This week in math we are working on review activities and doing some holiday themed math!
Our new word wall words are: came, make, nice, side. All of these words have a quiet e that makes the other vowel say it's name!
In writer's workshop students have been working on writing letters. They all wrote a thank you letter to the EAA for our field trip. Currently, they are working writing Christmas letters to moms and dads! I'm sure you will all enjoy reading these letters.
In science we are wrapping up exploring solids. After we return from break we will begin to explore liquids!
On Wednesday we will have a first grade winter holiday celebration starting at 1:45. Families are welcome to join us for a movie, and we will have hot cocoa and cookies. Students can also wear their pajamas on Wednesday. There is a red letter in your child's folder with more information.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Gingerbread Houses!
Last week the students made and decorated gingerbread houses! Your child brought their home yesterday. Please note that these houses are intended to be a fun holiday decoration, but are not recommended to eat. Below are some photos of the students hard at work!
Upcoming Events...
Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 9th) is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:30.
On Thursday, December 17th all first graders from Shapiro will travel to the EAA Museum. While at the museum the students will perform their holiday concert songs for an audience and get to tour and explore the museum. There is no fee associated with this trip. Please look for a permission slip to be sent home this week.
Also, please remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see the monthly calendar with other events.
On Thursday, December 17th all first graders from Shapiro will travel to the EAA Museum. While at the museum the students will perform their holiday concert songs for an audience and get to tour and explore the museum. There is no fee associated with this trip. Please look for a permission slip to be sent home this week.
Also, please remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see the monthly calendar with other events.
December's Flying!
The month of December is flying by! We are trying hard to stay focused on our learning, while the exciting of the holiday season is upon us!
Currently in math we are learning about frames & arrows problems. These are basically a fancy format for students to practice skip counting forward and backward. This is a skill that we have been working on all year, it is just being presented in a different format.
Our new word wall words this week are: if, not, us, very. We also wrote sentences today which included a name and an action word which began with the same letter.
During writer's workshop we are continuing to write information all about teaching books. Some features of information text that we have recently learned about include: table of contents, how to writing, and writing lists.
This week we dove into our next science unit, which is matter. Students are working in small groups to explore a variety of solids and sort them based on their properties.
Currently in math we are learning about frames & arrows problems. These are basically a fancy format for students to practice skip counting forward and backward. This is a skill that we have been working on all year, it is just being presented in a different format.
Our new word wall words this week are: if, not, us, very. We also wrote sentences today which included a name and an action word which began with the same letter.
During writer's workshop we are continuing to write information all about teaching books. Some features of information text that we have recently learned about include: table of contents, how to writing, and writing lists.
This week we dove into our next science unit, which is matter. Students are working in small groups to explore a variety of solids and sort them based on their properties.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
The Last Day of November!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow morning we will be back to busy first grade learning! This week is busy with some special events, in additional to our daily learning!
Tomorrow morning we will be back to busy first grade learning! This week is busy with some special events, in additional to our daily learning!
- Wednesday: Kiwanis Magic Show at 9:30 in the gym
- Thursday: Packer Dress Day and Holiday Concert at 6:30 at West High School
- Friday: 80's Dress Day and Movie Night at 6:00 in the gym
Tomorrow in math we will be looking at number patterns and skip counting.
Our new word wall words this week are: away, far, live, walk
The students will have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake in the morning.
During writer's workshop the students will be working on their community helper information books.
We will take some time to review the expectations for literacy stations. I will meet with small groups for guided reading as the students work on their independent stations.
During social studies we will begin to build our gingerbread houses! Each student will be able to build and decorate their very own gingerbread house! A huge THANK YOU to all of the families who donated money to our 'First Grade Fund' to make this project possible!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday!
It sounds like the weather might not be so wonderful today, but we can still make it a wonderful day indoors!
Today in math students will continue to explore ways to make sums of ten.
During word work students will work independently to create a page for our class 'Letter Book'. Students will also be introduced to a handwriting booklet. Students will be learning that they must start their letters at the top and they must be written nice and neat every time. Please encourage your child to use their 'nice neat' writing when doing homework and other writing activities at home.
Students will check out new library books. The hope is that your child is bringing home one 'practice book' and one 'look book'. Ask your child to tell you the difference between a practice book and a look book.
Students will continue to write their information teaching books during writer's workshop.
We will continue to learn about community helpers. A homework sheet is in your child's folder tonight. Their task is to interview someone at home about their job. Please have your child complete this task by Monday.
Parent teacher conferences are today and tomorrow afters school, as well as Friday morning. I look forward to meeting with all of you and sharing your child's progress!
Today in math students will continue to explore ways to make sums of ten.
During word work students will work independently to create a page for our class 'Letter Book'. Students will also be introduced to a handwriting booklet. Students will be learning that they must start their letters at the top and they must be written nice and neat every time. Please encourage your child to use their 'nice neat' writing when doing homework and other writing activities at home.
Students will check out new library books. The hope is that your child is bringing home one 'practice book' and one 'look book'. Ask your child to tell you the difference between a practice book and a look book.
Students will continue to write their information teaching books during writer's workshop.
We will continue to learn about community helpers. A homework sheet is in your child's folder tonight. Their task is to interview someone at home about their job. Please have your child complete this task by Monday.
Parent teacher conferences are today and tomorrow afters school, as well as Friday morning. I look forward to meeting with all of you and sharing your child's progress!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Coming up this week...
All week we will continue to work on our 'Organizing & Collecting' math unit. Students will continue to learn about efficient counting strategies and work on structuring to make sums of ten.
Our new word wall words this week are: child, had, school, thank
We will also be working on letter formation this week during our word work time.
During writer's workshop students will continue to work on writing information teaching booklets.
