Writing About Our Opinions

In writing we are currently working on a unit on opinion writing. We are beginning with writing about collections of items we have gathered. We are judging and selecting the best from our collection and writing out why we think that item is the best. We are working to include more than one reason for our opinion and several details that explain those reasons a little more. On the first day of the unit, it was pretty cute to see the crew all run to their desks to get started writing after our lesson on the carpet. They couldn't wait to write about their collections. As the unit progresses we will write opinions on many other things including restaurants and books. Below are some photos of our collections and photos of some of us writing about those collections. Also below is a short video of us playing a game of Four Corners to warm up our thinking about out opinions.

State Standards for this unit:
Grade Level Expectation:
  1. Write an opinion supported by reasons

Evidence Outcomes:
 Students Can:
 Introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about.
 State an opinion.
 Supply a reason for the opinion.
 Provide some sense of closure.

Video of Four Corners Game
 

Important Dates
1/20 No School ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2/13 Winter Voyage for First Grade
2/14 No School ~ Professional Development for Teachers
2/17 No School ~ Presidents' Day
3/16-3/30 Spring Break

Book Recommendations - Online Resources

There are some great online resources for books and stories. These are great when you are out and about, waiting in line or in a waiting room or traveling. Here are a few you might try out.

TumbleBooks - This site is free and is accessible through the Douglas County Public Library's Catalog. When you get to the library's site, search for TumbleBooks, then click "access online", then type in your library card number and pin, then your child can begin to read and/or listen to some great books. We use this site at school through the school district's connection and the crew really enjoys it. This site works best on a computer. It will work on a phone or tablet but the selection of stories is limited on these devices.

Storyline Online - This free website has videos of various actors reading a wide variety of great books. The crew also uses this site at school and loves it. This site has no login required. This site can be used on any device.

Epic! - This site is is free for teachers to use with their students at school. It can be used on a computer, phone or tablet. It is not free to use from home but you can get free 30 day trial which would be good to get you through the holidays. The crew also really enjoys this site, too.

Skybrary - This site is hosted by LeVar Burton and is related to the Reading Rainbow television series. I have not tried it but I have heard from families who have, that it is good. It is not free but you can get a free trial. It works on all devices.

The Douglas County Public library also has children's books available for check online, too. They will even help you figure out how to access the books on your device. Then you can check out books any time and anywhere!

Douglas County Public Library ebooks for kids

More ebooks at the library

Math Video for Parents

As promised, below is the link for a math video for parents that I highly recommend. It explains why we teach what we teach and why. It is so worth your time. Be sure to check it out.

What Happened to Math Class? Understanding the Shifts in Mathematics Teaching and How to Support Your Child's Learning from Mike Flynn on Vimeo.

Art

Our most recent artwork is on display in the main hallway. It is so beautiful. Check it out below but be sure to check it out in person next time you are in the building. We are so lucky to have Ms. Pam!

Books, Books, Books

I always have a large collection of books from the public library in our classroom. Right now I have several sets of series books that are just right for most of the crew. I thought I would share them with you all, too, so you could check some of these out on your next trip to the public library. There are many more books in some of these series. Ask your child to tell you about their favorite.

Important Dates
1/20 No School ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2/13 Winter Voyage for First Grade
2/14 No School ~ Professional Development for Teachers
2/17 No School ~ Presidents' Day
3/16-3/30 Spring Break