Wow! This semester went by so quickly. We are already to the last week. Not only is it the last week but it is only a three day week. The students are very excited for Winter Break. We have a fun week ahead of us.
Literature/Reading: Since it is a short week next week, we will not be doing reading groups. We will also not be sending the reading bags home at all (unless your child has a chapter book they would like to finish before Wednesday). We will keep reading bags here during the break but we encourage you to please still read with your child. You can use the link on the side of the blog that links you to book level lists of trade books at their level. In literature we will be learning two poems and discussing them.
History: We will be wrapping up our World Religions unit by talking about Islam. We will discuss the three pillars of the Islam religion and talk about the major symbols and holidays that they have.
Science: Next week we will review the body systems that we talked about in class.
If you have not signed up for conferences, please do so. They will be the first week after we are back from Winter Break. You can sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAAAC22A57-parent2.
Also, please remember that Wednesday is a 12:15/12:30 release with no extracurricular clubs. After break, students will return on January 7. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday that week will be half days and Friday will be a full day.
We hope that you have a wonderful and safe Winter Break.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013
Hello Families! I missed updating the blog at the beginning of the week, so I decided to do two weeks in one.
History: We started a new unit in History this week. We are studying the major world religions. This week we introduced that religion is a shaping force in teh history of civilization. We focus on the major symbols, figures, and stories. Our goal is to be descriptive, not prescriptive and to maintain a sense of respect and balance. We also studied about Judaism. Some of the things we talked about with Judaism were the story of Moses being found in the rushes and saved by Pharaoh's daughter as well as the crossing of the Red Sea.
Next week we will wrap up our studies of the Jewish religion and then begin Christianity. We will focus on The First Christmas and who Jesus was.
Literature: The saying we learned about this week was "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." In addition, we read The Princess and the Pea. We practiced sequencing events; brainstorming parts from the beginning, middle, and end; a then writing summaries of the story.
Next week we will be reading a story called Snowflake Bentley. The children will learn a little more about snowflakes and the importance of perseverance. We will also talk about the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Science: This week in science we focused on two different systems. The first system that we talked about was the circulatory system. The students learned about the heart and how it works with veins and arteries to move blood to different parts of the body. We also learned about the nervous system and the three main parts of this system: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Of course, we also attached hearts, veins, arteries, and brains to our bodies in the hallway.
Coming up next week, we will be learning about being healthy and how we can take care of our bodies through our healthy habits. Additionally, we will review all the parts of the human body. We will end the week talking about Louis Pasteur and Edward Jenner and the contributions they made to science and medicine.
Reminders and Notes:
History: We started a new unit in History this week. We are studying the major world religions. This week we introduced that religion is a shaping force in teh history of civilization. We focus on the major symbols, figures, and stories. Our goal is to be descriptive, not prescriptive and to maintain a sense of respect and balance. We also studied about Judaism. Some of the things we talked about with Judaism were the story of Moses being found in the rushes and saved by Pharaoh's daughter as well as the crossing of the Red Sea.
Next week we will wrap up our studies of the Jewish religion and then begin Christianity. We will focus on The First Christmas and who Jesus was.
Literature: The saying we learned about this week was "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." In addition, we read The Princess and the Pea. We practiced sequencing events; brainstorming parts from the beginning, middle, and end; a then writing summaries of the story.
Next week we will be reading a story called Snowflake Bentley. The children will learn a little more about snowflakes and the importance of perseverance. We will also talk about the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Science: This week in science we focused on two different systems. The first system that we talked about was the circulatory system. The students learned about the heart and how it works with veins and arteries to move blood to different parts of the body. We also learned about the nervous system and the three main parts of this system: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Of course, we also attached hearts, veins, arteries, and brains to our bodies in the hallway.
Coming up next week, we will be learning about being healthy and how we can take care of our bodies through our healthy habits. Additionally, we will review all the parts of the human body. We will end the week talking about Louis Pasteur and Edward Jenner and the contributions they made to science and medicine.
Reminders and Notes:
- The link for Parent-teacher conferences has been sent out. Parent-teacher conferences are mandatory this semester. Please sign up for one soon.
- Please remember to send a snack with your child. It helps them to focus if they have that snack part way through the morning. We do not have very much extra snacks in our classroom so please help them to remember their snacks.
- Also, we are trying to promote independence in eating lunch. Please help your child out by sending containers they can open or helping them learn how to open them.
