We are done with the seventies, on to the eighties which means we are days away from the middle of first grade. Has it gone quickly?
Today we blended with the short-oo sound. We also had our dance off and I'm very glad that it was a closed performance, but hopefully everyone had fun at least.
We had a test on topic 12 today. Considering how fast we had to cover the material, I think we managed to keep our heads above water for the most part.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Seventy-Eighth Day
I forgot to remind the kids that we had agreed on boys wearing black shirts and girls wearing red shirts for our dance on Monday.
Today we blended with long-oo spelled 'oo', 'u_e', 'u', '_ew', and '_eu'. This is the vowel sound in 'soon' as opposed to short-oo as in 'book'.
I decided to postpone the math test as there were a number of students absent today. We began topic 13 and began comparing and ordering numbers to 100. In this unit students will have to find numbers one less and one more and ten less and ten more.
In science we recorded in our science journals what we have learned about air so far.
Congratulations to table 2 for having at least 95 grams of points this week and to table 4 for exceeding the standard this week. The next goal will be 100 grams.
Thanks again for your interest and today was not too late to turn in forms for Literacy Night.
Today we blended with long-oo spelled 'oo', 'u_e', 'u', '_ew', and '_eu'. This is the vowel sound in 'soon' as opposed to short-oo as in 'book'.
I decided to postpone the math test as there were a number of students absent today. We began topic 13 and began comparing and ordering numbers to 100. In this unit students will have to find numbers one less and one more and ten less and ten more.
In science we recorded in our science journals what we have learned about air so far.
Congratulations to table 2 for having at least 95 grams of points this week and to table 4 for exceeding the standard this week. The next goal will be 100 grams.
Thanks again for your interest and today was not too late to turn in forms for Literacy Night.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Seventy-Seventh Day
Thank you to those who were able to turn in their Literacy Night reply forms so quickly. If you change your mind or plans just change one way or the other please let us know before the event.
I am able to publish this earlier from school today as our classroom computers have been fixed. Thanks to LAUSD ITD department.
Room 11 had the best attendance for the month of December. Congratulations! Unfortunately there is no tangible prize for this month. The actual contest will begin with January's attendance.
Today we blended with long-i spelled '_y' and '_ie'. We noticed that many words which end in the long-e sound spelled 'y' are two or more syllables and those with only one syllable ending with 'y' are long-i. We reviewed all that we had learned about transportation over t he course of the unit. It seemed like quite a bit.
In math we found all possible ways to make a number by manipulating ones and tens. We will do this for our homework as well. This brings us to the end of topic 12.
In science we began our weather unit in which we will observe the force of air pressure pushing on objects and materials, observe, describe and record changes in weather, and become familiar with some instruments used by meteorologists, among other things. Today we explored the interaction of air and other solids.
I am able to publish this earlier from school today as our classroom computers have been fixed. Thanks to LAUSD ITD department.
Room 11 had the best attendance for the month of December. Congratulations! Unfortunately there is no tangible prize for this month. The actual contest will begin with January's attendance.
Today we blended with long-i spelled '_y' and '_ie'. We noticed that many words which end in the long-e sound spelled 'y' are two or more syllables and those with only one syllable ending with 'y' are long-i. We reviewed all that we had learned about transportation over t he course of the unit. It seemed like quite a bit.
In math we found all possible ways to make a number by manipulating ones and tens. We will do this for our homework as well. This brings us to the end of topic 12.
In science we began our weather unit in which we will observe the force of air pressure pushing on objects and materials, observe, describe and record changes in weather, and become familiar with some instruments used by meteorologists, among other things. Today we explored the interaction of air and other solids.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Seventy-Sixth Day
Today we reviewed long vowel spellings. We used quotation marks in dictation for the first time.
Today was perhaps one of the more difficult math lessons of first grade. We had to take the lesson very slowly. We built several numbers with physical models using ones and tens. We then moved tens to ones to create more ones and recorded new addition sentences to match. Our homework tonight will reflect these manipulations. At home you may consider using some type of manipulative to represent ones and tens in order to complete the work. Essentially, a student with a strong grasp of the concept and good money skills could use pennies and dimes to represent the ideas.
