder. Our current goal through spring break is 60 words per minute with accuracy. If your child is not approaching this goal, the best advice is read MORE, read together and help your child decode words and talk about meanings, help them go back and reread when they hear something that doesn't make sense. Yes, we check for fluency, but the accuracy along with that leads to our main goal of comprehension. If we spend too much time decode or do not correct mistakes, we lose the meaning of the words.
Our 100th day celebration is now set for Tuesday- fingers crossed this upcoming weather will not interfere! Thank you for the snack donations! We will have a delicious time celebrating!
Upcoming events:
NOW- 100 Day projects due
January 25th- Permission slips due!
January 26th- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng
Grammar: compound sentences
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng and long a ai; ay, contractions
Grammar: multiple meaning words
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Computer lab and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Parents,
What a crazy week with a holiday and two snow days! We were able to take our comprehension test on The Big Trip after reading the story again this morning. We also took our spelling test since the words were given on Tuesday and lists are always available online for the entire year. In the future, please be sure your child is prepared for spelling every Friday. We did not take our phonics or vocabulary tests yet. I am going to continue to teach those skills next week and hopefully test on those skills on Tuesday. We will continue to introduce next week's skills as well. BUSY! We were able to do progress monitoring and timed reads today as well. Please review these items in your child's folder. Our current goal through spring break is 60 words per minute with accuracy. If your child is not approaching this goal, the best advice is read MORE, read together and help your child decode words and talk about meanings, help them go back and reread when they hear something that doesn't make sense. Yes, we check for fluency, but the accuracy along with that leads to our main goal of comprehension. If we spend too much time decode or do not correct mistakes, we lose the meaning of the words.
Our 100th day celebration is now set for Tuesday- fingers crossed this upcoming weather will not interfere! Thank you for the snack donations! We will have a delicious time celebrating!
Upcoming events:
NOW- 100 Day projects due
January 25th- Permission slips due!
January 26th- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: The Big Trip
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng
Grammar: compound sentences
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: Where Does Food Come From?
Phonics: long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng and long a ai; ay, contractions
Grammar: multiple meaning words
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Computer lab and Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
We are getting closer to our 100 Day celebration! What has your child decided to create with 100 items? How will they display their project? Help them get creative! It does not have to be expensive and the size does not have to be grand. All we ask is your child be proud of their work and they have confirmed the math by adding or counting to 100! I am excited to see their finished project and hear the explanation for their design when they present their project. If we do not have a snow day in the next week, our 100th day in 1st grade will be January 22nd!
Not only will we present our 100 item projects, we will do several math activities connected to 100. Can we count to 100? Can we count in different ways? We will also write about 100 things and go shopping with $100! What will your child purchase? We also want to enjoy a 100 piece snack! If you would like to contribute to this treat, please send in a sealed box or bag of one of the following items:
jelly beans, Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Goldfish, Froot Loops, or other similar sized candy or cereal
Each child will count out 10 of 10 different items. 10 groups of 10 equals...
Please send your donation by Thursday, January 21st! Thank you!
jelly beans, Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Goldfish, Froot Loops, or other similar sized candy or cereal
Each child will count out 10 of 10 different items. 10 groups of 10 equals...
Please send your donation by Thursday, January 21st! Thank you!
1-15-16
Parents,
Please make sure you are helping your child complete their 100 Day project. These are due Thursday, January 21st. Details about the project were included in your child's folder last Friday. These projects will be displayed as part of our Winter Open House.
In this week's folder, you will see a permission slip for The American Museum of Science in Oak Ridge. We are very excited about this trip and look forward to a day of exploration and fun! If you need an additional copy, please check the documents tab. These need to be returned by January 25th.
Next week is another "short week". Although these are fun for relaxing and extra weekend-like days, they are difficult for our learning speed. We have LOTS of material and skills to cover in 1st grade. The abbreviated week's often make us have to cover more in a day. Please have your child visit the ThinkCentral site to preview our weekly story, read phonics texts and practice fluency with high frequency words reading our leveled readers. These digital resources also offer audio for struggling independent readers. Please try to take advantage of this free resource. Also, I have included your child's HomeFun folder for next week in their backpack. You can take advantage of the weekend and extra day off to begin working on the items included. The Spelling Sentences page will be added on Tuesday since we have to take the pre-test to determine which words your child will be studying and using for sentences.
Remember, your child can also use their school-purchased Reading Eggs account at home. We have introduced prodigy (an app and web resource) this week too. It is a fun way to practice math skills covered previous in class. Your child has specific standards assigned to their username.
Upcoming events:
January 18th- NO school
January 21st- 100 Day projects due
January 22nd- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: suffix -y, -ful; questions
Math: comparing numbers
STEM: space, building a robo arm
Writing: Word choice, precise language
Next week's skills:
Story: The Big Trip
Phonics:long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng
Grammar: compound sentences
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday:
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Parents,
Please make sure you are helping your child complete their 100 Day project. These are due Thursday, January 21st. Details about the project were included in your child's folder last Friday. These projects will be displayed as part of our Winter Open House.
In this week's folder, you will see a permission slip for The American Museum of Science in Oak Ridge. We are very excited about this trip and look forward to a day of exploration and fun! If you need an additional copy, please check the documents tab. These need to be returned by January 25th.
Next week is another "short week". Although these are fun for relaxing and extra weekend-like days, they are difficult for our learning speed. We have LOTS of material and skills to cover in 1st grade. The abbreviated week's often make us have to cover more in a day. Please have your child visit the ThinkCentral site to preview our weekly story, read phonics texts and practice fluency with high frequency words reading our leveled readers. These digital resources also offer audio for struggling independent readers. Please try to take advantage of this free resource. Also, I have included your child's HomeFun folder for next week in their backpack. You can take advantage of the weekend and extra day off to begin working on the items included. The Spelling Sentences page will be added on Tuesday since we have to take the pre-test to determine which words your child will be studying and using for sentences.
Remember, your child can also use their school-purchased Reading Eggs account at home. We have introduced prodigy (an app and web resource) this week too. It is a fun way to practice math skills covered previous in class. Your child has specific standards assigned to their username.
Upcoming events:
January 18th- NO school
January 21st- 100 Day projects due
January 22nd- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip
February 15th- NO school
March 8th- 1st grade program
This week's skills:
Story: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: suffix -y, -ful; questions
Math: comparing numbers
STEM: space, building a robo arm
Writing: Word choice, precise language
Next week's skills:
Story: The Big Trip
Phonics:long e; ee, ea; final -nk, -ng
Grammar: compound sentences
Math: measurement
STEM: transportation
Writing: sentence stretching and informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday:
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
1-8-16
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their 2nd nine week's progress report. Please keep all reports, sign, and return the orange folder only. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me! I am so proud of the many students who qualified for Advanced spelling this week. Remember, your child can practice their words any time on Spelling City.com. Advanced spelling is a great vocabulary builder and a confidence boost! Ask your child about their NEW Key Goals! Your child wrote 3 new learning goals for them self this week. They used the goals I developed in the fall as a guide, plus reflected on their current progress and struggles to create new appropriate goals for improving their learning! How can you help encourage your child? Help them reach their current goal and set a new one! We want to keep growing and stretching our brains all the way through May!
Upcoming events:
January 8th- Progress Reports go home
January 18th- NO school
January 21st- 100 Day projects due
January 22nd- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip *information coming soon
February 15th- NO school
This week's skills:
Story: Animal Groups
Phonics: long i/ silent e, silent letters kn, wr, mb, gn
Grammar: subject verb agreement (verb be), comparing with -er, -est
Math: comparing numbers, 10 more, 10 less, numbers on a hundreds chart
STEM: Animal tracks, scat and signs
Writing: New Year's resolutions and academic goals
Next week's skills:
Story: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: suffix -y, -ful; questions
Math: comparing numbers
STEM: space, building a robo arm
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer lab and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their 2nd nine week's progress report. Please keep all reports, sign, and return the orange folder only. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me! I am so proud of the many students who qualified for Advanced spelling this week. Remember, your child can practice their words any time on Spelling City.com. Advanced spelling is a great vocabulary builder and a confidence boost! Ask your child about their NEW Key Goals! Your child wrote 3 new learning goals for them self this week. They used the goals I developed in the fall as a guide, plus reflected on their current progress and struggles to create new appropriate goals for improving their learning! How can you help encourage your child? Help them reach their current goal and set a new one! We want to keep growing and stretching our brains all the way through May!
Upcoming events:
January 8th- Progress Reports go home
January 18th- NO school
January 21st- 100 Day projects due
January 22nd- 100th Day of 1st grade!
January 26th- Spring Portraits
February 4th- Open House and 100 day project display
February 10th- American Museum of Science field trip *information coming soon
February 15th- NO school
This week's skills:
Story: Animal Groups
Phonics: long i/ silent e, silent letters kn, wr, mb, gn
Grammar: subject verb agreement (verb be), comparing with -er, -est
Math: comparing numbers, 10 more, 10 less, numbers on a hundreds chart
STEM: Animal tracks, scat and signs
Writing: New Year's resolutions and academic goals
Next week's skills:
Story: Let's Go to the Moon
Phonics: long o, long u
Grammar: suffix -y, -ful; questions
Math: comparing numbers
STEM: space, building a robo arm
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer lab and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
1-5-16
Welcome back to Sam Houston! I hope you all had a relaxing and memorable winter break. I enjoyed hearing each child talk about their highlights during the break. I loved seeing students bring in books they read over the break to test on. Please encourage your child to read at home and take comprehension tests at school. Remember to go to the documents tab for step-by-step directions on how to find appropriate books for your child with AR tests and visit the links tab to go to the AR find site. This website also offers an incentive program to encourage student reading. http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx There are several sticker charts and various websites that also offer ways to motivate your child. Thank you for your support at home!
Today, we took a pre-test on our regular spelling words to determine if we are ready to be challenged with more advanced words. Several students qualified for challenge words. These words plus any incorrect regular spelling words will be attached to your child's spelling sentence homework. If your child does not have a small list attached to their sentence paper, they scored below an 80% and need to prepare for the regular spelling test on Friday. Students receiving the advanced list should use these words for their spelling homework. All students will use 10 words to develop 10 spelling sentences. Please have students write sentences involving more than four words adding details answering questions such as how, when, where, or what kind.
Welcome back to Sam Houston! I hope you all had a relaxing and memorable winter break. I enjoyed hearing each child talk about their highlights during the break. I loved seeing students bring in books they read over the break to test on. Please encourage your child to read at home and take comprehension tests at school. Remember to go to the documents tab for step-by-step directions on how to find appropriate books for your child with AR tests and visit the links tab to go to the AR find site. This website also offers an incentive program to encourage student reading. http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx There are several sticker charts and various websites that also offer ways to motivate your child. Thank you for your support at home!
Today, we took a pre-test on our regular spelling words to determine if we are ready to be challenged with more advanced words. Several students qualified for challenge words. These words plus any incorrect regular spelling words will be attached to your child's spelling sentence homework. If your child does not have a small list attached to their sentence paper, they scored below an 80% and need to prepare for the regular spelling test on Friday. Students receiving the advanced list should use these words for their spelling homework. All students will use 10 words to develop 10 spelling sentences. Please have students write sentences involving more than four words adding details answering questions such as how, when, where, or what kind.
12- 17-15
I hope you have a wonderful winter break. Please encourage your child to read...maybe Santa will bring books for Christmas? I look forward to seeing you all in 2016!
I hope you have a wonderful winter break. Please encourage your child to read...maybe Santa will bring books for Christmas? I look forward to seeing you all in 2016!
12-16-15
Parents and students,
Don't forget to bring your Polar Express ticket tomorrow. I hope everyone is able to climb aboard our celebration train as we drink hot chocolate, wear pajamas, and reflect on how far we have come already this year! I'm excited to celebrate with you tomorrow!
Parents and students,
Don't forget to bring your Polar Express ticket tomorrow. I hope everyone is able to climb aboard our celebration train as we drink hot chocolate, wear pajamas, and reflect on how far we have come already this year! I'm excited to celebrate with you tomorrow!
12-11-15
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their STAR math test record. We have now taken this test 3 times. This test is used as a growth measure. However, this test is NOT connected to our standards and does ask about topics we have not discussed. It is only one form of measurement. If you would like to help increase your child's score on our next STAR test, have them visit websites such as Moby Max and Xtra math for additional practice.
You will also find a letter from Mrs. Dulin about changes in our spelling routine for the new year. Please discuss this with your child. Find the necessary resources online, and get prepared for this exciting challenge. I am excited to see who accepts this challenge and works to stretch their brains!
There is also a letter from Mrs. Claus and an elf about an upcoming project we will be doing in class. Although this writing activity will be in class, we need your help with some planning at home! Read the enclosed letter and instructions to your child. Help them get creative with the undressed Santa and design a new suit for him. These papers need to be returned by Tuesday, December 15th. If you have questions please contact me.
Finally, in your child's folder you will find a ticket for the Polar Express! We will celebrate our successes with a pajama party and movie moment on Thursday, December 17th. Your child MUST bring their ticket on Thursday morning to board the train! This is a great life lesson in responsibility. They will present their ticket to me at the door on Thursday morning for an exciting day of polar pajama fun!
Upcoming events:
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Pajama Party! On December 17th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Your child's Polar Express ticket is coming SOON! I am so proud of their ability, growth, and commitment to learning!
January 5th- Back to school in the New Year
This week's skills:
Story: The Big Race
Phonics: long a/ silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns, place value
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next week's skills:
Story: No new story this week. We will start Lesson 15 when we return from winter break.
Phonics: review and assessments
Grammar: review and assessments
Math: place value, tens and ones
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday:Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: No school
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their STAR math test record. We have now taken this test 3 times. This test is used as a growth measure. However, this test is NOT connected to our standards and does ask about topics we have not discussed. It is only one form of measurement. If you would like to help increase your child's score on our next STAR test, have them visit websites such as Moby Max and Xtra math for additional practice.
You will also find a letter from Mrs. Dulin about changes in our spelling routine for the new year. Please discuss this with your child. Find the necessary resources online, and get prepared for this exciting challenge. I am excited to see who accepts this challenge and works to stretch their brains!
There is also a letter from Mrs. Claus and an elf about an upcoming project we will be doing in class. Although this writing activity will be in class, we need your help with some planning at home! Read the enclosed letter and instructions to your child. Help them get creative with the undressed Santa and design a new suit for him. These papers need to be returned by Tuesday, December 15th. If you have questions please contact me.
Finally, in your child's folder you will find a ticket for the Polar Express! We will celebrate our successes with a pajama party and movie moment on Thursday, December 17th. Your child MUST bring their ticket on Thursday morning to board the train! This is a great life lesson in responsibility. They will present their ticket to me at the door on Thursday morning for an exciting day of polar pajama fun!
Upcoming events:
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Pajama Party! On December 17th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Your child's Polar Express ticket is coming SOON! I am so proud of their ability, growth, and commitment to learning!
January 5th- Back to school in the New Year
This week's skills:
Story: The Big Race
Phonics: long a/ silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns, place value
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next week's skills:
Story: No new story this week. We will start Lesson 15 when we return from winter break.
Phonics: review and assessments
Grammar: review and assessments
Math: place value, tens and ones
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday:Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: No school
12-4-15
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their STAR reading test record. We have now taken this test 3 times. This slip of paper will tell you a new GE (grade equivalent) and updated ZPD (the range of book levels appropriate for your child to continue to grow in reading) You will also see their PR (percentile rank) This is a national score based on age and ability. Our goal is to have ALL students above the 60th%tile. We will take this test again in the spring for another growth measure. The best thing you can do for your child is have them READ! The more they read, the more words they will know! Talk to them about what they read, verbalizing will help build comprehension and vocabulary. If your child is below the 60th%tile or close to that mark, utilize their Reading Eggs account at home. This program helps build reading foundation skills.