Monday, November 25, 2013
November 25, 2013
All the kids were excited today to only have 2 1/2 days of school this week. This weekend is an R&R weekend so you can also expect to have no homework on Wednesday.
Despite it being a short week, we still have lots to learn.
Literature: Today we will read the poem Over the River and Through the Woods. Tuesday and Wednesday, the students will have a chance to write about what they are thankful for as well as read a poem about table manners and talk about table manners.
History: We will continue to talk about the Aztecs this week including learning about the Aztec calendar and some of their mythology. We will end the week talking about the Incas and who they were and where they lived.
Science: This week we will be learning about the respiratory system. We will talk about the different parts of the system and how it works. We will also be adding lungs to our bodies in the hallway.
Remember that Wednesday is a 12:15/12:30 release time with no clubs after school. We hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy spending time with your children!
Despite it being a short week, we still have lots to learn.
Literature: Today we will read the poem Over the River and Through the Woods. Tuesday and Wednesday, the students will have a chance to write about what they are thankful for as well as read a poem about table manners and talk about table manners.
History: We will continue to talk about the Aztecs this week including learning about the Aztec calendar and some of their mythology. We will end the week talking about the Incas and who they were and where they lived.
Science: This week we will be learning about the respiratory system. We will talk about the different parts of the system and how it works. We will also be adding lungs to our bodies in the hallway.
Remember that Wednesday is a 12:15/12:30 release time with no clubs after school. We hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy spending time with your children!
Monday, November 18, 2013
November 18, 2013
We hope you all had a wonderful time at the Medieval Faire this weekend. We had a lot of fun and hope you did too. Our apothecary booth was a wonderful success. We even won first prize for the best booth. Thank you to Mrs. Mercer for helping coordinate the booth. We also were so excited to get $400 from our basket! Thank you so much for all things you donated to the basket and especially to Mrs. Schubring for putting the basket together. Finally, thank you to each of you who volunteered their time at the Faire.
Here is the run-down of what we will be doing this week.
Literature/Reading: In reading groups we will continue to read our Frog and Toad books. In Literature we will be studying a few different Brer Rabbit stories. We will also practice our summarizing skills and being able to retell the story in writing.
History: We will continue our learning of Early American Civilizations this week. Specifically, we will talk about the Mayan Civilization and the Aztec Civilization. We will learn where the Mayans lived and about many of their accomplishments. Additionally, we will find out where the Aztec nation lived and their everyday life.
Science: The digestive system will be our system of study this week. We will start with learning about the stomach, progress on to the small intestine and then to the large intestine. We will also talk about healthy eating and the nutrients are bodies get from food.
Reminders:
Most needed items:
Here is the run-down of what we will be doing this week.
Literature/Reading: In reading groups we will continue to read our Frog and Toad books. In Literature we will be studying a few different Brer Rabbit stories. We will also practice our summarizing skills and being able to retell the story in writing.
History: We will continue our learning of Early American Civilizations this week. Specifically, we will talk about the Mayan Civilization and the Aztec Civilization. We will learn where the Mayans lived and about many of their accomplishments. Additionally, we will find out where the Aztec nation lived and their everyday life.
Science: The digestive system will be our system of study this week. We will start with learning about the stomach, progress on to the small intestine and then to the large intestine. We will also talk about healthy eating and the nutrients are bodies get from food.
Reminders:
- The day before Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) is a 12:15/12:30 release time with no clubs after school.
- Hope to see you at Family Dinner Night this Wednesday at Native New Yorker on Gilbert & Germann. Eat here anytime from 11am to Midnight to earn money for Archway-Chandler!
- Also, we have a food drive going on all week to support benefit Matthew's Crossing Food Bank in Chandler.
Most needed items:
Peanut Butter
Canned meat/ tuna Canned Vegetables Tomato Sauce Tomato Produce Macaroni and Cheese Dry Packaged Beans Oatmeal |
Soup
Canned Juice Canned Beans Canned Tuna Canned Meat Canned Fruit Canned Soup |
Boxed Cereal
Rice, White or Brown Macaroni Bread Cake, Muffin & Quick Bread Mixes Toilet Paper |
Baby Food
Formula Diapers size 4,5 or 6 Toothbrush/Toothpaste Shampoo/Conditioner Lotion/Hand Soap Detergent/Hygiene Products |
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Week of November 13, 2013
I hope you all had a wonderful three-day weekend. I had a great weekend but, as a result, missed writing our blog post for the week. So, now that we are half-way through this week, I will get it to you. :)
Literature/Reading: Puss in Boots is our story of the week. After reading the story, we will learn some vocabulary terms from the story as well as talk about personification. We will end the week with one of our first grade sayings, "Let the cat out of the bag." Friday after school, ask your student what this saying means. But, remember to not "let the cat out of the bag" for the meaning of the saying before then.
