Mrs. Del Collo and Mrs. McLaren
Weekly update
Week of April 22, 2024:
This will be a 4 -day week. On Friday, there will be optional conferences. If you did not receive an e-mail from the teacher, you do not need to sign-up to speak with me. No school for students. That being said, if you want to speak with me about your child's progress, please e-mail me and I will be happy to find a date and time that works for you:)
+In Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question: How can weather affect us? The children will listen to the story "Paul Bunyan and the Grand Ice" and answers comprehension questions. In phonics, the students will work on words with silent beginning sounds. The students will learn about special pronouns in grammar. The kids will participate in a shared read called: "Wrapped in Ice" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. Next, the children will learn about persuasive text and learn to write in problem, solution form. The students will continue to rotate centers and participate in reading groups.
+In Math, the students will complete Chapter 13 on "Complex Shapes". There will be a review and then a test on Wednesday. We will then begin working with money and counting quantities of money.
+ In Relgion, the students will attend mass on Tuesday. We will continue to practice our prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be as we prepare for "May Procession.
+ In Science, the students will continue to learn about how to protect the earth. The children will write a letter to the Earth to state how they would help our planet. We will learn about endangered animals and play an endangered animal's game. The students will learn a song called "Happy Earth Day". Finally, we will study the "life cycle of the chick". Our eggs arrive on Monday! This is a very exciting process for the children. Please remind your child to try and work quietly in the classroom and be gentle around the eggs until and after they are hatched.
+ In Social Studies, the students will continue learning about the continent of Africa. We will learn about the different animals and make a corresponding craft. The children will learn the song "Kumbaya".
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Week of April 15, 2024:
This will be a 5 -day week. The children will attend mass on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and sit with their 7th grade buddies. We will have a "casual day" on Friday, April 19, 2024. 1 dollar for students will go to the missions.
+In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling pre- test for Unit 6, Week 1. This week, their spelling words will pertain to the variant u. The children will answer the essential question: How does teamwork help us? The students will listen to the interactive story, "The Cat's Bell" and answer comprehension questions. The kids will learn about working as a team during a shared read with their partner. In grammar, the students will practice more with nouns and pronouns. The children will play games corresponding with this skill on their i-pads. Finally, the children will have reading groups this Friday as well as their weekly spelling test.
+In Math, the students the students will continue their unit on 2 and 3 dimensional shapes. The children will continue working on centers that help with this concept. The children will take their Math test on Unit 13 on Friday and then play a few rounds of Math Bingo: Addition and Subtraction for review.
+In Religion, we will continue celebrating the "Easter Season". The children will learn about how to spread God's word just as the disciples did after Jesus rose to heaven. The students will go to mass with their church buddies.
+In Science, the students will complete their unit on "Water" and do a FUN experiment about condensation and document their results. The children will take a Science quiz on Thursday.
+ In Social Studies, the students will begin learning about the continent of Africa. We will learn about the animals, culture and songs of this continent. The children will create their next page for their continent booklet.
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Week of April 8, 2024:
+Welcome back! Mrs. McLaren and I hope you enjoyed your holiday break! We are ready to be back to finish up the school year with a bang!
+In Language Arts, the children will learn spelling words with -oi and -oy. The students will take their spelling test on Friday as well as a reading comprehension/phonics. This week, we will answer the essential question : How do things get built? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud and answer reading comprehension questions. The students will participate in a shared read, "The Joy of a Ship" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will have phonics practice on the smartboard. The students will write about what they did on their spring break. In Grammar, the students will practice prefixes and suffixes. Finally, they will learn about prepositions from a you tube on "Schoolhouse Rock".
+ In Math, the children will begin a unit on "Complex Shapes". The kiddos will revies basic shapes and do a review shape booklet. The students will have multiple complex shape centers to practice with.
+In Religion, the students will continue learning about Jesus and his resurrection. The children will make a butterfly mobile to represent "New Life".
+In Science, the children will begin a unit on water and the water cycle. The students will participate in a rain cycle experiment on Friday.
+In Social Studies, the students will complete their study of Europe and begin learning about Africa! The children will learn about the culture, animals, and the landforms of Africa!
+In Learning Without Tears we will review what letters we have printed in proper form thus far.
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Week of March 25, 2024:
This will be a 3 day week. School is closed for the start of Easter break. We will return to school on Monday, April 6, 2024. Many Easter blessing go out to you and your families!
+Language Arts, we will not begin a new week of lessons in Reading. Instead, the children will review dipthongs, learn Easter vocabulary words/ write a story and work on comprehension paragraphs with answering questions. +Please note: there was a mistake on last weeks Language Arts entry. The children worked on Unit 5: Week 4: What sounds do you hear? Our phonics focus was on -ow,-ou. The students will begin with Unit 5: Week 5 upon return to school.
+In Math, the children will complete their unit on "Time". The students will have a Math test on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The students will participate in Easter themed Math centers with review of addition, subtraction, base ten. When we return from break, we will begin "Complex Shapes".
+In Religion, the students will complete their "Stations of the Cross" booklet. The children will make a special craft for "the 3 Days" to take home. The entire school will watch "Live Stations of the Cross" on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 9:45am. This is a special St. Ann tradition that I know the students will enjoy!
+ In Science, we will continue learning about "Animal Life Cycles". We talked about the butterfly life cycle(insects) and will begin the life cycle of the frog(amphibians).
+In Social Studies, the children will finish the continent of Europe by talking about Italy and Spain. Our next continent: Africa!
+In Handwriting, the students will review the letters they learned thus far.
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Week of March 18, 2024:
This will be a 5 day school week.
+In Language Arts, the children will learn spelling words with -oi and -oy. The students who did not take their Friday spelling test will take it on Monday. The students will take a reading comprehension/phonics test as well. They will answer the essential question : How do things get built? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud and answer reading comprehension questions. The students will participate in a shared read, "The Joy of a Ship" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will have much phonics practice on the smartboard. In Grammar, the students will practice prefixes and suffixes. Finally, they will learn about prepositions from a you tube on "Schoolhouse Rock".
+In Math, we will continue with time concepts such as yesterday, today and tomorrow. We will review clocks to the hour and half hour. There will be centers open for the children to practice these new skills. The students will continue with practicing the concept of time by playing games on their i-pads on education.com
+In Religion, the children will continue to listen to bible stories of the miracles of Jesus. The children will color the next days on their "Lenten Eggs". The children will make a Lenten cross to hang in our classroom.
+In Science, the students will begin a unit on "Animal Life cycles"
+ In Social Studies, the students will continue their continent study with the continent of Europe. The children will learn about France and Germany. Each student will make the next page for their continent booklet. We are on the fourth continent. Thus far, we have learned about: Australia, Antarctica, and Asia.
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Week of March 11, 2024:
This will be a four-day week in the classroom. Leprechaun Traps are due into the classroom no later than Thursday. Students may begin bringing in the traps on Tuesday, March 12,2024. The children will present their traps on Friday, March 15, 2024. The kiddos will also have the pleasure of watching Irish Dancers at 1:15pm . One of our first graders, Caitie Curtin will be dancing in the performance- GO CAITIE! Finally, we will have a St. Patrick's Day treat on Friday as well!
-In Language we will answer the essential question: What inventions do you know?The children will learn about the famous inventor Thomas Edison and learn the problem/ solution format. The students will talk about inventions and how they have been adapted in modern time. In grammar, the students will study prefixes. The children will practice printing in "Learning without Tears". The students have been reading a lot on epic! and from AR books in our classroom library. We participate in reading centers every day. Each child must complete the centers by Friday.
-In Math, the children will take their Chapter 10 test on Wednesday. The students will then skip to Chapter 15: Time to the hour and half hour. Each students will have keep their own manual clock in their desk for practice. The children will work in partners and in various centers to practice this skill.
-In Science, the students will complete their unit on the Moon. We will make a "phases of the moo" booklet and take a small quiz.
- In Social Studies, the children will finish Asia and begin the continent of Europe. We will begin learning about Ireland- since St. Patrick's Day is coming up!
- In religion, we will study about St. Patrick and do a corresponding color sheet and coordinated video. The children will continue working on their "Stations of the Cross" booklet. We are on Station 6.
Thank you to all parents who have sent in prizes for our "prize box". The students get so excited to pull a prize after they finish their "reading log" or if they did a kind deed for another student.
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Week of August 28, 2023:
This week the children will become accustomed to first grade life! The students will learn classroom rules and morning/afternoon procedures. Each child will take a "tour" of the contents of their desks and organize their supplies. The children will listen to the story " First Day Jitters". The students will state what the word "jitters" mean and we will construct a word web on the smartboard. Afterward, the children will make a take-home book about what they are afraid of. The kids will have a special "Jitters" snack at snack time. The students will review numerals 1-30 and play "Number Bingo". The children will play games on education.com regarding these numbers. We will watch a you tube video on flamingos and make a flamingo project on Friday. Finally, the children will learn about our diocesan theme: "Let Us Build the Kingdom of God". The student will learn a coordinating song and make a classroom hand print wreath representing a "one classroom family".
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Week of June 5, 2023:
Hello parents! Hard to believe this is the last week of school! It has been our pleasure teaching your children this year:)
Please see the below schedule for the last week of school activities:
Monday: June 5, 2023:
Charlotte's Birthday celebration, Last Technology class with 5th grade, "Talent Show Practice"
1:00-1:45 pm.
Tuesday: June 6, 2023:
David's Birthday celebration, last Literacy class, "Moving-up Day" 1:45-2:30pm.
Wednesday: June 7, 2023:
Visit from St. Ann seminarian, Mr. Gianforcaro . 9:30am. Last Spanish class. Aidan's timeline
Thursday: June 8, 2023:
"Talent Show" 9-11am. "End of the Year" party and activities. 12pm-2:30pm
Friday: June 9, 2023:
Mass and Awards: 9:15am in church
Half-day of school. Dismissal is at 11:45am: HAPPY SUMMER!
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Week of February 12, 2024:
Week of February 6, 2024:
This will be a 5 day week. On Monday, we will celebrate our "100th Day of School" with some fun activities to celebrate this special day! We will have a FUN 100th day snack as well:)
+In Language Arts, the students will take a spelling pre-test. The students will answer the essential question "What insects do you know about?". The kids will listen to the interactive read-a-loud "Hide and Seek" and right about it in their reading/writing companion. In phonics, the children will work on long i: ie, y and igh combinations by playing games on the smartboard. Finally, in grammar the students will work on the words: see and saw.
+Besides our "100th Day Celebration", in Math, the students will continue working on Chapter 8- Addition to 20. The students will play games with ten frames, cubes, and bingo to practice this important skill. We will also continue to review "breaking apart" and "making a ten".
+In Religion, the children will continue to study the miracles of Jesus.
+In Science, the children will learn about Insects. This unit will correlate with this weeks language arts essential question. We will review the life cycles of different animals and do a research activity on our i-pads.
+Finally, the students will finish their study of Australia by making a kangaroo stick puppet.
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Week of January 29, 2024:
HAPPY CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S WEEK! Please check your e-mail daily for information on many FUN activities happening through out the week. This will be a 5 day week.
*In Language Arts, the students will share their information in front of the class regarding their choice of an animal team. Next, the children will take their spelling pre-test. The students will work on phonics smartboard games. They will listen to the interactive read aloud, "Animals in Winter". The students will read in their text a non-fiction story called, "Go Wild" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will practice long o combination spelling words on the dry erase boards, with legos and with playdoh. In Grammar, the students will learn about the verbs "go" and "do". We will continue learning about prefixes. Spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the students will continue with Chapter 8: Adding numbers to 20. Great job, first grade on your Chapter 7 Math test! More practice will be done with "making a ten" and "doubles plus 1". The students have greatly improved with these two mathematical strategies. The children will continue to practice their problem solving skills.
*In Religion, the students will make a huge class card for our community restaurant, Stanley's, to say thank you. First grade will attend mass Friday at 9:15am.
*In Science, the students will do another experiment! The children enjoyed last Friday's experiment called "Melting Magic". Ask them about it:)
*In Social Studies, the children will continue their continent studies with the continent of Australia. The children will learn 2 songs and make a kangaroo stick puppet after listening to a story about this adorable marsupial!