Upcoming events:
December 11th- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Pajama Party! On December 17th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Your child's Polar Express ticket is coming SOON! I am so proud of their ability, growth, and commitment to learning!
January 5th- Back yo school in the New Year
This week's skills:
Story: Seasons
Phonics: digraph sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns
STEM: researching seasons
Writing: elf journals
Next week's skills:
Story: The Big Race
Phonics: long a/ silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns, place value
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Technology and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
Check your child's folder for their STAR reading test record. We have now taken this test 3 times. This slip of paper will tell you a new GE (grade equivalent) and updated ZPD (the range of book levels appropriate for your child to continue to grow in reading) You will also see their PR (percentile rank) This is a national score based on age and ability. Our goal is to have ALL students above the 60th%tile. We will take this test again in the spring for another growth measure. The best thing you can do for your child is have them READ! The more they read, the more words they will know! Talk to them about what they read, verbalizing will help build comprehension and vocabulary. If your child is below the 60th%tile or close to that mark, utilize their Reading Eggs account at home. This program helps build reading foundation skills.
Upcoming events:
December 11th- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Pajama Party! On December 17th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Your child's Polar Express ticket is coming SOON! I am so proud of their ability, growth, and commitment to learning!
January 5th- Back yo school in the New Year
This week's skills:
Story: Seasons
Phonics: digraph sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns
STEM: researching seasons
Writing: elf journals
Next week's skills:
Story: The Big Race
Phonics: long a/ silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: contractions, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting, number patterns, place value
STEM: Christmas around the World
Writing: elf journals- Christmas around the World
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Technology and Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
12-2-15
Check your child's Seesaw account for easy access to our current student book. This link will provide your child with access to our weekly story. They can read the story multiple times, revisit previous stories, or preview next week's story. This week, we are reading Seasons lesson 13.
Tomorrow, we will take the STAR reading test again. This test is used as a growth measure to help gauge your child's progress. It also provides a national percentile rank based on your child's age and ability. Please remember this is only ONE piece of our assessments. Our weekly cold reads and daily interactions with your child reading provide us with invaluable information. Your will receive updated information on your child's current reading level in their Friday folder. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Check your child's Seesaw account for easy access to our current student book. This link will provide your child with access to our weekly story. They can read the story multiple times, revisit previous stories, or preview next week's story. This week, we are reading Seasons lesson 13.
Tomorrow, we will take the STAR reading test again. This test is used as a growth measure to help gauge your child's progress. It also provides a national percentile rank based on your child's age and ability. Please remember this is only ONE piece of our assessments. Our weekly cold reads and daily interactions with your child reading provide us with invaluable information. Your will receive updated information on your child's current reading level in their Friday folder. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
11-20-15
Parents,
Check out our blog for fun pictures from this week's STEM challenge. Was your child able to make playdoh? Maybe you could let them try again at home? Add food coloring and create something together!
Please make sure your child returns a Thankful Plateful by Tuesday. We will present these to the class and have each student share their plate!
Next week, we will continue to work on a Reader's Theater presentation of The ABC's of the First Thanksgiving! We would love for you to join us on Tuesday afternoon, November 24th, at 1:45pm. We will share what we have learned about the first Thanksgiving, our new vocabulary, and improved reading fluency. If you are not able to join us, I will share a recording on the blog.
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: commands, homophones
Math: geometry, solid figures
STEM: Making green, Making playdoh
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
No new story or Homework next week.
Look for a FUN project to do during the break coming home Tuesday!
Thanksgiving and curriculum review!
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Parents,
Check out our blog for fun pictures from this week's STEM challenge. Was your child able to make playdoh? Maybe you could let them try again at home? Add food coloring and create something together!
Please make sure your child returns a Thankful Plateful by Tuesday. We will present these to the class and have each student share their plate!
Next week, we will continue to work on a Reader's Theater presentation of The ABC's of the First Thanksgiving! We would love for you to join us on Tuesday afternoon, November 24th, at 1:45pm. We will share what we have learned about the first Thanksgiving, our new vocabulary, and improved reading fluency. If you are not able to join us, I will share a recording on the blog.
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: commands, homophones
Math: geometry, solid figures
STEM: Making green, Making playdoh
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
No new story or Homework next week.
Look for a FUN project to do during the break coming home Tuesday!
Thanksgiving and curriculum review!
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
11-19-15 Today, we had a Thanksgiving feast with our friends! Thank you to the SHE cafe for the turkey and fixin' meal. Your child chose a Native name, added marking to their vest, and made feathers for their head piece. Ask your child the meanings of their drawings.
I am thankful for each one of these smiling faces!
I am thankful for each one of these smiling faces!
11-13-15
Parents,
This week, our technology time took us to the computer lab. Yes, we have iPads in our classroom, and we use these daily for learning and productivity. However, our keyboarding skills can be enhanced in the lab. We have had several lessons in our classroom about digital citizenship, safe sites, and online safety. We are now going to the lab before guidance to practice using a mouse, basic graphics, and introduction to keyboarding. Your child will complete a series of lessons through Learning.com. I will send home reports periodically from this program.
The complexity of our skills increases with digraphs and long vowel sounds. Please make sure to help your child practice reading their spelling words as they are skill-based. Also, review previous high frequency words and practice new words for the week. We are now introducing 8 new sight words per week instead of 6. Check out our Useful LInks page for suggestions for practicing word reading. Your child can find lots fun ways to practicing reading and math through our Symbaloo link.
I am excited for next week's geometry lessons. Thank you so much for your food contributions. Do you know what shape a Tootsie Roll is? Your child will be identifying solid figures in the classroom and on their plate! Fun times!
I will be at the SDE 1st grade conference in Nashville Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th. I have left detailed plans for our substitute and trust Mrs. Buffie to help with our morning routines. I am also expecting your child to be respectful and remember our Key of Excellence is my absence. If you need to reach me, I will still have email access, but can not guarantee the speed of my response. If you need to get a message to our classroom/your child or the substitute, please call the office. (dismissal changes, emergencies, lunch changes, etc) Thank you
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Grammar: endings -s, -es, -ing, -ed and proper nouns
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: ocean animals and discovery
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: commands, homophones
Math: geometry, solid figures
STEM: Making green, Making playdoh
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Technology and Guidance
Parents,
This week, our technology time took us to the computer lab. Yes, we have iPads in our classroom, and we use these daily for learning and productivity. However, our keyboarding skills can be enhanced in the lab. We have had several lessons in our classroom about digital citizenship, safe sites, and online safety. We are now going to the lab before guidance to practice using a mouse, basic graphics, and introduction to keyboarding. Your child will complete a series of lessons through Learning.com. I will send home reports periodically from this program.
The complexity of our skills increases with digraphs and long vowel sounds. Please make sure to help your child practice reading their spelling words as they are skill-based. Also, review previous high frequency words and practice new words for the week. We are now introducing 8 new sight words per week instead of 6. Check out our Useful LInks page for suggestions for practicing word reading. Your child can find lots fun ways to practicing reading and math through our Symbaloo link.
I am excited for next week's geometry lessons. Thank you so much for your food contributions. Do you know what shape a Tootsie Roll is? Your child will be identifying solid figures in the classroom and on their plate! Fun times!
I will be at the SDE 1st grade conference in Nashville Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th. I have left detailed plans for our substitute and trust Mrs. Buffie to help with our morning routines. I am also expecting your child to be respectful and remember our Key of Excellence is my absence. If you need to reach me, I will still have email access, but can not guarantee the speed of my response. If you need to get a message to our classroom/your child or the substitute, please call the office. (dismissal changes, emergencies, lunch changes, etc) Thank you
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Grammar: endings -s, -es, -ing, -ed and proper nouns
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: ocean animals and discovery
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Story: How Leopard Got His Spots
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: commands, homophones
Math: geometry, solid figures
STEM: Making green, Making playdoh
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: STEM
Friday: Technology and Guidance
11-6-15
Parents,
Please take the time to review your child's work included in their folder and their digital pieces on Seesaw. Please discuss the enclosed tests taken and make sure your child understands their mistakes. Inferencing and reasoning skills are difficult for 1st graders. We often miss questions involving these skills. We also miss questions if we are not fully engaged. While we are testing, I give multiple verbal reminders to double check your work. We remind them that skipped questions are marked wrong. During spelling tests, I give multiple reminders to check their letter formation. (We also have the alphabet on our desk names to reference or the one at the front of the room.) A backwards d changes dump to bump! Reversals will be marked incorrect :(
Next week, I will be sending "cookie books" home in their homework folders. Several students are not reading enough in class and therefore not taking AR tests. I want to help correct this issue. When your child finishes a book, they can return it, test, and choose a new one. All borrowed books MUST to returned on Friday. These "cookie books" are shared with K and 1st grade teachers and rotate classrooms. Thank you for encouraging them to read at home!
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: The Cupcake Party
Phonics: short u, ending blends
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: informational writing and game creation
Writing: opinion; informational
Next week's skills:
Story: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Grammar: endings -s, -es, -ing, -ed and proper nouns
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: ocean animals and discovery
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and GYm
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
Please take the time to review your child's work included in their folder and their digital pieces on Seesaw. Please discuss the enclosed tests taken and make sure your child understands their mistakes. Inferencing and reasoning skills are difficult for 1st graders. We often miss questions involving these skills. We also miss questions if we are not fully engaged. While we are testing, I give multiple verbal reminders to double check your work. We remind them that skipped questions are marked wrong. During spelling tests, I give multiple reminders to check their letter formation. (We also have the alphabet on our desk names to reference or the one at the front of the room.) A backwards d changes dump to bump! Reversals will be marked incorrect :(
Next week, I will be sending "cookie books" home in their homework folders. Several students are not reading enough in class and therefore not taking AR tests. I want to help correct this issue. When your child finishes a book, they can return it, test, and choose a new one. All borrowed books MUST to returned on Friday. These "cookie books" are shared with K and 1st grade teachers and rotate classrooms. Thank you for encouraging them to read at home!
Upcoming events:
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: The Cupcake Party
Phonics: short u, ending blends
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: informational writing and game creation
Writing: opinion; informational
Next week's skills:
Story: At Home in the Ocean
Phonics: digraph th
Grammar: endings -s, -es, -ing, -ed and proper nouns
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: ocean animals and discovery
Writing: informative writing
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and GYm
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Guidance
Friday: Gym and Music
10-30-15
Parents,
The year is going by quickly as I make notes for upcoming November and December events! Please see the dates and information listed below. As we continue to build on our phonics skills, please know the amount of 1st grade material is extensive. Please review high frequency words with your child as we add 6-8 words per week. Also, our Friday timed reading goal has increased to 45 words per minute by December 17th. Your child's fluency will increase with practice. So, read, read, READ! With addition and subtraction fact fluency, our goal is now 15 or more problems in 90 seconds. They will be given a sheet of 25 problems on our common assessment at the end of the nine weeks. You will find a timed doubles facts sheet in your child's folder. The goal for this task was 20 problems since the problems were duplicated and the skill was repetitious unlike random facts where they may use various strategies. You will see more timed fact practice sheets coming home. If your child struggles to meet our goal, they can practice fact speed and accuracy on Xtramath or Moby Max. (both web resources) We are talking about different strategies for solving problems quickly. When you ask your child a fact, ask them to tell you how they solved it. What strategy did they use? We do not want them having to count both numbers to add. Hold the big number and count on, build a ten, or start with a double fact. When subtracting, they should use what they know about addition to find the missing part or count back from the big number. Talking about math can be a challenge. See if they can explain their thinking!
Upcoming events:
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: short e, s blends
Grammar: opposites/antonyms
Math: doubles, near doubles, strategies for addition
STEM: rhyming and animation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next week's skills:
Story: The Cupcake Party
Phonics: short u, ending blends
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: informational writing and game creation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM- special Halloween experiments
Tuesday: NO school
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Parents,
The year is going by quickly as I make notes for upcoming November and December events! Please see the dates and information listed below. As we continue to build on our phonics skills, please know the amount of 1st grade material is extensive. Please review high frequency words with your child as we add 6-8 words per week. Also, our Friday timed reading goal has increased to 45 words per minute by December 17th. Your child's fluency will increase with practice. So, read, read, READ! With addition and subtraction fact fluency, our goal is now 15 or more problems in 90 seconds. They will be given a sheet of 25 problems on our common assessment at the end of the nine weeks. You will find a timed doubles facts sheet in your child's folder. The goal for this task was 20 problems since the problems were duplicated and the skill was repetitious unlike random facts where they may use various strategies. You will see more timed fact practice sheets coming home. If your child struggles to meet our goal, they can practice fact speed and accuracy on Xtramath or Moby Max. (both web resources) We are talking about different strategies for solving problems quickly. When you ask your child a fact, ask them to tell you how they solved it. What strategy did they use? We do not want them having to count both numbers to add. Hold the big number and count on, build a ten, or start with a double fact. When subtracting, they should use what they know about addition to find the missing part or count back from the big number. Talking about math can be a challenge. See if they can explain their thinking!
Upcoming events:
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 7-11th- STAR reading test
December 14-17- STAR math test
December 7-17th- Christmas Around the World*
*If you have experience with holiday traditions in other countries around the world and would like to share items, foods, stories, or pictures with our class, please contact me! We would love to have a special guest share in our learning experience!
December 17th- Last day for students & Winter party
This week's skills:
Story: Dr. Seuss
Phonics: short e, s blends
Grammar: opposites/antonyms
Math: doubles, near doubles, strategies for addition
STEM: rhyming and animation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next week's skills:
Story: The Cupcake Party
Phonics: short u, ending blends
Grammar: articles a, an, the
Math: strategies for subtraction
STEM: informational writing and game creation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM- special Halloween experiments
Tuesday: NO school
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Wacky Tacky Day on Friday to celebrate to Wacky imagination of Dr. Seuss!
10-23-15
Parents,
I received several notes about difficulties with Think Central. I apologize for any frustrations the website may have caused. The site can be troublesome, but it can also be a GREAT resource. Please continue to try and access this site. Your child can preview and reread our weekly text, review phonics skills with decodables, and practice high frequency words and fluency with leveled readers. Next week's assignments are already posted! They can read them this weekend or throughout the week.
Check out our blog for pictures from the week. We had a great time making music and talking about moods and emotions. Thank you for the donations of recycled materials and other items. Without some of those items we would not have been able to create so many variations!
During our musical week, your child used an app called Drum Pads 24. They may want to use this at home too, so I thought I would at it to this letter. We had fun making noise, counting beats, and doubling our math knowledge. Next week we will be using Koma Koma to make an animation. Your child may want to check this out at home too! It is a lot like StopMotion only more kid friendly. Wait until you see our creations next week!
This week, we also started our AR incentive chart. Each Friday, we will add our weekly AR tests to the chart. We will earn boxes for each test passed on our level. When we reach the prize line, we will get to pick a prize! Most of us are already on the board and some are already halfway to the prize line! Keep it up! REad REad REad! The more we read, the more we will grow!
Upcoming events:
October 29th- Firefighter visit
October 30th- fall party
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 17th- Last day for students
This week's skills:
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: parts of 10
STEM: Music and emotions
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, s blends
Grammar: opposites/antonyms
Math: doubles, near doubles, strategies for addition
STEM: rhyming and animation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
I received several notes about difficulties with Think Central. I apologize for any frustrations the website may have caused. The site can be troublesome, but it can also be a GREAT resource. Please continue to try and access this site. Your child can preview and reread our weekly text, review phonics skills with decodables, and practice high frequency words and fluency with leveled readers. Next week's assignments are already posted! They can read them this weekend or throughout the week.
