5/29/2019 0 Comments May 28-31Dear families, We made it! Our bookworm made it to the Commons (and beyond). I could barely keep up with all of the shapes. Each shape was submitted in with zeal and pride. The students increased their reading stamina and explored different genres of literature. I was pleased to hear them offer book recommendations to each other. Dressing as their favorite character was a memorable way for the students to share their experience with the FA community. This project reinforced their ability to read independently. I'm sure they will continue to nurture their love for books. It is hard to believe that there are only a few days left of school. We have several exciting activities so that the children may enjoy each others' company before the summer vacation. We look forward to the 8th grade Carnival day on Monday and our final field trip on Tuesday. Our last day will include outdoor free time with K-2, crafts and a picnic lunch. We will then proceed to the Carousel Skating rink for an afternoon of roller skating! Enjoy your weekend Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Practicing-double digit addition and subtraction with regrouping -Reviewing time and money -Solving advanced word problems -Learning vocabulary- estimate -Playing Quirkle, Connect Four, and Blokus Reading -Completing our chapter book My Father's Dragon -Presenting our Bookworm Characters -Sharing our Bird study with our classmates- Reading five interesting facts -Learning to recognize the -dge spelling pattern (judge, lodge) -Answering comprehension questions for the reading passage, Max's Kindness Challenge Writing -Selecting five interesting bird facts to document and present to the class -Summarizing our weekend events in our journal -Reflection on our Bookworm -Offering written book recommendations to our peers -Outlining the main ideas for My Father's Dragon
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5/20/2019 0 Comments May 20-25Dear families, What a memorable week! First, Ms. Pelletier and Mr. Beyer's 7th and 8th grade students hosted a cultural bazaar. This event provided an opportunity for our students to learn about spanish and latin speaking countries. Thursday, Mr. Bean and Mr. Murdock conducted our lower school during a spectacular Spring Concert. Our week culminated with a glorious celebration of Blue and Gray day! Thanks to Ms. Furtado (and the perfect weather), we enjoyed a full day of organized activities including potato sack races, fill the bucket-water challenges, wheelbarrow races, water balloon tosses, and hula hoop tosses. Let us not forget our tug-of-war matches! The students enjoyed the full day of outdoor activities, especially teaming up with their second grade friends. Next week, we will have our last All School Meeting for the year. The first grade Bookworm Celebration will follow this meeting. They have completed their projects in class and are eager to present to you. We look forward to seeing you there. Have a great long weekend. Seema Curriculum Highlights Mathematics
-Assessing our knowledge of the coins -Calculating ways to combine specific amounts of money (continued) -Reviewing double digit addition and subtraction with regrouping -Solving word problems- Highlighting impertinent information within the question -Reinforcing our number facts - Make 20 Go Fish Reading -Learning the two sounds of /ow/ such as snow and plow -Reviewing the gentle sounds of c/s/ and g/j/ such as city and page -Sharing Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst -Playing 4 in a Row- Long vowel sounds -Sharing a chapter of My Father's Dragon Writing -Determining when to use soft c and g when spelling -Using sight words to create sentences -Reviewing the spelling rules of suffix endings (ing, ed and s) -Drawing a picture of our character for Bookworm -Reflecting on our reading life for Bookworm 5/11/2019 0 Comments May 13-17Dear families, Thanks to all the parents for joining us during our Authors' Celebration. I applaud the hard work and creativity of the first grade class. The students were proud to share their work with all of our guests. A special thanks to all of the parents that offered snacks and volunteered their assistance to organize this event. Over the past months, the first grade's reading inventory has been quite impressive. It is so rewarding to see the students enjoying their reading time. Our bookworm is almost all the way to the Commons! Also, an increasing number of students are interested in offering their book recommendations at ASM. Hat's off to Adele and Finn this week. They did a wonderful job presenting their book choices for Book Buzz. The class has been working on our upcoming Bookworm project. Each student has written 3 clues for their chosen character. The audience will use these clues to help them guess which character each student is representing. In advance, I thank you for your help with their costumes. