Here are a few things we did this week:
- We got to know each other. We used Play Dough to make a sculpture that described something from our summer. Then we took turns sharing these with the class. It was a lot of fun seeing students show their creative side, as well as what memories stood out the most to them.
- We learned two rules #1: Follow directions quickly and #2: Raise your hand for permission to speak. We have practiced reciting these rules, what they look like (and don't look like!), and next week we will learn some additional rules. Ask your child to tell you about these rules and ask what the hand signals are after I say the rule numbers.
- We learned what a time capsule is, and using our Pringels cans, made time capsules. We measured how tall we are, traced and cut out our hands and feet, wrote about some of our favorite things, drew pictures of ourselves, and took a photo of ourselves. These will be tucked away until the last week of school!
- We learned that it is okay to make mistakes! We learned that when we make mistakes, our brains grow. No one is perfect, and sometimes making mistakes can make life more interesting!
- We completed a writing pre-assessment in which we wrote about a summer memory.
- We started our first chapter book - The Chocolate Touch. I love starting our year this way. Ask your child to tell you about John Midas and what it is that he loves.
Coming Up:
- Tuesday, September 5: Return Ziploc bag with 10 items (see purple folders)
- Friday, September 15: Early Release Day (Wear Bauer Awesome Shirts!)
- Friday, September 22: Walk-a-thon
A Few Other Things:
- Newsletters: Look for newsletters most weekends. Sometimes they come on Fridays, sometimes Sunday evening. It just depends on what is happening in our classroom and with my family. Typically these come once a week in the fall, as we move toward spring, sometimes every other week. These will be posted on the blog. If you have not subscribed yet, please do. And if you have subscribed, you should have gotten a confirmation email. If you didn't, check your spam folder.
- Pictures on the Blog: I like to include pictures on our blog for you to see what your child is up to here in 1st grade. If I cannot include pictures of your child, please email me to let me know.
- Thank you: A big thank you to all of you that donated classroom supplies. I understand how expensive these items are. It really helps as we go throughout our year. Thank you! We could still use some boxes of honey graham crackers (used for students that forget their snacks) if anyone else would like to donate some.
- Book orders: These can be placed online at https://orders.scholastic.com/LGVW7 by September 11. This is a great opportunity to add to your collection at very reasonable prices!
- Water Bottles: If your child chooses to bring a water bottle, please make sure it is not a twist off cap. Thank you!
- Volunteers: We love volunteers in first grade. There will be many opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, including class parties and our field trip, but there will also be opportunities in our classroom. We will be looking for weekly volunteers to help students practice reading fluency phrases, volunteers during math workshop, a volunteer to help stuff data binders, and a parent to help run copies, laminate, etc. I will be sending home an email in the coming weeks to gather names of those that may be interested and the times help is needed.
As always, please be in touch with any questions, thoughts, or concerns you have at any time. I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend!