History: We started a new unit this week. It is a unit on Early American civilizations. We started the unit with talking about the Bering Strait and the land bridge that was used to cross to the Americas. On Thursday, they will all get to go on the trail from Asia to North America and talk about the lives of nomadic hunters. All of this will lead into our discussions of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations.
Science: The "doctors" in our class are having a lot of fun learning about the human body. This week's focus is the muscular system and what muscles are used for in our body. Stop by the hallways to see the progression of our human bodies on the wall. Be sure to also ask your student if it takes more muscles to smile or frown.
Reminders:
Literature/Reading: Puss in Boots is our story of the week. After reading the story, we will learn some vocabulary terms from the story as well as talk about personification. We will end the week with one of our first grade sayings, "Let the cat out of the bag." Friday after school, ask your student what this saying means. But, remember to not "let the cat out of the bag" for the meaning of the saying before then.
History: We started a new unit this week. It is a unit on Early American civilizations. We started the unit with talking about the Bering Strait and the land bridge that was used to cross to the Americas. On Thursday, they will all get to go on the trail from Asia to North America and talk about the lives of nomadic hunters. All of this will lead into our discussions of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations.
Science: The "doctors" in our class are having a lot of fun learning about the human body. This week's focus is the muscular system and what muscles are used for in our body. Stop by the hallways to see the progression of our human bodies on the wall. Be sure to also ask your student if it takes more muscles to smile or frown.
Reminders:
- The Medieval Faire is this Saturday from 1-4 pm on the CPA/Archway field. We hope to see all of you there!
- Mark your calendars that November 27th is a half-day schedule. It will be a 12:15/12:30 release and there will be no clubs that day.
Monday, November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013
Welcome to a new week! We had a fun week last week and look forward to this coming week. It will be an exciting week as we wrap up our Egypt unit.
Literature/Riggs/Reading: This week we get to study the Fairy Tale of Pinocchio. As we read and learn this story, we will have some new vocabulary words that we will be learning. Additionally, the students will work on organizing the beginning, middle, and end of stories and then write a summary about the story. We will also talk about our Core Virtue of honesty and how it relates to the story.
History: We have had a fun time as we studied Egypt. This week will be the end of the unit. We will talk about the different gods that the Egyptians worshiped. We will also have a fun activity about an Egyptian animal, our Egyptian party, and we will assemble our Egypt books.
Science: We are starting a new unit this week on the Human Body. The Human Body unit is always a fun one as the students get to build some life-size models of the human body. You will start seeing these models hanging in the walls sometime this week. We will be focusing on the Skeletal system this week and adding that to our bodies.
Reminders:
Literature/Riggs/Reading: This week we get to study the Fairy Tale of Pinocchio. As we read and learn this story, we will have some new vocabulary words that we will be learning. Additionally, the students will work on organizing the beginning, middle, and end of stories and then write a summary about the story. We will also talk about our Core Virtue of honesty and how it relates to the story.
History: We have had a fun time as we studied Egypt. This week will be the end of the unit. We will talk about the different gods that the Egyptians worshiped. We will also have a fun activity about an Egyptian animal, our Egyptian party, and we will assemble our Egypt books.
Science: We are starting a new unit this week on the Human Body. The Human Body unit is always a fun one as the students get to build some life-size models of the human body. You will start seeing these models hanging in the walls sometime this week. We will be focusing on the Skeletal system this week and adding that to our bodies.
Reminders:
- The deadline to submit items to the auction basket has been extended. Don't forget to send in some items this week to make our basket awesome! http://www2.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CABA92F4-medieval
- The Medieval Faire will be here in less than two weeks. We need lots of help at our booth. Please sign up for a time slot to help out. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DADA62DAB9-medieval1
- Thank you for all the people who have signed up for the Egypt party. Please remember to send in any supplies. Also, there is one more slot for a volunteer. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F044CABA92F4-egypt
Monday, October 28, 2013
October 28, 2013
Welcome back to a new week of First Grade!
It is hard to believe that it is already the end of October. As the weather gets cooler and kids are bringing in jackets/sweaters, please remember to have their names somewhere on their jacket/sweater.