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Week of January 22, 2024:
This will be a 5 -day week.
* This week, we will begin Unit 4. The kids will answer the essential question: How do animal's bodies help them? The children will listen to two folktales: "The Elephant's Child" and "Snail and Frog Race". These two stories will be compared and contrasted on a "comparison" chart. Finally, the children will take their spelling test on Friday and participate in reading groups.
*In Math, the students will complete Unit 7: Comparing Numbers. We will work on the last lesson : Problem/Solving and reasoning. Then, the students will review the chapter for a test on Wednesday. The children will also work in their "Simple Solutions" workbook.
*In Religion, the students will continue learning about "peace" and how we can help keep a peaceful world just like Jesus wanted. (and Marting Luther King). We will begin learning about Jesus' miracles. The students will watch a Beginner's Bible video about his miracles.
*In Science, the students will complete their study of "the seasons". The children will do an experiment on ice/snow.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their study of Antarctica. Ask them about what they have learned! The next continent: Australia!
The children continue to work on their handwriting in "Handwriting without Tears" booklet. Please encourage neat printing, beginning letters at the top line going to the bottom line. We are working on using space between our words when forming sentences. Children are expected to remember to write their name at the top of their papers, neatly, as well as hand in neatly printed homework. Thank you so much!
_______________________________________________________________________________Week of December 11, 2023:
This will be a 5 day week. The students will participate in "Santa's Secret Shoppe" on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 8:15am. Please have your child bring in his or her money and names of people to buy for in the proper "Santa" envelope. We will hold onto the envelopes until Friday.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: what is a folktale? The children will take their spelling pre-test. The children will also take a reading comprehension/phonics test on Monday. The students will read the literature selection, "Interrupting Children". The student will practice spelling words with soft c, -ge and -dge. The students will write in their reading /writing companion regarding the story, "The Nice Mitten". In Grammar, the student will practice past and future tense. Finally, the children will listen and write about the Gingerbread Man folktale and make a corresponding craft.
*In Math, the students will continue with Chapter 6: place value. The students will work with hands-on materials : hundred squares, ten bars and ones beads to discover answers to problems.
*In Religion, the children will light the third candle on the advent wreath. The students will open the advent calendar door on the calendar and hang an ornament on the Jesse tree. Students will make an advent booklet to take home.
*In Social Studies, the students will continue to study the "holidays around the world". This week we will learn about Saint Lucia Day and Los Posadas.
*In Science, the children will continue to learn about the states of matter by participating in two experiments.
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Week of December 4, 2023
This will be a 5 day week. On Monday, December 4, 2023 student report cards will be distributed. On Tuesday, December 5, 2023 the children will take STAR early literacy test. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 the students will take their STAR Math test. On Friiday, December 8, 2023, the children will go to mass for the Immaculate Conception- 9:15am. The bishop will be attending this special mass.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: how do plants change as they grow? The students will take their comprehension/ phonics test on Monday. The children will take a spelling pre-test on Monday. Spelling words will follow the long i, silent e rule. The children will listen to the literature selection "Mystery Vine". The students will then write in their reading/writing companion. In grammar, the students will learn about present tense and review plurals. Finally, the children will study about the "Time to Plant" and learn about the stages of plant growth.
*In Math, the children begin Chapter 6: place value. will learn more place value. The students will work with numbers 0-40. The children will be introduced to 100 square and 1000 cube. The students will practice with their manipulatives: one beads, ten bars, one hundred square and one thousand cube. Finally, the kids will practice problem solving by attempting more challenging word problems.
* In Science, the students will continue with their study of "States of Matter" . The children will finish by completing an exercise with hot cocoa. We will then study other ways to change matter.
*In Social Studies, we will study "Holidays Around the World". We will learn about St. Nicholas first. The children will put their shoes out in the hallway and hopefully receive treats. We will then study Hanukkah and St. Lucia Day.
*The children will continue Handwriting without tears by writing about what they want for Christmas in proper formation.
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Week of November 27, 2023:
+ In Language Arts, the children will take a spelling pre-test for Unit 3: Week 1. The students will answer the essential question: What can happen over time? The children will listen to literature selection called: A Second Is A Hiccup" and answer comprehension questions. In grammar, the students will practice with verbs on the smartboard and for homework. The children will also practice with contractions using "not" on their i-pads. The children will read a shared read called "Nate the Snake is Late" and will write in their reading companion. In Learning Without Tears, the children will practice printings sentences with Yy and Jj.
+In Math, the students will continue with Chapter 5 : Measurement. This is a FUN, hands-on unit. We will measure with our hands, string, paper clips, cubes and then rulers! The students will also practice with games on their i-pads and SeeSaw lessons.
+In Religion, the students will begin the Advent season. Every day the Advent candle will be lit and the students will sing an Advent song. The students will also create their own advent wreath for their desk. Each day, the children will color in a holly wreath. Finally, the students will hang an ornament on our Jesse tree. Each child will also open a door on our Advent calendar.
+In Science, the children will study the different forms of matter. The students will watch Bill Nye the Science Guy videos on matter. The students will take part in a few science experiments this week regarding solids, liquids and gases.
+In Social Studies, the students will begin to study "Holidays Around the World". Our focus will be: Saint Nicholas Day, Saint Lucia Day, Los Posadas, and Christmas.
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Week of November 20, 2023:
This will be a one and a half day week. The children will NOT have a spelling test this week. The students will learn Thanksgiving vocabulary and print these words and meanings in their journals. The students will finish their study of Pilgrim life by completing their "Pilgrim centers". The children will make a Thanksgiving headband. We will read Thanksgiving stories on epic! Finally, the children will complete a corresponding booklet. In Math, the students will take a quiz on measurement on Tuesday. The children will also participate in a Thanksgiving blooket in technology.
We are looking forward to seeing our grandparents/special persons on Tuesday from 9:30-11:15. The grandparents will see the Native American displays the children constructed as well as pictures of the students during classroom time.
Mrs. McLaren and I wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! We are thankful for such wonderful students and parents!
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Week of November 13, 2023:
This week will be a 5 day week. We will complete our Native American homes and present to the second grade class. The children will be displaying these homes for the "Grandparents" on "Grandparents Day" to enjoy!
+In Language Arts this week we will answer the essential question "How can you find your way around? The students will listen to a Big Book story "Me On the Map" and answer comprehension questions. In phonics, the children will practice diagraphs -ch, -tch, -wh and -ph with smartboard games. The students will take a pre-test on this weeks spelling words. The kids will take a reading comprehension/phonics test on Friday. The children will participate in a shared read called, "Which way on the map?". Finally, in grammar, the students will practice irregular plurals on the white board and then have corresponding homework.
+In Math, the students will begin Chapter 5: Length and Measurement. The students will practice measuring items with string, cubes and paper clips. The children will practice with different measurement centers.
+In Religion, the children will complete Chapter 4 by taking a small quiz. The students will write about where they will celebrate Thanksgiving. They will print a Thanksgiving prayer to take home- neatness counts!
+In Science, the children will continue with their animal unit. They will discuss animal coverings and animal habitats.
+In Social Studies, the students will finish their study of Native Americans by learning authentic Native American songs and using given instruments. We will begin studying the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. The children will rotate centers pertaining to the pilgrims. They will have an opportunity to write with a "quill", make a log cabin, and practice adding with feathers.
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Week of November 6, 2023:
This will be a five day week. The students will be learning about the different types of Native American homes in Social Studies. They will be have a choice of 4 different types of homes to create. We are in need of more boxes(child/small women's). Please send in by Friday, November 8th. Also, please send in your families "Veteran" picture for our school slide show.( if you have a close family member that is a veteran). Information in the "Mustang Memo". We will celebrate "Veteran's Day" in class by watching a slide-show celebration, doing a "directed drawing" activity and each child will receive a pin to wear proudly
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "How do people help out in the community?" The children will listen to a story, "Martin Luther King" and answer comprehension questions. The children will take a spelling pre-test on words with diagraphs: sh, th and ng. The students will participate in a shared read, "Thump, Thump Helps Out" and write in their reading/writing companion. They will use the text to answer questions. In Grammar, the children will learn about common and proper nouns and play corresponding games on the smartboard. They will also review syllables and learn about "closed syllables. We will continue with reading groups, individual games and amplify reading on the i-pads.
*In Math, the students will continue with Chapter 4 on "Addition/Subtraction: relationships with in 10. The children will continue to practice games on the smartboard, i-pad and at Math center regarding the two concepts. The children will learn how to "check their work" in subtraction by adding. Great work, first grade!
*In Religion, the children will continue with "Chapter 4"- being thankful for what God created. The students will learn about Marie Curie and St. Martin Torres. We will also celebrate and express thanks to our Veterans! To all veterans: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
*In Science, the students will continue their unit on "Animals and their needs". The children will take a Science quiz on Friday.
*In Social Studies, the children will create their Native American Homes of their choice. The students will have many different supplies to construct with . The children will share their project with the class afterward. Pictures will be shared on this website as well as Saint Ann's website.
*In Learning without Tears, the students will write a Thanksgiving poem in their best printing onto LWT gray block paper.
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Week of October 30, 2023:
This will be a 5-day week:
A big "thank you " to those parents who came in on Friday to help the students paint their pumpkins. Fun was had by all! The children will bring their masterpieces home tomorrow to display for Halloween:)
Halloween is Tuesday. I know the students are super excited! Although we are not able to wear costumes, we have some fun activities planned. We will have our classroom party at 1:45pm . Thank you to those who sent in party items and foods/refreshments. The children will also play some FUN Halloween games and make a Halloween craft. We will go to Mass on November 1st with our 6th grade buddies to celebrate "All Saint's Day".
*On Friday, the students will celebrate their "25 Smiley's" earned in our jar by having a stuffy/movie/popcorn afternoon. Your child may bring in a small/medium *In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling pre-test on words with "ending blends". Our essential question will be "where do animals live together?" The children will listen to a Big Book story, "Baby in the Bayou" and answer comprehension questions. The students will learn more about "possessive nouns" in grammar and play practice games on the smartboard. For our shared read, the children will read the story" The Best Spot" and write in their reading/writing companion. Finally, the children will participate in reading groups on Wednesday and Friday.
*In Math, the students will learn about finding missing addends. The students will also subtract and compare different numbers. We will continue to practice word problems and illustrate these problems. Finally, the students will begin reviewing for their Chapter 4 test by completing a fluency practice page.
*In Religion, the children will celebrate "All Saint's Day" by attending mass at 9:15am on Wednesday. We will do an "All Saint's activity"in the classroom. The children will finish a unit task of creating a badge that represents their faith and will encourage others to join the group!
*In Social Studies, the children will begin a 3 week study of Native Americans. The students will learn about different tribes, homes, language, food/drink, customs of these historical people. The students will make a Native American home of their choice for a project-based assessment. Please send in one shoe box (small, medium-sized) by November
*In Science, the children will learn about what materials are made of. The students will classify objects into different groups.
*Learning Without Tears"- the students are enjoying using their" special printing pencil" and using different paper with the correct LWT lines for writing special projects such as : a Halloween poem. The students will continue practicing the printing of different words this week. We hope you notice how much your child's handwriting has improved! Great job,first grade!
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Week of October 23, 2023:
Thank you so much for coming to speak with Mrs. McLaren and I at conferences. We are grateful for such kind and supportive parents! One small pumpkin( one small pumpkin) is due to the classroom by Thursday, October 26, 2023. On Friday, October 27, 2023, we will be pumpkin painting in the social hall at 1:45pm. Thank you to the parents who volunteered to help! We appreciate you!
*In Language Arts, we will answer the essential question: What buildings do you know? We will listen to the Big Book story, "3 Little Daisies" and answer comprehension questions. The children will review rhyming skills. In Phonics, the children will review short u words. Spelling words will be words with middle u. The children will have a shared read called, "Cubs in a Hut" and write about it in their reading and writing companion. The children will take their phonics and comprehension test for Unit 1. In Grammar, the children will learn about contractions/ apostrophe 's. The students will also review singular and plural nouns. Special Halloween stories will be read such as "Stellaluna and "Spookley the Square Pumpkin". Fun, Halloween activities will correspond regarding these stories."