We used rhythm sticks to find the beat of a song for music.
Please return the orange Literacy Night attendance sheet as soon as possible even though the night is scheduled for the beginning of March. The reason for this is that one of the parents at our school has offered to donate the food for the evening and we would like to get as accurate a head count as possible to know what resources will be required.
Today was perhaps one of the more difficult math lessons of first grade. We had to take the lesson very slowly. We built several numbers with physical models using ones and tens. We then moved tens to ones to create more ones and recorded new addition sentences to match. Our homework tonight will reflect these manipulations. At home you may consider using some type of manipulative to represent ones and tens in order to complete the work. Essentially, a student with a strong grasp of the concept and good money skills could use pennies and dimes to represent the ideas.
We used rhythm sticks to find the beat of a song for music.
Please return the orange Literacy Night attendance sheet as soon as possible even though the night is scheduled for the beginning of March. The reason for this is that one of the parents at our school has offered to donate the food for the evening and we would like to get as accurate a head count as possible to know what resources will be required.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Seventy-Fifth Day
Today we blended with long-u spelling '_ue' and '_ew'. This is to be distinguished from long-oo as in 'glue' and 'blew', but rather the vowel sound in 'cue' and 'pew'. The long-u sound can only follow the consonants 'b', '/k/', 'f', 'g', 'h', 'j', 'm', 'p', 'v' and 'y'; otherwise, it is beginning a syllable as in 'value'.
We skip counted by tens starting at numbers other than 10 as reflected in our homework. We also have a spelling sheet for homework today.
It turns out our dance teacher (due to scheduling conflicts this semester) has decided to have an informal culminating performance for students only. After considering our level of proficiency this may be a wise decision.
As a reminder, students are expected to return corrected homework to school for credit. Also, please look over your child's homework before they bring it to school.
Also, I was considering covering the use of thinking maps for parents during the literacy night coming up (more information to follow). If there is anything else you think would be helpful or if you think this would be a good use of the time please give your feedback.
We skip counted by tens starting at numbers other than 10 as reflected in our homework. We also have a spelling sheet for homework today.
It turns out our dance teacher (due to scheduling conflicts this semester) has decided to have an informal culminating performance for students only. After considering our level of proficiency this may be a wise decision.
As a reminder, students are expected to return corrected homework to school for credit. Also, please look over your child's homework before they bring it to school.
Also, I was considering covering the use of thinking maps for parents during the literacy night coming up (more information to follow). If there is anything else you think would be helpful or if you think this would be a good use of the time please give your feedback.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Seventy-Fourth Day
Today we competed with other tables to be the quickest at listening for and categorizing short and long vowel sounds. We then blended with long-o spelled 'oa_' and '_ow'. We read our last transportation selection about trucks and discussed art selections with the theme transportation. We created the beginning of a tree map which categorized forms of transportation according to their sphere/mode: air, water, land, space.
We continued examining two digit numbers and the meaning of place value. Our homework is math.
We began working with maps and using our mind's eye to view from different perspectives. Using found objects we made a map for our desk. Our next task will be to create a simple map of the classroom. Much more will follow.
We continued examining two digit numbers and the meaning of place value. Our homework is math.
We began working with maps and using our mind's eye to view from different perspectives. Using found objects we made a map for our desk. Our next task will be to create a simple map of the classroom. Much more will follow.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Seventy-Third Day
Today we blended with long-o spelled '_oe'.
We constructed numbers with 10's without any ones. Your child has their graded math test in hand (backpack). Nineteen students passed with a score of 15 or better. There were 2 perfect scores, 11 students with 20 points or better. The passing score was somewhat lower this test due to performance assessment being worth 7 points.
