12/9/2018 0 Comments December 10-14Dear families, Our Week of Giving has been fulfilling for the students. They made holiday cards, gifts and pictures for our family members. We even baked treats for our local firefighters to express our appreciation for their work in the community. A special thanks to Lori Georgeson and Gillian Milligan for their baking expertise. During our visit with the Dartmouth firefighters, the children had the opportunity to ask many questions such as: How frequently do you get called for rescue missions? How often do you have to stay overnight at the firehouse in a week? What happens if you get many rescue calls at the same time? How old do you have to be to become a volunteer firefighter? The students were quite curious yet also concerned for the firefighters. We were fortunate to receive a tour of a firetruck, then learn about the special respiratory equipment used during rescue missions. We are thankful for the time the firefighters spent with us. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 7- Numbers to 20 -Reading and writing numbers to 20 -Learning to use base ten blocks and ten frames to help visualize numbers beyond 10 13 = 10 and 3 more -Using place value chart to show tens and ones -Comparing numbers to 20 -Using terminology more than, less than, greater, fewer Reading -Practicing to read words with magic e -Learning that u-e has two possible sounds-long u (cute) or oo sound (rule) -Practicing two books of our choice to read to kindergarten. -Changing cvc words to words with magic e (cap + e = cape) -Otis and the Kittens by Loren Long- The story shows the playful friendship between barn animals and a tractor, named Otis. One day, the barn goes up in flames. Otis rescues the kittens from the fire, but then finds himself in trouble. He is trapped in the burning barn that is collapsing around him. His friends work together to save him. This story emphasizes the themes of heroism and devotion. Writing -Weekend journal-each student is asked to write a full description of an event he or she most enjoyed over the weekend. -"How to" writing- Writing a step by step process of "How to draw a reindeer" -Writing cards to our family members. - Preparing questions to ask our visiting community workers from the Dartmouth Firehouse. -Journal writing- Reflection on the visit from the Dartmouth firefighters. Social Studies -Creating holiday cards for members of our family. -Designing a thank you card for the Dartmouth Firehouse. -Baking treats as a gift to the firefighters. -What's inside a Firehouse by Sharon Gordon -Firefighter in our Community by Michelle Ames -Reading with our Kindergarten friends (Please check out the pictures on the "PHOTO" page)
0 Comments
12/1/2018 0 Comments Dec. 3-7Dear families, It is hard to believe we are already approaching our winter break! There is much excitement for the holidays and for our December activities. This month, First Grade is celebrating the theme of kindness. Each day we highlight an act of kindness and practice for the day. Some examples include simple gestures such as giving smiles, paying our friends a compliment, inviting others to play, and offering a helping hand. Next week, we will extend our generosity to family and town members. We look forward to creating homemade cards and gifts, as well as a baking treats for community workers. It is refreshing to see that the students find these experiences so rewarding. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 6- Ordinal numbers -Position words (above, below, beneath, next to, beside, etc.) -Reference terms such as " to the left" and "from the right" to describe relative positions -Review of number facts that add to 10 -Challenge- number puzzles to practice addition facts Reading -Learning to read words with the magic "e"- The 'e' makes the vowel scream it's name (ie, kite, gate) -Transforming short vowels to long sounds when adding the magic e (kit +e =kite) -Playing Four in a Row- a partner game to practice reading word with magic e. -Practicing to read books we will then share with our Kindergarten friends -Reciting Magic e Poem Writing -Adding adjectives to basic sentences. -Identifying verbs -Writing words that have long vowel sounds using the magic e -Writing sentence using our weekly sight words - been, by, who -Describing our favorite sport Social Studies -Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena -Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena - A touching story of Carmela and the older brother whom she admires. On her birthday, she accompanies him throughout the city as they perform chores and errands together. The story depicts the depth of sibling relationships. -Each student selected a community worker. They each wrote a small description of how their chosen member contributes to society. -Hanukkah-a book to retell the story and traditions of the special holiday. 