This week during out literacy mini lessons we will read books written by author Kevin Henkes.
During social studies we will be learning about community helpers.
There is no school on Friday. Our students will have art on Tuesday this week instead of Friday.
I look forward to meeting with all families this week during our parent/teacher conference meeting!
Our new word wall words this week are: child, had, school, thank
We will also be working on letter formation this week during our word work time.
During writer's workshop students will continue to work on writing information teaching booklets.
This week during out literacy mini lessons we will read books written by author Kevin Henkes.
During social studies we will be learning about community helpers.
There is no school on Friday. Our students will have art on Tuesday this week instead of Friday.
I look forward to meeting with all families this week during our parent/teacher conference meeting!
Food Drive!
Annual Kiwanis FOOD DRIVE
November 23rd- December 2nd
*Non-Perishable Food Drive
*Students can bring Donations to their classrooms
*Boxes will be provided to each grade level by Student Council Representatives
Thank you!!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Movie Night!
Tomorrow night is movie night in the Shapiro gym!
'Inside Out' will play from 6:00-8:00 on Friday!
'Inside Out' will play from 6:00-8:00 on Friday!
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday!
Today in math the students continued to practice efficient counting strategies. All students were encouraged to make groups of ten and count by tens. All students also had time in the computer lab to work on strengthening their math skills using Dreambox.
During word work all students practiced reading and writing words with the short o sound.
During writer's workshop we reviewed strategies to use when it comes to spelling. We discovered no matter what type of writing you are doing the spelling strategies don't change.
We read another Robert Munsch story today titled Wait and See. While we read the story we made powerful predictions, clarified, ask and answered questions, and summarized the story.
During social studies time we read an informational text titled Veteran's Day. Thank you to all of the veterans reading this!
Have a great evening!
During word work all students practiced reading and writing words with the short o sound.
During writer's workshop we reviewed strategies to use when it comes to spelling. We discovered no matter what type of writing you are doing the spelling strategies don't change.
We read another Robert Munsch story today titled Wait and See. While we read the story we made powerful predictions, clarified, ask and answered questions, and summarized the story.
During social studies time we read an informational text titled Veteran's Day. Thank you to all of the veterans reading this!
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Our School Store is opening!!!
COME CHECK IT OUT!
The Student Council SCHOOL STORE
EVERY THURSDAY from 2:35-2:50.
New items are being added!
(Brain Erasers, Bendy Friends, Stress Balls, Books marks AND MORE!)
Your support is appreciated...
Thank you!
We are mathematicians!
This week during math we have been exploring counting objects and using efficient counting strategies. Students are enjoying this hands-on learning experience!
Reading Rocks!!!
Each day students have at least 15 minutes of read to self time. During this time students read books from their book boxes. 1-2 times per week students have the opportunity to read books on the Raz Kids website. The Raz Kids website can be accessed from home. If you have questions about how to access this site from home please contact me!
Terrific Tuesday!
Today during math we worked on finding efficient counting strategies. We learned that 'efficient' means to be quick and correct. All students chose to count by 5's or 10's!
During word work we focused on reading and writing words with the short 'i' vowel sound.
During music the students are busy working with Mr. Crowe to prepare for our upcoming holiday concert! It will be here before we know it!
During writer's workshop students continued to write information teaching booklets. Today we learned about why it is important to think about questions our reader's might have when we are writing.
During social studies all students made a building to add to our classroom neighborhood! You will be able to see our classroom neighborhood next week at conferences!
Reminder: tomorrow we visit the library for book check out!
Have a great evening!
During word work we focused on reading and writing words with the short 'i' vowel sound.
During music the students are busy working with Mr. Crowe to prepare for our upcoming holiday concert! It will be here before we know it!
During writer's workshop students continued to write information teaching booklets. Today we learned about why it is important to think about questions our reader's might have when we are writing.
During social studies all students made a building to add to our classroom neighborhood! You will be able to see our classroom neighborhood next week at conferences!
Reminder: tomorrow we visit the library for book check out!
Have a great evening!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Small Moment Author Celebration
On Wednesday, October 28th the first grade classes had their first 'Author Celebration'. We invited staff to come listen to students read their small moment stories. The students enjoyed the opportunity to share their writing with multiple readers!
Winter Clothing Drive
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
November 9th-25th
Student council would like to help the community keep warm this winter!
Here is how YOU can help!
During the weeks of November 9th through November 25th, please bring in gently used winter outerwear to our donation center (located in the front atrium) and student council will donate these items to local shelters in need of warm clothing.
* Please note that only the following items will be accepted:
Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Snow Boots, Coats, and Snow Pants.
Coming this week...
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Tomorrow morning we will begin our first Fosnot math unit of the year. This unit is an opportunity for students to work together cooperatively to problem solve and find efficient math strategies. During this unit students will be working to count groups of objects, and identifying effective ways to count quickly and accurately.
Our new word wall words for this week are: home, near, this, tree
Our new Instrumental Enrichment instrument is 'organization of dots'. This task requires students to make a plan, follow a model, be precise, and limit impulsivity.
Students will have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake tomorrow morning.
In the afternoon we will continue to learn about and write information 'all about' teaching books. Ask your child what their current topic is!
I am currently working on completely our fall DRAs (developmental reading assessment) with all students. This assessment, along with classroom work and observations, allows us to determine your child's independent and instructional reading level.
During social studies we will continue to learn about neighborhoods. Students will also work together to create a classroom neighborhood model.
Tomorrow morning we will begin our first Fosnot math unit of the year. This unit is an opportunity for students to work together cooperatively to problem solve and find efficient math strategies. During this unit students will be working to count groups of objects, and identifying effective ways to count quickly and accurately.
