Estimation vs. Measurement

Estimation was a big word in math today.  We discussed making wise guesses to help us estimate the lengths of different objects.  Then, we used cubes as our learning tool to actually measure how long different objects were.  This group did a great job verbalizing the difference between estimation and measurement and really enjoyed getting to work with the cubes.  

With a heat index of 105 degrees this afternoon, we stayed in for afternoon recess again.  We worked on an activity in which they used cubes to measure different parts of their bodies.  This gave them an opportunity to move around and use the skills we had just discussed in math.  I really enjoyed watching them work together on this project!  

A Great Week 1 and a HOT Week 2

We had a fabulous first week of first grade.  The students (and I) worked hard to get back into a school routine, adjusting both our minds and bodies.  We ended the week by working on sight words in shaving cream.  As you can imagine, they LOVED this activity and the classroom smelled great!

This week sure has been HOT and it doesn't look like the summer heat is leaving us anything soon.  The water bottles have been nice to have on the students' desks so they're not having to wait in a long line at the drinking fountain.  I have been keeping them in for our afternoon recess on these days with excessive heat.  We've been going to the library/computer lab and enjoying a read aloud during this time.  

Length is our first math unit.  It is labeled as Topic 12 on the student workmat.  We are working a little out of order.  You'll start to see math workmats come home from our daily practice.  Please take the time to have a conversation with your student about what he or she learned during the math lesson.  They liked the slideshow so much yesterday that they asked to watch it again.  You will get information at fall conferences about how to log on to Pearson SuccessNet at home and provide your child with an extra learning opportunity based on what we're covering at school.  If you'd like this information sooner, please email me.  

We've been using a metronome to help strengthen our brain.  Currently, we're practicing letter formation and letter sounds.  Ask your student how this works.  If you'd like more information, please email me.  

Please have a conversation with your student about bus safety.  Even if your student doesn't ride a bus daily, these conversations are important to have as we will go on a field trip.  Keep in mind all of the time that students in this district spend on a bus.  We are fortunate to have such dedicated drivers who work hard to ensure all students make it to and from school and other activities safe and on time. 

Read to Self

Since we've launched the Daily 5, we've practiced the three ways to read a book, how to choose a "good fit" book and practiced building our Read to Self stamina.  Below, you'll find a few pictures of what Read to Self looks like in 1U.

Day #2

All of the first graders in 1U came back to school well rested and ready for another day of learning.  Thank you!  I know how hard it can be to get back into a school bedtime routine but it is oh so important.  I have a few reminders/FYIs for you this evening.

• Tomorrow is a 12:30pm dismissal, NOT 1:00pm - District staff will be participating in ALICE training at the MS/HS.
• If your child has a different after school plan than what you gave me at Open House, please send a note.  I cannot let any student leave on a different bus, with a friend, etc without a note.  
• Feel free to practice the sight words on the master list with your student until cards are sent home.  Sometimes that is easier than flipping through a bunch of small cards.
• Please have your student read and return his or her take home book.  There is a sheet for you to fill out in your student's book bag.  
• Water bottles may be brought to school.  The students who brought them today handled them fabulously!  See the previous post for more information about water bottles in the classroom.
• Send a sweatshirt with your child daily or with one that can be kept at school.  Our classroom temperature varies and so does everyone's comfort level.  Dressing in layers is the best way to ensure your student is comfortable during the school day.
• Please remember to dress in gym appropriate attire on gym day.  Mr. Embretson has asked that students wear gym shoes on gym days or keep a pair in his or her locker.  Also, please keep in mind that students are very active, both at gym and recess.  Wearing skirts and dresses without shorts makes it challenging for students to fully participate in some activities.  

We've launched Daily 5 in first grade already!  Check back tomorrow night for pictures of how we practice becoming better readers and writers through "Read to Self."

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me.

First Day of FIRST GRADE!

We had a fabulous first day of FIRST GRADE!  We had a busy day full of assemblies, getting to know each other, routines, PBIS information, color fun and catching up with friends.  When children this age ask for a nap, I know they're tired!

The students LOVED their "Shine On in First Grade" notes you wrote them!  This was a great way to give them a little boost when they were feeling tired this afternoon.  If you'd like to surprise your child with another "Shine On" note throughout the school year, please feel free to do so.  I'd be glad to give you a copy of the one we used today, or feel free to use something you've got at home.

WATER BOTTLES:

Staying hydrated is one of the best things your student can do to soak up as much learning as possible in first grade.  If your student would like to bring a water bottle into the classroom, he or she is welcome to do so. We will fill these up every morning and they will be placed in a spot that is easy to access without being a distraction to learning.  The following are a few things we'd like you to think about when picking a good water bottle for school:

• Must be plastic or metal (no glass)
• Reusable with a lid that fits tight
• Small/Normal size (no larger than 24 oz)

  Please let me know if you have any questions.

TAKE HOME BOOKS:
As you know, reading is one of our highest priorities in first grade.  It is also the year your child is expected to grow the most.  This is no easy feat.  With plenty of collaboration and hard work, we can instill a love for learning and reading in your child.  I sent a "Take Home Book" home with each student today.  Please read the book and fill out the paper every evening.  If you are concerned the book I sent is not a good fit for your child, please email me and we can work through the bumps.  I used the information given to me from each student's kindergarten test scores to decide on the level of book they received today.  We can make changes if necessary as I'm sure there has been some fluctuation over the summer.

THANK YOU for letting me spend the day with your awesome children.  I really look forward to getting to each and every one of them better.  I am also looking forward to a great year with these kind, energetic and curious kiddos!

Get Caught Reading

Get Caught Reading is an excellent nonprofit organization that encourages children to read with the help of some of our favorite celebrities, athletes and cartoon characters.  Please email me a picture of your child reading for the "Get Caught Reading" wall in our classroom.

It's hard to believe we'll be starting in a week!  I'm getting excited to meet my next great group of first graders at Open House on Thursday!