Literature/Reading: We will continue to read Frog and Toad in reading groups this week. If you are able, please sign up for a day to come in and help with reading groups. In literature this week, we will be learning about the Fairy Tale Jack and the Beanstalk.
Science: This week we will talk about Food Chains and the important role they play in our environment. We will also assemble our Habitat poster boards. Finally, we will talk about adaptations and the different ways that animals adapt to their environment.
History/Geography: As we continue to study Egypt this week, we will focus on heiroglyphics, papyrus, and the Great Sphinx. The kids are having a lot of fun learning about Ancient Egypt, be sure to ask them about all the fun things they are learning.
Reminders:
It is hard to believe that it is already the end of October. As the weather gets cooler and kids are bringing in jackets/sweaters, please remember to have their names somewhere on their jacket/sweater.
Literature/Reading: We will continue to read Frog and Toad in reading groups this week. If you are able, please sign up for a day to come in and help with reading groups. In literature this week, we will be learning about the Fairy Tale Jack and the Beanstalk.
Science: This week we will talk about Food Chains and the important role they play in our environment. We will also assemble our Habitat poster boards. Finally, we will talk about adaptations and the different ways that animals adapt to their environment.
History/Geography: As we continue to study Egypt this week, we will focus on heiroglyphics, papyrus, and the Great Sphinx. The kids are having a lot of fun learning about Ancient Egypt, be sure to ask them about all the fun things they are learning.
Reminders:
- This is the last week to send in items for the Medieval Faire for the auction basket. http://www2.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CABA92F4-medieval
- Remember to sign-up to help with the Medieval Faire. Every family is asked to volunteer for 2 - 30 minute shifts at the Faire. Sign-up lists will be coming soon.
- Mark your calendar for he Winter Music Concert on December 3.
- Picture retake day is this Friday, November 1.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Week of October 21, 2013
Today is the last day of our half-day schedule. We will be back to our regular schedule next week. Here are a few of the things we will be learning next week.
Literature/Riggs/Reading: This week we finished up all the Cinderella stories. Next week we will get to learn the meaning of both "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" and "Practice make perfect." We will also read and study the story The Pied Piper of Hamelin. In Reading groups we will be starting our Frog and Toad books. Please make sure that you have sent it in by Monday. We have not had as many Riggs tests this week because of the shortened schedule but the tests will pick up again next week.
History: In History, we are still learning about Ancient Egypt. In particular, we will continue to learn about camels and how they are able to live in desert climates. We will also start talking about papyrus, scribes, and hieroglyphics The students will also continue to work on their Egypt books.
Science: Next week we will finish our study of Rachel Carson and learn about the American Prairie habitat. On Friday, we will complete an animal report together as a class about a prairie animal. As mentioned in an email, we will be assembling our Habitat poster boards next week so please make sure you have sent in your black poster board.
Reminders:
Literature/Riggs/Reading: This week we finished up all the Cinderella stories. Next week we will get to learn the meaning of both "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" and "Practice make perfect." We will also read and study the story The Pied Piper of Hamelin. In Reading groups we will be starting our Frog and Toad books. Please make sure that you have sent it in by Monday. We have not had as many Riggs tests this week because of the shortened schedule but the tests will pick up again next week.
History: In History, we are still learning about Ancient Egypt. In particular, we will continue to learn about camels and how they are able to live in desert climates. We will also start talking about papyrus, scribes, and hieroglyphics The students will also continue to work on their Egypt books.
Science: Next week we will finish our study of Rachel Carson and learn about the American Prairie habitat. On Friday, we will complete an animal report together as a class about a prairie animal. As mentioned in an email, we will be assembling our Habitat poster boards next week so please make sure you have sent in your black poster board.
Reminders:
- Send in Frog and Toad.
- Send in a black poster board.
- Sign up to help with the Medieval Faire basket: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F044CABA92F4-medieval
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Week of October 14
Welcome Back! I hope that each of you had a nice Fall Break! It was fun to see our class again yesterday.
Please remember that every day this week the students will be released at 12:15 and 12:30. Additionally, there will be no tutoring or after school clubs.
Here is a run down of what we will be studying this week.
Literature/Riggs: We will be learning new Riggs words this week and homework will be coming home. In Literature we are reading more Cinderella stories. We will focus on Mexican Cinderella and Caribbean Cinderella. The students have enjoyed seeing how many different Cinderella stories there are and comparing them. We will be starting to study Frog and Toad next week so please send those books in if you have not yet.
