Happy Monday! We have a lot going on in the next two weeks. It’s the final push toward the winter break, and as the weather gets cold please make sure your child is bringing a coat to school and wearing appropriate clothing. We will go out for recess every day unless the temperature is below 32 degrees or raining.Today, students should have bought home their math homework for this week. It will be due on Friday.
First grade is beginning a study on the book Boxes for Katje. It is a beautiful story about giving from the heart and helping those less fortunate than we are. In conjunction with this book study, we will be collecting items for charities. Each first-grade teacher had chosen a charity to which her class may donate. Our organization is A Child's Place. This organization works endlessly to erase the impact of homelessness on children and education. I would like our class to focus on collecting urgent need toiletries. This includes:
-Soap
-Washcloths
-Deodorant
-African American Hair Products (some brand options include: Motions, Olive Oil, Crème of Nature)
-Lotion
-Tissues (boxes and travel size)
-Child-friendly products- deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
-Gallon sized Ziploc bags
You can send those items in whenever you wish, prior to December 20th. Please know this is COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY. We know that throughout this season you may be giving to other organizations, and we do not want to put an undue strain on your families. If you wish to donate, feel free. If you do not, that is fine!
In Curriculum:
Literacy: We have begun Unit 2, which is all about reading to learn and writing to understand patterns of the sun, moon, and stars. We will be reading to build our understanding of patterns, and answer the question “What patterns can we observe in the sky?” During this unit, we will also be working to become ethical people and examine our habits for how we treat others. We will practice the habit of integrity and taking responsibility for our learning by participating in Science Talks in small groups and will be creating a Sky Notebook with all our learning in it.
We will continue to work hard during Skills Block within our small groups in Writing, Fluency, Word Work, AIR, and with the teacher.
Math: We begin Topic 5, which is working with addition and subtraction equations. We will be finding missing numbers to make equations true, work with word problems with three addends, and understanding the equal sign. We will also be working hard at differentiated levels within the classroom to gain mastery of these standards through games, technology, projects, and standards-based activities.
Social Studies: We are exploring the topic of Wants and Needs as we read the book Boxes for Katje. We will talk about goods and services, wants vs. needs (very appropriate this time of year!) and tie in the idea of giving to those who are in need.
Important Dates:
Friday, December 6: Progress Reports go home
Friday, December 20: Class Winter Parties 12:45-1:45 (Please make sure to sign your child out after the party if you are taking them with you!)
Ms. Finch