Check out our blog for pictures from the week. We had a great time making music and talking about moods and emotions. Thank you for the donations of recycled materials and other items. Without some of those items we would not have been able to create so many variations!
During our musical week, your child used an app called Drum Pads 24. They may want to use this at home too, so I thought I would at it to this letter. We had fun making noise, counting beats, and doubling our math knowledge. Next week we will be using Koma Koma to make an animation. Your child may want to check this out at home too! It is a lot like StopMotion only more kid friendly. Wait until you see our creations next week!
This week, we also started our AR incentive chart. Each Friday, we will add our weekly AR tests to the chart. We will earn boxes for each test passed on our level. When we reach the prize line, we will get to pick a prize! Most of us are already on the board and some are already halfway to the prize line! Keep it up! REad REad REad! The more we read, the more we will grow!
Upcoming events:
October 29th- Firefighter visit
October 30th- fall party
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 17th- Last day for students
This week's skills:
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: parts of 10
STEM: Music and emotions
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, s blends
Grammar: opposites/antonyms
Math: doubles, near doubles, strategies for addition
STEM: rhyming and animation
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
10-16-15
Upcoming events:
October 29th- Firefighter visit
October 30th- fall party
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 17th- Last day for students
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: parts of 10
STEM: Music and emotions
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Upcoming events:
October 29th- Firefighter visit
October 30th- fall party
November 3rd- NO school for students
November 25th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Break
December 17th- Last day for students
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o, l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: parts of 10
STEM: Music and emotions
Writing: opinion; persuasion
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Gym and Music
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music and Gym
Friday: STEM
Happy fall break! See you again on October 14th.
9-25-15
Parents,
We have had so much fun duplicating animal sounds and learning about animal communication. When we return from fall break, our story will be A Musical Day. We will be making various musical instruments from recycled materials. We need your help with materials!
Please send in:
Upcoming events:
September 29th: Officer Hicks visit
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 14th: first day back from break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: Understanding subtraction
STEM: Animal communication
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next week's skills:
System Common Assessments- end of 9 weeks testing
Phonics: review and practice
Math: practice subtraction and addition
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Parents,
We have had so much fun duplicating animal sounds and learning about animal communication. When we return from fall break, our story will be A Musical Day. We will be making various musical instruments from recycled materials. We need your help with materials!
Please send in:
- empty cereal boxes
- large cans (empty and cleaned)
- straws
- large rubberbands
- dixie cups
- paper towel tubes
- wrapping paper tubes
Upcoming events:
September 29th: Officer Hicks visit
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 14th: first day back from break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: Understanding subtraction
STEM: Animal communication
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next week's skills:
System Common Assessments- end of 9 weeks testing
Phonics: review and practice
Math: practice subtraction and addition
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
9-18-15
Parents,
It has been so nice to meet with many of you this week. I look forward to the conferences scheduled for next week as well. I plan to meet with your child individually to talk about short term goals focused on their areas to strengthen next week. I am excited to see their motivation to accomplish those goals.
Thank you to the many families who have made contributions to our Silent Auction basket. You can continue to do so through next week. Thank you to Mrs. Conde and Mrs. Dockery who have put in the time to organize that item. Our fall carnival is coming next week. This is a fun time at our school! You may send money with your child to purchase tickets in advance, but please be sure to mark the bag or envelope clearly with their name, class, and purpose of the money.
If you are planning to chaperone the MUSE field trip, we will load the buses at the back of the school by 9:00am. You are welcome to follow the buses or meet us at the MUSE around 9:30. You will be responsible for your admission cost. This was a fun trip last year and I know the kids will enjoy it! Hopefully the weather will cooperate for an outdoor lunch and playground visit too!
Upcoming events:
September 24th- MUSE field trip *Remember sack lunch
September 25th: Fall Carnival
September 29th: Officer Hicks visit
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 14th: first day back from break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Cherokee folktales
Writing: Fairy Tales
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short 1, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: connecting subtraction and addition
STEM: Animals using communication
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: NO specials-field trip
Friday: Gym and Music
Parents,
It has been so nice to meet with many of you this week. I look forward to the conferences scheduled for next week as well. I plan to meet with your child individually to talk about short term goals focused on their areas to strengthen next week. I am excited to see their motivation to accomplish those goals.
Thank you to the many families who have made contributions to our Silent Auction basket. You can continue to do so through next week. Thank you to Mrs. Conde and Mrs. Dockery who have put in the time to organize that item. Our fall carnival is coming next week. This is a fun time at our school! You may send money with your child to purchase tickets in advance, but please be sure to mark the bag or envelope clearly with their name, class, and purpose of the money.
If you are planning to chaperone the MUSE field trip, we will load the buses at the back of the school by 9:00am. You are welcome to follow the buses or meet us at the MUSE around 9:30. You will be responsible for your admission cost. This was a fun trip last year and I know the kids will enjoy it! Hopefully the weather will cooperate for an outdoor lunch and playground visit too!
Upcoming events:
September 24th- MUSE field trip *Remember sack lunch
September 25th: Fall Carnival
September 29th: Officer Hicks visit
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 14th: first day back from break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Cherokee folktales
Writing: Fairy Tales
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short 1, r blends
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: connecting subtraction and addition
STEM: Animals using communication
Writing: bold beginnings, mighty middles, and excellent endings
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Guidance
Thursday: NO specials-field trip
Friday: Gym and Music
Please place 2 liter soft drink bottles outside our door for collections beginning this Friday through next week. These will be used at the carnival for a popular game.
Next Friday, September 25th, will be a Smokies Spirit Day!
Students are encouraged to wear their new Smokies t-shirts and show their red and black spirit!
Students are encouraged to wear their new Smokies t-shirts and show their red and black spirit!
9-15-15
Parents,
Last Friday, we did a new assessment. On your child's Seesaw account you will see a list of words with a voice recording. Your child was shown 8 pictures, 4 connected to our phonics skills and 4 connected to high frequency words. They typed the word to match the picture and recorded themselves reading the list. This is a quick way for us to see how they are applying the skills from the week. We will try to do more of these types of assessments each week. If you have any questions about this task, please email me!
Parents,
Last Friday, we did a new assessment. On your child's Seesaw account you will see a list of words with a voice recording. Your child was shown 8 pictures, 4 connected to our phonics skills and 4 connected to high frequency words. They typed the word to match the picture and recorded themselves reading the list. This is a quick way for us to see how they are applying the skills from the week. We will try to do more of these types of assessments each week. If you have any questions about this task, please email me!
Please remember to help fill our Silent Auction basket by sending in items or donating money for purchases. This weekend's weather should be perfect for a campfire and fall fun!
9-11-15
Parents,
Several of you have asked about AR reading and testing. The tests must be completed at school. The reading can be done at school and at home. Your child has the opportunity to read and take tests daily in our classroom. Please keep in mind this test is for reading comprehension not listening comprehension. That means your child can read to you or independently, but you should not be reading to them for testing. We will talk more about this process at conferences and I will share information on how to receive email updates when your child completes a test.
This week, we did animal research using library books from the AV2 series. If your child enjoyed this activity, they can check them out for our library and continue learning from text and digital resources about various animals. This is a great way to encourage both technology and print resources!
Next week, we will read Jack and the Wolf. This is a folktale about the boy who cried wolf. We will read another version of the story and many fairy tales too. It should create some fun inspiration during our writing time as well!
Upcoming events:
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences *follow link to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
September 24th- MUSE field trip
September 25th: Fall Carnival
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short u- word families -ut, -un, ug, -ub families
Grammar: adjectives (color and number words)
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Animal Research
Writing: Transportation Journal
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Cherokee folktales
Writing: Fairy Tales
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Parents,
Several of you have asked about AR reading and testing. The tests must be completed at school. The reading can be done at school and at home. Your child has the opportunity to read and take tests daily in our classroom. Please keep in mind this test is for reading comprehension not listening comprehension. That means your child can read to you or independently, but you should not be reading to them for testing. We will talk more about this process at conferences and I will share information on how to receive email updates when your child completes a test.
This week, we did animal research using library books from the AV2 series. If your child enjoyed this activity, they can check them out for our library and continue learning from text and digital resources about various animals. This is a great way to encourage both technology and print resources!
Next week, we will read Jack and the Wolf. This is a folktale about the boy who cried wolf. We will read another version of the story and many fairy tales too. It should create some fun inspiration during our writing time as well!
Upcoming events:
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences *follow link to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
September 24th- MUSE field trip
September 25th: Fall Carnival
September 29th: 1st 9 weeks ends
September 30th-October 13th- fall break
October 16th- 1st 9 weeks Progress Reports sent home
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short u- word families -ut, -un, ug, -ub families
Grammar: adjectives (color and number words)
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Animal Research
Writing: Transportation Journal
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Cherokee folktales
Writing: Fairy Tales
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
9-4-15
Parents,
Choose to read a book with your child during your long weekend. Start a chapter book to enjoy a piece of each day. Listen to your child read to you. Enjoy the magic, the adventure, and the journey. This time goes by so fast. This is our opportunity to help them grow, but it is also our chance to instill in them a love for reading and learning!
Upcoming events:
September 4th: permission slips go home for MUSE field trip
September 7th: NO school
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences *follow link to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
September 24th- MUSE field trip
September 25th: Fall Carnival Please stop by outside our classroom door to sign up to volunteer!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short e- word families -et, -en, eg, -ed families
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition, addition sentences
STEM: Community Helpers- special guests
Writing: Using your 5 senses to add details
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short u- word families -ut, -un, ug, -ub families
Grammar: adjectives (color and number words)
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Animal Research
Writing: Transportation Journal
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No specials
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents,
Choose to read a book with your child during your long weekend. Start a chapter book to enjoy a piece of each day. Listen to your child read to you. Enjoy the magic, the adventure, and the journey. This time goes by so fast. This is our opportunity to help them grow, but it is also our chance to instill in them a love for reading and learning!
Upcoming events:
September 4th: permission slips go home for MUSE field trip
September 7th: NO school
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences *follow link to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
September 24th- MUSE field trip
September 25th: Fall Carnival Please stop by outside our classroom door to sign up to volunteer!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short e- word families -et, -en, eg, -ed families
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition, addition sentences
STEM: Community Helpers- special guests
Writing: Using your 5 senses to add details
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short u- word families -ut, -un, ug, -ub families
Grammar: adjectives (color and number words)
Math: missing parts of numbers, using subtraction to add, algebra
STEM: Animal Research
Writing: Transportation Journal
Next weeks specials:
Monday: No specials
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
Parents- Your child can read our weekly text multiple times and with audio assistance. Go to https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do
Have you child log in using their username and password and click Things to Do. Assignments for the week have been made for easier access. Stories can also be found in MyLibrary. If your child needs more phonics practice, the decodable readers a terrific resource. If your child needs help learning our high frequency words, the leveled readers are great. If your child struggles on our weekly comprehension test, the weekly story can be reviewed and discussed further at home before the test. |
Fall Carnival- Please stop by outside our classroom door to sign up to volunteer at our upcoming fall carnival. Our class volunteers will be working in the prize room. You can sign up to help with 30 minute shifts. Your time is appreciated! The fall carnival is always a fun family event. Come enjoy games, food, and fun with our Smokie friends! September 25th 5:00-8:00pm
8-28-15
Parents,
Please sign up for a parent/teacher conference at your convenience. (See the google link below.)
We have had a FUN week designing mops, solving math tasks, and reading lots of Curious George books. Ask your child what they enjoyed. Did they learn something new? Check out our blog for more details and pictures from our day. Look at the new items added to your child's Seesaw account.
Every day your child has an opportunity to READ! This is the BEST way to improve your child's reading skills. Are you reading together at home too? It is important to make time to listen to your child read. help them decode words or understand new vocabulary. Do you need to make a new reading routine at your house for daily practice of skills? Maybe time before going to bed? Maybe a family reading time cuddled on the couch? Your child learns the value of reading when they see you read too! Enjoy books side by side! Make reading FUN!
In our classroom, after we read a book we are supposed to log on to take an AR test to check for comprehension. Most of these tests are 5 questions about character and plot. We are looking for 80-100% for comprehension mastery. We have a few students with 6 passing tests already, but also a few friends with no tests attempted. We talk to your child about setting an AR goal. How many books will they read and test on in a week?
An AR report of the tests your child has taken so far this year is in their Smokie folder. Talk with your child about this report and encourage them to read more books and "show what they know" on an AR test. Praise them for their efforts. Most of them did not take AR tests in Kindergarten. I want them confident going into 2nd grade where AR goals are set and monitored. We will start an incentive chart after fall break to encourage more reading and testing. I want every student to be able to earn rewards for their reading. This is also a great way for us to monitor their growth and understanding. I will send reports home periodically, but I will also show you how to sign up for email updates at our parent teacher conference.
Upcoming events:
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am
September 4th: permission slips go home
September 7th: NO school
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
September 25th: Fall Carnival *see volunteer opportunities
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short o- word families op, og, ot families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: design a mini-mop Mr. Jeff
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e- word families -et, -en, eg, -ed families
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition, addition sentences
STEM: Community Helpers- special guests
Writing: Using your 5 senses to add details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer & Guidance
Friday: NO specials- early dismissal
Parents,
Please sign up for a parent/teacher conference at your convenience. (See the google link below.)
We have had a FUN week designing mops, solving math tasks, and reading lots of Curious George books. Ask your child what they enjoyed. Did they learn something new? Check out our blog for more details and pictures from our day. Look at the new items added to your child's Seesaw account.
Every day your child has an opportunity to READ! This is the BEST way to improve your child's reading skills. Are you reading together at home too? It is important to make time to listen to your child read. help them decode words or understand new vocabulary. Do you need to make a new reading routine at your house for daily practice of skills? Maybe time before going to bed? Maybe a family reading time cuddled on the couch? Your child learns the value of reading when they see you read too! Enjoy books side by side! Make reading FUN!
In our classroom, after we read a book we are supposed to log on to take an AR test to check for comprehension. Most of these tests are 5 questions about character and plot. We are looking for 80-100% for comprehension mastery. We have a few students with 6 passing tests already, but also a few friends with no tests attempted. We talk to your child about setting an AR goal. How many books will they read and test on in a week?
An AR report of the tests your child has taken so far this year is in their Smokie folder. Talk with your child about this report and encourage them to read more books and "show what they know" on an AR test. Praise them for their efforts. Most of them did not take AR tests in Kindergarten. I want them confident going into 2nd grade where AR goals are set and monitored. We will start an incentive chart after fall break to encourage more reading and testing. I want every student to be able to earn rewards for their reading. This is also a great way for us to monitor their growth and understanding. I will send reports home periodically, but I will also show you how to sign up for email updates at our parent teacher conference.
