Math Update

We recently began our new unit on measurement. It is important for students to understand why we use the standard 12 inch foot to measure distance. For this, we put our own feet to the test! First, we worked in pairs to trace each other's feet on paper. The students used their cut-out feet to measure objects around the classroom.

The students noticed that many of us got different answers when we measured the same objects. This demonstrated to the students how important it is to use the standard foot when measuring so that we all get the same answer! Here's us cutting out the standard 12 inch foot and remeasuring objects. This time, our answers were more consistent.

The students have been working with rulers over the past few days to measure objects and line segments. We also learned how to draw line segments. Today, we explored using tape measures. This brought some giggles as we measured each other's wrists, arms, hand span and ankles. What a fun afternoon we had!

We're Going Nuts About Nonfiction!

We have been busy in Room 29 diving into our nonfiction books. Here's a peek at the anchor charts we created last week. Each day, we review our charts and add a new skill or strategy based on what I model or teach to the students on that given day. Then, each reader goes off to practice the skill using books from their book bags.

As seen in the chart to the right, we have been spending time talking about how post-its can be a useful tool when reading. The students are working on using post-it to jot down questions, thoughts, or reactions they have. It's amazing to see what great thinking they are doing as they read!

I will post tomorrow with an update regarding what we've been working on in math. Have a great night!

Reader's and Writer's Workshop

In reader's workshop last week, we started our new nonfiction unit. We began by discussing that reading nonfiction books is important because it helps us understand and learn about our world and the things in it. We looked carefully at a few nonfiction books and noticed what was the same about them. This brought on conversations about nonfiction text features and we discussed how these features can guide us as we read to deepen our understanding of different topics.

Nonfiction Features Anchor Chart

Nonfiction reading is fun and engaging for first grade students because they can explore and learn more about animals they like, places they want to visit and topics that they find interesting. Here's a few of my readers enjoying their nonfiction books:

In writer's workshop this week, we began our new nonfiction writing unit. The unit begins with writing How-To books. The students spent last week brainstorming things they know how to do well and making a list of things they could teach someone else how to do. Making Easy Mac, catching a butterfly, and doing a somersault were among a few! The students planned out each step carefully and then worked with a partner to check their steps. One partner read their steps while the other partner pretended to act each one of them out. The students had so much fun with this!

We then studied several How-To books and discussed how we can transfer the steps on our planning pages onto each page of our How-To books. I am so impressed by how well the students are doing. Plus, I am learning how to do so many new things! Check it out!

How to Jump Off a Swing

How to Make Cookies

How to Make (fake) Snow with Ice and a Blender

How to Catch a Butterfly

How to Make Toast

Stay tuned this week as we continue to work on our books. More pictures to come!

Update

Hi all,

Unfortunately, I have caught wind of the stomach bug that is traveling around. I left first thing this morning because I did not want anyone else to catch it. I was so happy to hear the students were cooperative and flexible for the substitute today. I will compliment them when I return!

I was unable to get the gumball quizzes back to the students today but will hand them back when I return. Congratulations to Anthony, Jeniffer, Fariz, Aidan, Brian and Eliza for earning a gumball! Since I was not there to distribute new flash cards, we will not have a gumball quiz this week. For students who will be working with their current flashcards again next week, I would encourage them to take the extra time to practice tonight and tomorrow night! There are no nightly readers or sight word packs so please have your child review the words we have already covered and read books of choice from home.

I did ask for the math homework to be sent home tonight. If it was difficult for your child, please write me a little note and I will be sure to go over it with them. We will review telling time to the half hour again in our upcoming math lessons too.

Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to wish all of my wonderful first grade families a very happy holidays! I am so very lucky to have such sweet students in my class this year. It has been great getting to know everyone and I so much appreciate all that you do for our classroom. Thinking of you and hoping everyone's holiday is filled with nothing but smiles and love. I'm looking forward to hearing all about some fantastic vacations too!

See you next year! ;)

With love,
Miss Waterman

Happy 12/12/12!

It was wonderful seeing parents again this afternoon for conferences! I enjoyed chatting with each of you about your little one. I am looking forward to next week's conferences too. Please let me know if your assigned time does not work for any reason and we will work it out!

We have been busy little elves in our classroom. In Reader's Workshop, we are working hard on our character unit. The students have been meeting characters in their books and thinking about how these characters feel, act, etc. to deepen their undestanding of the story. When reading with your child, you can reinforce this at home by discussing what the character does, how the character changes/feels, and brainstorming words to describe the character's personality.

In Social Studies, we are working hard on our Holidays Around the World unit. Each day, we are visiting a new country and learning about how that country celebrates the holidays. So far we have learned about Mexico and Sweden. The students are using their map skills to locate the country. We have also been reading books and completing information pages in our world scrapbooks. Tomorrow, we will "travel" to Germany!

I hope everyone is practicing their math facts for this week's gumball quiz! Please keep in mind that each student will work at their own pace and we want to celebrate all personal accomplishments. I encourage the students to aim for their personal best, even if that means trying to complete five more problems than the previous week! We have spent a lot of time discussing the difference between being proud of hard work vs. bragging. For some, the quizzes may seem easy at first, but will increase in difficulty as your child continues on. For others, practice, practice, practice is the best way to build that FACT POWER! :)

Stay tuned for pictures coming soon!

Gumball Math

Today your child came home with a letter describing a new thing that will be happening in our classroom each week: Gumball Math!

Please be sure to read over the letter carefully. Students should cut out their flashcards and begin practicing for Friday's quiz. Because the quiz is timed, it is important for your child to build "fact power". This requires memorization and practice, practice, practice!

Any questions or concerns- please feel free to email me. :)