*In Math, the children will continue to fine-tune their subtraction skills. The students will continue to use the number line to "think addition to subtract". The children will learn to check their subtraction problems by adding. Finally, the students will continue to problem solve by using a bar model.
*In Religion, the students will continue to pray the rosary and color a corresponding color sheet. The children have now been exposed to "Hail Mary", "Our Father" and the "Glory Be".
*In Science, the children will take a quiz on "what steps do engineers take when creating a project". The students will begin Unit 2: Lesson 3: what materials make of objects? Finally, the children will study their individual pumpkins: weigh them, study the inside of a pumpkin and learn the sequence of the growth of a pumpkin.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their community helper unit. The students will have a quiz on Thursday.
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Week of October 16, 2023:
This will be a 3 and a half-day school week. Thursday is half-day of school: dismissal at 12 noon. Conferences will begin at 12:30pm. Friday the students are off of school. Friday's conferences begin at 8:00am. Fire Prevention Posters due in the classroom tomorrow, October 1 6, 2023. This was OPTIONAL for the students. I am looking forward to seeing the fine posters our first graders produced!
*In Language Arts this week, we will answer the question: What makes a community? The students will listen to the Big Book story " Millie Waits for the Mail". In phonics, we will review short e. Our spelling words will also correspond with short e. In our Reading/Writing companion, we will have a shared read called "Good job, Ben and write about it. In Grammar, we will work on "nouns". Finally, we will continue with our reading groups.
*In Math, the students will continue our unit on subtraction. The children are using unifix cubes, part/part/whole mats thus far to subtract. On Friday, the children used 10 frames for subtraction. We will do the "Check Your Progress" assessment to see how the children are retaining this information. On Friday, the students will play subtraction bingo.
*In Religion, we continue to pray the rosary. We will continue with the Beatitudes.
*In Social Studies, the children will study about community helpers. They will create a community helper book report about what helper they would like to be when they grow up. We will review "Fire Safety".
*In Science, the students will review the scientific terms. The children will make a STEM project given certain materials to create a back scratcher.
*In Learning With out Tears, the children continue their "corner starting capitals" and "center starting capitals". The students have practice writing words and using the correct formation AND staying on the lines.
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Week of October 9, 2023:
This will be a 4 day school week. Monday, October 9, 2023- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. "Fall Walk" for first grade and sixth grade rescheduled to Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
*This week in Language Arts we will answer the essential question: How does your body move? The children will listen to Big Book story called, "Move!" The students will answer corresponding comprehension questions. The children will take their spelling pre-test. Students will review a phonics game on ending sounds and have corresponding homework. The children will listen to a shared reading called" Move and Grin" and write about it in their reading companion. In grammar, the children will practice writing sentences that make sense using -s to make a plural. We will continue practicing alphabetical order.
*In Math, the students will begin Chapter 3: Subtraction Strategies to Unit 3. The students will continue to use hands-on materials such as: counters, unifix cubes, dice, etc. to practice these skills.
*In Religion, the students will answer the essential question: What is the church? The students will watch a you tube video and do a corresponding booklet regarding this concept. Since it is Mary's month, the children will continue to learn to pray the rosary with their new rosary beads.
*In Social Studies, the students will take a test on leadership. They will then begin a mini-unit on "Fire Safety" Each child will complete a small fire safety booklet. Finally, the children will be given information for a "Fire Prevention Poster Contest". We will send home the paper for the poster, directions and rules for the contest. There are nice prizes for the children. This contest is OPTIONAL. The due date will be on the top cover of the assignment.
In Science, we will continue our study of leaves and the fall. Each student will learn about the parts of a leaf. They will collect leaves of their own to study at recess with their hand lens. On "Fun Friday" the children will paint a wooden leaf to hang at their home.
In Learning Without Tears we will practice Letter Ss and Dd. The children will be given opportunities to practice using playdoh and small chalkboards.
Still to come: pumpkin painting with second grade, possible fieldtrip,
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Week of October 2, 2023:
This will be a 5 day week. Happy Birthday to Camerin! The students will be off from school on Monday, October 9, 2023 for "fall break". Also, if anyone would like to donate any "prizes" to our prize box, feel free at this time! We are looking for dollar store prizes: ie. holiday pencils, rings, fidgets, etc. THANK YOU in advance! There will be a lot of fun choices for the students!
This week in Language Arts the children will answer the essential question: What do friends do together? First, the children will take a spelling pre-test. Our spelling words will review the short o sound. The students will take an oral phonics test. Next, the students will listen to the story "Friends All Around". The children will answer different comprension question. The kids will write in their reading/writing companion book after hearing the shared reading "Toss, Kick, Hop!". This story is about what games friends play together. Finally, in Grammar the students will practice forming questions and explanations. The students are enjoying "epic!" and amplify reading.
In Math, the children will review addition strategies to prepare for their Unit 2 test. On Wednesday, the students will take their second Math test. We will begin Chapter 3, Subtraction of number 10 or less. On Friday, the students will play different games from their "math tubs". These are individual games the students can play at their seats to practice different math skills. We will continue with "Freckle Math" and "Education.com/math games".
In Religion, the children will practice "the Hail Mary" to celebrate October- the month of Mary. We will take a religion quiz on Lesson 3. We will begin studying Mary the mother of Jesus.
In Science, the students will continue using their science vocabulary. The children will learn about different types of leaves. On Friday, the kids will go on a "leaf walk". Afterward, the students will document their information on their science booklet sheet.
In Social Studies, the will continue to talk about leaders in the community, state and country. We will complete an activity on the president. We will take a written quiz on leadership and community.
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Week of September 25, 2023:
This will be a 5-day week. Our "special persons" this week are Claire and Robby! Happy Birthday! The students did well on their STAR testing. Results will be sent home at a later date. Parent night has been rescheduled for Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Please go to the social hall first. Parents will then go to their child's(children's) classrooms. Session 1: fifteen minutes. Session 2: 15 minutes. This schedule was made for parents with more than one child in our school. Total time should be approximately 1 hour. Looking forward to seeing you then!
Also this week:
*In Reading, the children will practice spelling words with l blends. We will work with question or statement in Grammar. The children will answer the essential question "what makes a pet?". They will listen to a Big Book "Cool Dog, School Dog". We will write about our own pets. The students will share their writing with the class.
*In Math, the students will continue with "doubles" and "doubles plus 1". We will begin the concept of "breaking apart". The children will practice making their own addition word problems. Finally, a new addition stratedgy the "bar model" will be introduced.
*In Religion, the students will make a prayer card for their friends. The students will draw a picture of what we give praise to god for. The children will be introduced to their own rosary. We will review the "Hail Mary".
* In Science, we will talk about Johnny Appleseed. The children will do an apple tasting, graph their favorite apple, write about apple types and make an apple craft. The children will do a STEM activity called "Apple Jenga".
*In Social Studies, we will continue to talk about leadership on the United States in the children will go review what a citizen is and how to be a good one.
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Week of September 18, 2023:
This will be a 5 day school week! First grade will take the STAR standardized test for Reading on Wednesday and the STAR standardized test for Math on Thursday. Please make sure your child is well-rested and we will be telling them it is a "practice activity" so the children do not worry about the word "test".
* I am happy to report the students did very well on their first Spelling test. Every Monday, the children will take a spelling pre-test. When the students receive a 100 percent on their pre-test, they receive a certificate and a small piece of candy. He or she is then exempt from the Friday test and will do an activity of their choice during that time.
*This week in Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question "What is it like where you live?". The children will listen to a Big Book story "Alicia's Happy Day". The students will write about their neighborhood and what places are inside of it. In phonics, the children will work with short i words. In grammar, the children will work on word order. The students will continue small groups on Wednesday's and Friday's for more individualized reading practice. Spelling test on Friday.
* In Math, the children will complete Unit 1 and take a practice test on Tuesday. We will begin Unit 2: which will continue with addition. The students will learn about adding doubles and doubles plus one. The children will also practice adding 3 addends. Word problems will continue to challenge the students with the 4-step process.
* In Science , the students will welcome fall on Friday by naming and writing about the signs of fall . The children will also learn what scientists do and what science vocabulary they use. We will practice this vocabulary with a Science word search.
* In Social Studies, the students will answer the essential question: what is a leader? The children will learn about the jobs of the president, governor and mayor.
* The children will continue "Fun Friday" with a wonderful story about a scarecrow and will complete a scarecrow craft for the hallway bulletin board!
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Week of September 11, 2023:
This will be a 5 day school week. We will begin our Spelling words. The words will be posted weekly under the tab "spelling words". The students will also go home with a written list to refer to when studying. Our first Spelling Test will be on Friday. On Mondays, the children will take a pre-test. If the students get zero wrong on the pre-test, they are exempt from Friday's test and get a certificate and special treat!
In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: What do you do at school? The children will write in their journals about their favorite subject. Phonics focus will be on short a, middle vowel sound ( long and short). In grammar, the children will practice making a plural and capitalization. The students will practice reading short a readers with their teacher at reading groups.
In Math, we will continue adding to the sum of 10. The children will use all types of manipulatives to practice: cubes, counters/ten frames and beans/number line.
In Religion, we will conclude our lessons of Creation. The children will take a quiz on Thursday. In Science, the children will continue with "The 5 senses". We will study units of measurement and practice measuring with those items in class. On Friday, we will do an experiment with celery and document our results.
Finally, in Social Studies, the children will begin their unit on citizenship. The students will learn about what it takes to be a good citizen. We will include a mini unit on "peace" on Monday 9/11. The kids will practice reciting the "pledge of allegiance" and talk about the American flag.
The children are truly enjoying school! They are adjusting to center time and their first grade schedule!
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Week of September 4, 2023:
This will be a 4 day school week. We will begin our Spelling words / test next week. The children will be reviewing Kindergarten high frequency words this week. In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: What do you do at school? The children will write in their journals. Phonics focus will be on short a. In grammar, the children will practice sentence formation. The students will practice reading short a readers with their teacher.
In Math, we will begin with adding to the sum of 10. The children will use all types of manipulatives to practice: cubes, counters/ten frames and beans/number line.
In Religion, we will try and answer the essential question. What did God create? The children draw what God created and how He takes care of all of those things. In Science, we will learn about "the 5 senses".
Finally, in Social Studies, the children will begin their unit on " My neighborhood". The students will learn about "what is a map". The kids will draw a map of their bedroom. They are adjusting to their new classroom and our first grade routine. We continue to practice the "5 Golden Rules". Keep up the great work first grade!
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Week of August 28, 2023:
Welcome to first grade! This week the children will become accustomed to first grade life! The students will learn classroom rules and morning/afternoon procedures. Each child will take a "tour" of the contents of their desk and organize their materials. The children will listen to the story "First Day Jitters". The students will state what the word "jitters" mean and brainstorm ideas to write on the smartboard. Afterward, the children will make a take-home book about what they are afraid of. The kids will have a special "Jitters" snack at snack time.
The students will review numerals 1-30 and play "Number Bingo". The children will play games on education.com regarding these numbers.
We will watch a you tube video on flamingos and make a flamingo project on Friday.
Finally, the children will learn about our diocesan theme "Let Us Build the Kingdom of God". The student will learn a coordinating song and make a classroom hand print wreath representing a "one classroom family".
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This will be a 4 and a half-day week. The students have a half-day on Friday, May 26, 2023 and no school on Monday, May 29, 2023.This Friday, students will take their last Spelling test for the school year! On Tuesday, the children will take the STAR Math test. On Wednesday, the children will watch the 8th graders vs teachers volleyball game at 1:45pm. On Friday, the students will participate in "Field Day". This special event will be held at Rockford Park beginning at 8am. The children will walk down with second grade and begin activities shortly after.
+In Language Arts, the students will work on centers surrounding a "Popscicle Theme". Each child will rotate centers practicing the following concepts: alphabetical order, authors purpose of a poem, graphing favorite flavors, adding with popscicle sticks, adjectives and a popscicle craft. The students will bring home Unit 6: Reading/Writing companion. Please save and use for further practice over the summer.
+In Math, the students will finish adding two digit numbers and take a Math quiz on Chapter 11: Adding two digit numbers.