Our new word wall words for this week are: home, near, this, tree
Our new Instrumental Enrichment instrument is 'organization of dots'. This task requires students to make a plan, follow a model, be precise, and limit impulsivity.
Students will have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake tomorrow morning.
In the afternoon we will continue to learn about and write information 'all about' teaching books. Ask your child what their current topic is!
I am currently working on completely our fall DRAs (developmental reading assessment) with all students. This assessment, along with classroom work and observations, allows us to determine your child's independent and instructional reading level.
During social studies we will continue to learn about neighborhoods. Students will also work together to create a classroom neighborhood model.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Terrific Thursday!
Good Morning!
Today our students will complete their last lesson for unit 2 of math. This evening they will come home with a review packet, and tomorrow will be their unit assessment. Some of the major concepts taught in unit 2 were telling time to the hour, counting pennies and nickels, and addition and subtraction strategies.
During word work time we are continuing to work on beginning sounds, ending sounds, and short vowel sounds.
Today we begin a brand new unit of writing! Students will be learning how to write informational teaching books! Students may choose to write about a sport, an animal, a video game, a chore - the possibilities are endless!
I have begun our fall round of reading assessments. Each student will be read with individually to determine their current independent and instructional reading level. More information about your child's assessment will be shared at conferences. These assessments look at oral reading and comprehension skills.
In social studies we are learning about different types of homes and neighborhoods.
Thank you to all of you who signed up for a November conference. Meeting times will be sent home in your child's folder tomorrow. I look forward to meeting with you! If you have not yet signed up, please contact me.
Today our students will complete their last lesson for unit 2 of math. This evening they will come home with a review packet, and tomorrow will be their unit assessment. Some of the major concepts taught in unit 2 were telling time to the hour, counting pennies and nickels, and addition and subtraction strategies.
During word work time we are continuing to work on beginning sounds, ending sounds, and short vowel sounds.
Today we begin a brand new unit of writing! Students will be learning how to write informational teaching books! Students may choose to write about a sport, an animal, a video game, a chore - the possibilities are endless!
I have begun our fall round of reading assessments. Each student will be read with individually to determine their current independent and instructional reading level. More information about your child's assessment will be shared at conferences. These assessments look at oral reading and comprehension skills.
In social studies we are learning about different types of homes and neighborhoods.
Thank you to all of you who signed up for a November conference. Meeting times will be sent home in your child's folder tomorrow. I look forward to meeting with you! If you have not yet signed up, please contact me.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday!
Good morning!
This week in math students have been working on a variety of activities based on structuring. Structuring is the ability to put numbers together and take numbers apart. We have been focusing on making sums of 5 and 10. Ask your child to teach you the 'rock-paper-structure' game!
In phonics we are working to master CVC words. These are words with short vowel sounds, such as cat, map, sun, pen, etc. Students are learning if they change the first letter/sound in the word they can make new words. An example of this is if you know cat, then you know hat, bat, mat, pat, rat!
Our first grade writers are busy wrapping up their small moment stories. Next Wednesday we will have an end of unit author celebration. Students from both first grade classes will join together to share their stories. We will also be inviting other staff from the building to enjoy the stories!
This week we begin using the four strategies of predictions, clarifying, questioning, and summarizing when we read books. Both first grade classes have joined together to learn about the characters, props, and enjoy some good books!
I have also began meeting with guided reading groups. Each student will have one new book that they bring home this week. Ask them to read this book to you!
During science this week we have been working with Mrs. McFarlin's class and learning about weather! On Monday we went outside to experiment with different materials in the wind. On Tuesday we demonstrated making a tornado!
Reminder - No school on Friday!
This week in math students have been working on a variety of activities based on structuring. Structuring is the ability to put numbers together and take numbers apart. We have been focusing on making sums of 5 and 10. Ask your child to teach you the 'rock-paper-structure' game!
In phonics we are working to master CVC words. These are words with short vowel sounds, such as cat, map, sun, pen, etc. Students are learning if they change the first letter/sound in the word they can make new words. An example of this is if you know cat, then you know hat, bat, mat, pat, rat!
Our first grade writers are busy wrapping up their small moment stories. Next Wednesday we will have an end of unit author celebration. Students from both first grade classes will join together to share their stories. We will also be inviting other staff from the building to enjoy the stories!
This week we begin using the four strategies of predictions, clarifying, questioning, and summarizing when we read books. Both first grade classes have joined together to learn about the characters, props, and enjoy some good books!
I have also began meeting with guided reading groups. Each student will have one new book that they bring home this week. Ask them to read this book to you!
During science this week we have been working with Mrs. McFarlin's class and learning about weather! On Monday we went outside to experiment with different materials in the wind. On Tuesday we demonstrated making a tornado!
Reminder - No school on Friday!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Thursday Preview
Tomorrow morning we will finish our spring pictures and add glittery blue 'rain'!
We will review concepts from math unit 1, and then students will demonstrate their learning on the Unit 1 Math Assessment.
During phonics students will be filling in the blank to make meaningful sentences. Students will read their completed sentences to another student!
During writer's workshop we will talk about the importance of punctuation in our writing.
In science we will learn about the season of summer!
On Friday, October 30th we will have our annual school Halloween parade, followed by classroom celebrations. Please look in your child's folder for more information early next week!
We will review concepts from math unit 1, and then students will demonstrate their learning on the Unit 1 Math Assessment.
During phonics students will be filling in the blank to make meaningful sentences. Students will read their completed sentences to another student!
During writer's workshop we will talk about the importance of punctuation in our writing.
In science we will learn about the season of summer!
On Friday, October 30th we will have our annual school Halloween parade, followed by classroom celebrations. Please look in your child's folder for more information early next week!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Terrific Tuesday!