Upcoming events:
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am
September 4th: permission slips go home
September 7th: NO school
September 14th: permission slips DUE
September 15-23rd: parent/teacher conferences
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
September 25th: Fall Carnival *see volunteer opportunities
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short o- word families op, og, ot families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: design a mini-mop Mr. Jeff
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e- word families -et, -en, eg, -ed families
Grammar: adjectives
Math: parts of numbers, addition, addition sentences
STEM: Community Helpers- special guests
Writing: Using your 5 senses to add details
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: STEM
Thursday: Computer & Guidance
Friday: NO specials- early dismissal
8-24-15
Parents,
Please follow the link to a Google Doc to sign up for a parent teacher conference. I would like to meet with all of my families and am willing to do multiple conferences for both parents if necessary. Please choose a day and time that works best with your schedule. This is the best opportunity for me to communicate my observations of your child's strengths and weakness as well as a time for you to ask specific questions, express concerns, and help develop appropriate goals for your child. I appreciate your time! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
Parents,
Please follow the link to a Google Doc to sign up for a parent teacher conference. I would like to meet with all of my families and am willing to do multiple conferences for both parents if necessary. Please choose a day and time that works best with your schedule. This is the best opportunity for me to communicate my observations of your child's strengths and weakness as well as a time for you to ask specific questions, express concerns, and help develop appropriate goals for your child. I appreciate your time! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1SFHHIqluQGxBZgkg5tRnQWq7i9qV_YlR2fnrA0FDc/edit?usp=sharing
8-21-15
Parents,
We have had another great week together! Can you believe it has already been 18 days in 1st grade!? At this point, our routines and procedures are fully in place. I give verbal and picture cues throughout the day as reminders, but we are expecting your child to become more and more independent as the year progresses. So many of them are doing a fabulous job walking to class independently and remember morning responsibilities (folders, lunch, etc) Please continue to encourage your child to use active listening during instructions and transitions.
-We had our first real fire drill Thursday, and our class was fabulous. We have talked about safety procedures and various escape routes. If you have any questions about our plans please feel free to ask me. Please know that your child's safety is a high priority to me.
-We are having some issues with drinks brought from home. Please be sure all bottles or thermos drinks used during the day are filled with water ONLY. They may have various drinks for lunch, but the drinks kept in the classroom and sipped on throughout the day must be water. Thank you for respecting this procedure. It makes it easier to clean spills and refill bottles when needed.
-We have an early dismissal day coming at the beginning of September. This is a Professional afternoon for teachers system-wide. Please complete the half sheet of paper in your child's folder and return it ASAP so we can plan on your child's transportation for the day.
-Last week was our first timed read. I sent each of you an email with a recording of your child's voice. The passage they were reading was included in their Smokie folder. I apologize for the "account setup" on that site, but it is free and I have not had issues with it in the past. When I initially started using it, the listeners did not need to setup accounts. I will continue to record them throughout the year so you can hear their progress. I will not do that weekly, however we will read a timed passage each Friday. Your child has 1 minute to complete as much as possible with accuracy. We want them reading 94% of the words correctly for mastery. Our current goal for this 9 weeks is 25-30 words per minute. Each passage is different, but all are considered "on grade level". This is a wonderful tool for me to assess how your child is growing and where they are struggling. I will mark mistakes and look for patterns.
Upcoming events:
August 25th: fall portraits (pre-pay only)
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am (see note in Smokie folder)
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessives
Math: comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o- word families op, og, ot families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: design a mini-mop Mr. Jeff
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Computer & Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
Parents,
We have had another great week together! Can you believe it has already been 18 days in 1st grade!? At this point, our routines and procedures are fully in place. I give verbal and picture cues throughout the day as reminders, but we are expecting your child to become more and more independent as the year progresses. So many of them are doing a fabulous job walking to class independently and remember morning responsibilities (folders, lunch, etc) Please continue to encourage your child to use active listening during instructions and transitions.
-We had our first real fire drill Thursday, and our class was fabulous. We have talked about safety procedures and various escape routes. If you have any questions about our plans please feel free to ask me. Please know that your child's safety is a high priority to me.
-We are having some issues with drinks brought from home. Please be sure all bottles or thermos drinks used during the day are filled with water ONLY. They may have various drinks for lunch, but the drinks kept in the classroom and sipped on throughout the day must be water. Thank you for respecting this procedure. It makes it easier to clean spills and refill bottles when needed.
-We have an early dismissal day coming at the beginning of September. This is a Professional afternoon for teachers system-wide. Please complete the half sheet of paper in your child's folder and return it ASAP so we can plan on your child's transportation for the day.
-Last week was our first timed read. I sent each of you an email with a recording of your child's voice. The passage they were reading was included in their Smokie folder. I apologize for the "account setup" on that site, but it is free and I have not had issues with it in the past. When I initially started using it, the listeners did not need to setup accounts. I will continue to record them throughout the year so you can hear their progress. I will not do that weekly, however we will read a timed passage each Friday. Your child has 1 minute to complete as much as possible with accuracy. We want them reading 94% of the words correctly for mastery. Our current goal for this 9 weeks is 25-30 words per minute. Each passage is different, but all are considered "on grade level". This is a wonderful tool for me to assess how your child is growing and where they are struggling. I will mark mistakes and look for patterns.
Upcoming events:
August 25th: fall portraits (pre-pay only)
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am (see note in Smokie folder)
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessives
Math: comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short o- word families op, og, ot families
Grammar: action verbs
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: design a mini-mop Mr. Jeff
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Music and Gym
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Computer & Guidance
Thursday: Gym and Music
Friday: Library
8-14-15
This week we took the STAR math test. Your child's report will be in their Friday folder with more individual details. This test is used as a baseline and to measure growth throughout the year. It is also used to help make instructional decisions. If you have any questions, please contact me.
I plan to schedule parent/teacher conferences for all of my families in September. I like to get to know your child better, collect data, and start to set goals for your student throughout the month of August. I will send home scheduling information closer to that time to schedule meeting times. I look forward to talk about your child's strengths and weaknesses with each of you.
New High School athletic policy - “Maryville High School will not allow children under the age of 12 admittance to an athletic events without an adult.”
Upcoming events:
August 25th: fall portraits
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a- word families an, ad, ap
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: Continue 6 traits, Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessives
Math: comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Computer & Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
This week we took the STAR math test. Your child's report will be in their Friday folder with more individual details. This test is used as a baseline and to measure growth throughout the year. It is also used to help make instructional decisions. If you have any questions, please contact me.
I plan to schedule parent/teacher conferences for all of my families in September. I like to get to know your child better, collect data, and start to set goals for your student throughout the month of August. I will send home scheduling information closer to that time to schedule meeting times. I look forward to talk about your child's strengths and weaknesses with each of you.
New High School athletic policy - “Maryville High School will not allow children under the age of 12 admittance to an athletic events without an adult.”
Upcoming events:
August 25th: fall portraits
September 4th: Early Dismissal 11:30am
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: short a- word families an, ad, ap
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: Continue 6 traits, Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short i- word families ip, ig, in families
Grammar: possessives
Math: comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a safe place for Mr. Cottonball
Writing: Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: STEM
Tuesday: Computer & Guidance
Wednesday: Gym and Music
Thursday: Library
Friday: Art
Our first week of spelling! Please help your child practice this week's spelling words. During the test on Friday, I will read the word multiple times and use it in a sentence. Your child will be asked to use all lowercase letters when spelling the words and clear handwriting should be demonstrated. If you would like your child to practice their words online with games and pretest options, check out http://www.spellingcity.com/Deedulin/ and choose the correct lesson number. This week's words have short a and are connected to What is a Pal?
Daily Editing- We started editing this week! In your child's folder, you will see our Daily Editing sheets. We will complete one of these half sheets each day following lunch before going to specials. This activity is edited as a class. We talk about each change and the reasons fro them, I mark it on the board, and they mark it on their paper. Then, they rewrite the sentence including the changes marked. This is an opportunity to focus on proper handwriting and grammar skills. It is also an opportunity to raise your star! Students are encouraged to double check their work before turning it in. Your child should have all corrections marked on their paper if they are following along with the class. Errors will be noted, I will talk to each student individually about their mistakes, and students will be given the opportunity to make corrections. Our goal is to not only learn to recognize the mistakes but apply these skills to our personal writing throughout the year. can you believe 1st graders know how to edit?
8-7-15
I am excited for next week as we will have more routines in place. We will begin working on our reading curriculum, have our first spelling test, and have our schedule fully in place. Great job to everyone for returning your homework on time and completing all assignments. Next week, the homework will be sent home on Monday and again be returned on Friday. Please help your child study for their spelling test in addition to the items in the folder.
Hopefully, your child is aware of the expectations and increased pace in first grade. We will be sure to keep things fun and engaging, but we also have a lot of material to cover and will introduce new concepts frequently. We have plenty of support in our classroom with Mrs. Buffie and I working with small groups of students and having Buffie as extra hands during lessons. Your child should feel well cared for!
This week was our 1st Friday reward with lunch in the room. All students ending their days 3 or above throughout the week will be rewarded with lunch in the classroom with the teacher. This is a fun time to relax and enjoy each other. I hope everyone will work to earn this reward next week. Check out the blog for pictures of our special time!
Upcoming events:
August 10-14th: STAR math test
August 25th: fall portraits
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: K review and practice
Grammar: review and beginning editing
Math: number recognition and representation, dot patterns
STEM: build a 3D model of a place in SHE
Writing: letter formation and introduction to topic/ideas
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a- word families an, ad, ap 1st spelling test on Friday!
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: Continue 6 traits, Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Computer & Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
I am excited for next week as we will have more routines in place. We will begin working on our reading curriculum, have our first spelling test, and have our schedule fully in place. Great job to everyone for returning your homework on time and completing all assignments. Next week, the homework will be sent home on Monday and again be returned on Friday. Please help your child study for their spelling test in addition to the items in the folder.
Hopefully, your child is aware of the expectations and increased pace in first grade. We will be sure to keep things fun and engaging, but we also have a lot of material to cover and will introduce new concepts frequently. We have plenty of support in our classroom with Mrs. Buffie and I working with small groups of students and having Buffie as extra hands during lessons. Your child should feel well cared for!
This week was our 1st Friday reward with lunch in the room. All students ending their days 3 or above throughout the week will be rewarded with lunch in the classroom with the teacher. This is a fun time to relax and enjoy each other. I hope everyone will work to earn this reward next week. Check out the blog for pictures of our special time!
Upcoming events:
August 10-14th: STAR math test
August 25th: fall portraits
September 7th: NO school
September 24th- MUSE field trip (more information to come)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: K review and practice
Grammar: review and beginning editing
Math: number recognition and representation, dot patterns
STEM: build a 3D model of a place in SHE
Writing: letter formation and introduction to topic/ideas
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short a- word families an, ad, ap 1st spelling test on Friday!
Grammar: nouns
Math: number recognition and representation test, comparing and ordering numbers
STEM: design a bracelet for a specific friend based on information gathered
Writing: Continue 6 traits, Ideas and details, narrowing the topic
Next weeks specials:
Monday: Computer & Guidance
Tuesday: Gym and Music
Wednesday: Library
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music and Gym
7-31-15
Welcome to 1st grade!
It has been great getting to know your child. We have had an exciting start to 1st grade with spaghetti and glider challenges, learning iPad skills and new apps, and making new friends. Thank you for sharing your child with me this year. I look forward to the memories we will make together. It is my goal to build a love for learning in your child. I want to inspire all my students to be their best and continuously strive to grow. I appreciate open communication with my families and want to encourage you to email me anytime with any concerns or questions. Thank you for doing such a great job returning paperwork, supplies, and fees. Our year has started smoothly because of your efficiency and participation.
Upcoming events:
August 3-7th: STAR reading test
August 10-14th: STAR math test
August 25th: fall portraits
September 7th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Welcome, meeting friends, learning classroom procedures, getting back into "school-mode"
Next week's skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: numbers 0-12, number patterns
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, building 3D model
Writing: All About Me Adobe Voice projects, introduction of 6 traits: Ideas
Welcome to 1st grade!
It has been great getting to know your child. We have had an exciting start to 1st grade with spaghetti and glider challenges, learning iPad skills and new apps, and making new friends. Thank you for sharing your child with me this year. I look forward to the memories we will make together. It is my goal to build a love for learning in your child. I want to inspire all my students to be their best and continuously strive to grow. I appreciate open communication with my families and want to encourage you to email me anytime with any concerns or questions. Thank you for doing such a great job returning paperwork, supplies, and fees. Our year has started smoothly because of your efficiency and participation.
Upcoming events:
August 3-7th: STAR reading test
August 10-14th: STAR math test
August 25th: fall portraits
September 7th: NO school
This week’s skills:
Welcome, meeting friends, learning classroom procedures, getting back into "school-mode"
Next week's skills:
Phonics: reviewing and practicing letter sounds
Grammar: noun introduction (places)
Math: numbers 0-12, number patterns
STEM: QR scans, Sam Houston scavenger hunt, building 3D model
Writing: All About Me Adobe Voice projects, introduction of 6 traits: Ideas
5-8-15
We had a great time running laps for our school. We had LOTS of people cheering for us and we tried to share that enthusiasm later when we encouraged other grade levels. I'm sure your child will be tried tonight!
Next week, we will finish our Journeys reading series. Because of the snow days, we were not able to complete the last story before testing. This story will be interesting for many of our students because it focuses on teamwork and soccer. Many of our students play soccer or other sports. They will enjoy our padlet wall with fun teamwork videos and get to work on two STEM projects involving friction. We will also complete an iMovie trailer for upcoming 1st graders and an Adobe Voice finale project.
Check out our Classroom Blog for pictures from the Smokie Strut taken by Mrs. Woods. I really appreciate her time and effort in taking and sharing the photographs!
Upcoming events:
May 15th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau 9:30
May 21st- Class awards 1:30
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
SAT-10 testing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long vowels; syllable patterns
Grammar: Adjectives
Math: addition and subtraction
STEM: friction
Writing: iMovie and Adobe Voice projects
We had a great time running laps for our school. We had LOTS of people cheering for us and we tried to share that enthusiasm later when we encouraged other grade levels. I'm sure your child will be tried tonight!
Next week, we will finish our Journeys reading series. Because of the snow days, we were not able to complete the last story before testing. This story will be interesting for many of our students because it focuses on teamwork and soccer. Many of our students play soccer or other sports. They will enjoy our padlet wall with fun teamwork videos and get to work on two STEM projects involving friction. We will also complete an iMovie trailer for upcoming 1st graders and an Adobe Voice finale project.
Check out our Classroom Blog for pictures from the Smokie Strut taken by Mrs. Woods. I really appreciate her time and effort in taking and sharing the photographs!
Upcoming events:
May 15th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau 9:30
May 21st- Class awards 1:30
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
SAT-10 testing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long vowels; syllable patterns
Grammar: Adjectives
Math: addition and subtraction
STEM: friction
Writing: iMovie and Adobe Voice projects
Get ready to STRUT! Our Smokie Strut event is this Friday! (May 8, 2015) 1st grade will run from 8:30-9:00 am. We would love to have our parents and friends here to cheer us on, volunteer, or even run with us! Our PTO provides t-shirts for every student and water bottles. Your job is to raise money for our school and classrooms, and run as many laps as you can in our 30 minutes. The PTO does a great job putting this event together and using all the funds collected to improve our school and excite our students. New playground equipment, pavilions, technology, and more have all been added to our school as a result of the Smokie Strut. Plus, if we raise enough money we get to celebrate with a prize day of inflatable slides and bounce houses...and if we really do a good job we can BLAST Mr. Blevins with water! Remember to wear your running shoes on Friday!
5-1-15
Next week during SAT-10 testing, we are not allowed to teach any concepts before they have been assessed. This means, we will not intentionally review or practice math or reading skills in the afternoons. With this being said, it would be very helpful for you to practice math facts with your child throughout the week and make sure your child is reading daily. We will be sending HomeFun on Monday, but there will be no spelling sentences or weekly tests on Friday.
If you are willing to send in water bottles for our testing breaks, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all our families who are supplying snacks and treats for our brain breaks!
Here are some tips for parents to help their students do their very best every day during the SAT-10 testing period. We ask for your help in having your child be as prepared as possible in the following areas.
get a good night sleep, be well rested (8-10 hours)
eat a healthy breakfast
arrive to school on time and be here every day (especially during testing)
have a positive “can do” student attitude
plan ahead to ensure your child is present, reschedule any appointments the child may have or need to attend during this time.