History: Yesterday we started talking about Mummies and the mummification process. Ask your students how this process works. Additionally we will talk about beautiful Egyptian artwork and why pharaohs were put into a sarcophagus. Finally, we will also talk about camels and the important role they played in Ancient Egypt.
Science: We are continuing to learn about climates in science. Specifically, we will learn about the Underground habitat. At the end of the week, we will learn about Rachel Carson and the importance of her research. We are almost ready to put together our Habitat posters so please remember to send in a black poster board if you have not already.
Reminders:
Please remember that every day this week the students will be released at 12:15 and 12:30. Additionally, there will be no tutoring or after school clubs.
Here is a run down of what we will be studying this week.
Literature/Riggs: We will be learning new Riggs words this week and homework will be coming home. In Literature we are reading more Cinderella stories. We will focus on Mexican Cinderella and Caribbean Cinderella. The students have enjoyed seeing how many different Cinderella stories there are and comparing them. We will be starting to study Frog and Toad next week so please send those books in if you have not yet.
History: Yesterday we started talking about Mummies and the mummification process. Ask your students how this process works. Additionally we will talk about beautiful Egyptian artwork and why pharaohs were put into a sarcophagus. Finally, we will also talk about camels and the important role they played in Ancient Egypt.
Science: We are continuing to learn about climates in science. Specifically, we will learn about the Underground habitat. At the end of the week, we will learn about Rachel Carson and the importance of her research. We are almost ready to put together our Habitat posters so please remember to send in a black poster board if you have not already.
Reminders:
- Remember to sign up to donate to our Classroom Auction Basket for the Medieval Faire. You can sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CABA92F4-medieval.
- Send in Frog and Toad books.
- Send in a black poster board.
- Mark your calendars for the Medieval Faire on November 16th.
- Send in all your box tops by the end of the month.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Week of September 30, 2013
This is the final week of our first quarter. It is hard to believe that it is already time for Fall Break. Please encourage your students to still work their hardest next week as they will get a well-deserved break next week. Here is what we will be studying this week.
Literature: We will be reading some more Cinderella stories from around the world. It has been so much fun to read these and see the similarities and differences. We will wrap the week up by writing our own Cinderella stories.
History: We will continue to study Ancient Egypt this week. Specifically, we will focus on pyramids and how they were the tombs for Pharaohs. We will also talk about the mummification process and why the Ancient Egyptians created mummies.
Science: Our unit on habitats continues this week as we talk about Fresh Water Habitats. In particular, we will learn about living and nonliving things in freshwater habitats as well as be able to label the parts of a river habitat. We will talk about the Riparian Zone, the area around a Freshwater habitat. We will also do an animal report together as a class.
Evaluations and Conferences: As mentioned in the Headmaster Update, narratives and checklists will be emailed out in the next few weeks. If a conference is also necessary at this time, we will be contacting you to set up a time for one.
Reminders:
-Please bring in a black poster board if you have not already done so.
-Next week is Fall Break.
-The week after Fall Break will be all half days.
Literature: We will be reading some more Cinderella stories from around the world. It has been so much fun to read these and see the similarities and differences. We will wrap the week up by writing our own Cinderella stories.
History: We will continue to study Ancient Egypt this week. Specifically, we will focus on pyramids and how they were the tombs for Pharaohs. We will also talk about the mummification process and why the Ancient Egyptians created mummies.
Science: Our unit on habitats continues this week as we talk about Fresh Water Habitats. In particular, we will learn about living and nonliving things in freshwater habitats as well as be able to label the parts of a river habitat. We will talk about the Riparian Zone, the area around a Freshwater habitat. We will also do an animal report together as a class.
Evaluations and Conferences: As mentioned in the Headmaster Update, narratives and checklists will be emailed out in the next few weeks. If a conference is also necessary at this time, we will be contacting you to set up a time for one.
Reminders:
-Please bring in a black poster board if you have not already done so.
-Next week is Fall Break.
-The week after Fall Break will be all half days.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Week of September 23, 2013
Happy Autumn! It was so nice this morning to have some cooler temperatures outside. We hope you are enjoying it also. Here is a summary of what we will be learning this week in first grade.
Riggs/Literature: First, every student's handwriting improved a lot this week as they each strove to do their best. Please encourage your student to keep using his/her best handwriting. Second, in Literature we will continue to study the Cinderella stories from around the world. Specifically, we will finish discussing the story of Yeh-Shen and then learn about Egyptian Cinderella.