Today in math students participated in activities to review counting strategies, addition strategies and combinations to make five or ten. Tomorrow in math we will explore number stories. Students are also using the online Dreambox program to increase their math skills. Information to log-on to Dreambox from home was sent, and students are encouraged to being using this program at home for extra practice!
Today in phonics we continued to practice using the beginning letter sound to identify words. Tomorrow we will continue to practice names of our classmates by identifying the number of syllables in names.
Today in writer's workshop we read the book Ralph Tells a Story. This story was about a boy who had trouble finding things to write about, until his classmates helped him discover that stories are everywhere! Anytime your family does something special, or something funny happens at home, remind your child that they can write a small moment story about it!
During reading time students have learned how to read to self, write about their thinking while reading, and read with a partner. Today we began a new station to listen to reading. Each day the goal is for all students to rotate through three reading stations.
Today we talked about winter. Tomorrow we will be discussing spring!
Remember, every Wednesday our class visits the library. Your child can check out two books each week!
Today in phonics we continued to practice using the beginning letter sound to identify words. Tomorrow we will continue to practice names of our classmates by identifying the number of syllables in names.
Today in writer's workshop we read the book Ralph Tells a Story. This story was about a boy who had trouble finding things to write about, until his classmates helped him discover that stories are everywhere! Anytime your family does something special, or something funny happens at home, remind your child that they can write a small moment story about it!
During reading time students have learned how to read to self, write about their thinking while reading, and read with a partner. Today we began a new station to listen to reading. Each day the goal is for all students to rotate through three reading stations.
Today we talked about winter. Tomorrow we will be discussing spring!
Remember, every Wednesday our class visits the library. Your child can check out two books each week!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
October's flying!
The month of October is flying by! Our first graders have been busy learning, and I have been busy learning too! Over the weekend I attended a conference at UW-Oshkosh about 'Hot Topics in Literacy'. I got to listen to some great speakers, and I got some awesome ideas to try in our classroom and new books to read!
This week we will be wrapping up Unit One of Everyday Math. Students will take the end of unit assessment on Tuesday. Some of the topics covered in unit one include: tally marks, forward and backward counting, numeral identification, comparing numbers, and identifying numbers before and after a given number.
In writer's workshop this week we will continue to focus on ways to bring our small moment stories to life. We have learn about making your characters move and talk, and writing about how your character is feeling or what they are thinking. We have studied some mentor texts to explore what other authors do in their stories.
Students are continuing to build their stamina and practice reading to self and writing in their thinking journals. Students also have the opportunity for partner reading and to listen to books read to them.
This week in science our theme will be the four seasons. We will focus on a different season everyday, beginning with fall.
We will have an all school assembly on Monday to review school wide expectations and introduce our school kindness tree! We will also have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake.
This week we will be wrapping up Unit One of Everyday Math. Students will take the end of unit assessment on Tuesday. Some of the topics covered in unit one include: tally marks, forward and backward counting, numeral identification, comparing numbers, and identifying numbers before and after a given number.
In writer's workshop this week we will continue to focus on ways to bring our small moment stories to life. We have learn about making your characters move and talk, and writing about how your character is feeling or what they are thinking. We have studied some mentor texts to explore what other authors do in their stories.
Students are continuing to build their stamina and practice reading to self and writing in their thinking journals. Students also have the opportunity for partner reading and to listen to books read to them.
This week in science our theme will be the four seasons. We will focus on a different season everyday, beginning with fall.
We will have an all school assembly on Monday to review school wide expectations and introduce our school kindness tree! We will also have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday!
Math - Yesterday in math I shared an important math rule with the class - whatever you count forward, you have to be able to count backward. For example, if you student can count 1-100, then they should also be able to switch and count 100-1. We have been practicing counting backward from 20-1. Today students will participate in some counting activities with partners.
Word Work - We are working on identifying letter sounds, and matching the first letter of a word to the sound.
Writer's Workshop - Today we will focus on 'unfreezing our characters'. We want to add details to our stories to make our characters move and talk!
Social Studies - Students will share their past/present conversations today! We look forward to hearing everyone share! Then we will begin to talk about holidays and timelines for the remainder of the week.
Every Wednesday we have library check-out and computer lab too!
Exciting news...
*Our classroom read to self stamina is up to 12 minutes!!!
*Friday is Wisconsin Badger (red/white) dress day!
Word Work - We are working on identifying letter sounds, and matching the first letter of a word to the sound.
Writer's Workshop - Today we will focus on 'unfreezing our characters'. We want to add details to our stories to make our characters move and talk!
Social Studies - Students will share their past/present conversations today! We look forward to hearing everyone share! Then we will begin to talk about holidays and timelines for the remainder of the week.
Every Wednesday we have library check-out and computer lab too!
Exciting news...
*Our classroom read to self stamina is up to 12 minutes!!!
*Friday is Wisconsin Badger (red/white) dress day!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Back to Work!
Good Morning!
It looks like another beautiful Monday morning, hopefully followed by a Packer win tonight! :)
Today students will be taking a math assessment to show what skills they have mastered, and those which they need continued practice. Look for your child's assessment to come home later this week.
Our word wall words this week are: big, get, tell, they. Students will be practicing writing their word wall words using colorful vowels. We have learned that a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y are vowels. When the students write their words today they will use pencil for the consonants and a colorful marker for the vowels.
Students have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake today. Ask your child what they learned about!
During literacy we will continue to write small moment stories. Students will learn to re-read their work to check for mistakes. We will also continue to build our stamina in read to self and work on writing.
For social studies we will continue to talk about jobs and why adults need jobs. Then we will move to our next topic of past and present. Thank you in advance for taking the time to have a conversation with your student regarding how life was different in the past!