Here are some test taking tips that will help my child do their best on the SAT-10:
read and listen to the test directions carefully
read and listen to the questions carefully and be sure of what they are asking
read all of the answer choices before responding
if you don’t know the answer to a question, choose the best response and move on
eliminate any answers that you know are wrong, and then consider only those that might be right
go back and check your answers if time allows
We will ROCK this test!!
Upcoming events:
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau
May 21st- Class awards
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long vowel spelling patterns; suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: design an insect showing all parts
Writing: Dear Kindergartener
Next week's skills:
SAT-10 testing
Next week during SAT-10 testing, we are not allowed to teach any concepts before they have been assessed. This means, we will not intentionally review or practice math or reading skills in the afternoons. With this being said, it would be very helpful for you to practice math facts with your child throughout the week and make sure your child is reading daily. We will be sending HomeFun on Monday, but there will be no spelling sentences or weekly tests on Friday.
If you are willing to send in water bottles for our testing breaks, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all our families who are supplying snacks and treats for our brain breaks!
Here are some tips for parents to help their students do their very best every day during the SAT-10 testing period. We ask for your help in having your child be as prepared as possible in the following areas.
get a good night sleep, be well rested (8-10 hours)
eat a healthy breakfast
arrive to school on time and be here every day (especially during testing)
have a positive “can do” student attitude
plan ahead to ensure your child is present, reschedule any appointments the child may have or need to attend during this time.
Here are some test taking tips that will help my child do their best on the SAT-10:
read and listen to the test directions carefully
read and listen to the questions carefully and be sure of what they are asking
read all of the answer choices before responding
if you don’t know the answer to a question, choose the best response and move on
eliminate any answers that you know are wrong, and then consider only those that might be right
go back and check your answers if time allows
We will ROCK this test!!
Upcoming events:
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau
May 21st- Class awards
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long vowel spelling patterns; suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: design an insect showing all parts
Writing: Dear Kindergartener
Next week's skills:
SAT-10 testing
4-24-15
We had fun with spirit days this week! You guys had some creative and crazy outfits! I hope we are all excited and fired up for the last weeks of school, assessments, and the Smokie Strut!
You will find a small envelope in your child's Smokie folder for the Smokie Strut. Please encourage and support your child in collecting money for our schoolwide event. This is the only fundraiser Sam Houston does with the support of PTO. The PTO has provided our school with MANY wonderful items as a result of our students' hard work in fundraising. We can win prizes and a fun prize day with inflatables if we raise more than $25,000. We could also get the chance to blast Mr. Belvins with water guns! Start asking your friends and family for support!
We have now taken our final STAR tests. Data is coming home in your child's Smokie folder. If you have questions or concerns please contact me via email and I would be happy to discuss things with you further. We can set up a conference if necessary as well. I think we have ALOT to celebrate with so much growth this year!
We are still preparing for our upcoming SAT-10 testing. If your child took this test in Kindergarten, their scores will be compared to show growth from this year. You will find a review math packet in their Smokie folder with a note attached. If they complete this packet (with accuracy) and turn it in by 8:00am on Friday, May 1st they will get to participate in a reward movie and snack. Please encourage and help check your child's work on the packet.
Upcoming events:
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing *See packet in folder
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long i spelling patterns
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long vowel spelling patterns; suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers- with regrouping
STEM: design an insect showing all parts
Writing: Dear Kindergartener
We had fun with spirit days this week! You guys had some creative and crazy outfits! I hope we are all excited and fired up for the last weeks of school, assessments, and the Smokie Strut!
You will find a small envelope in your child's Smokie folder for the Smokie Strut. Please encourage and support your child in collecting money for our schoolwide event. This is the only fundraiser Sam Houston does with the support of PTO. The PTO has provided our school with MANY wonderful items as a result of our students' hard work in fundraising. We can win prizes and a fun prize day with inflatables if we raise more than $25,000. We could also get the chance to blast Mr. Belvins with water guns! Start asking your friends and family for support!
We have now taken our final STAR tests. Data is coming home in your child's Smokie folder. If you have questions or concerns please contact me via email and I would be happy to discuss things with you further. We can set up a conference if necessary as well. I think we have ALOT to celebrate with so much growth this year!
We are still preparing for our upcoming SAT-10 testing. If your child took this test in Kindergarten, their scores will be compared to show growth from this year. You will find a review math packet in their Smokie folder with a note attached. If they complete this packet (with accuracy) and turn it in by 8:00am on Friday, May 1st they will get to participate in a reward movie and snack. Please encourage and help check your child's work on the packet.
Upcoming events:
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing *See packet in folder
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- 1st grade Luau
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
May 21st- Last day for students
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long i spelling patterns
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: build a kite
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long vowel spelling patterns; suffixes -ly, -ful, -y
Grammar: adverbs
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers- with regrouping
STEM: design an insect showing all parts
Writing: Dear Kindergartener
4-17-15
This week, we took the STAR reading test. It was hard to show growth since our last test date in mid-February with multiple snow days, illness, and spring break, but we remained consistent and I am proud of their achievement. You will see a small slip of paper with the beginning of the year's score and their latest score attached to their Smokie folder. You will receive a data graph in next week's folder with more details.
We will take STAR math on Tuesday next week and see how we have grown. In preparation for 2nd grade, we did a timed math drill on Thursday. Some 2nd grade teachers do them weekly. 2nd grade has 4 minute drills with 100 problems. Our 1st grade goal is 60 problems in 4 minutes. Your child's timed drill results with adding ten are included in their Smokie folder. I recommend everyone practice addition and subtraction facts for speed and accuracy. Find a fun way to incorporate them into your day. Here are some suggestions:
1. Play with dice. Toss the flash cards and practice adding and subtracting using the numbers you roll on dice.
2. Flashlight math. Use the flashcards and flip two cards at a time. Kids shine a flashlight on the one they know and answer that one. Simple. Don’t have a flashlight? Make a math wand. Use a stick or a light saber. Anything that works for your kid.
3. Use electronics.Try My Math Flash Cards App on the iPad and Math Practice Flashcards on an android phone. There are a gazillion flash card apps out there. I’m sure any would do the trick, plus they have access to XtraMath at home!
4. Write the answer. Or paint the answer. Water on cement or chalk on sidewalk or window crayon on window. One person flashes the cards and the other guy writes.
5. Math bingo. Again, toss the flashers and play Math Bingo as a way to learn and practice these numbers.
Our Talent Show was so much fun! Check out our blog for pictures of our presenters. It was great to hear different talents and interests. We shared why we liked our activity, how much we practices, or how long we had been doing it. Thank you for helping your child prepare!
Upcoming events:
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip * permission slips due 4-13-15
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: endings -er, -est; change y to i; syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: fractions
STEM: mini-challenges- hoop gliders, cup stacking, paper tower and MORE!
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long i: igh, y, ie inflectional endings -ed, -ing, -er, -est, -es
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: mini-challenges- design a kite using the best materials
Writing: informative writing, how to
This week, we took the STAR reading test. It was hard to show growth since our last test date in mid-February with multiple snow days, illness, and spring break, but we remained consistent and I am proud of their achievement. You will see a small slip of paper with the beginning of the year's score and their latest score attached to their Smokie folder. You will receive a data graph in next week's folder with more details.
We will take STAR math on Tuesday next week and see how we have grown. In preparation for 2nd grade, we did a timed math drill on Thursday. Some 2nd grade teachers do them weekly. 2nd grade has 4 minute drills with 100 problems. Our 1st grade goal is 60 problems in 4 minutes. Your child's timed drill results with adding ten are included in their Smokie folder. I recommend everyone practice addition and subtraction facts for speed and accuracy. Find a fun way to incorporate them into your day. Here are some suggestions:
1. Play with dice. Toss the flash cards and practice adding and subtracting using the numbers you roll on dice.
2. Flashlight math. Use the flashcards and flip two cards at a time. Kids shine a flashlight on the one they know and answer that one. Simple. Don’t have a flashlight? Make a math wand. Use a stick or a light saber. Anything that works for your kid.
3. Use electronics.Try My Math Flash Cards App on the iPad and Math Practice Flashcards on an android phone. There are a gazillion flash card apps out there. I’m sure any would do the trick, plus they have access to XtraMath at home!
4. Write the answer. Or paint the answer. Water on cement or chalk on sidewalk or window crayon on window. One person flashes the cards and the other guy writes.
5. Math bingo. Again, toss the flashers and play Math Bingo as a way to learn and practice these numbers.
Our Talent Show was so much fun! Check out our blog for pictures of our presenters. It was great to hear different talents and interests. We shared why we liked our activity, how much we practices, or how long we had been doing it. Thank you for helping your child prepare!
Upcoming events:
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip * permission slips due 4-13-15
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: endings -er, -est; change y to i; syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: fractions
STEM: mini-challenges- hoop gliders, cup stacking, paper tower and MORE!
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long i: igh, y, ie inflectional endings -ed, -ing, -er, -est, -es
Grammar: adjectives
Math: adding and subtracting two digit numbers
STEM: mini-challenges- design a kite using the best materials
Writing: informative writing, how to
MUSE field trip: Chaperones wanted! The attached PDF will be in your child's Smokie folder on Friday, but I wanted to get the information to you as quickly as possible for those that need to plan ahead. We are excited about our 1st trip to the MUSE!
Chaperones info | |
File Size: | 136 kb |
File Type: |
Monday, April 20th: Superhero Day
Tuesday, April 21st: Go to Work Day (Career Day)
Wednesday April 22nd: Movie/Book Character Day
Thursday April 23rd: Sports Day
Friday April 24th: Wacky Tacky Day
Tuesday, April 21st: Go to Work Day (Career Day)
Wednesday April 22nd: Movie/Book Character Day
Thursday April 23rd: Sports Day
Friday April 24th: Wacky Tacky Day
Parents,
You are receiving an informational letter in your child's folder today about device deployment for next year. This information is for rising 4th-12th graders. We are sending the letter home with ALL students so ALL parents will be informed regardless of their student's grade level. Your child will be placed in a classroom with 1:1 devices next year, but K-3 students will not be taking those devices home.
You are receiving an informational letter in your child's folder today about device deployment for next year. This information is for rising 4th-12th graders. We are sending the letter home with ALL students so ALL parents will be informed regardless of their student's grade level. Your child will be placed in a classroom with 1:1 devices next year, but K-3 students will not be taking those devices home.
4-10-15
We are finally all back together! We missed our sick friends. Please continue to encourage your child to use a tissue and wash their hands. Our author visit with Julia Cook involved a booger book (SO gross!) Have your child explain the booger ghost technique. If you would like to purchase one of her books, order forms are due back on Monday.
Also due on Monday are our permission slips to the MUSE. If you need an additional copy, please go to our documents page!
Next week, we are reading the story What Can You Do? This story is about discovering what you do well. At home, please discuss different ways your child feels successful and answer these questions: What do you do well? Why it is important to always try your best? What personal goals do you set for yourself? How do you feel when you reach your goals? Your child also has the option of completing a Learning Project about something that he/she can do well. Each student will present his/her “talent” to our class on Friday. This could be an iMovie, powerpoint, live performance, poster, photographs, or speech.
Upcoming events:
April 15th-21st- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day * must turn in order form to purchase
April 17th- class "talent show"
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip * permission slips due 4-13-15
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: endings -ed, -ing; CVCe, CVC base words (doubling the consonant on short vowel words)
Grammar: exclamations
Math: fractions
STEM: create a picture using only DOTS!
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching about being an artist
Next week's skills:
Phonics: endings -er, -est; change y to i; syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: fractions
STEM: mini-challenges- hoop gliders, cup stacking, paper tower and MORE!
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
We are finally all back together! We missed our sick friends. Please continue to encourage your child to use a tissue and wash their hands. Our author visit with Julia Cook involved a booger book (SO gross!) Have your child explain the booger ghost technique. If you would like to purchase one of her books, order forms are due back on Monday.
Also due on Monday are our permission slips to the MUSE. If you need an additional copy, please go to our documents page!
Next week, we are reading the story What Can You Do? This story is about discovering what you do well. At home, please discuss different ways your child feels successful and answer these questions: What do you do well? Why it is important to always try your best? What personal goals do you set for yourself? How do you feel when you reach your goals? Your child also has the option of completing a Learning Project about something that he/she can do well. Each student will present his/her “talent” to our class on Friday. This could be an iMovie, powerpoint, live performance, poster, photographs, or speech.
Upcoming events:
April 15th-21st- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day * must turn in order form to purchase
April 17th- class "talent show"
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip * permission slips due 4-13-15
May 4th-7th- SAT-10 testing
May 8th- Smokie Strut
May 18th-21st- Adventure week (more information later)
May 21st- Class awards (save the date- 1:30pm)
This week’s skills:
Phonics: endings -ed, -ing; CVCe, CVC base words (doubling the consonant on short vowel words)
Grammar: exclamations
Math: fractions
STEM: create a picture using only DOTS!
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching about being an artist
Next week's skills:
Phonics: endings -er, -est; change y to i; syllable -le
Grammar: kinds of sentences
Math: fractions
STEM: mini-challenges- hoop gliders, cup stacking, paper tower and MORE!
Writing: informative writing, what are you good at?
4-2-15
I hope you enjoyed our Tennessee program Monday night. I thought they did a great job learning songs, lines, and placements on stage! I can't believe we are already in our last 9 weeks together. We have 5 more weeks of new skills to introduce, and then we will review for our final assessments. We will also have time for introducing some 2nd grade material. If you have concerns or questions about your child's 2nd grade readiness, I would be happy to meet with you before or after school on most days. Please email me to schedule a conference.
Is your child reading daily? Help your child select an appropriate book to read at home. Check the website to see if their book choice has an AR test. http://maryville.schoolwires.net/Page/869 Allow them to bring the book in to school and take a test when they are ready. The more they read the easier it will become. The more words they will add to their vocabulary. The more strategies they will utilize to decode words. By taking an AR test, we can check their comprehension and retention of the story elements. This will help them on future tests as well and will add boxes to our reward chart!
Upcoming events:
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 8th- Author Julia Cook visits
April 15th-21st- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions
Math: graphing
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sequencing about spring
Next week's skills:
Phonics: endings -ed, -ing; CVCe, CVC base words (doubling the consonant on short vowel words)
Grammar: exclamations
Math: fractions
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching about being an artist
I hope you enjoyed our Tennessee program Monday night. I thought they did a great job learning songs, lines, and placements on stage! I can't believe we are already in our last 9 weeks together. We have 5 more weeks of new skills to introduce, and then we will review for our final assessments. We will also have time for introducing some 2nd grade material. If you have concerns or questions about your child's 2nd grade readiness, I would be happy to meet with you before or after school on most days. Please email me to schedule a conference.
Is your child reading daily? Help your child select an appropriate book to read at home. Check the website to see if their book choice has an AR test. http://maryville.schoolwires.net/Page/869 Allow them to bring the book in to school and take a test when they are ready. The more they read the easier it will become. The more words they will add to their vocabulary. The more strategies they will utilize to decode words. By taking an AR test, we can check their comprehension and retention of the story elements. This will help them on future tests as well and will add boxes to our reward chart!
Upcoming events:
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 8th- Author Julia Cook visits
April 15th-21st- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: contractions
Math: graphing
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sequencing about spring
Next week's skills:
Phonics: endings -ed, -ing; CVCe, CVC base words (doubling the consonant on short vowel words)
Grammar: exclamations
Math: fractions
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching about being an artist
3-27-15
Our Tennessee program is Monday night at 6:00pm. Your child needs to arrive to our classroom at 5:45pm. Please have your child wear safe shoes for climbing the stairs and risers on stage. They should also wear orange or/and white. We stand on the left side of the stage, so your best seat might be on the right side of the gym.
