Spelling postponed

Due to the really short week - we will not have a spelling test on Friday.  I will review the words with the kids, but no test.  Next Monday we will have a new list.  Happy Halloween!

Spelling News

Hi, Everyone.  Your first grader may have told you that we got our new Reading Streets books on Friday.  We are in unit one now, and that means we will have spelling every week.  On Monday I will give a pretest of the words (10) and send them home for your child to study.  If he/she gets most of the words correct on Monday, I will substitute with sight words from our word wall.  If even those are not challenging enough, we can go to the amazing words which are -  amazing!
Pumpkin math:  If you can send in a small pumpkin with your child this week, it will really help with our pumpkin math project.  Thank you!
Progress reports go home on Thursday.  I think you will be pleased - the class as a whole is doing very well.
Book Fair:  We will be going to the book fair this week, but I am not sure what day. You can send in money with your child and I will save it for them, or you can wait until they go to the fair and choose a book or two they would like.  I try to discourage spending money on the "stuff" that is available, and encourage the kids to buy books.  If you have any questions about the fair, let me know.
Have a great week!

Weekend Update

Hi Everyone!  Thank you for your help with our name project.  We have almost everyone's info on their names - check out our bulletin board in the hall with pictures and name backgrounds.  Thank you also for your help with our wonder center.  If officially opens tomorrow during center time, and the children will be observing and writing about the cool items we have - including two bird's nests, some moss, leaves, rocks, and a crystal.  We are still accepting items - so if something special turns up on a hike or in your yard, send it in.  
Pumpkin math:  The week of Halloween first graders will be doing some pumpkin math.   We will be weighing, measuring, and finally decorating (not carving) pumpkins.  If you could, it would be wonderful if you could send in a small pumpkin with your child for next Monday, October 22.  I will have a few pumpkins on hand, but not enough for everyone.
Book Fair:  The PTA book fair is the week of October 22nd.  A flyer with available books will probably go home this week.  You can choose books with your child, and send in the money on our day at the Fair - not sure what day yet, but I will let you know.  There is also a chance for you to purchase a book for our classroom at the fair - there will be a list of very reasonable priced books for you to pick from if you would like.

Thanks again for all your help - have a great week.

What's in a name?

Hi, everyone!  Hope your weekend was fun - even with the kind of funky weather.
Last week we read a couple of books about names -and we have been discussing how the children got their names.  We will be writing about how they got their names this week, so be sure to share this information with them.  I did this activity with my class two years ago, and it was really interesting to see the varied inspirations for children's names.
 Just a reminder to help your child find something from nature for our wonder /nature center.  We can return it if you would like - if it is delicate, we will treat it as gently as 6 year olds can.  You may have noticed some stray paint on your child last week - we have been doing apple prints with tempera paint.  Actually, they were very careful - I even escaped with a paint free white blouse.  Some of us are painting again this week, so play clothes are in order.

October Newsletter