+In Religion, the children will complete their rosary unit. Each child will color in a color sheet to take home as a study guide for further rosary practice. We will make "thank you" and "good luck" cards for 2 very special people:)
+In Science, the students will talk about sand and make a sand castle STEM project.
+In Social Studies, the children will begin their study of North America.
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Week of May 15, 2023:
This will be another BUSY 5 day week! The students will take their STAR reading test this week. On Monday, the children will attend "May Procession" from 1:45pm to 2:15 pm. This Wednesday, the children will go on their field trip to Winterthur from 11:30am to 2pm. Look for an e-mail on last minute information.
+In Language, the children will complete their last Lesson in Unit 6. The students will answer the essential question: how does team work help us? The students will read a TIME KIDS article called: " This Land Is Your Land". We will do a shared read called: "Max's Plan" and answer questions in our reading/writing companion. In Spelling, the children will review high frequency words. In grammar, the students will practice punctuation and it's usage in sentences. Finally, the children will perform a class play called: "That Goat Has Got to Go!". We will have reading groups on Friday.
+In Math, the students will take their Chapter 16 : Money test on Tuesday. We will then begin our unit on adding two digit numbers. The students will learn different strategies to add these numerals. The children will practice this skill at the Math center as well.
+In Science, the children will complete their plant unit. The students will do a STEM activity on Friday.
+In Social Studies, the students will be learning about the continent of South America. Each child will learn about the different cultures, animals and landforms of this continent. We will learn a South American song. The children will complete their South America booklet page.
+In Religion, the children will continue saying the rosary. The students are learning about the many ways we celebrate Mary during the month of May.
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Week of May 8, 2023:
This week will be a 5 day school week. The children will make something special for their mothers to celebrate Mom on "Mother's Day".
+Language Arts: The students will answer the essential question , "Why do we celebrate the holidays?" Our spelling words will be "r" controlled vowels. The students will have a phonics/comprehension test on Tuesday. Our spelling test will be on Friday. We will have a shared read called "Share the Harvest and Give Thanks" and write about it in the reading/writing companion. The students will continue to practice writing about a given topic in their journals. We will continue with our reading groups and centers. Finally, the children will be reviewing concept that may be on the STAR tests that will be taken next week.
+Math: The students will learn about the dollar bill and it's value. The children will continue with counting coins by working in partners and playing "store" with cash registers. We will continue practicing "counting on " with dimes, nickels and pennies. Our next unit will be on subtracting 2 digit numbers.
+Religion: The students will continue their study of Mary. We will learn about the May procession and attend May procession on May 15th. The students will continue praying the rosary using individual rosaries and color a Mary sheet.
+Science: The children will continue learning about different types of flowers and plants. The students will play a review game on plants on the smartboard. The children will take a Science test on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
+Social Studies: The students will complete their study of Africa and begin the continent of South America. The children will learn about the rainforest and all the exotic animals that live there. They will color individual rainforest animals and hang them on the proper layer of the rainforest. The students will work on their South America page.
+ Learning Without Tears: The children will continue their proper printing in their workbook. The students are now printing a paragraph as neatly as possible.
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Week of May 1, 2023:
In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "What is tradition?". The children will take their spelling pre-test on trigraph words. ( words beginning with 3-letters). The students will listen to an interactive read-aloud called "Let's Dance" and will answer different comprehension questions. The children will work in partners to read the story, "The Shared Birthday" and write in their reading/writing companion. The kids will participate in Reading groups and centers on Friday and take their spelling test. Finally, the students will research different traditions.
+In Math, the children will learn about money: quantity, recognition of coins and counting amounts of money. The students will practice these skills using many hands- on games and materials. We will take a "money" pre-test on Monday.
+In Religion, the students will begin "The Month of Mary". Each child will be given a brand new rosary. We will practice our "Hail Mary's". The students will color in a picture of Mary to hang in the classroom.
+In Science, the children will continue their study of plants. Each child planted grass seed in a cup with a drawn face. The grass has sprouted and looks like "hair". The children will have an opportunity to give their plant a "hair cut". The students will diagram and label the parts of a plant. We will learn about different types of plants and flowers.
+In Social Studies, the students will learn more about the continent of Africa. We make an African animal craft. The children will learn more about the market place, the land and the culture.
+The children will make a craft and writing piece for the outside bulletin board. The children will brainstorm what it will be like next year in second grade!
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Week of April 24, 2023:
+In Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question: How can weather affect us? The children will listen to the story "Paul Bunyan and the Grand Ice" and answers comprehension questions. In phonics, the students will work on words with silent beginning sounds. The students will learn about special pronouns in grammar. The kids will participate in a shared read called: "Wrapped in Ice" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. Next, the children will learn about persuasive text and learn to write in problem, solution form. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+In Math, the students will continue with the concept of time. This week, we will study day and night in relation to time. The children will keep using hand-held clocks and will do some clock-stamping activities. The students will practice more problem-solving techniques. Finally, the children will take their Chapter 5 Math test on Thursday.
+In Religion, we will focus on "the Easter Season". The children will complete an Easter activity in their religion workbooks. We will have a religion quiz on Thursday. The students will practice the "Our Father" prayer and recite it to their teacher.
+In Science, the students will learn about plants and how they grow. Each child planted some grass seed a paper cup. They drew a face on the cup and the grass will be "the hair". The students will "cut" the hair when it gets too long. This is a fun way to plant and watch seeds germinate quickly. The children wrote about endangered animals and which one they would like to protect. The students will learn a song called "Happy Earth Day".
+ In Social Studies, the students will continue learning about the continent of Africa. We will learn about the different animals of africa and make a corresponding craft. The children will learn the song "Kumbaya".
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Week of April 17, 2023:
Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful Easter break! This will be a 5 day school week. This week in first grade we will:
+In Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question: How can weather affect us? The children will listen to the story "Paul Bunyan and the Grand Ice" and answers comprehension questions. In phonics, the students will work on words with silent beginning sounds. The students will learn about special pronouns in grammar. The kids will participate in a shared read called: "Wrapped in Ice" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. Next, the children will learn about persuasive text and learn to write in problem, solution form. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+In Math, the students This week, the students will review fractions and take their fraction quiz. We will begin a unit on "Time" The children will keep using hand-held clocks and will do some clock-stamping activities. The students will practice more problem-solving techniques. Finally, the children will play Math(Time) bingo.
+In Religion, we will focus on "the Easter Season". The children will listen to "Jesus is Risen" story. Finally, the students will analyze the butterfly and it's relationship to new life. The kids will make a butterfly mobile to place in the classroom. The students will attend mass on Thursday at 9:15am.
+In Science, the students will learn about plants and how they grow. Each child will grow their own plant to take care of. We will also learn about Earth day and make an "Earth Day" booklet. The students will learn a song called "Happy Earth Day". Finally, the children will make a special project.
+ In Social Studies, the students will begin learning about the continent of Africa. We will learn about the animals, culture and songs of this continent. The children will create their next page for their continent booklet.
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Week of April 3, 2023:
This will be a 2 and a half day week. Reminder: half day of school on Wednesday, April 5, 2023: 11:45am dismissal.
We will be reviewing different concepts in Reading/Language. The students will make an easter booklet. In Math, the students will complete their fraction unit and have a quiz on Wednesday. On Monday, the students will attend the "Living Stations" in church with Kindergarten and second grade. There will also be an Easter mass on Wednesday at 9am. The children will also make a craft about the "Jellybean Prayer". In Social Studies, the children will study the different countries that celebrate Easter and compare/contrast the celebrations in Europe and in the United States. Finally, in Science, the children will do a STEM activity.
For Easter, we will read Easter stories, make a sponge paint Easter Egg, rotate Easter centers and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt with second grade on Wednesday. THANK YOU to all parents who signed up to bring in items for the hunt! Mrs. McLaren and I wish everyone a blessed Easter with your families. Be safe and we will see you April 17, 2023.
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Week of March 27, 2023:
This will be a 5 day week. Reminder: Spring uniform begins April 1, 2023.
+In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling pre- test for Unit 6, Week 1. This week, their spelling words will pertain to the variant u. The children will answer the essential question: How does teamwork help us? The students will listen to the interactive story, "The Cat's Bell" and answer comprehension questions. The kids will learn about working as a team during a shared read with their partner. In grammar, the students will practice more with nouns and pronouns. The children will play games corresponding with this skill on their i-pads. Finally, the children will have reading groups this Friday as well as their weekly spelling test.
+ In Math, the students will begin Chapter 14: Fractions. The children will work with different manipulatives to learn how to name fraction parts. The students will practice fractions on the smartboard.
+ In Religion, the students will continue to listen to stories of the "Miracles of Jesus". The children will continue to color in their Lenten Path calendars. The students will make another cross craft for Lent.
+ In Social Studies, the children will continue working on the continent of Europe. This week, we will study France, Spain and Germany. They will complete their Europe continent booklet page.
+ In handwriting, the students have been practicing printing poems in their Learning without Tears workbook. The children have been learning the proper format for producing the uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.
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Week of March 20, 2023:
This will be a 5 day school week.
+In Language Arts, the children will learn spelling words with -oi and -oy. They will take their spelling test on Monday. The students will take a reading comprehension/phonics test as well. They will answer the essential question : How do things get built? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud and answer reading comprehension questions. The students will participate in a shared read, "The Joy of a Ship" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will have much phonics practice on the smartboard. In Grammar, the students will practice prefixes and suffixes. Finally, they will learn about prepositions from a you tube on "Schoolhouse Rock".
+In Math, we will continue with 3- dimensional shapes. There will be centers open for the children to practice with shapes and their identification. The students will prepare for their Math test on Friday by playing games on their i-pads on education.com
+In Religion, the children will continue to listen to bible stories of the miracles of Jesus. The children will color the next days on their "Lenten path calendars". We will continue learning about the stations of the cross and make the corresponding booklet. The children will make a Lenten craft for our classroom bulletin board.
+In Science, the children will continue studying the chicks. The students will also integrate with the baby chicks before the animals leave on Friday. It has certainly been a fun unit for the children!
+ In Social Studies, the students will continue their continent study with the continent of Europe. The children will learn about France and Germany. Each student will make the next page for their continent booklet.
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Week of March 13, 2023:
NO SCHOOL: Monday, March 13, 2023. Teachers will attend a Professional Development Day at Saint Mark High School. Gentle reminder: Leprechaun Traps are due into the classroom on Wednesday March 15, 2022. NOTE: Spelling Test will be given on Tuesday( this was delayed on Friday due to "Grandparents Day").This will be a 4 day week of school.
+In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "What sounds can you hear?". Our new spelling words will pertain to dipthongs: -ow, -ou. The students will watch a video, "Alphablocks" and do See Saw assignments related to their spelling words. The children will listen to the story, "Now, What Is That Sound?" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. They will learn about the correct way to use "a "and "an" in grammar. On Thursday, the students will present their leprechaun traps to the class. That afternoon, they will place their traps out in the classroom to see if they can "catch" one! On Friday, the children will participate in Saint Patrick's Day centers and make a cute craft! A Saint Patrick's Day treat will be given as well.
+ In Math, the students will begin Chapter 13: Complex Shapes. The children will practice using manipulative shaped blocks and making a "complex shape" booklet. The children will continue to learn more ways to problem-solve.
+ In Religion, the students will learn about Saint Patrick and color a corresponding color sheet. We will begin our "Stations of the Cross" booklet. First grade will go to see "the stations" in church next Tuesday.
+In Science, the children will continue with "Life Cycle of the Chick". The eggs have arrived and the students will watch the entire process! We will learn the parts of the egg and the life cycle itself. We will learn about the habitat needed for the chicks after they are born. We will study their movement . Each child will hold one or more chicks! It is an exciting unit for first grade:)
+In Social Studies, we will complete Asia and begin Europe. We will begin with Ireland-just in time or Saint Patrick's Day.
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Week of March 6, 2023:
This will be a 4 and a half day week of school. The students have a half day of school on Friday, March 10, 2023. We will not have school on Monday, March 13, 2023. Teachers will have a professional development at St. Marks.
