I’ve decided to send my weekly letter out on Mondays. I feel like things and important upcoming events get missed when I send it out Fridays (especially when we have a long break). So, plan to receive my weekly letters on Mondays instead of Fridays.
It was a jam-packed week in the first grade! We finished up working on our th, sh, ch, and wh digraphs. Many students are no longer sounding out the individual sounds, but chunking the letters together to make one sound. That’s a win in my book! In math we worked through story problems. Students were told the total number of balloons then they were shown pictures of hot air balloons (for example) where you can see some, but the rest are hidden under clouds. Students had to figure out how many of the hot air balloons were hidden under the clouds. We also utilized our number racks. I showed them 20 beads.
Then, I covered up the beads and slid some over and students had to figure out how many beads were behind the cover. Try doing that at home with your child, telling them the quantity you have in your hands, only showing them some of what you have, and having them figure out how many is hidden in your hand.
In Science/Social Studies we have transitioned from reading fictional literature about the sun, moon, and stars, and we are now reading and learning information about the sun, moon and stars. As a way of teaching maps, continents, and countries and cultures around the world, first grade is beginning to learn about countries and holidays around the world. We spent this week learning the difference between a map and globe. I gave the students some time to explore and look at maps. Learning about holidays around the world, will be an ongoing activity we will continue throughout the school year. Holidays aren’t just celebrated at this time of the year, but many students are excited about this time of year, so we felt it would be a great opportunity to create an environment of inclusiveness and give students an opportunity to learn from one another about the diverse perspectives and traditions and celebrations of families from many cultures and how these have shaped the United States. If there’s a holiday or culture you’d like to share with our class, please reach out and let me know. I’d be very happy to incorporate as much as I can!
Reminders
NEWSPAPER: If you have any newspaper’s lying around, we are in need of them! Ana’s mom is going to share about Posada to our class! Each student will get to decorate their own piñata. If you have any newspapers lying around, please send them in with your child.
MAGIC TREEHOUSE: I’m wanting to do a book study with some of my readers in class. If any of you have the Magic Treehouse #3 Mummies in the morning, I would greatly appreciate borrowing it.
VOLUNTEER: If you want to come spend time with our class here’s the link to sign up to help out during reading stations. I’ve included sign up to either run a phonics station or read books with students in the library. Email [email protected] for sign up.
DECEMBER RESTAURANT DAY: On Friday, December 21st from open to close on our first day of break, HashTAG (10155 E 29th Dr #120, Denver, CO 80238) is giving back 15% on all Inspire sales. This includes food and drinks, dine-in and carry-out. Gather some of your Inspire buddies, and let's celebrate the end of a fantastic 2018 as a community! Remember to tell your server you are with Inspire!
COLD WEATHER: Colder weather is on its way! Please write your child’s name inside of their winter coats and instruct them to store their hats and gloves inside their coat pockets for safe-keeping. It is your child’s responsibility to keep track of their coats, boots, hats, and gloves this winter (I will do my very best to help out as well).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 12/5 @ 4:00 PM Collaborative School Committee (CSC) Meeting
Thursday, 12/6 @ 8:00 AM Social Emotional Learning Parent Networking Coffee
Thursday, 12/13 @ 5:00 PM School Tour
Thursday, 12/13 @ 6:00 PM PTO Meeting
Friday, 12/14 @ 8:00 AM Inspiring Students Celebration
Thursday, 12/20 Spirit Day; Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
Thursday, 12/20 @ 2:00 PM Winter Wonderland Party in classrooms
Friday, 12/21 No School; Professional Development Day
Friday, 12/21 Restaurant Day at HashTag 7a-2:30p
12/22 - 1/6 No School
Thanks for sharing your child with me!
Warmly,
Mrs. Cranfill
Mssandberg.weebly.com