We constructed numbers with 10's without any ones. Your child has their graded math test in hand (backpack). Nineteen students passed with a score of 15 or better. There were 2 perfect scores, 11 students with 20 points or better. The passing score was somewhat lower this test due to performance assessment being worth 7 points.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Seventy-Second Day
Today we reviewed several spelling concepts especially with inflected endings. and there will be more endings to come. Suffice it to say, we dropped a lot of y's changing them to i's.... We also went clear around the world talking about all forms of transportation in land, air, and water. We began comparing/contrasting two modes of choice with a double bubble thinking map. I have suggested to students in the past that if they wanted to construct a thinking map at home for transportation that this would be very appropriate.
We took our Topic 11 math test today. I have to say it was a learning experience for all of us. Do you know that 1st graders understandably think that starfish have only two arms? The problem here lies in trying to explain to 1st graders that Patrick's head is actually an arm. You have to be mistaken Mr. B. Say it's not so. Is that why whenever Patrick looses his "head" he's able to grow back a new one? Anyway, math scores will be forthcoming.
We began Topic 12 today and will be constructing and deconstructing numbers with ten's and one's. Homework is math 12-1.
We took our Topic 11 math test today. I have to say it was a learning experience for all of us. Do you know that 1st graders understandably think that starfish have only two arms? The problem here lies in trying to explain to 1st graders that Patrick's head is actually an arm. You have to be mistaken Mr. B. Say it's not so. Is that why whenever Patrick looses his "head" he's able to grow back a new one? Anyway, math scores will be forthcoming.
We began Topic 12 today and will be constructing and deconstructing numbers with ten's and one's. Homework is math 12-1.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Seventy-First Day
Today we blended with long-i spelled 'igh'.
We used a hundred chart to count backwards. There is math and a spelling sheet for homework. If you would like to increase the rigor of the homework, you might consider requiring your child to write a sentence to go with the pictures they draw which illustrate the words with the designated spelling.
We used a hundred chart to count backwards. There is math and a spelling sheet for homework. If you would like to increase the rigor of the homework, you might consider requiring your child to write a sentence to go with the pictures they draw which illustrate the words with the designated spelling.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Seventieth Day
We began the day with many students changing seats.
Today we blended with long-a spellings '_ai' and 'ay_'. We continued working with plural and inflected endings after long-e spelled '_y'. We have also been learning how to alphabetize to the second letter. We have been working with homophones and had a project assigned today with homophones. We began a reading selection which will help to answer the question: how is transportation different in different countries. If your child is interested in submitting a digital project, there are many free presentation platforms available on the Web. One which is very easy to learn is Glogster. You must be 14 years of age to open an account, so parent guidance will be necessary. Another good tool is Prezi but takes a little more time to learn.
We used skip counting to solve math problems today. Homework is in math.
Today we blended with long-a spellings '_ai' and 'ay_'. We continued working with plural and inflected endings after long-e spelled '_y'. We have also been learning how to alphabetize to the second letter. We have been working with homophones and had a project assigned today with homophones. We began a reading selection which will help to answer the question: how is transportation different in different countries. If your child is interested in submitting a digital project, there are many free presentation platforms available on the Web. One which is very easy to learn is Glogster. You must be 14 years of age to open an account, so parent guidance will be necessary. Another good tool is Prezi but takes a little more time to learn.
We used skip counting to solve math problems today. Homework is in math.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Sixty-Ninth Day
Today we reviewed long vowel spellings in combination with consonant 'r'. We compared the genres of realistic fiction and fiction.
In math we used number patterns to solve story problems. Some students may need to review their work at home with parents.
In math we used number patterns to solve story problems. Some students may need to review their work at home with parents.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sixty-Eighth Day
Today we spent a while working with the long-e spellings '_y' and '_ie_'. This meant forming plurals for nouns like baby (babies). We "dropped the 'y', made it an 'i' and added 'es'. We read the poem Song of the Train. I then had the students recall the poem Work Song and then challenged them to write a poem called School Song in their writing journals.
In math we practiced skip counting and using a 100's board. We have two pages of math for homework.
We continued and concluded our work with small particles in science.
If anyone has mentioned possibly taking a trip to Balboa Island Fun Zone, it is because I may have mentioned that it would be an interesting experience to drive your car onto the ferry to get there. The ferry can be found by turning right onto Jamboree from PCH south and continuing until you reach the ferry dock. Once across the water you will find restaurants, rides, and arcade games. Students in years past have based their transportation project on their family's trip to Balboa.