11/24/2018 0 Comments Week of Nov 24-30Dear families, Over the past month, first grade has been learning about communities. We began our discussion reflecting on our own families, and are currently examining the school community. Our study focuses on the ways in which individuals contribute to our school. For example, the custodians, parents, assistants, teachers and administrators, are essential elements necessary for our school to run smoothly. The students each chose a special member of our community to recognize. They each wrote a letter to express their appreciation. We have been discussing the importance of our own responsibilities at FA, including being helpful, friendly and respectful. On a larger scale, we will apply these lessons to our future study of our neighborhoods and towns. Stay tuned for more details for our first family project. I am delighted to see growing excitement for Book Buzz. In our classroom, we have been reading and presenting our own literary recommendations. This encourages the students to write a book summary, and share their favorite choices with their classmates. In addition, it introduces the children to public speaking in a smaller setting. This week at All School Meeting, Tad Borowicz shared his favorite book, Dogman-The First by Dav Pilkey. Tad delivered his presentation with passion and poise. Despite his initial jitters, he has already expressed interest in his next Book Buzz. Great work! Have a wonderful weekend. Seema Curriculum Highlights-Mathematics
-Chapter 5 continued- the study of plane and solid shapes -To identify and extend repeating patterns with solid shapes -Hands on activities to make patterns with 3-D shapes -Chapter review and assessment -Introduction to Ordinal Numbers -Vocabulary- first, second, third, fourth, fifth,...-tenth Reading -Mouse and Lion by Rand Burkert- A retelling of the classic Aesop's Fable. The book emphasizes the idea that even those who are small can accomplish big tasks. -Humphrey the Lost Whale by Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall -Poem-Sticks and Stones -Reading and dividing of two syllable words-to split the word in between the two consonants (nap/kin, rab/bit, nut/meg) -Counting and sorting words by syllables -Reading stamina- independent reading for 12 minutes -Book club- emphasis on reading pace and comprehension questions for each book selection Writing -Using of 5 w's (Who, when, why, where, what) to help add details to our writing assignments -Spelling- introduction to plural -s- -Learning that "S " can have two sounds (s, z) -Practicing to write two syllable words -Reading response- identifying the problem and solution for the book Humphrey the Lost Whale -Preparing a book review for our classroom Book Buzz Social Studies -Learning about of FA community- A Thank you letter to a member of our school community -Humphrey the Lost Whale- based on a true story about a whale that took the wrong turn and ended up getting trapped in the San Francisco Bay. The people of the community came to Humphrey's rescue and helped the whale to safety. 11/15/2018 0 Comments Week of Nov 12-16 Dear families, "Red chirped with glee and soared over the singing crowd!" was the cheerful ending to Red and Lulu, a book recited by its author, Matt Tavares. We had a fantastic book fair culminated by the author's celebration. This book described a festive tale of two birds whose home tree was uprooted and transported to New York City to serve as the Christmas tree for Rockefeller Center. This work and other stories were the highlight of another informative and entertaining book fair. We were delighted to hear several author readings, but it was most interesting to learn how his book was created. Matt described the process of writing and editing his story. He masterfully recreated illustrations from the book, beginning with the most basic shapes such as triangles and circles. He effortlessly sketched the red cardinal from his book right before our eyes. The students were astonished. A fun time was had by all! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
Chapter 5- Shapes and Patterns continued -Differentiating between the plane and solid shapes -Identifying solid shapes in real life objects -Reviewing activities for addition, subtraction and fact families -Learning vocabulary- cylinder, rectangular prism, cube, pyramid and cone Reading -We're All Wonders by R. J Palacio -Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares -Frog and Toad- The Garden- Read to the class by Emma, Ezra and Finn -Learning to divide and read two syllable words -An introduction to reading open and closed syllable words Writing -Practicing words with beginning and ending blends -Writing two syllable words (napkin, bathtub) -Writing sight words in sentences-put, was, her, do, were, -Reflecting on our visit with the author Matt Tavares -Sequencing the events from the beginning, middle and end of the story Frog and Toad -The Garden Social Studies -Taking a deeper look into our FA Bees such as being KIND and being RESPECTFUL. Together we have been discussing expected and unexpected behaviors and how our actions and behaviors may affect other people. In addition, I have been presenting fictitious scenarios of conflicts that could occur in class or on the playground. We have been working as a team to offer possible solutions to solve the problems peacefully. -Sharing- We're all Wonders by R. J Palacio- A story about a young boy who longs to be accepted. This book emphasizes the importance of being kind and accepting the unique qualities of all people. 