Have a great day!
It looks like another beautiful Monday morning, hopefully followed by a Packer win tonight! :)
Today students will be taking a math assessment to show what skills they have mastered, and those which they need continued practice. Look for your child's assessment to come home later this week.
Our word wall words this week are: big, get, tell, they. Students will be practicing writing their word wall words using colorful vowels. We have learned that a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y are vowels. When the students write their words today they will use pencil for the consonants and a colorful marker for the vowels.
Students have a guidance lesson with Miss Eake today. Ask your child what they learned about!
During literacy we will continue to write small moment stories. Students will learn to re-read their work to check for mistakes. We will also continue to build our stamina in read to self and work on writing.
For social studies we will continue to talk about jobs and why adults need jobs. Then we will move to our next topic of past and present. Thank you in advance for taking the time to have a conversation with your student regarding how life was different in the past!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday!
Today during math we will learn a new addition game called Bump! Students will also practice sequencing numbers and have time to use Dreambox on our classroom iPads. On Friday I will be sending home Dreambox log-in information to use at home!
This week we started an interactive word work notebook. Students will cut, glue, and color different letters, words, and pictures to help them understand phonic concepts. Yesterday we talked about vowels and consonants. Today students will practice sorting pictures according to their initial sound.
Today in the computer lab the students will have a chance to try Raz Kids. This is an online program that allows students to listen to and read book at their independent level. Students are also required to answer multiple choice comprehension questions after each book.
During writer's workshop we will continue to work on writing small moments. Yesterday we learned that a 'watermelon story' would be way too broad of a topic - such as a trip to Wisconsin Dells! We learned that small moments should be 'teeny tiny seed stories' - such as a ride down a big water slide!
For social studies today we will read a story called Families are Different. Students will then be asked to identify at least one way their family is the same and different from their classmates.
This week we started an interactive word work notebook. Students will cut, glue, and color different letters, words, and pictures to help them understand phonic concepts. Yesterday we talked about vowels and consonants. Today students will practice sorting pictures according to their initial sound.
Today in the computer lab the students will have a chance to try Raz Kids. This is an online program that allows students to listen to and read book at their independent level. Students are also required to answer multiple choice comprehension questions after each book.
During writer's workshop we will continue to work on writing small moments. Yesterday we learned that a 'watermelon story' would be way too broad of a topic - such as a trip to Wisconsin Dells! We learned that small moments should be 'teeny tiny seed stories' - such as a ride down a big water slide!
For social studies today we will read a story called Families are Different. Students will then be asked to identify at least one way their family is the same and different from their classmates.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Reminders for the week...
Tuesday
- We will be visiting the Book Fair as a class. If you would like, please send your child money in an envelope with his or her name on it.
- It is also Picture Retake Day. If your child did not have their picture taken at registration in August they will have their picture taken.
Thursday
- There will be an ice cream social for families at 5:00. The Book Fair will also be open at this time.
Happy Monday!
My apologies for only writing one post last week - my goal is to do better this week! :)
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather once again!
Today during math we will continue to practice ways to make ten and identifying 'dots and empties' in ten frames. We will also learn about sequencing numbers forward and backward. Counting backwards from any number is a great skill to practice at home or in the car!
Our new word wall words for this week are: are, her, him, with
Students will have an opportunity to work with Dreambox, our online math program, while we are in the computer lab today. Look for more information to come home at the end of the week regarding how to access Dreambox from home.
This afternoon during writer's workshop we will continue to write Small Moment pieces. The focus of our lesson today will be to identify ways to spell words.
We will continue to build our stamina for read to self and work on writing time!
During social studies today the students will be drawing pictures of their families. We will talk about ways families can be the same and different!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather once again!
Today during math we will continue to practice ways to make ten and identifying 'dots and empties' in ten frames. We will also learn about sequencing numbers forward and backward. Counting backwards from any number is a great skill to practice at home or in the car!
Our new word wall words for this week are: are, her, him, with
Students will have an opportunity to work with Dreambox, our online math program, while we are in the computer lab today. Look for more information to come home at the end of the week regarding how to access Dreambox from home.
This afternoon during writer's workshop we will continue to write Small Moment pieces. The focus of our lesson today will be to identify ways to spell words.
We will continue to build our stamina for read to self and work on writing time!
During social studies today the students will be drawing pictures of their families. We will talk about ways families can be the same and different!
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Monday Monday!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! It was great to see the Packers get their first win this afternoon!
This week is our first full week of first grade! Tomorrow morning we will have Heidi Farber joining our classroom. She is currently a student at UW-Whitewater who is working toward a degree in early childhood education. She will be joining us for a few hours each Monday for the next ten weeks to complete her fall field study.
During math tomorrow we will continue to explore five frames and combinations of ways to make five, for example 4+1, 5+0, 2+3...
During word work students will be introduced to our new 'word wall words' for the week. This week's words are: going, on, off, you. Students will also practice writing these words. We will not have spelling tests in first grade; however, students will be expected to spell these words correctly in their writing pieces since they will be posted on the 'word wall'.
Tomorrow afternoon we will have an all school rotation to learn about our school expectations. We will learn about the expected behaviors for arrival and dismissal, on the playground, in the bathroom, in the lunchroom, in the hallways and more. Please ask your child to tell you about the expected behaviors in our school.
This week is our first full week of first grade! Tomorrow morning we will have Heidi Farber joining our classroom. She is currently a student at UW-Whitewater who is working toward a degree in early childhood education. She will be joining us for a few hours each Monday for the next ten weeks to complete her fall field study.
During math tomorrow we will continue to explore five frames and combinations of ways to make five, for example 4+1, 5+0, 2+3...
