Kind Comments project

Today the students took home a project to work on for Valentine's Day. Here's a peek at mine from a past year to see what it may turn out like once we exchange kind comments:

What's the Weather?

Dear Parents and Families,

            Our class is beginning a new unit in our reading program called What’s the Weather? This unit begins the students’ transition to reading challenging text.  In the first half of the unit, students will continue to follow along in their Big Book as selections are read.  In the second half of the unit, students will take on the responsibility of reading the main classroom selections using their First Reader.

            In the Big Book, our first selections will teach students about different types of weather such as rain, hail, snow, thunder, lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes.  We will also read about weather patterns around the world.  In the First Reader students will read a selection about desert environments.  Then they will continue reading in their First Reader selections about snow and hurricanes.

            Talk to your child about the types of weather he or she has experienced.  We live in an area where snow falls every winter.  Has your child seen rain turn to hail?  Make a list of weather your child has not experienced.  You may wish to take a trip to the library together to discover more about these types of weather.  You may also want to talk about the kinds of storms that are likely to occur in NH.  Discuss what your family can do to prepare for a bad storm.  Encourage your child to help you make a checklist of the things to do.

Concept and Question Board:

You may wish to contribute to our unit concept and question board by looking for pictures of different types of weather.  These can be pictures from magazines and newspapers, or pictures your child draws of different types of weather.  They may look for pictures of clothing worn for certain types of weather like snow pants or raincoats, as well as tools used during different weather such as shovels or umbrellas. Whatever you do at home to supplement our learning at school is always appreciated!

Career Day

We had a fabulous Career Day on Friday! The students enjoyed sharing all they learned and getting to wear their chosen profession's gear during the day. Thank you so much for your support at home to make this day a success!

 ...a scientist.

 ...a farmer.

 ...a veterinarian.

 ...a police officer.

 ...a teacher.

 ...an ice cream taster.

 ...a police officer.

 ...a police detective.

 ...a doctor.

 ...a teacher.

 ...a chef.

 ...a cowboy.

 ...a video game programer.

 ...an airman.

 ...a police officer.

 ...a veterinarian.

Addition and Subtraction Facts to 20

We are beginning Chapter 8 in Math, where we will be working on adding and subtracting to 20. Students will practice a variety of strategies including making a ten, grouping into tens and ones, and using doubles and doubles+1 facts. We will use all of these skills to solve real world problems as well!

Our Neighborhood At Work

            Our class is beginning a new unit today in our reading program called Our Neighborhood at Work.  Students will read and discuss selections about the many different jobs and professions that people do every day.  We will read a story that will introduce students to the idea that everybody works different and exciting jobs.  We will also read a story about a boy who explores the many professions in his neighborhood, and a story about a man who runs his own grocery store. 

            You may want to help your child create a list of different professions in our community and interview some of the people who have these jobs.  You can also add to your discussions by reading books and articles about people and places around the town.  You may discover that your child has an interest in a specific profession through your discussions.  Find out more about a profession that interests your child!

            In class, we will be discussing how coming to school each day is work for students.  To make sure each student is prepared, organization is an important skill.  Talk to your child about organization and how it can be helpful when we are very busy.  Ask your child to make a schedule for the following day and encourage him or her to follow the agenda in order to stay organized.  Tell your child to include such activities as waking up, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and getting dressed.  At the end of the day, ask your child if it was helpful to follow his or her schedule.

Concept and Question Board:

You may wish to contribute to our unit concept and question board by looking for pictures of people at work.  These can be pictures from magazines and newspapers, or pictures your child takes of someone they know.  There are more jobs than I have room to mention!  If your child learns about a specific profession, they may wish to draw a picture or make a list of job responsibilities to add to our board.   Whatever you do at home to supplement our learning at school is always appreciated!