It has been so fun hearing about your child's spring break. I love the stories of cabins, friends, beaches, museums, and family. What great memories you are helping to create! Look for their writing about these experiences and special moments.
We only have 3 weeks until our next and last STAR reading test. This does give us some time to grow, but since it is so soon we will have to work hard! Please make sure your child is reading daily at home. We have 6 weeks until our SAT-10 testing in May. These scores are compared nationally and to your child's Kindergarten scores to show growth and achievement. We have begun preparing for this test and will continue practicing testing strategies and reviewing skills. Our weekly homework prepares our students for the concepts tested as well.
Upcoming events:
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program 8:15 am dress rehearsal and 6:00 pm official performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 8th- Author Julia Cook visits
April 13th-17th- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs oo, ue, ou, and ew; long u- u_e, u
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: create a StopMotion showing the life cycle of an apple tree
Writing: informative writing, sequencing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: graphing
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching
Our Tennessee program is Monday night at 6:00pm. Your child needs to arrive to our classroom at 5:45pm. Please have your child wear safe shoes for climbing the stairs and risers on stage. They should also wear orange or/and white. We stand on the left side of the stage, so your best seat might be on the right side of the gym.
It has been so fun hearing about your child's spring break. I love the stories of cabins, friends, beaches, museums, and family. What great memories you are helping to create! Look for their writing about these experiences and special moments.
We only have 3 weeks until our next and last STAR reading test. This does give us some time to grow, but since it is so soon we will have to work hard! Please make sure your child is reading daily at home. We have 6 weeks until our SAT-10 testing in May. These scores are compared nationally and to your child's Kindergarten scores to show growth and achievement. We have begun preparing for this test and will continue practicing testing strategies and reviewing skills. Our weekly homework prepares our students for the concepts tested as well.
Upcoming events:
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program 8:15 am dress rehearsal and 6:00 pm official performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 8th- Author Julia Cook visits
April 13th-17th- final STAR reading test
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 23rd -28th- final STAR math test
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs oo, ue, ou, and ew; long u- u_e, u
Grammar: infinite pronouns
Math: graphing
STEM: create a StopMotion showing the life cycle of an apple tree
Writing: informative writing, sequencing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: vowel digraphs ou, ow, oi, oy, au, aw
Grammar: synonyms, contractions
Math: graphing
STEM: create an iMovie trailer for an American documentary
Writing: informative writing, sentence stretching
3-10-15
I hope you all enjoy a nice break together making memories with your child. Please encourage your child to read daily. have them visit our symbaloo site for games and review. We will have 6 weeks together after the break before our SAT-10 testing. We will only have 4 weeks together before our last STAR reading test and 5 before our final STAR math test. We still have new skills to introduce and several skills to review and continue practicing to become fluent in applying them accurately. Your child's growth is very important to me and so is their success next year. 11 days away from school is a LONG time if we don't continue working on what we know. The more they read, the more fluent they will become. I encourage your family to check out our public library or local bookstores. Your child might enjoy this event at the Blount County Library- S.T.E.A.M. Kids
When: Fridays at 4:00 p.m.
Who: Designed for elementary age students
What: A different adventure every week, from science experiments to art projects and more!
If the drive to Knoxville doesn't bother you, check out the events at Barnes and Noble: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2838 Or visit a discounted bookstore for a large selection of inexpensive books: http://www.mckaybooks.com/#!locations/cjg9
I am setting up a blog post on our website titled Take a Break with a Book. I would like to have students post books they have read over the break to share ideas and suggestions with their classmates! Let's see how many we can post. Let's see if friends read the same books. Let's get our kids talking about what they are reading!
I hope you all enjoy a nice break together making memories with your child. Please encourage your child to read daily. have them visit our symbaloo site for games and review. We will have 6 weeks together after the break before our SAT-10 testing. We will only have 4 weeks together before our last STAR reading test and 5 before our final STAR math test. We still have new skills to introduce and several skills to review and continue practicing to become fluent in applying them accurately. Your child's growth is very important to me and so is their success next year. 11 days away from school is a LONG time if we don't continue working on what we know. The more they read, the more fluent they will become. I encourage your family to check out our public library or local bookstores. Your child might enjoy this event at the Blount County Library- S.T.E.A.M. Kids
When: Fridays at 4:00 p.m.
Who: Designed for elementary age students
What: A different adventure every week, from science experiments to art projects and more!
If the drive to Knoxville doesn't bother you, check out the events at Barnes and Noble: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2838 Or visit a discounted bookstore for a large selection of inexpensive books: http://www.mckaybooks.com/#!locations/cjg9
I am setting up a blog post on our website titled Take a Break with a Book. I would like to have students post books they have read over the break to share ideas and suggestions with their classmates! Let's see how many we can post. Let's see if friends read the same books. Let's get our kids talking about what they are reading!
3-6-15
Can we have a complete 5 day week of school? We have alot to do before the break!
Upcoming events:
March 12th- Spring Break begins
March 23rd- Return from Spring Break
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program rescheduled
8:15 am dress rehearsal and 6:00 pm performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 2nd- Early Release 1:15 pm
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics:digraph oo, ex:book, cook, hood
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: design an outdoor dog space
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
Phonics: review
Grammar: review
Math: subtraction strategies; fact families
STEM: design a tool to solve rocky soil issue
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Can we have a complete 5 day week of school? We have alot to do before the break!
Upcoming events:
March 12th- Spring Break begins
March 23rd- Return from Spring Break
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program rescheduled
8:15 am dress rehearsal and 6:00 pm performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 2nd- Early Release 1:15 pm
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE field trip
This week’s skills:
Phonics:digraph oo, ex:book, cook, hood
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: design an outdoor dog space
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
Phonics: review
Grammar: review
Math: subtraction strategies; fact families
STEM: design a tool to solve rocky soil issue
Writing: informative writing, animal research
2-27-15
I hope we will have a full week of school before we have spring break. This winter weather has been difficult. It has interfered with several of our plans. Please notice the change in date for the program. We were afraid they did not have enough time to rehearse without postponing. Thank you for your flexibility!
Upcoming events:
March 2nd- STAR math testing
March 12th- Spring Break begins
March 23rd- Return from Spring Break
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program rescheduled
8:15am dress rehearsal and 6:00pm performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 2nd- Early Release 1:15pm
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE
This week’s skills:
Phonics: r controlled er, ir, ur
Grammar: pronouns I and me
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
Phonics:digraph oo, ex:book, cook, hood
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: design an outdoor dog space
Writing: informative writing, animal research
I hope we will have a full week of school before we have spring break. This winter weather has been difficult. It has interfered with several of our plans. Please notice the change in date for the program. We were afraid they did not have enough time to rehearse without postponing. Thank you for your flexibility!
Upcoming events:
March 2nd- STAR math testing
March 12th- Spring Break begins
March 23rd- Return from Spring Break
March 27th- Progress reports go home
March 30th- 1st grade program rescheduled
8:15am dress rehearsal and 6:00pm performance
April 2nd- permission slips sent home for field trip
April 2nd- Early Release 1:15pm
April 3rd- NO school, Good Friday
April 15th- Class Picture day
April 22nd- The Knoxville MUSE
This week’s skills:
Phonics: r controlled er, ir, ur
Grammar: pronouns I and me
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Next week's skills:
Phonics:digraph oo, ex:book, cook, hood
Grammar: possessive pronouns
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: design an outdoor dog space
Writing: informative writing, animal research
Winter weather has been taking away so much of our time together in class. I encourage you to have your child read while they are home during snow days. Today, we took the STAR reading test. You will receive your child's latest data next week, and they will receive a bookmark with new reading levels. We are showing good growth, and I do not want these snow days to interfere. Read, Read, Read! Your child can access this week's padlet wall for videos and questions about this week's skills for additional practice. padlet.com/dulin/amazing
2-13-15
This year is flying by! Next week, we will take the STAR reading test again. This is your child's opportunity to show what they know! They can get new bookmarks with increased reading levels and have access to new books. To help your child's reading improve, the best thing you can do is have them read at home. In second grade, most teachers have monthly AR point requirements. This year, your child has access to AR and is encouraged by various incentives to read and take comprehension tests. Next year it will be required. Encourage them to practice now. Give them the opportunity to be comfortable with logging in, finding books, and taking tests. Remember, they can read AR books at home and bring in the title and author to test in class. We still have several months for potential growth!
Upcoming events:
February 16th- NO school for students
February 18th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
February 25th- Officer Hicks visit- Stranger Danger
March 9th- 1st grade program
This week’s skills:
Phonics: r controlled ar and or/ore
Grammar: subject pronouns
Math: doubles to 12, addition strategies to 20
STEM: flower observations and terrarium building
Writing: informative writing; gardens
Next week's skills:
Phonics: r controlled er, ir, ur
Grammar: pronouns I and me
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing, animal research
This year is flying by! Next week, we will take the STAR reading test again. This is your child's opportunity to show what they know! They can get new bookmarks with increased reading levels and have access to new books. To help your child's reading improve, the best thing you can do is have them read at home. In second grade, most teachers have monthly AR point requirements. This year, your child has access to AR and is encouraged by various incentives to read and take comprehension tests. Next year it will be required. Encourage them to practice now. Give them the opportunity to be comfortable with logging in, finding books, and taking tests. Remember, they can read AR books at home and bring in the title and author to test in class. We still have several months for potential growth!
Upcoming events:
February 16th- NO school for students
February 18th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
February 25th- Officer Hicks visit- Stranger Danger
March 9th- 1st grade program
This week’s skills:
Phonics: r controlled ar and or/ore
Grammar: subject pronouns
Math: doubles to 12, addition strategies to 20
STEM: flower observations and terrarium building
Writing: informative writing; gardens
Next week's skills:
Phonics: r controlled er, ir, ur
Grammar: pronouns I and me
Math: addition strategies; adding 3 numbers
STEM: building a turtle shell
Writing: informative writing, animal research
2-6-15
I hope you all had the opportunity to check out our STEM fair and see your child's group project. They learned alot about cooperation and communication. There were several challenges in this project. First, they did not know what the challenge was when selecting their 20 items. They did not know their team members' items when selecting items. They also did not know the location they would select when choosing their items. So many variables! I am proud of their final products with all of these challenges. We will drawing sticks to see which team member will bring home the vehicle created by the group.
Upcoming events:
February 13th- Valentine exchange
Please have your child bring 20 cards signed with their name only. Valentines should not be addressed to individual students as this makes passing out cards difficult.
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
February 25th- Officer Hicks visit- Stranger Danger
This week’s skills:
Phonics: compound words, short e/ea
Grammar: prepositions
Math: time
STEM: escape route for Little Rabbit
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: r controlled ar and or/ore
Grammar: subject pronouns
Math: doubles to 12, addition strategies
STEM: flower observations and terrarium building
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
Empty 16oz water bottles with the lids!
I hope you all had the opportunity to check out our STEM fair and see your child's group project. They learned alot about cooperation and communication. There were several challenges in this project. First, they did not know what the challenge was when selecting their 20 items. They did not know their team members' items when selecting items. They also did not know the location they would select when choosing their items. So many variables! I am proud of their final products with all of these challenges. We will drawing sticks to see which team member will bring home the vehicle created by the group.
Upcoming events:
February 13th- Valentine exchange
Please have your child bring 20 cards signed with their name only. Valentines should not be addressed to individual students as this makes passing out cards difficult.
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
February 25th- Officer Hicks visit- Stranger Danger
This week’s skills:
Phonics: compound words, short e/ea
Grammar: prepositions
Math: time
STEM: escape route for Little Rabbit
Writing: informative writing
Next week's skills:
Phonics: r controlled ar and or/ore
Grammar: subject pronouns
Math: doubles to 12, addition strategies
STEM: flower observations and terrarium building
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
Empty 16oz water bottles with the lids!
Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and several students have asked about giving cards. We will exchange cards or treats with our friends. Please have your child bring 20 cards signed with their name only. Valentines should not be addressed to individual students as this makes passing out cards difficult. Please send cards by February 12th.
We need empty 16 oz water bottles for our STEM project on Monday. They need to have the lid but not the label. Thank you for your donations!
1-23-15
We celebrated 100 days of 1st grade! Your child is 100 days smarter. Ask them about our 100 second challenges, 100 piece snack, and 100 dollar shopping experience. This was a busy week with only four days. Please help your child review our skills and new high frequency words. You can access previous stories and upcoming stories online at ThinkCentral.com. Follow the link on the Useful Links page for help. Reread stories or preview next week's story. The more your child reads, the more they will grow!
Upcoming events:
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long a; vowel patterns ai, ay
Grammar: contractions
Math: measurement
STEM: 100 item transportation vehicle
Writing: word choice, precise language, winter writings displayed in hallway
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long o; vowel patterns oa, ow
Grammar: synonyms, future tense verbs
Math: measurement
STEM: complete 100 item vehicles and project displays; Design a lending library
Writing: STEM project journaling
Supply needs:
white cardstock
We celebrated 100 days of 1st grade! Your child is 100 days smarter. Ask them about our 100 second challenges, 100 piece snack, and 100 dollar shopping experience. This was a busy week with only four days. Please help your child review our skills and new high frequency words. You can access previous stories and upcoming stories online at ThinkCentral.com. Follow the link on the Useful Links page for help. Reread stories or preview next week's story. The more your child reads, the more they will grow!
Upcoming events:
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long a; vowel patterns ai, ay
Grammar: contractions
Math: measurement
STEM: 100 item transportation vehicle
Writing: word choice, precise language, winter writings displayed in hallway
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long o; vowel patterns oa, ow
Grammar: synonyms, future tense verbs
Math: measurement
STEM: complete 100 item vehicles and project displays; Design a lending library
Writing: STEM project journaling
Supply needs:
white cardstock
1-30-15
This week, we read about Tomas Rivera. Tomas came from a migrant family and lived in the southwestern states of America. His family picked crops. He grew up to be a teacher and an author. He used his childhood experiences in his stories. When Tomas died in 1984, a university library was renamed in his honor. We also studied aspects from life in the past. Some things have really changed. We talked about how people used to wash clothes and get from place to place. We talked about the advancements in communication too. Then we watched a short video to inspire them to imagine our future. They are the ones who will create it! They have to have the desire, belief, and willingness to take risks to accomplish it! Check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38
Does your child believe they will have a BIG impact on the future? We talked about our STEM lessons in the classroom helping them to become better problem solvers and thinkers. STEM is preparing them to imagine, question, and create new ideas! Our STEM lesson this week connected to our story of Tomas Rivera. Check out this website for more information. http://littlefreelibrary.org/ We worked with a partner to design a Little Free Library best suited for a particular community. Some of us designed a library for a children's hospital, a beach community, or a fictional Disney community. We had to defend our choices and use evidence from the community description to create our design. We used Notability to draw our designs and write our defense. What would a LFL look like at Sam Houston? What if we used REAL materials? I would LOVE for a family to take this project a step further and create a LFL for our school community. Are you willing to help fight illiteracy? Please let me know if you decide to take on this extension project. We would love to be involved!