In math we practiced skip counting and using a 100's board. We have two pages of math for homework.
We continued and concluded our work with small particles in science.
If anyone has mentioned possibly taking a trip to Balboa Island Fun Zone, it is because I may have mentioned that it would be an interesting experience to drive your car onto the ferry to get there. The ferry can be found by turning right onto Jamboree from PCH south and continuing until you reach the ferry dock. Once across the water you will find restaurants, rides, and arcade games. Students in years past have based their transportation project on their family's trip to Balboa.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sixty-Seventh Day
We were introduced to long-e spelled 'ee' and 'ea'. We reviewed antonyms.
We used physical number models to compare numbers with minor differences using the terms 'fewer' and 'more'. Our homework reviews this concept.
Half of the class (tables 2 and 4) got a turn (working with partner pairs) to solve a science challenge using our knowledge of small particle solids. Tables 1 and 3 will have their turn tomorrow.
We used physical number models to compare numbers with minor differences using the terms 'fewer' and 'more'. Our homework reviews this concept.
Half of the class (tables 2 and 4) got a turn (working with partner pairs) to solve a science challenge using our knowledge of small particle solids. Tables 1 and 3 will have their turn tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sixty-Sixth Day
Today we reviewed long-e spelled 'e_e' and 'e at the end..." We worked on Tree Maps independently to record sensory details for riding in a car. Most students then used their maps to work on or complete a narrative essay.
We counted by tens in math and this is our homework.
If anyone received shoes for the holiday and still has the box, the third grade teachers are collecting shoe boxes for an upcoming project.
We counted by tens in math and this is our homework.
If anyone received shoes for the holiday and still has the box, the third grade teachers are collecting shoe boxes for an upcoming project.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sixty-Fifth Day
Welcome back.
Today we reviewed various long vowel spellings. We began working with adding sensory details to our writing to make our narratives more interesting. We also worked on beginning and closing statements. We used a Tree Map to organize our writing ideas. Tomorrow we will work independently to write narratives about an experience when we rode in a car. We discussed ideas about modes of transportation in times past. Several students used the phrase "in the day" to describe this time. To be specific we will be looking at transportation for approximately 100 years ago. This would be a good unit to work on at-home projects for the Concept/Question Board. As discussed in class, these projects help your child's homework grade (from a 3 to a 4) and possibly add to stars on the Star Chart. If you would like to a see samples of past projects please stop by after school as I have located my samples from previous years.
We continued conceptualizing numbers between 10 and 21. We hope to solidify our understanding and the meaning of the place values of numbers this year.
We had a brief introduction to music notation today with an emphasis on rhythm.
There is a spelling sheet and a math sheet for homework.
We practiced our dance which we helped to choreograph with Ms. Marrin and which may lead to a performance later this month.
Today we reviewed various long vowel spellings. We began working with adding sensory details to our writing to make our narratives more interesting. We also worked on beginning and closing statements. We used a Tree Map to organize our writing ideas. Tomorrow we will work independently to write narratives about an experience when we rode in a car. We discussed ideas about modes of transportation in times past. Several students used the phrase "in the day" to describe this time. To be specific we will be looking at transportation for approximately 100 years ago. This would be a good unit to work on at-home projects for the Concept/Question Board. As discussed in class, these projects help your child's homework grade (from a 3 to a 4) and possibly add to stars on the Star Chart. If you would like to a see samples of past projects please stop by after school as I have located my samples from previous years.
We continued conceptualizing numbers between 10 and 21. We hope to solidify our understanding and the meaning of the place values of numbers this year.
We had a brief introduction to music notation today with an emphasis on rhythm.
There is a spelling sheet and a math sheet for homework.
We practiced our dance which we helped to choreograph with Ms. Marrin and which may lead to a performance later this month.
For your information, we will be discussing:
- transportation in different parts of the world, how factors such as geography and economics can influence modes of transportation
- different sources of energy for transportation
- the impact of various forms of transportation on the environment
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