11/9/2018 0 Comments Week of Nov 5-9Dear families, This past week the students were quite excited to see the FA production of Edwina. The fifth and sixth grade students have been working tirelessly on musical numbers, stage sets and costumes. The performance captivated the students with playful songs and humorous script. First grade was most impressed by the effort and stage presence of the performers. We look forward to our Author's visit next week. Our class will be visiting the book fair on Tuesday, during their library class. Matt Tavares will be visiting on Thursday, November 15th. A few of his book titles include Gingerbread Pirates, Red & Lulu and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. His books, as well as many other interesting selections, are available for purchase. Don't forget FA will be hosting their 4th Annual Parents' Night Out from 6-8pm on November 15th. Light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served. This is a perfect time to connect with the FA community and support our school. I hope to see you there! Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 5- Shapes and Patterns -Identify, Classify, and describe plane shapes -Explore solid shapes including characteristics of 3D shapes -Work with partners to categorize shapes that can stack, roll and slide -Relate these forms to real life objects with our Classroom Shape Hunt Reading -A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams -Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel -Reading Stamina- 11 minutes of independent reading -Practice reading beginning and ending blends with our game “4 in a Row” -Poem-Little Squirrel by Ethel Hopper- identifying sight words and blends -Reading groups- Specific books were chosen which would emphasize reading comprehension and prediction of future plot events Writing -Literacy connection- Identify the problem and solution in the book A Chair for My Mother -Frog and Toad Together- 3 students from the class read a chapter from the Frog and Toad series. As a group, we discussed the important events within the story. Each student chose an event from the beginning, middle, and end to write and illustrate. -Sight words- Practice spelling and use sight words in sentences (put, like, her, were) -Learn when to use the spelling rule of -ck at the end of words. -Decifer when to use c, k or ck -Practice writing words with ending blends Social Studies -A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams- A touching story of a family that lost all possessions in a house fire. Rosa and her mother work hard to save money to replace her mom's chair. The book focuses on themes of community and teamwork. Neighbors and family members donate time and gifts in order to aid the family in this time of struggle. -Diwali- The festival of Lights- We watched a video from National Geographic Kids introducing the traditional events that happen during this celebration including sharing a special meal, decorating with lights and flowers, as well as celebratory fireworks. We discussed how this tradition has some similarities to other holiday celebrations. 10/25/2018 0 Comments Weeks of Oct 22 & Oct 30Dear families, It was wonderful to see everyone during conferences last week. Student-led conferences are an important part of the students' learning. The children take great pride in presenting their work, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and setting their own goals. Taking ownership is an integral part of learning. Over the years, from Kindergarten through eight grade, these evaluations enable the students to reflect on their educational experiences. I hope all of you had a great Halloween evening together. First grade had an eventful day that began with costumes and the parade. Thank you to all the parents that joined us. A special thanks to the room parents for organizing and managing the activities for the day. The students enjoyed the festive book, games, crafts and snacks. What creative costumes! Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum Highlights Mathematics
-Chapter 4 continued- Subtraction -Making subtraction stories -Solving word problems -Making fact families-using the same numbers to make addition and subtraction sentences (For example using 3,6,9 --> 3+6=9,and 9-3=6) -Chapter Review and Test Reading -Pumpkin Soup- A story about three friends, Duck, Squirrel and Cat, who work in harmony to make a delicious pumpkin soup. Then one day, Duck decides he wants a new responsibility with the soup. This squabble creates much tension in the friendship. After Duck decides to leave, Cat and Duck realize their relationship is more valuable. The three friends work out an agreement. -Bat at the Library by Brian Lies -There Was An Old Lady That Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro- read to first grade by John Borowicz -Kites Sail High by Ruth Heller- an introduction to verbs. - Reading Stamina- 10 minutes of uninterrupted independent reading. Writing -Book Study-Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion- The students identified important events that happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story. They wrote a sentence and illustrated each event. -An introduction to verbs- The activity included writing the actions of many different objects. -Writing exercise using clues to describe their halloween costume -Cinquain Poems- With the assistance of our literacy helpers, we wrote our first poem. A cinquain is a five line poem. The format of consists of the use of adjectives and verbs to describe the chosen noun. -Learning to write ending blends (nt, mp, lp, ng, nk) -Review of triple blends at the beginning of words (thr, spr, spl, shr) Social