Contractions

During our word work lessons we have been and will continue learning about contractions. Contractions are words like I'm, I'll, can't don't, etc. These words can be tricky at first for first graders. But once they are exposed to them, they enjoy finding them in their books and other reading. Don't be surprised when your child begins to point them out to you, too.

Kidblogs
If you haven't checked out our Kidblog page lately, you might want to drop by. We have been busy bloggers this week. The link is on the sidebar of this blog page so you can find it easily in the future. Right now you can just click here.

Homework
No homework for the weekend. Enjoy some great books with your child.

IA
Our IA next week is PE. Please help your child remember to dress appropriately.

Math Explorations

When we first learn about a new topic in math,  we try to just explore it to begin to build definitions of various concepts. Today we explored three new topics: surface area, comparing weights using a balance scale and trying to use efficient strategies to count large numbers of items. We didn't learn any formulas or symbols to use with these topics yet. Our goal was just to begin to develop an understanding of area, weight and using efficient strategies. We will revisit these topics again (and again) in the future.

Trying to figure out how many dominoes it takes to cover the surface of an individual white board.

Comparing the weights of various items using a balance scale.

Trying to efficiently count a large number of items.

Homework
Reading ~ Read a good book or two.
Math ~ Home Link 5.4 Counting Coins

Introduction to Addition of Two-Digit Numbers

In math today, we were introduced to addition of two-digit numbers. We did this by using our base-10 blocks. We created silly stories about animals and how much they would weigh together. Then we represented the weight of each animals with base-10 blocks and added the blocks together. We did not use regular math notation for this yet. We are working on building a deep understanding of place value and how addition works and then we will learn how to write it in symbols (25 + 36 = 61) at a later time. (Some children may begin using the symbols now. It just depends on how ready they are for that step.) Check out the pictures below for some examples.

You will notice that your child's homework is still adding only 1-digit numbers. Our homework is always related to what we do in class but is never as challenging. We want homework to be an easy review of skills for students. Eventually, you will see some of the 2-digit problems showing up on the homework - once we have had more experience working this type of problem. You can always increase the challenge of your child's homework with problems on the back of the page if you would like.

This is a way that you can draw the blocks to use this system at home.

Homework
Reading ~ Read a good book or two.
Math ~ Home Link 5.5 Domino Addition

Library
We have library tomorrow. Please help your child remember to return his or her library books.

Patriotic Symbols

When we write our Expeditions, there are often standards that don't "fit" into either our Social Studies or Science Expedition. We still learn about these standards but we do it as a "stand alone" unit. This week we started one of our "stand alone" units. It is on civics standards. We are taking a look at some of the patriotic symbols of the United States. We will also look at a few famous Americans and some patriotic holidays. Each year, the first graders are always fascinated by this unit. It only lasts a couple of weeks but we enjoy it while it lasts. Below are some of the resources we are using for this unit.

Shiny
This week we will also begin taking turns bringing home, Shiny the Kangaroo, our gift from Mrs. Price's class in Australia. Each child will have a day to bring Shiny home and write a story of his adventures (real or make-believe) with that child. Shiny will have his own book to record the stories in or your child could choose to write a blog post about it instead (or they could do both). Be on the look out for Shiny and his notebook in his black bag.

Homework
Reading ~ Read a good book or two.
Math ~ Home Link 5.3 Relation Symbols

Welcome Back!

Dear Crew,
It will be time to come back to school tomorrow. Look at the book collections I have gathered for us to look at when we do get back to school - Fly Guy and Little Critter books. I think you will really like them!

Other things to look forward to include: We will have Music this week. Mr. Bill and some of his friends will be coming to our classroom once a week to work with us after break. We will begin to learn some very basic coding/computer programing next week.

We have some cool building tools in our Build and Create station right now.

We also still have our Australia station to explore.

Finally, we will be starting something new during our Expedition time. I will tell you all about it tomorrow.

I don't know about you but I am excited to get back to school! See you soon!
Love,
Ms. Jill

Pacific Ocean Market and King's Land Restaurant

Wow! What a great day! We saw and experienced so much today. I will let the photos and your child speak for themselves. Thanks to all of the chaperones for coming along and helping us out.

Then it was time for our party!

Homework
No homework for the Winter Break. Please read lots of great books with your child.

IA
Our IA after break will be Music.

Have a great break and a wonderful holiday season spent with family and good friends!