During word work students will be introduced to our new 'word wall words' for the week. This week's words are: going, on, off, you. Students will also practice writing these words. We will not have spelling tests in first grade; however, students will be expected to spell these words correctly in their writing pieces since they will be posted on the 'word wall'.
Tomorrow afternoon we will have an all school rotation to learn about our school expectations. We will learn about the expected behaviors for arrival and dismissal, on the playground, in the bathroom, in the lunchroom, in the hallways and more. Please ask your child to tell you about the expected behaviors in our school.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Good Morning!
Good Morning!
If you scroll all the way to the bottom of this blog page you should be able to find a calendar. I will be posting important school and classroom events on this calendar! If you have trouble locating it, please let me know. From what I can tell if you are using a mobile device to access the blog you will need to click 'View web version' in order to see the calendar. I will keep playing around to make it as user friendly as possible!
Every Wednesday we will be visiting the library. If your child wants to check out a new book they need to return the book they checked out last week. Basically your child needs to return their books on Wednesday morning and then they will be able to check out something new!
Last night our nightly math homework sheets started coming home. Please help set a routine for your child to complete their math homework and 20 minutes of reading each evening. This additional practice at home will increase their progress in the classroom!
If you scroll all the way to the bottom of this blog page you should be able to find a calendar. I will be posting important school and classroom events on this calendar! If you have trouble locating it, please let me know. From what I can tell if you are using a mobile device to access the blog you will need to click 'View web version' in order to see the calendar. I will keep playing around to make it as user friendly as possible!
Every Wednesday we will be visiting the library. If your child wants to check out a new book they need to return the book they checked out last week. Basically your child needs to return their books on Wednesday morning and then they will be able to check out something new!
Last night our nightly math homework sheets started coming home. Please help set a routine for your child to complete their math homework and 20 minutes of reading each evening. This additional practice at home will increase their progress in the classroom!
Monday, September 7, 2015
Happy Labor Day!
I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend! It looks like we really lucked out with some beautiful weather - just a little hot! I'm looking forward to getting back into the classroom tomorrow!
Last week we focused mainly on learning the expectations and procedures in first grade! We will continue to work on our classroom routines and expectations until we master them! :)
This week we will do our best to follow our true first grade schedule! We begin each morning with morning jobs and writing in our planners. Please help your child to come to school prepared each morning with their blue folder, planner and book bag. Also, please make a point to go through the blue folder with your child each evening.
After our morning jobs we meet together at the carpet for morning meeting. This is a time for us to connect as a school family and commit to learning together and keeping everyone safe. This time is followed by our calendar and weather report. Next, students have an opportunity to order milk and enjoy their snack while I read a story. Last week I read stories about the beginning of the school year. This week we will read stories that will help us learn about manners in different parts of our school.
After snack we have our math lesson. Currently we are reviewing math skills, such as number identification, number sequencing and counting. This week we will also practice recognizing dot patterns and five frames. This week your child will begin bringing home a math sheet for homework each day.
Our math time is followed by phonics. This is a time we will be practicing a variety of skills to become proficient with understanding how words are made and can be broken apart. Students will also learn new grade level words, and have time to practice writing and speaking these words.
Each day after phonics we have our 'specials' time. Our schedule is as follows:
-Monday: guidance or computer lab (alternating weeks)
-Tuesday: music and physical education
-Wednesday: library and computer lab
-Thursday: music and physical education
-Friday: art
After specialist time students head outside for recess from 11:05-11:30, followed by lunch from 11:30-11:55.
When we return to our classroom after lunch we have writer's workshop. First, we have a focused mini lesson to each or review a writing skill. Next, students have independent writing time. We will end writer's workshop each day with time for a few students to share their writing with the class.
After writer's workshop we have shared reading time. This is a time when we will read a story together and focus on a specific literacy skill. This is a large group time that will last about 15 minutes.
Next, students will have independent literacy stations. Eventually students will have six different literacy stations each week. Currently, we have just begun building our stamina for read to self. Last week students were able to read to self for 2 minutes without breaking their stamina. Our goal is 15 minutes, so we will keep practicing!!!
Each afternoon we will end our day with a social studies or science themed lesson. During the month of September we will have social studies lessons, which will focus on the themes of citizenship, school responsibilities and holidays.
Thanks for reading to learn a little more about what your child's school day will look like!
Last week we focused mainly on learning the expectations and procedures in first grade! We will continue to work on our classroom routines and expectations until we master them! :)
This week we will do our best to follow our true first grade schedule! We begin each morning with morning jobs and writing in our planners. Please help your child to come to school prepared each morning with their blue folder, planner and book bag. Also, please make a point to go through the blue folder with your child each evening.
After our morning jobs we meet together at the carpet for morning meeting. This is a time for us to connect as a school family and commit to learning together and keeping everyone safe. This time is followed by our calendar and weather report. Next, students have an opportunity to order milk and enjoy their snack while I read a story. Last week I read stories about the beginning of the school year. This week we will read stories that will help us learn about manners in different parts of our school.
After snack we have our math lesson. Currently we are reviewing math skills, such as number identification, number sequencing and counting. This week we will also practice recognizing dot patterns and five frames. This week your child will begin bringing home a math sheet for homework each day.
Our math time is followed by phonics. This is a time we will be practicing a variety of skills to become proficient with understanding how words are made and can be broken apart. Students will also learn new grade level words, and have time to practice writing and speaking these words.
Each day after phonics we have our 'specials' time. Our schedule is as follows:
-Monday: guidance or computer lab (alternating weeks)
-Tuesday: music and physical education
-Wednesday: library and computer lab
-Thursday: music and physical education
-Friday: art
After specialist time students head outside for recess from 11:05-11:30, followed by lunch from 11:30-11:55.