Studies -Pumpkin Soup- Book Study-We have been discussing friendships and the importance of compromise. When reading this book, we studied examined different perspectives of the characters. Each student drew a cartoon depicting the point of view of each character. -Halloween Bat Craft -Families- Discussing responsibilities we have at home and how we can assist our family members 10/16/2018 0 Comments Week of October 15-19Dear families, This week first grade had their first field trip to the Zeiterion Theater. We attended a beautiful production of The Rainbow Fish performed by Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia. This production company is internationally recognized for their innovative puppetry and stunning scenic effects. The students were intrigued by the story and mesmerized by the motion of the ocean animals. Throughout the play, they questioned how the backgrounds and sea creatures were moving, especially in the giant whale! At the end of the performance, the theater company answered a few questions from the audience and demonstrated how it created these illusions. A special thanks to the parents that joined the us on our first trip. Next week, our Student-led conferences begin. The first grade students are excited to present their goals and progress. They selected their favorite pieces of work to share. I am very proud of their effort and accomplishments over the past two months. We look forward to seeing you soon. Have a great weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 4- Subtraction -Learning different ways to subtract- count on/count back -Using number bonds to subtract -Writing and Solving subtraction sentences -Practicing vocabulary such as take away, subtract, minus Reading -Families, Families, Families by Suzanne Lang -Many Luscious Lollipops- An introduction to adjectives -Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen -Learning to read consonant blends- L blends and R blends -Poem- The Sneaky, Greedy, Spider Writing -Writing adjectives to describe a given noun. The students created a picture of a monster and were then asked to create descriptive adjectives -Appetizing Adjectives- Each student thought of words to describe ice cream. They later used these ideas to compose a descriptive sentence. -Learning to spell consonant blends at the beginning of words -Practicing to count and sort syllables -Reviewing the FLOSS rule- learning when to double the ending consonants F, L, S and Z such as class, buzz -Preparing for Student-led conferences Social Studies -Families, Families, Families by Suzanne Lang- a fun, picture book using animals to describe many unique types of families. -Nuclear families-We discussed members of our nuclear extended families. -Art project- The children constructed and shared their family trees with their classmates. The students were very interested in the many different ways we refer to members of our family, especially grandmother and grandfather. 10/10/2018 0 Comments Week of Oct 8-12Dear families, We have been very fortunate over the past weeks to have our visiting peer helpers from middle school. These 7th and 8th grade Literacy and Math Helpers offer guidance through activities and games. This week they assisted the children with an art project and a math lesson. The art assignment involved tracing our hands and using these paper hands to write math facts such as adding to ten. Later, the first graders eagerly introduced their peer leaders to a new math game called Make Ten Go Fish. First grade appreciates the thoughtful and kind actions of our middle schoolers. They have been tremendously helpful and excellent role models! Have a terrific weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Learning addition sentences -Solving word problems- using key words such as "in all" and "all together" to problem solve -Using math symbols + and = -Practicing counting up to add numbers -Make 10 card game- partner game to practice math facts -Chapter 3 assessment -vocabulary- addition sentence, plus, equal, greater Reading -Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister- A story of a fish that discovers that sharing brings his life happiness. Although, he initially does not want to lose his precious scales, he decides to share his prize possession with his new friends. -An introduction to syllables- group activity to sort words with 1, 2, and 3 syllables -Partner read- Shared their final copies of the All About Me books with a classmate -Reading Stamina- eight minutes of independent reading Writing -Fix It- Learning about editing- exercises to fix sentences that contain mistakes including misspelled sight words, missing uppercase letters and punctuation. -Review of nouns- An art activity- to create an object to represent a person, place or thing -Spelling rule- FLOSS Rule- learning when to double the ending consonants FLS or Z. -Practice spelling digraphs ch, sh, th, wh -Sight words- you, are, we -Weekend journal- practicing to write 2-3 sentences. -Free write- Writing time in their journals of a topic of their choice Social Studies -Who's In My Family? A book discussing the many different types of families and their uniques traditions. -Matthew and Tilly by Rebecca C. Jones- This story is about two friends that enjoy spending time together until one day when they have a disagreement. First grade discussed the problems the two friends encountered in the story, and the possible solutions to mend their relationship. 