Really!

Tomorrow IS stuffed animal day.
Please pack ONE stuffed animal that will fit in your backpack.

Half-Way Day...or there about

Greetings.

1. Next Friday will be a Valentine Party/Friendship Party. Each child should bring valentines for all classmates. Look in home folders for a list of names. You are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to share with the group (popcorn, carrots/dip, grapes, crackers/cheese). Please post what you plan to bring in the comment section below.

2. We have been...
-choosing a story to fix-up/add to and publish.
-trying to wrap our heads around the quarter.
-reading books to analyze the author's techniques to incorporate into our own writing.
-filling in more letters toward our stuffed animal reward. We should see animals sometime next week. I'll keep you posted.

3. Did you know we have reached half-way day? We are just over half-way done with first grade. I am quite impressed with student work these days.

BEARS!!!

We've been watching Black Bear Lily...in her den.
Check her out at www.bear.org
She's reportedly had her cub(s?)this morning. Exciting!

In class, we have been...
*searching for contractions around the room.
*reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. We noticed many of his techniques, that we are starting to try in our own writing. (sounds, double words, a string of describing words, etc)
*talking about how much time we spend transitioning, and becoming aware of being more efficient.
*busting into Unit 6 in Everyday Math. Fact families proved to be a difficult first lesson. (4+5=9, 5+4=9, 9-5=4 and 9-4=5) I'm trusting we'll keep seeing it in our math boxes.

Next Reward:
The class has decided on STUFFED ANIMAL DAY.
We have been filling in letters for appropriate and exceptional behavior.

Penny Nickel Dime Exchange

A new math game.

20 pennies, 10 nickels, 10 dimes (put it in the "bank")

Roll 2 dice, collect the amount.
Make trades with the bank when you can.
When the dimes are gone, the game is over.
He with the most dimes "wins."

Happy Trading!

Happy Birthday LM!

Happy Birthday LM!
Thank you for the delicious cupcakes!

We have (we've) been...
*working with contractions and super silent e this week.
*reading texts to learn how animals behave in the winter.
*dancing to Miley's Hoedown for motor breaks.
*taking the end of the unit AND mid-year math assessments.
*learning a poem called Nine Mice by Jack Prelutsky (and locating silent e words within).

Please let me know if (or if not) you'd like to receive the school's newsletter electronically.
greenleafd@link75.org

Have a restful weekend.
See you Wednesday.

It's SNOW fun!

Hope you had a restful vacation. The class came back in great spirits with many stories to tell.

We have been...
-talking and writing stories about our vacation.
-writing a thank you letter for a gift we received (please forward/mail to the addressee).
-learning a poem about Winter Clothes.
-changing words to Super Silent e words (from cap to cape, hop to hope, twin to twine...)
-enjoying the snow at recess.

Winter Clothes
We go to recess if it is 14 degrees or more.
Please send winter gear! Many kids don't have their hats or mittens this week.
Inside shoes are a must. Boots get hot, sweaty and smelly when worn all day! :)

Animals in Winter
We have started to talk about what animals do when it gets cold out. We have read Manatee Winter, and they migrate to warmer waters in winter. We were wondering what fish (in ponds...that freeze) do when winter comes. If you and your child think about another animal and wonder about their winter, find the answer to share with the class. Please print something out, or share a book to site your information.

H1N1
Our kids need the booster shots for the H1N1 and the seasonal flu shots. BUT they will not be administered here at school. Please see flyer/email for more info...I think Jan 12 is the date. 4-6 at MAMS?

a quick couple things before break

Just so you know, your children are correct when they say that the Sarah Morton mini book is optional. It was something I put together, but never used. And, rather than throw it away, I thought the kids might enjoy.

Friday, I'd like to schedule a GAME DAY. We will take time to do a craft or two and PLAY. So, your child may bring in a game (non-electronic) to share. It must be able to fit in their backpack! Thanks.

Also, I'd like to make an ALL CALL for reading books/sight word cards you have at home. Please return them (in their cozy, protective, very sophisticated, plastic bag) each and every day!