When we return to our classroom after lunch we have writer's workshop. First, we have a focused mini lesson to each or review a writing skill. Next, students have independent writing time. We will end writer's workshop each day with time for a few students to share their writing with the class.
After writer's workshop we have shared reading time. This is a time when we will read a story together and focus on a specific literacy skill. This is a large group time that will last about 15 minutes.
Next, students will have independent literacy stations. Eventually students will have six different literacy stations each week. Currently, we have just begun building our stamina for read to self. Last week students were able to read to self for 2 minutes without breaking their stamina. Our goal is 15 minutes, so we will keep practicing!!!
Each afternoon we will end our day with a social studies or science themed lesson. During the month of September we will have social studies lessons, which will focus on the themes of citizenship, school responsibilities and holidays.
Thanks for reading to learn a little more about what your child's school day will look like!
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!
It's hard to believe that the school year will be in full swing in just a few days! I enjoyed meeting many students and families at Shapiro's open house this past Wednesday evening!
We have many fun and engaging learning opportunities planned for the first week back! I will be meeting students and families on the playground at 7:50 on Tuesday morning!
Also, please remember we will have physical education on Tuesday morning, so please make sure your child brings their gym shoes if they haven't already!
Enjoy the weekend!
We have many fun and engaging learning opportunities planned for the first week back! I will be meeting students and families on the playground at 7:50 on Tuesday morning!
Also, please remember we will have physical education on Tuesday morning, so please make sure your child brings their gym shoes if they haven't already!
Enjoy the weekend!
Sunday, May 10, 2015
The Week Ahead...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I hope all you moms enjoy your special day! The students are very excited to share with you the special items they made at school!
*On Monday morning students will have a substitute teacher, Ms. Monka. I will be in the building working with students individually on their end of year DRA (developmental reading assessment). *On Monday afternoon all students will meet in the gym for a JDRF assembly. JDRF is an organization that works toward improving lives and curing Type 1 Diabetes. On Tuesday, May 19th during their physical education classes students will walk for JDRF.
*On Tuesday students will have their end of unit 8 math assessment. A review will be sent home on Monday to help students prepare for this assessment.
*Wednesday is our last early release day of this school year. School will end at 1:35.
*Saturday, May 16th is the Shapiro Family Picnic and Spring Carnival. Events begin at noon - rain or shine!
*On Monday morning students will have a substitute teacher, Ms. Monka. I will be in the building working with students individually on their end of year DRA (developmental reading assessment). *On Monday afternoon all students will meet in the gym for a JDRF assembly. JDRF is an organization that works toward improving lives and curing Type 1 Diabetes. On Tuesday, May 19th during their physical education classes students will walk for JDRF.
*On Tuesday students will have their end of unit 8 math assessment. A review will be sent home on Monday to help students prepare for this assessment.
*Wednesday is our last early release day of this school year. School will end at 1:35.
*Saturday, May 16th is the Shapiro Family Picnic and Spring Carnival. Events begin at noon - rain or shine!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Fabulous Friday!
This week we have begun learning about fractions. During the past few days students made fraction strips, fraction creatures and found fractions in their names. It is important for students to know that a whole can be split into half and fourths.
We also continued our discussion of goods and services. We talked about where goods are made, and how goods get to our stores. Tomorrow we will have our final assessment on economics. On Monday we will switch back to science and study plants and animals for the remainder of the school year!
During writing students have continued to work on writing realistic fiction. We have some very creative writers, and it has been great to hear their stories! Today we talked about how sometimes writers create a series about a character they like a lot! This week we read a few books from the Fancy Nancy series. The Fancy Nancy series is also a great way to build vocabulary!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Happening This Week...
On Thursday Congressman Glen Grothman will be visiting Jacob Shapiro. His visit in is celebration of National Charter School Week!
Terrific Tuesday!
Students are hard at work again this week!
During math we have been working on counting coins and making change. Today we began learning about fractions. We learned that a whole can be divided into equal parts. We talked about the terms whole, half, thirds, fourths and sixths. Tomorrow we will be learning about fractional notation, such as 1/2 and 1/4.
Last week during social studies our focus was learning about needs and wants. This week our focus is to learn about goods and services. We have been learning that a good is something you can buy and take home with you, such as shoes or an apple. We learned that a service is a job that someone does for you, such as a haircut or getting a car wash.
Students have been continuing to write realistic fiction stories. The students are thinking about a character, giving their character a name, and writing about their character's adventures. We have also been talking about the importance of setting writing goals for yourself. Ask your child what their writing goal is. Their writing goal might change day to day.
I have been continuing to work on PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) with students during our literacy station time. All students have completed a spelling and word list screening. Currently I am working with each student to read a passage and answer comprehension questions.
During math we have been working on counting coins and making change. Today we began learning about fractions. We learned that a whole can be divided into equal parts. We talked about the terms whole, half, thirds, fourths and sixths. Tomorrow we will be learning about fractional notation, such as 1/2 and 1/4.
Last week during social studies our focus was learning about needs and wants. This week our focus is to learn about goods and services. We have been learning that a good is something you can buy and take home with you, such as shoes or an apple. We learned that a service is a job that someone does for you, such as a haircut or getting a car wash.
Students have been continuing to write realistic fiction stories. The students are thinking about a character, giving their character a name, and writing about their character's adventures. We have also been talking about the importance of setting writing goals for yourself. Ask your child what their writing goal is. Their writing goal might change day to day.
I have been continuing to work on PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) with students during our literacy station time. All students have completed a spelling and word list screening. Currently I am working with each student to read a passage and answer comprehension questions.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Monday, Monday!
This morning I continued working on spring math assessments. Students spent the time practicing math skills through written work and games.