Upcoming events:
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long o; vowel patterns oa, ow
Grammar: synonyms, future tense verbs
Math: measurement
STEM: complete 100 item vehicles and project displays; Design a lending library
Writing: STEM project journaling
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, ea Ex: bread, head
Grammar: compound words
Math: time
STEM: cause and effect roller-coaster challenge
Writing: informational- research, details and facts in your own words
This week, we read about Tomas Rivera. Tomas came from a migrant family and lived in the southwestern states of America. His family picked crops. He grew up to be a teacher and an author. He used his childhood experiences in his stories. When Tomas died in 1984, a university library was renamed in his honor. We also studied aspects from life in the past. Some things have really changed. We talked about how people used to wash clothes and get from place to place. We talked about the advancements in communication too. Then we watched a short video to inspire them to imagine our future. They are the ones who will create it! They have to have the desire, belief, and willingness to take risks to accomplish it! Check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38
Does your child believe they will have a BIG impact on the future? We talked about our STEM lessons in the classroom helping them to become better problem solvers and thinkers. STEM is preparing them to imagine, question, and create new ideas! Our STEM lesson this week connected to our story of Tomas Rivera. Check out this website for more information. http://littlefreelibrary.org/ We worked with a partner to design a Little Free Library best suited for a particular community. Some of us designed a library for a children's hospital, a beach community, or a fictional Disney community. We had to defend our choices and use evidence from the community description to create our design. We used Notability to draw our designs and write our defense. What would a LFL look like at Sam Houston? What if we used REAL materials? I would LOVE for a family to take this project a step further and create a LFL for our school community. Are you willing to help fight illiteracy? Please let me know if you decide to take on this extension project. We would love to be involved!
Upcoming events:
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long o; vowel patterns oa, ow
Grammar: synonyms, future tense verbs
Math: measurement
STEM: complete 100 item vehicles and project displays; Design a lending library
Writing: STEM project journaling
Next week's skills:
Phonics: short e, ea Ex: bread, head
Grammar: compound words
Math: time
STEM: cause and effect roller-coaster challenge
Writing: informational- research, details and facts in your own words
1-16-15
This week, we read a fantasy story about Pig and Goat. This is a fun story about ways to travel. Ask your child some of the ways Pig wants to travel. Can they remember what Goat thought might happen? What happened at the end of the story? We also started our 100 item projects for the STEM fair. Ask your child what location their group chose and what vehicle they are creating.
Next week, (if the weather does not interfere) we will celebrate 100 days of 1st grade! Your child is 100 days smarter and we have a lot to celebrate!
If you have any concerns about the remainder of our year together or would like to discuss your child's progress please do not hesitate to contact me about a conference. Spring conferences are based on need.
Upcoming events:
January 19th- No school
January 22nd- 100th Day of School* snack donations due Wednesday!
January 23rd- All Pro Dads
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long e; vowel patterns ea, ee, and e
Grammar: compound sentences using and, or, but
Math: number patterns, sequencing numbers
STEM: 100 item transportation vehicle
Writing: word choice, precise language, winter writings displayed in hallway
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long a; vowel patterns ai, ay
Grammar: contractions with will and not, homonyms
Math: measurement
STEM: 100th day of school
Writing: sentence stretching
Supply needs:
white cardstock
This week, we read a fantasy story about Pig and Goat. This is a fun story about ways to travel. Ask your child some of the ways Pig wants to travel. Can they remember what Goat thought might happen? What happened at the end of the story? We also started our 100 item projects for the STEM fair. Ask your child what location their group chose and what vehicle they are creating.
Next week, (if the weather does not interfere) we will celebrate 100 days of 1st grade! Your child is 100 days smarter and we have a lot to celebrate!
If you have any concerns about the remainder of our year together or would like to discuss your child's progress please do not hesitate to contact me about a conference. Spring conferences are based on need.
Upcoming events:
January 19th- No school
January 22nd- 100th Day of School* snack donations due Wednesday!
January 23rd- All Pro Dads
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
February 5th- STEM fair KIDgenuity 5:00-8:00 pm*
February 16th- NO school for students
February 17-20th- STAR reading testing
February 23-27th- STAR math testing
*Come check out your child's project and enjoy dinner at the school!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long e; vowel patterns ea, ee, and e
Grammar: compound sentences using and, or, but
Math: number patterns, sequencing numbers
STEM: 100 item transportation vehicle
Writing: word choice, precise language, winter writings displayed in hallway
Next week's skills:
Phonics: long a; vowel patterns ai, ay
Grammar: contractions with will and not, homonyms
Math: measurement
STEM: 100th day of school
Writing: sentence stretching
Supply needs:
white cardstock
The Maryville High School PTSO is hosting “The Big Picture Seminar” on Saturday, January 31st in the MHS Auditorium from 9:30am-12noon. We will learn what colleges are looking for in today’s applicants; how to deal with the stress of education at all grade levels; and hear from a panel of parents who have been through it all.
Tickets are for sale in the Main Office for $10. If purchased before the event, $5 of each ticket sold is donated back to the Sam Houston PTO.
Tickets are for sale in the Main Office for $10. If purchased before the event, $5 of each ticket sold is donated back to the Sam Houston PTO.
1-9-15
Welcome back! We had a good week together getting back into routines. Thankfully, we all were present and healthy at the beginning of the week. Unfortunately, we did have the below freezing temperatures and a few illnesses interfere with some of our attendances mid-week. Please remember to help your child dress appropriately for the cold weather. We will try to have outdoor recess if the feels like temperature is above 32 degrees. We also must go outside for dismissal procedures. Progress reports are in your child's Friday folder. If you have questions or concerns please contact me. I am happy to meet with you to discuss your child's successes and weaknesses.
Upcoming events:
January 9th- Progress Reports go home
January 15th- Mayfield field trip
January 19th- No school
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long o, long u silent e
Grammar: questions
Math: number patterns
STEM: robo-arm
Writing: word choice, precise language
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
masking tape
Welcome back! We had a good week together getting back into routines. Thankfully, we all were present and healthy at the beginning of the week. Unfortunately, we did have the below freezing temperatures and a few illnesses interfere with some of our attendances mid-week. Please remember to help your child dress appropriately for the cold weather. We will try to have outdoor recess if the feels like temperature is above 32 degrees. We also must go outside for dismissal procedures. Progress reports are in your child's Friday folder. If you have questions or concerns please contact me. I am happy to meet with you to discuss your child's successes and weaknesses.
Upcoming events:
January 9th- Progress Reports go home
January 15th- Mayfield field trip
January 19th- No school
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long o, long u silent e
Grammar: questions
Math: number patterns
STEM: robo-arm
Writing: word choice, precise language
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
masking tape
12-18-14
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the school year. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your child. They have already come so far in both reading and math! We started the year with a class average of 1.4 in reading and we are now at 2.2! We started the year with a class average of 1.0 in math and are now at 2.1. (GE scores) Check your child's backpack (Thursday) to see their current and previous STAR math test results. We really grew! I am very proud of their accomplishments. Praise them for their growth and encourage them to continue to work hard in 2015! We have worked together for 5 months and some of us have already grown a full year! What will we be able to accomplish if we work hard for 5 more months? I can't wait to find out! Enjoy your break!
Upcoming events:
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
January 9th- Progress Reports go home
January 15th- Mayfield field trip
January 19th- No school
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long i silent e, more silent letters: kn, wr, mb, gn
Grammar: er and est
Math: tens and ones, place value
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the school year. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your child. They have already come so far in both reading and math! We started the year with a class average of 1.4 in reading and we are now at 2.2! We started the year with a class average of 1.0 in math and are now at 2.1. (GE scores) Check your child's backpack (Thursday) to see their current and previous STAR math test results. We really grew! I am very proud of their accomplishments. Praise them for their growth and encourage them to continue to work hard in 2015! We have worked together for 5 months and some of us have already grown a full year! What will we be able to accomplish if we work hard for 5 more months? I can't wait to find out! Enjoy your break!
Upcoming events:
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
January 9th- Progress Reports go home
January 15th- Mayfield field trip
January 19th- No school
January 27th- Spring portrait
January 29th- Early Release Day 1:15
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long i silent e, more silent letters: kn, wr, mb, gn
Grammar: er and est
Math: tens and ones, place value
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
12-12-14
Upcoming events:
December 12th- Festive Friday- Wear your Christmas sweater!
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party *wear pajamas
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
Congratulations Samuel, our key winner!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long a silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: verbs tell time
Math: skip counting, place value
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: elf writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: long i silent e, digraphs kn, wr, gn, mb
Grammar: verb be is are was were
Math: place value, tens and ones
STEM: Christmas Around the World*
Writing: Christmas and elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
Upcoming events:
December 12th- Festive Friday- Wear your Christmas sweater!
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party *wear pajamas
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
Congratulations Samuel, our key winner!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: long a silent e, soft c and g
Grammar: verbs tell time
Math: skip counting, place value
STEM: Christmas Around the World
Writing: elf writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: long i silent e, digraphs kn, wr, gn, mb
Grammar: verb be is are was were
Math: place value, tens and ones
STEM: Christmas Around the World*
Writing: Christmas and elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
12-5-14
Upcoming events:
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 9th- STAR reading test
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party *wear pajamas
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
This week’s skills:
Phonics: sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, endings -ed and -ing, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting
STEM: seasons
Writing: elf writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: long a, soft c and g
Grammar: verbs
Math: number patterns
STEM: Christmas Around the World*
Writing: Christmas and elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
Upcoming events:
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 9th- STAR reading test
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party *wear pajamas
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
This week’s skills:
Phonics: sh, wh, ph
Grammar: contractions, endings -ed and -ing, subject verb agreement
Math: skip counting
STEM: seasons
Writing: elf writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: long a, soft c and g
Grammar: verbs
Math: number patterns
STEM: Christmas Around the World*
Writing: Christmas and elf writing
Supply needs:
cardstock- colored and white
*More news: We are traveling the world! A big tradition in the Netherlands is on December 6th. We will talk about it tomorrow and continue exploring holiday traditions in other countries next week. Your child will learn about holidays in France, England, Israel, Germany, Sweden, Australia, and Italy. We rotate classes and experience different 1st grade teachers too. Ask your child about their travels and look for their passports and journals!
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Polar Express Party! On December 18th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Make sure they have their ticket for the event! It will be given to them next Friday and will need to be brought back for the party.
To celebrate how smart we are, we are having a Polar Express Party! On December 18th, your child can wear their pajamas to school and come for a winter party with hot chocolate in the room. Make sure they have their ticket for the event! It will be given to them next Friday and will need to be brought back for the party.
11-21-14
Upcoming events:
November 24th- Thankful Plates DUE
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 9th- STAR reading test
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
This week’s skills:
Phonics: ch, tch
Grammar: possessives, commands, homophones
Math: Geometry
STEM: bear research
Writing: informative writing- animal research
Upcoming events:
November 24th- Thankful Plates DUE
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
December 5th-17th- Christmas Around the World (1st grade collaboration)
December 9th- STAR reading test
December 17th- STAR math test
December 18th- Winter party
December 19th- January 4th- Winter Break NO school
Key of the Month: Failure Leads to Success
This week’s skills:
Phonics: ch, tch
Grammar: possessives, commands, homophones
Math: Geometry
STEM: bear research
Writing: informative writing- animal research
Please notice the milk carton in your child's backpack. It has been sanitized and is ready to be decorated. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, please help your child decorate their house to add to our snow village. We will display our houses outside our door for all to enjoy. Your child may use candy, sticks, toothpicks, Qtips, or any creative supply they choose to transform their carton into a home.
You’re Invited!
We will be performing The ABC’s of Thanksgiving
November 20, 2014
8:00am
in the Sam Houston Gymnasium.
We would love for you to join us for a short Reader’s Theater performance.
We will be performing The ABC’s of Thanksgiving
November 20, 2014
8:00am
in the Sam Houston Gymnasium.
We would love for you to join us for a short Reader’s Theater performance.
11-14-14
Upcoming events:
November 20th- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater (parents invited)
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
Congratulations Bryson, our key winner this month!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: th
Grammar: endings -ed and -ing
Math: Geometry
STEM: CANstruction
Writing: informative writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: possessives, homophones, commands
Math: Geometry (shapes)
STEM: bear proof trash cans
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
feathers
large beads
Upcoming events:
November 20th- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater (parents invited)
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
Congratulations Bryson, our key winner this month!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: th
Grammar: endings -ed and -ing
Math: Geometry
STEM: CANstruction
Writing: informative writing
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: digraph ch, tch
Grammar: possessives, homophones, commands
Math: Geometry (shapes)
STEM: bear proof trash cans
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
feathers
large beads
11-7-14
Dear Parents,
We are growing SO much! I can definitely hear a difference in our reading ability since the beginning of the year. First grade is so fun because of the tremendous potential each student has and the amount of changes that go on throughout the year. We will retake the STAR reading test at the beginning of December. If your child wants the best opportunity for growth, they need to be reading EVERY night. Our skills are increasing in difficulty and we will be introducing multiple skills each week. Accessing ThinkCentral for additional practice with skills and high frequency words is a great idea. Check out our Useful Links page for quick access to Spelling City for extra practice with each week's words. Practice addition and subtraction facts for speed and accuracy wherever and whenever…driving in the car, grocery shopping, walking the dog! Keep learning fun and part of their daily life.
Upcoming events:
November 13th- Early Release day
November 20th- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater (parents invited)
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: final blends
Grammar: synonyms; an, a, the
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: designing a party game
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: digraph th
endings -s, -es, -ed, -ing
Grammar: common and proper nouns
Math: subtraction strategies test on Monday; Geometry (shapes)
STEM: building a CANstructure for Family Resource competition
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
feathers
large beads
Dear Parents,
We are growing SO much! I can definitely hear a difference in our reading ability since the beginning of the year. First grade is so fun because of the tremendous potential each student has and the amount of changes that go on throughout the year. We will retake the STAR reading test at the beginning of December. If your child wants the best opportunity for growth, they need to be reading EVERY night. Our skills are increasing in difficulty and we will be introducing multiple skills each week. Accessing ThinkCentral for additional practice with skills and high frequency words is a great idea. Check out our Useful Links page for quick access to Spelling City for extra practice with each week's words. Practice addition and subtraction facts for speed and accuracy wherever and whenever…driving in the car, grocery shopping, walking the dog! Keep learning fun and part of their daily life.
Upcoming events:
November 13th- Early Release day
November 20th- Thanksgiving Reader's Theater (parents invited)
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: final blends
Grammar: synonyms; an, a, the
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: designing a party game
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: digraph th
endings -s, -es, -ed, -ing
Grammar: common and proper nouns
Math: subtraction strategies test on Monday; Geometry (shapes)
STEM: building a CANstructure for Family Resource competition
Writing: informative writing
Supply needs:
feathers
large beads
10-31-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read a biography about Dr. Seuss. We read several of his popular books too. We practiced words with s blends and continued to build our decoding skills. During STEM, we made clay characters and a rhyming script. Check out our blog for some pictures and animations! The looks like it will be chilly for the Rebel Run, but I hope to see you there! Remember to wear your black Sam Houston shirts! Next week, we will be collecting cans for Family Resource. We will use these cans to build a CANstructure. Based on our design, we need at least 400 cans to make our creation. Please help donate and promote this event. Several students have signed up to help collect cans in the mornings. Please check your child's folder for a yellow paper with dates and times for collection.
Upcoming events:
November 4th- NO school for students
November 13th- Early Release day
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: s blends
Grammar: opposites, plural nouns
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: Dr. Seuss, clay animation
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
Phonics:final blends
synonyms
Grammar: a, an, the
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: building a party game with detailed instructions how to play
Writing: opinion piece
Dear Parents,
This week, we read a biography about Dr. Seuss. We read several of his popular books too. We practiced words with s blends and continued to build our decoding skills. During STEM, we made clay characters and a rhyming script. Check out our blog for some pictures and animations! The looks like it will be chilly for the Rebel Run, but I hope to see you there! Remember to wear your black Sam Houston shirts! Next week, we will be collecting cans for Family Resource. We will use these cans to build a CANstructure. Based on our design, we need at least 400 cans to make our creation. Please help donate and promote this event. Several students have signed up to help collect cans in the mornings. Please check your child's folder for a yellow paper with dates and times for collection.