+In Language Arts, the students will have their spelling pre-test for Unit 5, Week 3. The children will learn about inventions and when they were created. In phonics, the students will learn spelling words with -r controlled vowels: -or, -ore and -oar. The children will listen to an interactive read aloud called the "Great Inventions" and write in their reading/writing companion. In grammar, the students will learn about adjectives with -er and -est endings. The children will also learn about abbreviations and watch a youtube video and play a game practicing this skill. We will have Reading groups on Friday and center time.
+In Math, the children will complete Chapter 9: Subtraction from 20. We will have our Math test on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
+In Religion, the students will continue to study Lent. They will make Lenten crosses with their 6th grade buddies on Wednesday. These crosses will be displayed in the social hall for all to see! We will continue to work on our Lenten unit in the curriculum.
+In Science, the children will have a quiz on "simple machines". The students will then begin a small unit on the life cycle of a chick. "Special visitors" will arrive on Tuesday, March 15, 2023!
+In Social Studies, the children will finish their study of Asia and begin Europe. The children will learn about St. Patrick and Ireland.
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Week of February 27, 2023:
This will be a 5-day week.
+In Language Arts, the students will take a spelling pre-test and reading comprehension/phonics test. The children will listen to the interactive read aloud, " Why the Sun and Moon are in the Sky?" and answer comprehension questions. The students will practice spelling words with -ur sound: er, ir ur and or. In Grammar, the children will work on adjectives. We will watch a lesson on compound words and make a booklet to practice the concept. We will also learn a fun song! The children will continue to read aloud from their hard text and write in their reading/writing companions. Reading groups will continue on Friday.
+In Math, the children will "Check their Progress" on Chapter 9. The students will practice with manipulatives to master problems and true/false equations. We will review with some lessons on See Saw. First grade will also work on new Math centers for practice.
+In Religion, the students will continue with their Lenten Journey. Each day the students will color in a square on their "Lenten Paths". We will also have one students pull from our "Lenten chain" which reminds us we are moving through the 40 days of Lent. The kiddos made Lenten prayer hands and wrote their Lenten sacrifice on them. We will also create a "stations of the cross" booklet.
+In Science, the students will learn the different types of simple machines. They will make a simple machines booklet. Afterward, the children will choose a simple machine they will create for STEM.
+In Social Studies, the children will continue studying Asia. We will talk about Japan and the Tori gate. The children will learn basic origami. The students will hear the story, "Grandfather's Journey" a Japanese folktale.
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Week of February 20, 2023
Reminder: We are off of school on Monday: President's Day. This will be a four day week.
+In Language Arts, we will take a spelling pre-test of our new Unit 5, Week 1. We will answer the essential question: How can we make sense of the world around us? The children will listen to the story "Goldilocks" for an interactive read aloud and answer comprehension questions. We will compare and contrast different versions of this famous tale. The students will practice spelling words with -ar combinations. The children will play different games to learn this skill. In grammar, the students will learn to join sentences using "with, and, but and or". The children will also practice irregular plurals on the smartboard. The children will participate in the shared read: "A Barn Full of Hats" and the kids will write in their reading/writing companion. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+In Math, the children will begin Chapter 9: Subtracting nummerals from . The students will practice using different strategies such as: make a 10, box it off, doubles and whole/part. We will practice using hands-on materials and play i-pad games coordinated with this concept.
+In Religion, the students will answer the question: how do we pray? The children will watch a did you know video and do a follow-up activity. The children will recite the Lord's prayer and the Glory Be.
+In Science, the children will begin a new unit on "Simple Machines".
+In Social Studies, the students will learn about two important presidents: Lincoln and Washington. Also, the children will begin studying the continent of Asia.
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Week of February 14, 2023
Happy Valentine's Day! The children's valentine's are due into the classroom on Monday. The students will "mail" them in their bags. Thank you to those who have brought in supplies/treats for the kids. We have some fun activities planned! This will be a three-and-a-half-day week. On Wednesday, the children will take their STAR reading test. Thursday is a half-day of school with dismissal at 11:45am. Friday the students are off from school due to a faculty retreat. Spelling test will be on Thursday this week.
+ In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: How do people work with animals? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud called, "Ming's Teacher". The children will play phonics games practicing spelling words with long e: y, ey. The children will have a share read called "From Puppy to Guide Dog" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will learn about adverbs in grammar. Finally, the students will have reading groups on Thursday.
+In Math, the students will complete Chapter 8: Addition to 20. We will have a Math test on Thursday. Also ,the kids will play Math Valentine Bingo and Valentine 10 frames on Valentine's Day.
+In Religion, the children will learn about St. Valentin. We will continue learning about prayer and and answer the essential question why do we pray?
+ In Science, the children will do an experiment using M and M and Skittles. We will begin a unit on Simple Machines.
+ In Social Studies, we will complete our study of Australia and begin Asia. The students are learning many fun things regarding each continent! Ask your child about Antarctica and Australia!
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Week of February 6, 2023:
This will be a 5 day week. This week the students will take the STAR test in math. For this round of STAR, the children will be reading the test on their own. Please make sure your child is rested and had a good breakfast so he or she can perform to the best of their ability. Also, on Monday, we will celebrate our "100th Day of School" with some fun activities to celebrate this special day!
+In Language Arts, the students will take a spelling pre-test. The students will answer the essential question "What insects do you know about?". The kids will listen to the interactive read-a-loud "Hide and Seek" and right about it in their reading/writing companion. In phonics, the children will work on long i: ie, y and igh combinations by playing games on the smartboard. Finally, in grammar the students will work on the words: see and saw.
+In Math, the students will continue working on Chapter 8- Addition to 20. The students will play games with ten frames, cubes, and bingo to practice this important skill. We will also continue to review "breaking apart" and "making a ten".
+In Religion, the children will continue to study the miracles of Jesus.
+In Science, the children will learn about Insects. This unit will correlate with this weeks language arts essential question. We will review the life cycles of different animals and do a research activity on our i-pads.
+Finally, the students will finish their study of Australia by making a kangaroo stick puppet. We will also have a surprise guest who is originally from Australia).
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Week of January 30, 2023:
HAPPY CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S WEEK! Please check your e-mail daily for information on many FUN activities happening through out the week. This will be a 5 day week.
*In Language Arts, the students will share their information in front of the class regarding their choice of an animal team. Next, the children will take their spelling pre-test. The students will work on phonics smartboard games. They will listen to the interactive read aloud, "Animals in Winter". The students will read in their text a non-fiction story called, "Go Wild" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will practice long o combination spelling words on the dry erase boards, with legos and with playdoh. In Grammar, the students will learn about the verbs "go" and "do". We will continue learning about prefixes. Spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the students begin Chapter 8: Adding numbers to 20. More practice will be done with "making a ten" and "doubles plus 1". The students have greatly improved with these two mathematical strategies. The children will continue to practice their problem solving skills.
*In Religion, the students will make cards for our community restaurant, Gianni's, to say thank you. The children will finish Lesson 15 with a test on Tuesday. First grade will attend mass Wednesday at 9:15am.
*In Science, the students will participate in a STEM experiment
*In Social Studies, the children will continue with their study of Australia. The children will learn 2 songs and make a kangaroo stick puppet after listening to a story about this adorable marsupial!
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Week of January 23, 2023:
This will be a five day week! Please send in a picture to share with the class of your child's baptism. We will be completing our unit in Religion. The children will have a religion quiz on Monday as well as a spelling test on Friday. Also, your child will bring home a reading comprehension/phonics test that he or she read INDEPENDENTLY. The students did very well for the first time of reading a test all by themselves! Finally, the class will prepare for Catholic School's Week. Please check the Saint Ann's website and mine for upcoming events!
*In Language Arts the students will answer the essential question: how do animals help each other? The children will take their spelling pre-test on Monday. They will listen to the interactive read loud "Animals" and write in there reading/ writing companion. This week the students will learn about verbs "has" and "have". They will also work on games pertaining to prefixes: un, re and pre. Finally, the children will learn about " Animal teams" and research information on their i-pads and write about it. Spelling test is on Friday.
* In Math, we will continue with Chapter 7: Comparing numbers. We will continue practicing with greater than, less than and equal to. The students will take their Chapter 7 test on Thursday.
In Religion, the students will show their love of God and catholic education by preparing for Catholic Schools Week. These activities include: vocation awareness cards, CSW banner, and writing about what we like about our school.
*In Science, we will begin learning about "mixtures "and "separation". The students will participate in an experiment to determine if a substance dissolves or separates.
*In Social Studies, the children will begin learning about the continent of Australia.
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Week of January 16,2023:
This will be a 4 day week! On Friday, the students will have a "casual day". Cost is 1 dollar and money will go to the missions.
*In Language Arts, the students will take a reading/phonics test on Tuesday. The students will have spelling words pertaining to long a: -ai and -ay. This week, the kids will answer the essential question: How do animal's bodies help them? The children will listen to two folktales: "The Elephant's Child" and "Snail and Frog Race". These two stories will be compared and contrasted on a "comparison" chart. Finally, the children will take their spelling test on Friday and participate in reading groups.
*In Math, the students will continue with Unit 7: Comparing Numbers. The children will complete a "Check Your Progress" workbook page. Then,we will work on "Place Value to 1000". The children will work in groups to use hands-on manipulatives to produce numbers in the 1000's!
*In Religion, the students will continue learning about "peace" and how we can help keep a peaceful world just like Jesus wanted. (and Dr. Martin Luther King). The children will complete a MLK writing/art activity to hang in the classroom. We will complete our unit on "Baptism" and take a quiz.
*In Science, the students will learn about where snow comes from. Afterward, the children will "make" snow for a Science experiment.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their study of Antarctica. Ask them about what they have learned! The next continent: Australia!
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Week of December 20, 2022:
This will be a three and a half day week! Mrs. McLaren and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe 2023!
*In Language Arts, the students will read a Holiday Story and make a coordinating booklet. We will do Christmas See Saw activities. The children will participate in Christmas centers and read Christmas readers at reading group time.
* In Math, the students will review place value.
*In Religion, the children will color in their last candle and leaf on their advent wreath. We will make a poinsettia for our religion wall and listen to the story "The Legend of the Pointsettia" and sing christmas carols.
*In Science, we will do a STEM activity with making Christmas trees using given materials.
On Monday, the students will attend a prayer service at 10am and "pantomine" the nativity/tableau at 10am. On Wednesday, the children will perform in a singing concert with grades pre-k3 through 5th grade at 1:45pm. On Thursday, the students will enjoy a holiday reindeer party at 10am. The students swill shop at our holiday Santa shop in the morning.
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Week of December 13, 2022:
This will be a 5 day week. The children will have a dress rehearsal for the Nativity/Tableau on Wednesday. The students will have another guidance lesson with Mrs. Edge also on that day.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: what is a folktale? The children will take their spelling pre-test. The children will also take a reading comprehension/phonics test on Monday. The students will read the literature selection, "Interrupting Children". The student will practice spelling words with soft c, -ge and -dge. The students will write in their reading /writing companion regarding the story, "The Nice Mitten". In Grammar, the student will practice past and future tense. Finally, the children will listen and write about the Gingerbread Man folktale and make a corresponding craft.
*In Math, the students will begin Chapter 6: Place value.
*In Religion, the children will light the third candle on the advent wreath. The students will open the advent calendar door on the calendar and hang an ornament on the Jesse tree. Students will make an advent booklet to take home.
*In Social Studies, the students will continue to study the "holidays around the world". This week we will learn about Saint Lucia Day and Los Posadas.
*In Science, the children will continue to learn about the states of matter by participating in two experiments.
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Week of December 14, 2020- Reading homework
Monday- NO HOMEWORK
Tuesday-Workbook pp. 101-102
Wednesday- Long a practice
Thursday- Grammar: Contractions with not
Friday- NO HOMEWORK
Week of December 14, 2020- Math homework
Monday- NO HOMEWORK
Tuesday- Workbook p. 222
Wednesday-Workbook p.226
Thursday- Workbook p. 230
Friday- NO HOMEWORK
Week of December 14, 2020- Spelling homework SPELLING WORDS:
Monday: Write spelling words 5 times each on paper make take came game
Tuesday: Write words in fancy letters gate late chop drop
Wednesday: Write, add, and tally some today
Thursday: Study for test
Friday: Spelling test
Week of November 21, 2022:
This will be a one and a half day week. The children will NOT have a spelling test before break. The students will learn Thanksgiving vocabulary and print these words and meanings in their journals. The children will finish their study of Pilgrim life by completing a Thanksgiving booklet. The kids will take their reading/phonics test on Monday. The children will meet with their 6th grade buddies on Tuesday and make a turkey craft. In Math, the students will take a quiz on Tuesday. Finally, they will also participate in a Thanksgiving play using stick puppets.