History: We are still learning about Egypt this week. At the beginning of the week we will keep learning about the Nile river by making a cover for our Egypt book that will illustrate the Nile River and its surroundings. Later in the week, we will talk about daily life in Ancient Egypt as well as learn about Pharoahs and Pyramids.
Science: We are continuing our study of habitats this week by focusing on Forests. We will talk about classifying tree types within the forest habitat, animals of the forest habitat and other characteristics of the forest habitat. If you have not done so already, please remember to send in a black poster board for our Habitat poster.
Reminders:
Riggs/Literature: First, every student's handwriting improved a lot this week as they each strove to do their best. Please encourage your student to keep using his/her best handwriting. Second, in Literature we will continue to study the Cinderella stories from around the world. Specifically, we will finish discussing the story of Yeh-Shen and then learn about Egyptian Cinderella.
History: We are still learning about Egypt this week. At the beginning of the week we will keep learning about the Nile river by making a cover for our Egypt book that will illustrate the Nile River and its surroundings. Later in the week, we will talk about daily life in Ancient Egypt as well as learn about Pharoahs and Pyramids.
Science: We are continuing our study of habitats this week by focusing on Forests. We will talk about classifying tree types within the forest habitat, animals of the forest habitat and other characteristics of the forest habitat. If you have not done so already, please remember to send in a black poster board for our Habitat poster.
Reminders:
- This Friday is a half-day. We will have dismissal at 12:15 and 12:30.
- Family Fun Night and Grand Opening of the Archway Library is on Thursday at 6:30.
- Send in a black poster board, if you have not yet.
- Read with your child every day.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Week of September 16
What a fun and exciting week we have ahead of us this week. Here are the things we are going to cover and a few reminders for you also.
Riggs: Last week we started our Riggs spelling tests. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions about how these work. Please note that Riggs homework (and all homework) should be done in the children's best handwriting and the each word on the test gets one point for handwriting. This week we will be writing on the homework or test when the handwriting is not very neat. Starting next Monday, we will having students redo homework during recess if it is not neat. Please understand that we will be pretty strict on everyone until we can see what they can each individually do as their best handwriting.
Language Arts: This week marks the start of our Cinderella unit. The children always love this unit. We will read many different Cinderella stories from around the world. It will be a lot of fun to compare and contrast all the different stories. Be sure to ask your students about the stories we are reading.
Science: In science, this week, we are starting our units on Habitats. We will begin by learning about what a habitat is. Then we will learn about desert habitats and forest habitats. As part of this unit, we will be making a poster all about habitats. Please send in a black poster board with your child so that we can make these posters.
History/Geography: We are also starting a new unit in History. We will be learning about Egypt. This week we will locate Egypt on a map, talk about some characteristic traits of Egypt, and learn about the Nile River and why it is so important to Egypt.
Upcoming Dates:
Upcoming Dates:
- September 17th - Singapore Math Night at 6:30 pm. This is an informational meeting for parents.
- September 20th - Picture Day
- September 26th - Family Fun Night and Archway Library Open House
We hope you have a wonderful week! Please remember to send in a black poster board and encourage your students to always use their very best handwriting.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Week of September 9
It is hard to believe that we are already half way through the first quarter. We have had so much fun in class. Hopefully, you children are telling you about some of the fun things that we do each day.
This week is another fun week with the following things going on:
Science: We will be studying electricity this week. Students will learn what electricity is and where it comes from. They will also have a chance to do some hands on experiments with static electricity. We will end the week by learning about the light bulb and Thomas Edison.
History: This week we will be finishing up our unit on Mesopotamia. As we finish, we will learn about the type of clothing that Mesopotamians wore and learn about their Gods and the importance of Gods in their culture.
Literature: We are still learning about different Tom Thumb stories from around the world. The first story we will study this week is Little Finger of the Watermelon Patch from Vietnam and the second one is the African-American story, The Knee-High Man. They will also be finishing up their books about Tom Thumb stories from around the world so you can look forward to seeing those soon. Finally, we will learn the saying, "A Fish out of Water."
Please remember to send in Mouse Tales if you have not already done so.
Thanks for everything that each of you do. We really appreciate the support you give to each of your students.
This week is another fun week with the following things going on:
Science: We will be studying electricity this week. Students will learn what electricity is and where it comes from. They will also have a chance to do some hands on experiments with static electricity. We will end the week by learning about the light bulb and Thomas Edison.