Upcoming events:
November 4th- NO school for students
November 13th- Early Release day
November 26th- NO school for students
November 26-27- Thanksgiving break
Key of the Month: This is IT!
This week’s skills:
Phonics: s blends
Grammar: opposites, plural nouns
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: Dr. Seuss, clay animation
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
Phonics:final blends
synonyms
Grammar: a, an, the
Math: subtraction strategies
STEM: building a party game with detailed instructions how to play
Writing: opinion piece
10-24-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read A Musical Day. We practiced words with l blends and continued to build our decoding skills. This story was a realistic fiction that we helped come to life during STEM. We made instruments just like our characters. Check out our blog for some musical entertainment! We encouraged SHE families to sign up for the Rebel Run. If you have not received a registration form or need additional copies, you can download one under the documents tab.
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party 1:30-2:30 *details in HomeFun folder (Thank you Carol for helping organize!)
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
This week’s skills:
Phonics: l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: addition strategies
STEM: music
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
HOMEWORK: Please note we are now writing 5 sentences with spelling words* Please encourage responsibility by helping your child complete all of their HomeFun and returning by Friday morning.
Phonics: blends with s
antonyms/opposites
Grammar: singular and plural nouns
Math: addition strategies
STEM: Dr. Seuss and animation: new app Koma Koma
Writing: opinion pieces
Dear Parents,
This week, we read A Musical Day. We practiced words with l blends and continued to build our decoding skills. This story was a realistic fiction that we helped come to life during STEM. We made instruments just like our characters. Check out our blog for some musical entertainment! We encouraged SHE families to sign up for the Rebel Run. If you have not received a registration form or need additional copies, you can download one under the documents tab.
Upcoming events:
October 31st- fall party 1:30-2:30 *details in HomeFun folder (Thank you Carol for helping organize!)
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
This week’s skills:
Phonics: l blends
Grammar: statements
Math: addition strategies
STEM: music
Writing: opinion pieces
Next week’s skills:
HOMEWORK: Please note we are now writing 5 sentences with spelling words* Please encourage responsibility by helping your child complete all of their HomeFun and returning by Friday morning.
Phonics: blends with s
antonyms/opposites
Grammar: singular and plural nouns
Math: addition strategies
STEM: Dr. Seuss and animation: new app Koma Koma
Writing: opinion pieces
10-14-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we review skills from the 1st nine weeks. After the long break, these three will be important in helping your child get back in the routine of early mornings, busy days, procedures, and doing their personal best. Please make sure your child arrives on time with breakfast or has time to go to the cafeteria before 7:45am.
Upcoming events:
October 17th- NO school
October 31st- fall party 1:30-2:30 *more details to come!
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
This week’s skills:
NO HOMEWORK!
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: fall
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Next week’s skills:
HOMEWORK: Please note we are now writing 5 sentences with spelling words*
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: fall
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Supplies needed:
empty, clean, tin cans (various sizes)
large rubberbands
empty tissue boxes and/or empty cereal boxes
paper towel or wrapping paper empty rolls
Dear Parents,
This week, we review skills from the 1st nine weeks. After the long break, these three will be important in helping your child get back in the routine of early mornings, busy days, procedures, and doing their personal best. Please make sure your child arrives on time with breakfast or has time to go to the cafeteria before 7:45am.
Upcoming events:
October 17th- NO school
October 31st- fall party 1:30-2:30 *more details to come!
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
This week’s skills:
NO HOMEWORK!
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: fall
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Next week’s skills:
HOMEWORK: Please note we are now writing 5 sentences with spelling words*
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: fall
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Supplies needed:
empty, clean, tin cans (various sizes)
large rubberbands
empty tissue boxes and/or empty cereal boxes
paper towel or wrapping paper empty rolls
9-25-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read How Animals Communicate. It is an information text about the 5 senses. We learned how animals use sight, hearing, and touch to communicate with each other and other animals. We had a special guest from Petsmart share more information on this topic too! We did several fun activities with animal sounds during STEM too. Did you see your child's snake? What materials did they choose for the rattle?
We also had a firefighter visit us to talk to us about fire safety. I hope your child asked you about your smoke detectors and an escape plan. They are not too young to learn a safety plan!
Upcoming events:
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
September 30th- My TWIN SISTER! Equine veterinarian
October 1st-13th fall break
October 17th- NO school
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
NO HOMEWORK!
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: Community Workers
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Dear Parents,
This week, we read How Animals Communicate. It is an information text about the 5 senses. We learned how animals use sight, hearing, and touch to communicate with each other and other animals. We had a special guest from Petsmart share more information on this topic too! We did several fun activities with animal sounds during STEM too. Did you see your child's snake? What materials did they choose for the rattle?
We also had a firefighter visit us to talk to us about fire safety. I hope your child asked you about your smoke detectors and an escape plan. They are not too young to learn a safety plan!
Upcoming events:
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
September 30th- My TWIN SISTER! Equine veterinarian
October 1st-13th fall break
October 17th- NO school
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
NO HOMEWORK!
Phonics: review short vowels
Grammar: Review complete sentences
Math: parts of numbers
STEM: Community Workers
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
9-19-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Jack and the Wolf. It is the story of the boy who cried wolf. We can learn lessons from our characters. Jack learned to tell the truth. We learned hard work pays off from the Three Little Pigs too! We also read fairy tales and legends. Ask your child about our Cherokee legend and check out our blog to see our practice performance.
You will find your child's latest STAR results in their Friday folder. Their reading ZPD may have changed. Help your child find the right books by following the directions on the AR book find document found under the documents tab. They will receive a new bookmark to help them find books in class as well.
Upcoming events:
September 22- STAR math test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
October 1st-13th fall break
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, r blends (br, tr, dr, gr, cr, fr) dr tends to be a challenge
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: subtraction, topic 4 test, parts of numbers
High Frequency Words: animal, of, how, some, make, why
STEM: 5 senses, animal communication
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Supplies request:
hp 933 yellow, hp 923 black printer ink
round coffee filters
various size straws (pick up some extra if you eat out)
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Jack and the Wolf. It is the story of the boy who cried wolf. We can learn lessons from our characters. Jack learned to tell the truth. We learned hard work pays off from the Three Little Pigs too! We also read fairy tales and legends. Ask your child about our Cherokee legend and check out our blog to see our practice performance.
You will find your child's latest STAR results in their Friday folder. Their reading ZPD may have changed. Help your child find the right books by following the directions on the AR book find document found under the documents tab. They will receive a new bookmark to help them find books in class as well.
Upcoming events:
September 22- STAR math test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
October 1st-13th fall break
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, r blends (br, tr, dr, gr, cr, fr) dr tends to be a challenge
Grammar: commas in a series
Math: subtraction, topic 4 test, parts of numbers
High Frequency Words: animal, of, how, some, make, why
STEM: 5 senses, animal communication
Writing: Bold beginning, Mighty middle, Excellent ending
Supplies request:
hp 933 yellow, hp 923 black printer ink
round coffee filters
various size straws (pick up some extra if you eat out)
9-12-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Gus Takes the Train. Gus ends up visiting the zoo! We took this idea and learned more about zoo animals using texts and digital resources. Your child has worked with a partner to learn more about three animals. They have read books and taken notes. Look for their Adobe Voice project in your email to see what facts they remembered!
Upcoming events:
September 15- STAR reading test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: subtraction
High Frequency Words: away, call, come, every, hear, said
STEM: Native American folktales
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
Cheez it crackers
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Gus Takes the Train. Gus ends up visiting the zoo! We took this idea and learned more about zoo animals using texts and digital resources. Your child has worked with a partner to learn more about three animals. They have read books and taken notes. Look for their Adobe Voice project in your email to see what facts they remembered!
Upcoming events:
September 15- STAR reading test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Speak with Good Purpose
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, final -ck
Grammar: complete sentences
Math: subtraction
High Frequency Words: away, call, come, every, hear, said
STEM: Native American folktales
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
Cheez it crackers
9-5-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Lucia's Neighborhood. We learned about community workers and businesses in our neighborhood. Ask your child about our Kroger trip. We met several community workers at Kroger. Ask your child what adjectives they used to describe their Kroger cookie. Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
September 15th- STAR Reading test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Integrity Winner: Congratulations Reece!
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short u, consonants qu and z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: subtraction
High Frequency Words: pull, full, good, hold, many, friend
STEM: animal research
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
Cheez its crackers
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Lucia's Neighborhood. We learned about community workers and businesses in our neighborhood. Ask your child about our Kroger trip. We met several community workers at Kroger. Ask your child what adjectives they used to describe their Kroger cookie. Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
September 15th- STAR Reading test
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Integrity Winner: Congratulations Reece!
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short u, consonants qu and z
Grammar: adjectives
Math: subtraction
High Frequency Words: pull, full, good, hold, many, friend
STEM: animal research
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
Cheez its crackers
8-29-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Curious George at School. We learned about life long ago and compared schools from the past to today's classroom. Ask your child about the differences and similarities. We read multiple Curious George books and used them for inspiration for our writing. Ask your child what wh words we use to check for details. We designed mini-mops to clean small spills, and even solved math problems about trash! We will continue to work with addition next week and take a test on addition sentences on Sept 5th. Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
September 1st- NO school
September 4th- Kroger field trip
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Integrity
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short e, consonants y, w, k, v and j
Grammar: adjectives
Math: addition
High Frequency Words: does, all, here, me, my, who
STEM: neighborhoods, community workers
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
fun size packs M&Ms (adjective activity)
Dear Parents,
This week, we read Curious George at School. We learned about life long ago and compared schools from the past to today's classroom. Ask your child about the differences and similarities. We read multiple Curious George books and used them for inspiration for our writing. Ask your child what wh words we use to check for details. We designed mini-mops to clean small spills, and even solved math problems about trash! We will continue to work with addition next week and take a test on addition sentences on Sept 5th. Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
September 1st- NO school
September 4th- Kroger field trip
September 25th- Firefighters visit
September 29th- Officer Hicks visit
Key of the Month: Integrity
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short e, consonants y, w, k, v and j
Grammar: adjectives
Math: addition
High Frequency Words: does, all, here, me, my, who
STEM: neighborhoods, community workers
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
fun size packs M&Ms (adjective activity)
8-22-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read The Storm. We learned more about the storms and staying safe and dry. We read multiple books about storms and even solved math problems based on storm safety. Did you receive a PDF from your child from our math lesson? This week, we also tested various materials and made the best choice to protect Mr. Cottonball. Did your child's team successfully protect the cotton ball from the storm? Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
August 29th- Fall Portraits
September 4th- Kroger field trip*
Key of the Month: Integrity
*Permission slips due Monday- extras available under documents
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants x, l inflection -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: addition
High Frequency Words: do, find, funny, sing, no, they
STEM: school, life long ago, designing a mini-mop
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
sponges
paper towels
diapers
Dear Parents,
This week, we read The Storm. We learned more about the storms and staying safe and dry. We read multiple books about storms and even solved math problems based on storm safety. Did you receive a PDF from your child from our math lesson? This week, we also tested various materials and made the best choice to protect Mr. Cottonball. Did your child's team successfully protect the cotton ball from the storm? Check our class blog for pictures and more details.
Upcoming events:
August 29th- Fall Portraits
September 4th- Kroger field trip*
Key of the Month: Integrity
*Permission slips due Monday- extras available under documents
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short o, consonants x, l inflection -s
Grammar: action verbs
Math: addition
High Frequency Words: do, find, funny, sing, no, they
STEM: school, life long ago, designing a mini-mop
Writing: Ideas and Details
Supplies request:
sponges
paper towels
diapers
8-15-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we read What is a Pal? We learned more about the friends in our class by conducting intervews. We gathered information, used the information to design a gift for our friend, then presented our gift. Our presentations included defending our choices. We learned to make decisions based on logical and justified choices. Ask your child who they interviewed and what they learned. Check out their bracelet and ask what the beads mean. We completed our week with an Adobe Voice project about our friend. I love seeing them apply the information gathered earlier in the week!
This was our first week of HomeFun. Do you have any questions about tasks given?
This was also our first week of spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics tests. Your child's test results are in their folder. We are graphing our progress each week. Today, we completed the first row of our graph. We will fill in a portion each week and measure our growth.
Upcoming events:
August 21st- Early Release
August 29th- Fall Portraits
September 4th- Kroger field trip*
Key of the Month: Integrity
*Please check your child's Smokie folder for more information on the enclosed permission slip
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s/z/, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: Compare and order numbers test; addition
High Frequency Words: for, he, have, look, too, what
STEM: weather, storms
Writing: Ideas and Details
Dear Parents,
This week, we read What is a Pal? We learned more about the friends in our class by conducting intervews. We gathered information, used the information to design a gift for our friend, then presented our gift. Our presentations included defending our choices. We learned to make decisions based on logical and justified choices. Ask your child who they interviewed and what they learned. Check out their bracelet and ask what the beads mean. We completed our week with an Adobe Voice project about our friend. I love seeing them apply the information gathered earlier in the week!
This was our first week of HomeFun. Do you have any questions about tasks given?
This was also our first week of spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics tests. Your child's test results are in their folder. We are graphing our progress each week. Today, we completed the first row of our graph. We will fill in a portion each week and measure our growth.
Upcoming events:
August 21st- Early Release
August 29th- Fall Portraits
September 4th- Kroger field trip*
Key of the Month: Integrity
*Please check your child's Smokie folder for more information on the enclosed permission slip
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short i, consonants r, h, s/z/, b, g
Grammar: possessive nouns
Math: Compare and order numbers test; addition
High Frequency Words: for, he, have, look, too, what
STEM: weather, storms
Writing: Ideas and Details
8-8-14
Dear Parents,
This week, we took the STAR Reading test. If students were unable to pass the practice portion of the test, they try the test again next week. This will be used to help determine current abilities and show growth on future tests. The STAR reading test involves 34 questions that are NOT read aloud. You will receive your child’s results in next week’s Friday folder.
Next week, we will take the STAR Math test. It is also NOT read aloud and is computer based. We will retake these tests throughout the year and you will receive updates on their scores.
Upcoming Events:
August 11th- STAR math
August 21st- Early Release
August 29th- Fall Portraits
Key of the Month: Integrity
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n,d,p,f
Grammar: nouns
Math: Compare and order numbers
High Frequency Words: and, you, be, play, help, with
STEM: Friendship
Writing: Ideas and Details
Dear Parents,
This week, we took the STAR Reading test. If students were unable to pass the practice portion of the test, they try the test again next week. This will be used to help determine current abilities and show growth on future tests. The STAR reading test involves 34 questions that are NOT read aloud. You will receive your child’s results in next week’s Friday folder.
Next week, we will take the STAR Math test. It is also NOT read aloud and is computer based. We will retake these tests throughout the year and you will receive updates on their scores.
Upcoming Events:
August 11th- STAR math
August 21st- Early Release
August 29th- Fall Portraits
Key of the Month: Integrity
Next week’s skills:
Phonics: short a, consonants n,d,p,f
Grammar: nouns
Math: Compare and order numbers
High Frequency Words: and, you, be, play, help, with
STEM: Friendship
Writing: Ideas and Details
Daily Reading Warm-Up
This week we began a Daily Reading Warm-Up. During the Warm-Up, I read a short story with no illustrations from different genres. After the story, I read aloud 4 questions with 4 answer choices. I read the questions and answers two times. Students select the best answer. This quick assessment shows your child’s listening comprehension skills. My expectation is a 75-100%
This week we began a Daily Reading Warm-Up. During the Warm-Up, I read a short story with no illustrations from different genres. After the story, I read aloud 4 questions with 4 answer choices. I read the questions and answers two times. Students select the best answer. This quick assessment shows your child’s listening comprehension skills. My expectation is a 75-100%