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics -Studying coins- continued -Comparing nickels and quarters -Calculating the sum of the coins -Demonstrating various ways to create a given amount of money (3 ways to show .50¢) -Strategies for problem solving skills Reading -Learning soft c sounds (ce, ci, cy) and soft g (ge, gi, gy) -Determining when to read soft c (ce, ci, cy) and hard c (ca, co, cu) -Reviewing the vowel team ea- Reading passage At the Beach -Practicing our stories for Authors' Celebration- partner reading -Sharing a chapter of My Father's Dragon -If I had a Robot by Dan Yaccarino -Highlighting vowel sounds in our poem Flying A Kite Writing -Reviewing words containing vowel teams -Sorting words that contain a hard c and soft c -Journaling our weekend events -Reflecting on Authors' Celebration -Creating a story of "My Helpful Robot" with an illustration - 5/5/2019 0 Comments Week of May 6-10Dear families, The first grade students have been working diligently on their published books. They completed writing and illustrating their stories. In the past few days, the children edited book covers and the Author's bio pages. They are eager to unveil their masterpieces! We then discussed the outline for the Bookworm project. Each student chose possible characters, from their reading selections, to represent during the celebration. Please look over your child's choices and help them select a suitable character. Then, help your child create the costume at home. The written piece of this project will be completed at school. We look forward to seeing you soon! Seema Curriculum Highlights Mathematics
-Introducing coins- pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters -Writing a description of each penny and dime -Using a Venn diagram to compare the nickel and the quarter -Learning songs to help identify the coins (What President is on the Penny & Here's a Nickel..) -Determining the value of each coin -Counting the cumulative value of different coins (1¢, +5¢ +5= 11¢) -Reinforcing problem solving techniques Reading -Learning the sounds of the oi/oy vowel teams (boil, toy) -Sharing a chapter of our book-My Father's Dragon -Highlighting vowel teams in our Poem called Sunflower -Discussing the lessons learned from Patty Lovell's book called Molly Lou Melon. This character is a small girl with unique features. When she attends a new school she is teased and bullied by another student. Molly takes the advice of her grandmother and stands tall and proud of her extraordinary attributes. -Practicing to read our books with a partner -Reading-Time for Kids- Drones Writing -Sequencing words in alphabetical order -Reflecting on Grandfriends' Day -Composing a "Thank you" note for our grandfriends -Creating a Author Bio for our books -Conferencing with the teacher for the editing process -Summarizing the lesson learned from the book Molly Lou Melon 4/27/2019 0 Comments April 29- May 3Dear families, Meeting all of the families and friends was a splendid occasion. It was especially enjoyable to witness the loving relationship between your child and grandparent/friend. We had a very busy morning. Upon the arrival of our guests, the first graders were eager to recite a special poem for the grandfriends. The students rotated from center to center. Each student then interviewed her or his grandfriend, with specific queries about their own schooling experiences. The students also had the chance to show off their skills while playing arithmetic and literacy games with their guests. Our morning concluded after attending PE together. Thanks to the visitors for being part of our First grade class! Have a great weekend. Curriculum Highlights (Mathematics
-Assessing- Cumulative review for Chapter 14-17 -Reviewing- Addition and Subtraction with regrouping -Playing Spin and subtract game with partners -Using small groups for enrichment activities -Teaching math games to our grandfriends -Introducing coins- the penny and the nickel Reading -Practicing our Grandparents poem -Learning the two sounds of /oo/ (book, pool) -Reviewing long e sounds with the game Wahoo ( e,e-e, ee, ea, y) -Rehearsing a book to read to our guests -Sharing one chapter of My Father's Dragon Writing -Editing the final draft of their stories -Using sight words in sentences (people, write, read, their, much) -Interviewing the grandfriend -Composing a poem to reflect one's favorite color -Adding "ing" to magic e words- Learning when to drop the e -Writing workshop- Free choice - opinion writing, movie or book recommendation, journal -Researching and documenting for bird study- Where does the bird live? 4/19/2019 0 Comments April 22-26Dear families, With anticipation, we have been preparing for Grandfriends' Day. First grade has been composing and rehearsing poems to share. This week, we were fortunate to have guidance from our literacy helpers. Lindsay, Julia, Lilly and Audrey assisted the students with their writing assignment. Each student described what activity they enjoy doing with their grandparent/grandfriend. They eagerly await presentation of their writing creations. In preparation for Authors' Celebration, the children have been working diligently on their stories. Each student selected a favorite personal experience or fictional story. After completing a rough draft, the first graders were then introduced to the process of editing. During our individual conferences, we review the plot content and sequence of events. The children made revisions in sentence formations, adding details, and using dialogue. After their compositions are complete, they will illustrate their stories. They are doing a great job! Have a great weekend. Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Reviewing how to read a calendar -Distinguishing between the hour and minute hands of the clock -Discussing the difference between digital and analog time -Using the minute hand to count by 5's -Practicing addition and subtraction with regrouping Reading -An Extraordinary Egg by Leo Lionni- a humorous book about three frogs that find a big white egg. The frogs believe it to be a chicken egg. They are eager for the arrival of the new hatchling. They enjoy the company of their new friend. However, the frogs never realized that their friend was really a baby alligator. -Coloring vowel teams to practice long vowel sounds -Read aloud- Catherine, Finn, Eric Paul and Ezra chose a book from their reading club to share with the class -Sharing a chapter of our class book My Father's Dragon -Practicing our new class poem entitled Grandparents Writing -Summarizing the main ideas of the story An Extraordinary Egg -Describing the experiences they enjoy with their grandparents/grandfriends -Conferencing with the teacher -Learning the editing process of story writing -Discussing use of dialogue in our writing- alternative words used for "said" -Researching interesting facts for their bird study 4/18/2019 0 Comments Apr 16-18Dear families, The baby chicks are here! Although this week has been a short one, it has been very eventful with the arrival of the chicks. Every morning before home room, the students first check in with Mr. Zine and greet the hatchlings. Studying the stages of their development has been very interesting, We look forward to the next two weeks as the maturation process progresses. Have a great long weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Telling time to the hour -Reviewing use of the hour and minute hand -Using the terms "o'clock" and "half past" -Displaying given times on the clock -Reading digital times -Introducing the minute hand - counting increments of 5 min. Reading -Highlighting "ir" words in the reading passage - Shirl likes to Twirl -Playing "Four in a Row" with ar and or words -Partnering with a classmates to share their creative writing stories -Sharing the Authorfest stories of the current 2nd graders Writing -Using ir/er/ur words in a sentence -Practicing the or/ar sounds -Documenting the steps of how to plant our sunflower seeds Science -Planting sunflower seeds -Discussing the needs of plants -Selecting a bird to study -Describing their chosen bird for their project -Observing the hatching of the chicks 4/7/2019 0 Comments April 8-12Dear families, In science, the first grade students have been learning about chickens. Two weeks ago, Casey Farm donated eggs for the students to observe. We have been counting the days until the eggs will hatch. The whole cycle spans 21 days. The chicks are due to arrive next week. The class is studying facts about chickens, eggs, and their stages of development. Our discussions have included the contrast between chickens and other birds in the wild. We are excited for the hatchlings to arrive! Under the direction of Mr Zine and me, the children will begin their first research project. Each student will select a bird to study. They will be challenged with a set of questions to analyze. Each child must find interesting facts to share with their classmates. Have a great weekend. Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Reinforcing mental math skills -Chapter 14 -Identifying patterns and relationships -Reviewing doubles facts, and doubles facts plus one (7+7, 7+8) -Forming number bonds to understand the relationship with addition and subtraction -Reading a calendar- Chapter 15 -Recognizing the different features of the calendar (days, weeks, dates, beginning, end) -Introduction to clocks and time Reading -Learning the controlled R sounds such as "ar" (chart) and "or" (for) -Identifying the or and ar words in the reading passage- Barb the Shark -Sorting pictures of or and ar words -Highlighting spelling rules in the poem Lucky Worm -Beginning our new chapter book- My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett -Sharing -Book club- Jacob, Astra and Emma read a chapter of Frog and Toad to the class -Partner read -Time for Kids Writing -Using sight words in sentences. Checking for proper punctuation. -Learning to identify dialogue -Introducing the use of quotation marks in