History: This week we will be finishing up our unit on Mesopotamia. As we finish, we will learn about the type of clothing that Mesopotamians wore and learn about their Gods and the importance of Gods in their culture.
Literature: We are still learning about different Tom Thumb stories from around the world. The first story we will study this week is Little Finger of the Watermelon Patch from Vietnam and the second one is the African-American story, The Knee-High Man. They will also be finishing up their books about Tom Thumb stories from around the world so you can look forward to seeing those soon. Finally, we will learn the saying, "A Fish out of Water."
Please remember to send in Mouse Tales if you have not already done so.
Thanks for everything that each of you do. We really appreciate the support you give to each of your students.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Welcome back after our long weekend! We hope that you all had a marvelous holiday weekend. We are excited to start this new week.
Here is our schedule for the week:
Riggs: We will be starting spelling words this week. Please make sure your child is going down the page writing each word only once and then starting back up at the top for the second time, etc. We will also be checking to see who needs some extra help with the phonograms and sending home some review sheets.
Literature: This week we will continue to learn about the Tom Thumb stories from around the world. Thumbelina will be covered and then we will be making books to show the different Tom Thumb stories.
History: We are continuing are studies about Mesopotamia. This week we will continue to read the Gilgamesh epic and learn about the revenge of Ishtar as well as the last quest of Gilgamesh. At the end of the week we will learn about Hammurabi's laws.
Science: We will continue our studies of the states of matter this week. This will include learning about air and the properties of air. Additionally, we will learn that solids can be changed into different states of matter and see what happens when baking soda and vinegar are combined together.
If you have not sent in a white pillowcase, please send it in as soon as possible. We really want to get the science lab coats made. If you are not able to send one in, for any reason, please let us know.
Have a wonderful week!
Here is our schedule for the week:
Riggs: We will be starting spelling words this week. Please make sure your child is going down the page writing each word only once and then starting back up at the top for the second time, etc. We will also be checking to see who needs some extra help with the phonograms and sending home some review sheets.
Literature: This week we will continue to learn about the Tom Thumb stories from around the world. Thumbelina will be covered and then we will be making books to show the different Tom Thumb stories.
History: We are continuing are studies about Mesopotamia. This week we will continue to read the Gilgamesh epic and learn about the revenge of Ishtar as well as the last quest of Gilgamesh. At the end of the week we will learn about Hammurabi's laws.
Science: We will continue our studies of the states of matter this week. This will include learning about air and the properties of air. Additionally, we will learn that solids can be changed into different states of matter and see what happens when baking soda and vinegar are combined together.
If you have not sent in a white pillowcase, please send it in as soon as possible. We really want to get the science lab coats made. If you are not able to send one in, for any reason, please let us know.
Have a wonderful week!
Monday, August 26, 2013
It is so hard to believe that this is the last week of August. Our first month of school is almost over. We have been learning so much and having so much fun with our new and old friends.
Here is the preview of what your students will be learning about this week.
Literature: Issun Boshi, Thumbelina, and Tom Thumb are three stories from around the world we will read this week. Story elements will be discussed as we compare and contract these three stories.
Science: We will further explore the states of matter by changing liquids into gasses. Additionally, we will learn the properties of liquids and discover that liquids come in different densities.
History: This week we will continue the study of Mesopotamia, starting with making a pop-up ziggurat. We will also begin learning about the Gilgamesh epic, learn about the Gate of Ishtar, and the importance of writing in a civilization.
Reading: We have sent home most of the reading bags and the rest will be coming home this week. Please remember to read 20 minutes every night with your child as well as practice the sight words that will be coming home also.
Reminders:
Please continue to send in the white pillowcases.
Here is the preview of what your students will be learning about this week.
Literature: Issun Boshi, Thumbelina, and Tom Thumb are three stories from around the world we will read this week. Story elements will be discussed as we compare and contract these three stories.
Science: We will further explore the states of matter by changing liquids into gasses. Additionally, we will learn the properties of liquids and discover that liquids come in different densities.
History: This week we will continue the study of Mesopotamia, starting with making a pop-up ziggurat. We will also begin learning about the Gilgamesh epic, learn about the Gate of Ishtar, and the importance of writing in a civilization.
Reading: We have sent home most of the reading bags and the rest will be coming home this week. Please remember to read 20 minutes every night with your child as well as practice the sight words that will be coming home also.
Reminders:
Please continue to send in the white pillowcases.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Week of August 19-23, 2013
Thank you to all the parents that came to Curriculum night. It was good to see all of you and talk about this coming year. We had a fun week exploring the Frog Prince, learning about what history is, and performing some science experiments. I hope that you asked your children about some of the fun things that we learned did.