Mrs. McLaren and I wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! We are thankful for such wonderful students and parents!
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Week of November 14, 2022:
This week will be a 5 day week. We will participate in a special activity with our buddies on Friday.
+In Language Arts this week we will answer the essential question "How can you find your way around? The students will listen to a Big Book story "Me On the Map" and answer comprehension questions. In phonics, the children will practice diagraphs -ch, -tch, -wh and -ph with smartboard games. The students will take a pre-test on this weeks spelling words. The kids will take a reading comprehension/phonics test on Friday. The children will participate in a shared read called, "Which way on the map?". Finally, in grammar, the students will practice irregular plurals on the white board and then have corresponding homework.
+In Math, the students will continue Chapter 4: using addition with subtraction. We will continue to check subtraction by adding. The students will also use subtraction to compare difference problems. We will continue to use 10 frames, counters and the number line to practice the given problems. The Math test for Chapter 4 will be on Friday.;
+In Religion, the children will complete Chapter 4 by taking a quiz on "how can we show thanks for what God created. The children will do an activity with our class saint, Saint Kateri. Finally, the students will sing the "I Am Thankful" song and make an I Am Thankful" craft.
+In Science, the children will begin a unit on animal classification. They will make an animal classification graph with the different groups.
+In Social Studies, the students will finish their study of Native Americans by learning authentic Native American songs and using given instruments. We will begin studying the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. The children will rotate centers pertaining to the pilgrims. They will have an opportunity to write with a "quill", make a log cabin, and practice adding with feathers.
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Week of November 7, 2022:
This will be a five day week. The students will be learning about the different types of Native Amerian homes in Social Studies. They will be have a choice of 4 different types of homes to create. We are in need of more shoe boxes(child/small women's). If you have not done so already, please send in by Tuesday, November 8th. Also, please send in your families "Veteran" picture for our school slide show.( if you have a close famiy memebr that is a veteran). Information in the "Mustang Memo". We will celebrate "Veteran's Day" in class by watching a slide-show celebration, doing a "directed drawing" activity and each child will receive a pin to wear proudly.
*In Language Arts, the children will take their spelling test with the words from last week. Then, the students will answer the essential question: "How do people help out in the community?" The children will listen to a story, "Martin Luther King" and answer comprehension questions. The children will take a spelling pre-test on words with diagraphs: sh, th and ng. The students will participate in a shared read, "Thump, Thump Helps Out" and write in their reading/writing companion. The will use the text to answer questions. In Grammar, the children will learn about common and proper nouns and play corresponding games on the smartboard. They will also review syllables and learn about "closed syllables. We will continue with reading groups, individual games and amplify reading on the i-pads.
*In Math, the students will begin Chapter 4 on "Addition/Subtraction: relationships with in 10. The children will continue to practice games on the smartboard, i-pad and at Math center regarding the two concepts. The children will learn how to "check their work" in subtraction by adding. We are SO PROUD of how the students scored on their Chapter 3 test! Great work, first grade!
*In Religion, the children will continue with "Chapter 4"- being thankful for what God created. The students will learn about Marie Curie and St. Martin Torres. We will also celebrate and express thanks to our Veterans! To all veterands: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
*In Science, the students will continue their unit on "What things are made of ?". The children will take a Science quiz on Friday.
*In Social Studies, the children will create their Native American Homes of their choice. The students will have many different supplies to construct with . The children will share their project with the class afterward. Pictures wlll be shared on this website as well as Saint Ann's website.
*In Learning without Tears, the students will write a Thanksgiving poem in their best printing onto LWT gray block paper.
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Week of October 31, 2022:
It was such a pleasure to speak with all of the parents at parent/teacher conferences. We are blessed to have such kind, generous and supportive parents in first grade! Your children are awesome and it is a joy teaching them every day. Thanks, again, for your continued support.
This will be a 5-day week:
Halloween is tomorrow! I know the students are super excited! Although we are not able tto wear costumes, we have some fun activities planned. We will have our classroom party at 2pm. thank you to those who sent in party items and foods/refreshments.
*In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling pre-test on words with "ending blends". The children will take their comprehension/phonics test on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Our essential question will be "where do animals live together?" The children will listen to a Big Book story, "Baby in the Bayou" and answer comprehension questions. The students will learn about "possessive nouns" in grammar and play practice games on the smartboard. For our shared read, the children will read the story" The Best Spot" and write in their reading/writing companion. Finally, the children will participate in reading groups on Wednesday and Friday.
*In Math, the students will learn about finding missing addends. The students will also subtract and compare different numbers. We will continue to practice word problems and illustrate these problems. Finally, the students will begin reviewing for their Chapter 4 test by completing a fluency practice page.
*In Religion, the children will celebrate "All Saint's Day" by attending mass at 9:15am on Tuesday. We will do an "All Saint's activity in the classroom. The children will finish a unit task of creating a badge that represents their faith and will encourage others to join the group!
*In Social Studies, the children will begin a 3 week study of Native Americans. The students will learn about different tribes, homes, language, food/drink, customs of these historical people. The students will make a Native American home of their choice for a project-based assessment. Please send in one shoe box (small, medium-sized) by November 4, 2022.
*In Science, the children will continue with the study of classifying animals into groups. This unit will correlate with our discussion of where do animals live in language arts.
*Learning Without Tears"- the students are enjoying using their" special printing pencil" and using different paper with the correct LWT lines for writing special projects such as : a Halloween poem. The students will continue practicing the printing of different words this week. We hope you notice how much your child's handwriting has improved! Great job,first grade!
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Week of October 24, 2022
This will be a 3 and a half-day week. NOTE: Thursday: October 27, 2022- half day of school, parent/teacher conference. October 28, 2022- all students OFF from school, parent/teacher conferences.
*In Language Arts, we will answer the essential question: What buildings do you know? We will listen to the Big Book story, "3 Little Daisies" and answer comprehension questions. The children will review rhyming skills. In Phonics, the children will review short u words. Spelling words will be words with middle u. The children will have a shared read called, "Cubs in a Hut" and write about it in their reading and writing companion. In Grammar, the children will learn about contractions/ apostrophe 's. The students will also review singular and plural nouns. Special Halloween stories will be read such as "Stellaluna and "There Once Was An Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything". Fun, Halloween activities will correspond regarding these stories."
*In Math, the children will continue to learn about subtraction. The students will use the number line to "think addition to subtract". The children will learn to check their subtraction problems by adding. Finally, the students will continue to problem solve by using a bar model.
*In Religion, the children will answer the essential question: how do we praise God? The students will watch a "did you know" video and make a poster. The students will continue to pray the rosary and color a corresponding color sheet.
*In Science, the students will learn about the parts of the tree and different types of trees. The children will learn more at Ashland Nature Center on our field trip.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their community helper unit. The students will have a quiz on Thursday.
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Week of October 17, 2022:
This will be a 5-day school week. There will be an optional Fire Prevention Contest the students may participate in. I am sending all of the information along with the cardstock for the poster on Monday. All entries are due in to the classroom by Thursday. There are some nice prizes/trophies for the students. Last year we had one first grader win:) Again, this is optional. Don't forget to send in your child's fieldtrip slip by Thursday, October 20, 2022. Friday, we will participate in "Pumpkin Painting" with second grade. Thank you to Ms. Wilkers for providing the pumpkins for our class:)
*In Language Arts this week, we will answer the question: What makes a community? The children will take a reading comprehension/phonics test on Monday. The students will listen to the Big Book story " Millie Waits for the Mail". In phonics, we will review short e. Our spelling words will also correspond with short e. In our Reading/Writing companion, we will have a shared read called "Good job, Ben and write about it. In Grammar, we will work on "nouns". Finally, we will continue with our reading groups. and have centers coordinated with the theme of "
*In Math, the students will begin a unit on subtraction. We will learn about different strategies for subtraction. The students will use hands-on materials to determine the answers. The students will play subtraction bingo.
*In Religion, we will answer the question 'how do we celebrate what we believe?' The children will make thier own post it about a "did you know" video. We will continue to pray the rosary.
*In Social Studies, the children will study about community helpers. They write about what they would like to be when they grow up.
*In Science, the students will review the scientific terms. The children will learn about the stages of pumpkin growth. The students will also make a STEM pumpkin project using candy pumpkins and toothpicks.
*In Learning With out Tears, the children continue their "corner starting capitals" and "center starting capitals". The students have practice writing words and using the correct formation AND staying on the lines.
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Week of October 10, 2022:
This will be a 4 day school week. Monday, October 10, 2022- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. The students did a GREAT job taking the STAR tests last week. These tests are helpful for me to determine what skills need worked on in reading and math. I can then plan my lessons accordingly.
*This week in Language Arts we will answer the essential question: How does your body move? The children will listen to Big Book story called, "Move!" The students will answer corresponding comprehension questions. The children will take their spelling pre-test. Students will review a phonics game on ending sounds and have corresponding homework. The children will listen to a shared reading called" Move and Grin" and write about it in their reading companion. In grammar, the children will practice writing sentences that make sense using -s to make a plural.
*In Math, the students will complete Unit 2 . The children will practice given word problems using the different strategies they have been taught thus far. We will complete a Chapter review and the students will take their Math test on Thursday. We will begin Unit 3: Subtraction on Friday..
*In Religion, the students will answer the essential question: What is the church? The students will watch a you tube video and do a corresponding booklet regarding this concept. The children will continue to learn to pray the rosary with their new rosary beads.
*In Social Studies, the students will take a test on leadership. They will then begin a mini-unit on "Fire Safety" Each child will complete a small fire safety booklet. Finally, the children will be given information for a "Fire Prevention Poster Contest". We will send home the paper for the poster, directions and rules for the contest. There are nice prizes for the children. This contest is OPTIONAL. The due date will be on the top cover of the assignment.
In Science, we will continue our study of leaves and the fall. The children truly enjoyed their "Fall Scavenger Hunt" with their buddies on Friday. Please see the pictures on the Section of this website called "First grade pictures". Each student will learn about the parts of a leaf. They will collect leaves of their own to study at recess with their hand lens.
In Learning Without Tears we will practice Letter Ss and Dd.. The children will be given opportunities to practice using playdoh and small chalkboards.
Finally, the students will listen to "Spookley the Pumpkin" story and do a complex shape craft/activity for our outside bulletin board.
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Week of October 3, 2022:
This will be a 5 day week of school. The students will take their STAR Math test on Monday at their Math class time. Encourage your child to do the best he or she can. No pressure. We will take the STAR Reading test on Thursday during our Reading period. Remember these tests are given to help me determine how to adapt lessons to your children's reading and math level. On Friday, the children will be taking a "fall walk" with their 6th grade buddies. The students will go on a "Fall Scavenger Hunt" and collect leaves for leaf rubbings.
This week in Language Arts the children will answer the essential question: What do friends do together? First, the children will take a reading/phonics test. Afterward, the students will listen to the Big Book story, "Friends All Around" and answer comprehension questions. The children will take a spelling pre-test. Our spelling words will review the short o sound. The kids will write in their reading/writing companion book after hearing the shared reading "Toss, Kick, Hop!". This story is about what games friends play together. Finally, in Grammar the students will practice forming questions and explanations. The students are enjoying "epic!" and amplify reading.
+In Math, the children will continue with addition strategies. We will continue practice with doubles and doubles plus 1 by playing corresponding games on our i-pads. On Friday, the students will work on math games from their "math tubs". These are individual games the students can play at their seats to practice different math skills. We will continue with "Freckle Math" and "Rocket Math".
+In Religion, the children will practice "the Hail Mary" to celebrate October- the month of Mary. We will celebrate Saint Francis of Assisi and watch a corresponding video/activity. We will begin Unit 2 in our religion curriculum. .