our writing activities -Creating a story of their choice (free choice- fairy tale, fable, personal story) -Finishing touches and final copy of their nature poems 3/30/2019 0 Comments April 1-5Dear families, First grade was overjoyed to see the sunshine and to shed their winter layers. This week, we have been discussing the changing seasons. What better way to recognize the transition than through observation. Together with our kindergarten friends, we explored the FA trails. Using our senses, we spotted the budding trees and the return of green grass. They noticed the soft and moist soil through the fields. The students were most intrigued by the beautiful sounds of the peepers chirping at the vernal pool. We even met a tiny serpent along our way. We look forward to many more explorations as the weather improves. This week FA hosted author Andrew Forsthoefel. His book Walking to Listen described his journey across country on foot with only his tent and backpack. He recounts the many experiences along the way. Most valuable were the interesting stories of the people he encountered. His presentation emphasized the importance of careful listening in order to convey respect, compassion, and a deeper understanding for the lives of others. Just thirty days into our reading expedition, we have already made remarkable progress. The bookworm has reached the Ms. Bookstein's fifth grade classroom! I am amazed at the students motivation and dedication to reading. Keep up the great work! Have a great weekend. "There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."~ Jacqueline Kennedy Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Subtracting with regrouping -Reviewing the terms borrowing and regrouping -Using place value chart to practice subtraction and regrouping (25=2 tens 5 ones AND 1 ten 15ones) -Reinforcing subtraction with the game-Race to Zero -Using addition (reverse operations) to check answers ie. 30-10= 20 and 20+10= 30 -Assessing knowledge of learned concepts within chapter Reading -Introducing Fables- The Boy Who Cried Wolf- Together the students recounted the events of the story. We discussed the importance of honesty and responsibility. They were able to identify the lesson within the fable. -Discussing the fables - The Ant and the Grasshopper and The Tortoise and the Hare -Learning the three sounds of the vowel team "ea" ( Let's eat steak and bread!) -Finding ea words in a word search -Reviewing 'oa' words with the game "Don't Rock the Boat" - Writing -Creating their own fable in writing workshop -Reflecting on our visit with the author Andrew Forsthoefel -Practicing sight words with Roll and Write game (our, because, friend, own, before) -Using sight words in sentences -Choosing a writing activity for Author's choice (opinion writing, fictional story, journal entry, poem, movie/book recommendation) 3/28/2019 0 Comments Mar 25-29Dear families, Upon returning from spring vacation, I like to reflect on each student's achievements over the year. The students are preparing for Authors' Celebration and Bookworm which are fast approaching. This affords me opportunity to evaluate their reading and writing skills. It is rewarding to see their progress. The children are expanding plot lines in their stories and adding descriptive details. They have learned how to outline and develop the events of a story. They are creating their own fictional works. Soon, your child will choose their favorite literary piece to publish and present during Authors' Celebration. We were fortunate to have Lyn Hoopes return for our Poetry week. It is a pleasure to have her share her expertise. The students remembered their work from last year and were eager to create new poems. They searched tirelessly to find the right descriptive words and phrases for each of line of their compositions. Ms.Hoopes' teachings and accomplishments are inspiring. Have a great weekend. Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Adding two digit numbers with regrouping -Practicing with ten base blocks -Using place value charts to add ones and tens -Reinforcing addition with the game Spin and Add with partners -Subtracting two digit numbers (without regrouping) -Introducing the terms borrowing and regrouping for subtraction Reading -Learning the two vowel teams ea and ee- both producing long e sounds -Highlighting the ea and ee words within reading passage Queen the Bee -Word search- recognizing words with the long e sounds -The Wolf's Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza -Partnering with 7th grade for reading buddies -Recording all reading on bookworm shapes Writing -Sharing "Our Favorite Vacation" -writing details and events for our chosen vacation. -Reinforcing the 5 ways to spell words with the long e sound (e, e-e, ee, ea, y) -Practicing to sort words in alphabetical order -Writing sentences using words containing ee and ea (feet, teach) -Sequencing the events of the book The Wolf's Chicken Stew -Creating poems with Ms. Lyn Hoopes |