During social studies we continued to learn about ways to spend money wisely and budget. The students worked in groups to complete 'spending money scenarios'. The students needed to decide what items they should spend their money buying. As I was walking around I heard one student say to another "do you really think we need cotton candy?!" :)
Students also began learning about needs and wants today. We learned that a need is something you must have to live and a want is something you would really like to have, but can live without.
This afternoon the students had a substitute in the classroom while I worked on the spring round of PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening). All students completed sight word reading and a spelling test. Back in the classroom the students were busy working on writing, learning new word wall words, listening to a realistic fiction story and participating in independent literacy rotations!
This week's word wall words: better, other, show, walk
During social studies we continued to learn about ways to spend money wisely and budget. The students worked in groups to complete 'spending money scenarios'. The students needed to decide what items they should spend their money buying. As I was walking around I heard one student say to another "do you really think we need cotton candy?!" :)
Students also began learning about needs and wants today. We learned that a need is something you must have to live and a want is something you would really like to have, but can live without.
This afternoon the students had a substitute in the classroom while I worked on the spring round of PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening). All students completed sight word reading and a spelling test. Back in the classroom the students were busy working on writing, learning new word wall words, listening to a realistic fiction story and participating in independent literacy rotations!
This week's word wall words: better, other, show, walk
Happening this week...
Our spring book fair is happening this week. All purchases are 'buy one get one' free! What a great way to stock up for summer reading! Our class will be visiting the book fair on Tuesday afternoon. There is also a Family Night scheduled for Thursday from 5:30-8:00. Dinner is being served and the book fair will be open!
Friday is a school spirit day. Stay tuned for the theme!
Sunday afternoon is the Timber Rattlers baseball game for students who have read and earned their free ticket! Congratulations to everyone who participated! Hopefully it will be a beautiful day for a ball game! If your child did not send back the form to receive a free ticket for Sunday's game they will be receiving a voucher which can be used for a future Timber Rattlers game.
Friday is a school spirit day. Stay tuned for the theme!
Sunday afternoon is the Timber Rattlers baseball game for students who have read and earned their free ticket! Congratulations to everyone who participated! Hopefully it will be a beautiful day for a ball game! If your child did not send back the form to receive a free ticket for Sunday's game they will be receiving a voucher which can be used for a future Timber Rattlers game.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
It's already Friday!
I apologize for not having more updated posts this week - all of a sudden it's Thursday night! Time flies when you're having fun! According to our classroom calculations we have 33 more days of first grade! One of our students was able to mentally solve 180-147 today to find out how many more day - wow!
This week in math we have been continuing to explore skip counting by tens off the decade, for example 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73... This is a great concept for your child to practice at home or in the car! We have also been sharing strategies for adding two two-digit numbers together. Instead of teaching the traditional addition methods it is great for students to start with finding 'friendly numbers' and being able to add mentally and truly develop an understanding for working with numbers! Please contact me if you have questions about these math strategies.
In social studies we have been talking about earning money, as well as spending and saving money.
Today students wrote for 45 minutes independently to demonstrate their learning throughout our opinion writing unit. Ask your child what they wrote about today! We have a variety of topics including the best pet, the best book, the best sport, the best friend and more! Mrs. McFarlin and I look forward to reading and analyzing all of the first grade pieces!
This week in math we have been continuing to explore skip counting by tens off the decade, for example 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73... This is a great concept for your child to practice at home or in the car! We have also been sharing strategies for adding two two-digit numbers together. Instead of teaching the traditional addition methods it is great for students to start with finding 'friendly numbers' and being able to add mentally and truly develop an understanding for working with numbers! Please contact me if you have questions about these math strategies.
In social studies we have been talking about earning money, as well as spending and saving money.
Today students wrote for 45 minutes independently to demonstrate their learning throughout our opinion writing unit. Ask your child what they wrote about today! We have a variety of topics including the best pet, the best book, the best sport, the best friend and more! Mrs. McFarlin and I look forward to reading and analyzing all of the first grade pieces!
Saturday, April 18, 2015
The week ahead...
Monday:
*We will have a substitute teacher in the classroom for the morning only. I will be in the building, but I will be completing end of year math assessments with individual students. All students will be individually assessed within the next few weeks.
*At 10:30 there will be an all school assembly presented by historian Joshua Ranger. He will be telling students all about Dr. Jacob Shapiro and his love of nature and Earth Day!
Wednesday:
*We will be off to our field trip to plant trees at Jacob Shapiro Park near the UW-Oshkosh campus. Please make sure your child is dressed comfortably in clothes that are okay to get dirty! We will be returning to school in time for lunch.
*1:35 - Early Release
*We will have a substitute teacher in the classroom for the morning only. I will be in the building, but I will be completing end of year math assessments with individual students. All students will be individually assessed within the next few weeks.
*At 10:30 there will be an all school assembly presented by historian Joshua Ranger. He will be telling students all about Dr. Jacob Shapiro and his love of nature and Earth Day!
Wednesday:
*We will be off to our field trip to plant trees at Jacob Shapiro Park near the UW-Oshkosh campus. Please make sure your child is dressed comfortably in clothes that are okay to get dirty! We will be returning to school in time for lunch.
*1:35 - Early Release
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Math Measurement Exploration
This week during math the students explored measuring lengths of paper using cubes. We talked about many different strategies. Some strategies included linking cubes, making color patterns and skip counting!
Edible Matter Experiments!
This week we took solid chocolate and melted it into a liquid! We dipped pretzels for a yummy snack! We also took liquid heavy cream and applied enough force through shaking to turn it into a solid! We spread it onto bread for another snack!
Building for Kids Field Trip
Here are a few photos from our field trip to the Building for Kids in Appleton!
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