+In Science, the students will continue using their science vocabulary. The children will learn about different types of leaves. On Friday, the kids will go on a "leaf walk". Afterward, the students will document their information on their science booklet sheet.
+In Social Studies, the will learn about a strong leader and president, Abraham Lincoln. We will watch a brain pop! video and answer questions regarding this great man. We will take a quiz on leadership and community.
+In Learning Without Tears the students will continue with the formation of Letter Ff. The children will practice at the handwriting center and in their LWT workbook.
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Week of September 26, 2022:
This will be a 5 day week of school. On Monday, we will take our first Math test. On Friday, the students will take their reading/phonics comprehension test and their Spelling test.
* In Reading, the children will practice spelling words with l blends. We will work with question or statement in Grammar. The children will answer the essential question "what makes a pet?". They will listen to a Big Book "Cool Dog, School Dog". We will write about our own pets. The students will share their writing with the class.
*In Math, the students will review the addition strategy of "breaking apart". The children will practice making their own addition word problems. Finally, a new addition strategy the "bar model" will be introduced.
*In Religion, the children will be introduced to their own rosary. We will review the "Hail Mary".
* In Science, we will talk about Johnny Appleseed. The children will do an apple tasting, graph their favorite apple, write about apple types and make an apple craft. The children will do a STEM activity called "Apple Jenga".
*In Social Studies, we will continue to talk about leadership on the United States. The children will go review what a citizen is and how to be a good one.
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Week of September 20, 2022:
This will be a 5 day school week! We welcome back Mrs. McLaren to the classroom! The students missed her very much! Here's to a productive whole week of school:)
* I am happy to report the students did very well on their first Spelling test. Every Monday, the children will take a spelling pre-test. When the students receive a 100 percent on their pre-test, they receive a certificate and a small piece of candy. He or she is then exempt from the Friday test and will do an activity of their choice during that time.
*This week in Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question "What is it like where you live?". The children will listen to a Big Book story "Alicia's Happy Day". The students will write about their neighborhood and what places are inside of it. In phonics, the children will work with short i words. In grammar, the children will work on word order. The students will continue small groups on Wednesday's and Friday's for more individualized reading practice. Spelling test on Friday.
* In Math, the children will continue with addition. The students will learn about adding doubles and doubles plus one. The children will also practice adding 3 addends. Word problems will continue to challenge the students with the 4-step process.
* In Science , the students will welcome fall on Thursday by naming and writing about the signs of fall . The children will also learn what scientists do and what science vocabulary they use. We will practice this vocabulary with a Science word search.
* In Social Studies, the students will answer the essential question: what is a leader? The children will learn about the jobs of the president, governor and mayor.
* The children will continue "Fun Friday" with "Fidget " time. Your child may bring in his or her favorite fidget to use at given times on Friday's. I have a bunch of fidgets if your child would like to use mine instead. We will also do a "Fall Craft" for our bulletin board.
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Week of September 12, 2022:
This week will be a five day week. The children will have their first Spelling test this week. The words will be posted underneath the tab slot "spelling words". The children will also receive a paper copy of their words.
This will be a 5 day school week.
+ In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: What do you do at school? The children will write in their journals. Phonics focus will be on short a. In grammar, the children will practice sentence formation. The students will practice reading short a readers with their teacher.
+ In Math, we will continue adding to the sum of 10. The children will use all types of manipulatives to practice: cubes, counters/ten frames and beans/number line. We will have our Unit 1 test on Friday.
+ In Religion, we will try and answer the essential question: Who is God? The children draw what God created and how He takes care of all of those things. They will pray a traditional prayer using "holy water".
+In Science, the children will continue with "The 5 senses". We will study units of measurement and practice measuring with those items in class. The children will take a quiz on Wednesday. On Friday, we will do an experiment with celery and document our results.
+Social Studies, the children will begin their unit on " My neighborhood". The students will learn about "what is a map". The kids will take a walk and draw a map of our school neighborhood. The children are truly enjoying school! They are adjusting to their new classroom and our first grade routine. Keep up the great work first grade!
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Week of September 6, 2022:
THANK YOU to all parents who sent in their supplies! We are grateful for your generosity! Thanks, also, for returning your child's summer work in a timely manner. I will be marking the packets and then your child will receive a "prize" for completion. Your child will also receive a "grade" for this packet.
This will be a 4 day school week. We will continue to practice rules and procedures of the classroom.
+Language:
The students will begin the language curriculum. We will review letters m ,s, p and t and their corresponding sounds. The children will work on high frequency words: I , like, he, can, go ,a and has The students will practice nursery rhymes and review their rhyming skills. In grammar, the children will practice the rules of punctuation.
+Math:
The children will review beginning addition skills. Each child will practice adding with cubes, counters/paper plates, and candies. The students will be introduced to their math workbook and complete the addition pages.
+Religion:
The students will listen to the story of creation. The kids will also make a creation booklet and watch a video on the smartboard on the "Beginner Bible" app.
+Science:
The children will learn about different Science tools we will use in the classroom this year! Each child will document their results on a matching of tools worksheet.
+ Social Studies:
The students will be introduced to their Social Studies textbooks.
+Learning Without Tears:
This is our handwriting program. The students will begin practicing proper letter formation by using such hands-on objects as "math mat", math wooden slats and LWT workbooks.
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Week of August 29, 2022:
This week the children will become accustomed to first grade life! The students will learn classroom rules and morning/afternoon procedures. Each child will take a "tour" of the contents of their desk and put names in their workbooks. The children will listen to the story " First Day Jitters". The students will state what the word "jitters" mean and we will construct a word web on the smartboard. Afterward, the children will make a take-home book about what they are afraid of. The kids will have a special "Jitters" snack at snack time. The students will review numerals 1-30 and play "Number Bingo". The children will play games on education.com regarding these numbers. We will watch a you tube video on flamingos and make a flamingo project on Friday. Finally, the children will learn about our diocesan theme "One Body in Christ" . The student will learn a coordinating song and make a classroom hand print wreath representing a "one classroom family".
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2021-2022 school year
Week of June 6, 2022: First grade important information:
Monday: June 6, 2022: Regular Day: Last gym class and last music class.
Tuesday: June 7, 2022: "Moving Up" Day. First grade will go to second grade to talk with the teachers: Mrs. Kuha and Mrs. Ray. The children will do a fun activity and receive their "summer work" folders. Last "talent show" practice: 1:45-2:30pm. No literacy class- Please return any borrowed books to Mrs. Ray as soon as possible.
Wednesday: June 8, 2022: "Ocean Theme". The students will participate in many centers with activities corresponding with the ocean. +Last Spanish class+
Thursday: June 9, 2022: "Talent Show" 9-11am. Parents are welcome to watch their children on stage perform their "talent". "End of the Year" celebration: 11:30-2:00pm. The students will rotate through different games and activities. Your child should wear his or her field day t-shirt and gym shorts. THANK YOU to all parent who volunteered to help with this event!
Friday: June 10, 2022: 9am whole school mass. All parents are welcome! 10m honors assembly immediately afterward. Students return to classroom for last minute items and to receive a surprise from their teachers. 11am dismissal. +Report cards will be distributed electronically+
+Please note+
1.Books and desk items will be taken home daily. Please have your child bring his or her bookbag every day this week.
2. I will send nightly e-mails with any reminders.
3. HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!!! Thank you for everything! It has been a wonderful school year with a very special group of kids!
Love from: Mrs. Del Collo and Mrs. McLaren
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Week of May 23, 2022:
This will be a 3 and a half-day week. The students have a half-day on Thursday and no school on Friday and Monday. This Monday, students may dress in their "spirit-wear" for spirit day. (Saint Ann sports attire. ) The children will watch the 8th graders vs teachers volleyball game at 1:45pm. I will send daily reminders about what students may wear this week.
+In Language Arts, the students will work on centers surrounding a "Popscicle Theme". Each child will rotate centers practicing the following concepts: alphabetical order, authors purpose of a poem, graphing favorite flavors, adding with popscicle sticks, adjectives and a popscicle craft.
+In Math, the students will finish subtracting two digit numbers and take a Math quiz on Chapter 12: Subtracting two digit numbers.
+In Religion, the children will complete their prayer unit by studying the "Glory Be".
+In Science, the students will study the rocks they have collected.
+In Social Studies, the children will begin their study of North America.
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Week of May 16, 2022:
This will be another BUSY 5 day week! The students will begin STAR testing on Monday and be completed by Friday. On Monday, the children will listen to the band concert with grades 2-4 at 2pm in the social hall. On Tuesday, the students won an "extra recess" for the donations to AMA . This will be held at 10:15am Tuesday. On Friday, the students will have a "casual day" for a cost of 1 dollar for the missions. This will also be "pretzel day".
+In Language, the children will complete their last Lesson in Unit 6. The students will answer the essential question: how does team work help us? The students will read a TIME KIDS article called: " This Land Is Your Land". We will do a shared read called: "Max's Plan" and answer questions in our reading/writing companion. In Spelling, the children will review high frequency words. In grammar, the students will practice punctuation and it's usage in sentences. Finally, the children will perform a class play called: "That Goat Has Got to Go!". We will have reading groups on Friday.
+In Math, the students will begin to work on Chapter 9: Subtracting double digits from 20 or less. The children will practice using ten bars and one beads. We will use our place value charts once again. The students will also play games on their i-pads to practice this important concept.
+In Science, the children will complete their life cycle unit. The students will work on a few STEM activities this week.
+In Social Studies, the students will be learning about the continent of South America. Each child will learn about the different cultures, animals and landforms of this continent. We will learn a South American song. The children will complete their South America booklet page.
+In Religion, the children will begin to review what they have learned this year.
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Week of May 9, 2022:
Hopefully, all the mothers enjoyed a nice, relaxing day! This week will be a 5 day school week. On Monday, our eggs arrive from the U of D Embryology program! The students are super excited to watch the weekly process of the life cycle of a chick. Wednesday, the children will go to mass and participate in the May procession . This will be the first time that the students will sit with their sixth grade buddies:) Wednesday evening is the "Spring Festival". Please check your email for sign-up procedures for this fun event! Finally, on Friday, the children will walk to Stapler Park to play with their 6th grade buddies. Mrs. Saienni will join us also. The students will eat lunch there( weather permitting).
+Language Arts: The students will answer the essential question , "Why do we celebrate the holidays?" Our spelling words will be "r" controlled vowels. The students will have a phonics/comprehension test on Tuesday. Our spelling test will be on Friday. We will have a shared read called "Share the Harvest and Give Thanks" and write about it in the reading/writing companion. The students will continue to practice writing about a given topic in their journals. We will continue with our reading groups and centers. Finally, the children will be reviewing concept that may be on the STAR tests that will be taken next week.
+Math: The students will learn about the dollar bill and it's value. The children will continue with counting coins by working in partners and playing "store" with cash registers. We will review or our test on Chapter 16 which will be on Thursday. Our next unit will be on subtracting 2 digit numbers. We will end the school year with complex shapes.
+Religion: The students will continue their study of Mary. We will attend May procession with our 6th grade buddies on Thursday at 1:45pm. The students will have a prayer quiz on Wednesday.
+Science: The children will learn about the life cycle of the chick. We will complete an activity to hang on our outside bulletin board. Our eggs will arrive Monday and hopefully all hatch to be returned on Friday as baby chicks! This is a very exciting experience for the children. I will post pictures as we move along with the process.
+Social Studies: The students will complete their study of Africa and begin the continent of South America.
+ Learning Without Tears: The children will continue their proper printing in their workbook. The students are now printing a paragraph as neatly as possible.
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Week of May 2, 2022:
This will be a BUSY 5 day week. The children will participate in the AHA FUN RUN on Monday. Many thanks to parents that sent in food donations or volunteered time to stand on different corners of the run. We appreciate it! On Tuesday, the students will be making a special craft with 7th graders for Nurse Kerr- shhhhh it is a surprise for "Nurse's Day". Friday, it will be a "Casual Day" for teachers and "Pretzel Day".