Here is what we will be learning about this coming week:
Literature: We will be reading and studying Hansel and Gretel this week by the Brothers Grimm. The children will discuss the elements of fairy tales, do some sequencing of events, and, at the end of the week, get to participate in a reader's theater of the story.
Science: This week the students will be introduced to atoms and matter. We will talk about the different states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and learn that there are more than 100 different elements or atoms.
History: We will start our study of Ancient Mesopotamia this week. This will include studying the map of Ancient Mesopotamia and learning about the places and geographic features. We will end the week learning about inventions from Ancient Mesopotamia that we still use today.
Reading: We are working on getting all the reading logs and reading books ready to send home. We are hoping to have books start coming home sometime this week.
We really appreciate all the support that you give to your students and to us and hope that you have a wonderful week.
Reminders:
Science: This week the students will be introduced to atoms and matter. We will talk about the different states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and learn that there are more than 100 different elements or atoms.
History: We will start our study of Ancient Mesopotamia this week. This will include studying the map of Ancient Mesopotamia and learning about the places and geographic features. We will end the week learning about inventions from Ancient Mesopotamia that we still use today.
Reading: We are working on getting all the reading logs and reading books ready to send home. We are hoping to have books start coming home sometime this week.
We really appreciate all the support that you give to your students and to us and hope that you have a wonderful week.
Reminders:
- If you have not sent in a white pillowcase, please do so as soon as possible so that we can make our scientist lab coats.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Week of August 12, 2013
We had a wonderful first week of school! It was so fun to start to get to know our new class and each of your students. All of the kids have been learning what it means to be a first grader and the procedures and routines that go with that.
This week will be our first five day week of the school year and we have a lot of wonderful things planned. The following are the things we will be studying this week.
Literature: We will be reading the story "The Frog Prince." Additionally, we will be learning about story elements in a fairy tale.
Science: This week we will continue to learn about the scientific method and perform a few science experiments. Please send in a white pillowcase by Wednesday this week. We will be turning the pillowcases into Scientist Lab Coats to be used throughout the school year.
History: We will continue to answer the question, "What is History?" Then we will also talk about timelines and ancient civilizations.
Riggs: This week we are still reviewing our Riggs phonograms. Please help your children review these phonograms as we will be using them all year in our spelling. Additionally, please help them focus on handwriting. It is very important that their Riggs homework (and all homework) comes back written neatly.
Reminders:
Curriculum night is this Wednesday at 6:30. We look forward to seeing all you there.
The Polar Ice back to school social is this Saturday at 5:25. See the headmaster update for details.
Don't forget to subscribe by email to this blog so you don't miss any of our updates.
This week will be our first five day week of the school year and we have a lot of wonderful things planned. The following are the things we will be studying this week.
Literature: We will be reading the story "The Frog Prince." Additionally, we will be learning about story elements in a fairy tale.
Science: This week we will continue to learn about the scientific method and perform a few science experiments. Please send in a white pillowcase by Wednesday this week. We will be turning the pillowcases into Scientist Lab Coats to be used throughout the school year.
History: We will continue to answer the question, "What is History?" Then we will also talk about timelines and ancient civilizations.
Riggs: This week we are still reviewing our Riggs phonograms. Please help your children review these phonograms as we will be using them all year in our spelling. Additionally, please help them focus on handwriting. It is very important that their Riggs homework (and all homework) comes back written neatly.
Reminders:
Curriculum night is this Wednesday at 6:30. We look forward to seeing all you there.
The Polar Ice back to school social is this Saturday at 5:25. See the headmaster update for details.
Don't forget to subscribe by email to this blog so you don't miss any of our updates.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Welcome to Mrs. Figueroa's First Grade Class!
We are so excited for this new school year with all of the new 1st graders coming into our class. It will be an amazing year with lots to learn!
This week we will spend a lot of time learning procedures and how to succeed in 1st grade. Along with that, we will be writing friendship stories, learning about different types of scientific inquiry, performing some science experiments, learning about what history is and introducing geography. We will also be beginning to review our Riggs phonograms.
We cannot wait to meet your little ones at Meet the Teacher tonight and then to have them join our classroom tomorrow morning to start the brand new year. Hopefully, everyone had a nice relaxing summer and you are all excited to start 1st grade.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Figueroa, Mrs. Pratt, and Ms. Noori
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