10/1/2018 0 Comments Week of October 1-5Dear families, Despite the rainy week, our class has enjoyed the outdoors. In addition to our recess and nature walks, first grade explored worm life with Mr. Zine. They have been studying composting. During science class, the students eagerly dug through the containers of soil in search for the worms. The children then helped separate the worms from their castings. Further, they assisted the teacher in harvesting the worms. Together, they discussed the benefits of compost for plant growth. The castings will be donated to Mr. Walach for use in the garden. During the All School Meeting this week, the Eighth Grade paid tribute to the upcoming holiday. This day is known to most as Columbus Day. The FA students are helping to build awareness and give recognition to the Native Americans as the first inhabitants of the land and true discoverers of America. In order to celebrate the Native American culture, this holiday has been renamed, by many cities and states in the Americas, as Indigenous People's Day. Great job Eighth Grade! Enjoy the long weekend. Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Chapter 3- Ways to add -Learning to count on- Choose the greater number and then count up -Using number bonds -Writing addition sentences from fact families (2,5,7 ) -Becoming familiar with a ten frame to add -Playing math card games to practice addition facts to 10 -Vocabulary- addition sentence, ten frame, plus, equals Reading -Cache of Jewels- An introduction to nouns. Learning the categories - person, place or thing. The students created an object to represent a noun for our display of our "Noun Town". -My Feet by Aliki -Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt- A humorous tale of a squirrel that is scared to leave his nut tree. He is terrified to encounter aliens, killer bees, and germs. Then one day, he falls out of his tree and makes and new discovery. Writing -Weekend journals- Sharing the events of our weekends. Adding details to our stories to expand our writing. -Fantastic Friends- Writing about the activities that the students enjoy doing with their friends. First, we began by writing ideas on a story map which helps organize their thoughts. Then, each student composed complete sentences. -Studying the sounds qu and wh -Word work to practice sight words- do, with, said -Reviewing sounds ch, sh, th Social Studies -We continue to work on our project entitled "The Best Part of Me". Together, we are learning to re-read and edit our work. First grade uses COPS writing system to check for Capitalization, Organization, Punctuation and Spelling. Each student is working on the final draft of their written description. Science ( with Mr. Zine) -Learning about worms for composting -Harvesting worms -Nature walks- Observing and journal writing 9/25/2018 0 Comments Week of Sept 24- 28Dear families, It's hard to believe that we've been together for a month already. What a wonderful beginning! I enjoy observing the students' interactions during academic activities and free time. I most admire their eagerness to share thoughts and celebrate their hard work with fellow classmates. This week at All School Meeting, two first graders presented their favorite book for Book Buzz. Finn and Eric Paul did a terrific job introducing Dav Pilkey's new book, The DogMan, to the FA community . Their poise and presentation skills were impressive. Their classmates applauded their performance and are now quite motivated to present for Book Buzz. Keep up the great work! Seema Curriculum HighlightsMathematics
-Making number bonds -learning the relationship between the parts of a whole number -demonstrating various number bonds of a given number (ie. numbers that add to 10) -interpreting pictures to make a number bond -Assessment for Chapter 2 -vocabulary- whole, parts, number bond Reading -When I Was Five by Jamie Lee Curtis- Followed by a partner share. The partners discussed their memories of when they were younger. The students illustrated an event that they look forward to when they get older. -The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig- a touching story of a boy who is left out during school activities and social events. He often feels invisible until a new student arrives and reaches out to Brian for friendship. This simple act of kindness allows Brian to feel a sense of belonging. -The Dot by Peter Reynolds- a beautiful book of self discovery for a little girl during art class. Vashti is having difficulty drawing her picture. Once she begins, she realizes her artistic talents. This story inspired the first grade class to paint their own picture to see where "the dot" could lead them. Writing -The class is busy composing their All About Me books. Some of the topics this week include My Favorite Food, My Favorite Sport and When I Was Little. -Weekend Journals- A description of an event that the student's enjoyed over their weekend. -Spelling- learning digraphs sh, ch, th, wh -Sight words this week- was, of, a Social Studies -Together, we read the book The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald. Each first grader selected their own favorite body part. They used a story map to discover the importance of their chosen anatomical feature. They then used their story map to compose a descriptive paragraph. |