+In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "What is tradition?". The children will take their spelling pre-test on trigraph words. ( words beginning with 3-letters). They will also take a phonics/comprehension test on Tuesday. The students will listen to an interactive read-aloud called "Let's Dance" and will answer different comprehension questions. The children will work in partners to read the story, "The Shared Birthday" and write in their reading/writing companion. The kids will participate in Reading groups and centers on Friday and take their spelling test. Finally, the students will research different traditions.
+In Math, the children will learn about money: quantity, recognition of coins and counting amounts of money. The students will practice these skills using many hands- on games and materials. We will take a "money" pre-test on Monday.
+In Religion, the students will begin "The Month of Mary". Each child will be given a brand new rosary. We will practice our "Hail Mary's". The students will color in a picture of Mary to hang in the classroom.
+In Science, the children will continue their study of plants. Each child planted a carrot seed on Friday and will be responsible for giving it water daily. The students will diagram and label the parts of a plant. We will learn about different types of plants and flowers.
+In Social Studies, the students will learn more about the continent of Africa. We make an African animal craft. The children will learn more about the market place, the land and the culture.
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Week of April 25, 2022:
Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful Easter break! This will be a 5 day school week. This week in first grade we will:
+In Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question: How can weather affect us? The children will listen to the story "Paul Bunyan and the Grand Ice" and answers comprehension questions. In phonics, the students will work on words with silent beginning sounds. The students will learn about special pronouns in grammar. The kids will participate in a shared read called: "Wrapped in Ice" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. Next, the children will learn about persuasive text and learn to write in problem, solution form. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+In Math, the students will continue with the concept of time. This week, we will study day and night in relation to time. The children will keep using hand-held clocks and will do some clock-stamping activities. The students will practice more problem-solving techniques. Finally, the children will take their Chapter 5 Math test on Friday.
+In Religion, we will focus on "the Easter Season". The children will decorate flowers for the cross to hang on the hallway bulletin board. We will listen to "Jesus is Risen" story. Finally, the students will analyze the butterfly and it's relationship to new life. The kids will make a butterfly mobile to place in the classroom.
+In Science, the students will learn about plants and how they grow. Each child will grow their own plant to take care of. We will also correlate Earth day with plants and trees. The students will learn a song called "Happy Earth Day".
+ In Social Studies, the students will begin learning about the continent of Africa. We will learn about the animals, culture and songs of this continent. The children will create their next page for their continent booklet.
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Week of April 11, 2022:
This will be a 2 and a half day week. We will be reviewing different concepts in Reading/Language. The students will make an easter booklet. In Math, the children will graph easter eggs by color and play with addition plastic eggs. In Religion, the students will attend the "Living Stations" in church with Kindergarten and second grade. The children will also make a craft about the "Jellybean Prayer". In Social Studies, the children will study the different countries that celebrate Easter and compare/contrast the celebrations in Europe and in the United States. Finally, in Science, the children will do an experiment regarding "the rain cycle" and document their results.
For Easter, we will read Easter stories, make a chick and have an Easter Egg Hunt with second grade on Wednesday. Mrs. McLaren and I wish everyone a blessed Easter with your families. Be safe and we will see you on April 25, 2022.
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Week of April 4, 2022:
This will be a 5-day week! On Monday, the students will attend the American Heart Association assembly. This Friday will be a "Casual Day" and "Pretzel Day". The cost is 1 dollar which will be given to the missions. Saint Ann's will have an "Open House" for new parents on Wednesday. Please spread the word about our wonderful school! We will also spend time with our 6th grade buddies to do a special Lenten project.
+In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "Who helps you?"The children will take their spelling pre-test for Unit 6, Week 2. The students will listen to an interactive read aloud called, "Anansi the Spider". The children will take a phonics and comprehension test. They will also play computer games pertaining to the variant vowel o. The students will participate in a shared read and write about the story in their reading/writing companion. In grammar, the children will work with possessives and review pronouns. Finally, the students will be "adopting a Peep" on Wednesday. Directions for this fun activity will be sent home on Wednesday. The children will name their peep, write about their adventures together and take he or she home to take care of their new friend!
+In Math, the students will complete their unit on adding two digit numbers. The children will take a test on Unit 11 on Tuesday. Next up: time! The students will practice telling time with hand-held clock, clock stamps and clock puzzles. The children will also play games pertaining to time on education.com.
+In Religion, the students will continue to listen to bible passages and color ornaments for the Jesus Cross in the hallway. The children will also make a "new life" baby chick as a special craft. The students will attend mass on Wednesday. Finally, the kids will learn hear the story of Palm Sunday and color a corresponding color sheet.
+In Science, the students will begin a new unit. The children will participate in an easter experiment.
+In Social Studies, the children will complete their study of Europe and begin alearning about Africa.
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Week of March 28, 2022:
This will be a 5 day week. Reminder: Spring uniform begins April 1, 2022.
+In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling test for Unit 6, Week 1. This week, their spelling words will pertain to the variant u. The children will answer the essential question: How does teamwork help us? The students will listen to the interactive story, "The Cat's Bell" and answer comprehension questions. The kids will learn about working as a team during a shared read with their partner. In grammar, the students will practice more with nouns and pronouns. The children will play games corresponding with this skill on their i-pads. Finally, the children will have reading groups this Friday as well as their weekly spelling test.
+ In Math, the students will continue to practice adding 2 digit numbers. The children enjoyed bringing out the ten bars and ones to learn about this new concept. The students will continue to work on making a 10 to add 2 digit numbers and "breaking apart" when adding 2 digit numbers. Finally, the children will work on word problem stratedgies on Friday.
+ In Religion, the students will continue to listen to bible stories and color in coordinating pictures to hang on our Lenten Cross. The children will assemble their "Stations of the Cross" booklets they made to take home. The students will make another craft for Lent on Friday.
+ In Social Studies, the children will continue working on the continent of Europe. This week, we will study France, Spain and Germany.
+ In Science, the students will continue to learn about "force and motion". Last Friday, the children worked in pairs to construct ramps. I will post pictures on this website.
+ In handwriting, the students have been practicing printing poems in their Learning without Tears workbook. The children have been learning the proper format for producing the uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.
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Week of March 21, 2022:
This will be a 5 day school week.
+In Language Arts, the children will learn spelling words with -oi and -oy. They will take their spelling pre-test on Monday. The students will answer the essential question : How do things get built? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud and answer reading comprehension questions. The students will participate in a shared read, "The Joy of a Ship" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will have a lot of phonics practice on the smartboard. In Grammar, the students will practice adding -er and -est to adjectives. The children will also learn about prepositions.
+In Math, the students will begin Unit 11: Adding Two Digit Numbers. The children will use manipulatives such as ten bars, place value mat, and dry erase boards to practice this concept. Finally, the children will work on SeeSaw activities to work on adding two digit numbers.
+In Religion, the children will continue to listen to bible passages and color ornaments for our Jesus Cross in the ornament. The students will also make a special Lenten craft. They will watch a Lenten video by Brother Francis. Finally, the children will do a religion wordsearch with Lenten vocabulary.
+In Science, the children will work on Science experiments on Tuesday and Thursday.
+ In Social Studies, the students will continue their continent study with the continent of Europe. The children will learn songs in French and German. Each students will make the next page for their booklet.
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Week of March 14, 2022:Gentle reminder: Leprechaun Traps are due into the classroom on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Also due are 30 pennies for a STEM activity. We will have a "casual day" and "pretzel day" on Friday. This will be a 4 day week of school.
+In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "What sounds can you hear?". The children will take their spelling pre-test on Tuesday. Our new spelling words will pertain to dipthongs: -ow, -ou. The students will watch a video, "Alphablocks" and do See Saw assignments related to their spelling words. The children will listen to the story, "Now, What Is That Sound?" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. They will learn about the correct way to use a an an in grammar. On Thursday, the children will listen to "How to Catch a Leprechaun" and do some FUN reading activities. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+ In Math, the students will continue working on fractions in Math. The children will work on math vocabulary: equal shares, whole, halves and fourths. The students will work on halves and fourths in small groups. The children will learn more ways to problem-solve. The children will review for their Math test on Friday.
+ In Religion, the students will continue to listen to bible passages and add an ornament to our Jesus Tree in the hallway. We will begin our "Stations of the Cross" booklet. First grade will go to see "the stations" in church with Mr. Gebhart next week.
+In Science, the children will complete their unit on the Moon. There will be a quiz on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the students will participate in a STEM activity called "The Leprechaun Golden Bridge". Mrs. Grant will visit the classroom to observe all the fun.
+In Social Studies, we will complete Asia and begin Europe. We will begin with Ireland-just in time or Saint Patrick's Day.
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Week of March 7, 2022:
This will be a 4 day week of school. The students have off of school on Friday, March 11, 2022. We will not have school on Monday, March 14, 2022. Teachers will have a professional development at St. Marks.
+In Language Arts, the students will have their spelling pre-test for Unit 5, Week 3. The children will learn about inventions and when they were created. In phonics, the students will learn spelling words with -r controlled vowels: -or, -ore and -oar. The children will listen to an interactive read aloud called the "Great Inventions" and write in their reading/writing companion. On Tuesday, the children will take a comprehension/phonics test. In grammar, the children will learn more about adjectives . Mrs. Grant will come for a visit on Wednesday to watch a lesson on "compound words". Finally, on Thursday we will have our weekly spelling test and reading groups.
+In Math, the children will begin a unit on fractions. The students will learn about equal shares by using fraction tiles. The children will practice with halves, thirds and fourths. Many fun manipulatives will be used.
+In Religion, the students will continue to study Lent. The children will make Lenten crosses with tissue paper. The students will make ornaments and hang them on our Jesus tree. Each ornament will have a bible passage to read that lead to the resurrection of Jesus. We will also work on our Lenten unit in the curriculum.
+In Science, the children will complete their study of the moon and stars. We will do a shadow experiment to show the phases of the moon.
+In Social Studies, the children will finish their study of Asia and begin Europe. The children will learn about St. Patrick and Ireland.
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Week of February 28, 2022:
This will be a 5-day week. The students will attend mass on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 9:15 to receive their ashes.
+In Language Arts, the students will take a spelling pre-test and reading comprehension/phonics test. The children will listen to the interactive read aloud, " Why the Sun and Moon are in the Sky?" and answer comprehension questions. The students will practice spelling words with -ur sound: er, ir ur and or. In Grammar, the children will work on adjectives. Mrs. Grant will visit the classroom to visit to watch a lesson on compound words. The children will participate in different activities to practice this concept. Skill review will be on Wednesday and reading groups on Friday. The weekly spelling test will also be on Friday.
+In Math, the children will finish up Chapter 9. The students will practice with manipulatives to master problems and true/false equations. We will review for our test with a Chapter Review and some SeeSaw lessons. First grade will have their Chapter 9 Math test on Friday.
+In Religion, the students will begin their Lenten Journey. The children will make a Lenten calendar to track the 40 days. The kiddos will also make a Lenten sacrifice and write about it. We will also create a "stations of the cross" booklet.
+In Science, the students will learn about the moon and it's phases. The children will also do an experiment to create and mark the phases in the classroom.
+In Social Studies, the children will continue studying Asia. We will talk about camels and the middle east. We will also will learn about Russian Matroshkya dolls and hear a cute corresponding story.
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Week of February 21, 2022:
Reminder: We are off of school on Monday: President's Day. This will be a four day week.
+In Language Arts, we will take a spelling pre-test of our new Unit 5, Week 1. We will answer the essential question: How can we make sense of the world around us? The children will listen to the story "Goldilocks" for an interactive read aloud and answer comprehension questions. We will compare and contrast different versions of this famous tale. The students will practice spelling words with -ar combinations. The children will play different games to learn this skill. In grammar, the students will learn to join sentences using "with, and, but and or". The children will also practice irregular plurals on the smartboard. The children will participate in the shared read: "A Barn Full of Hats" and the kids will write in their reading/writing companion. Finally, the students will participate in reading groups on Friday and take their spelling test.
+In Math, the children will continue to add and subtract numerals from 20. The students will practice using different stratedgies such as: make a 10, box it off, doubles and whole/part. We will practice using hands-on materials and i-pad games.
+In Religion, the students will answer the question: how do we pray? The children will watch a did you know video and do a follow-up activity. The children will recite the Lord's prayer and the Glory Be. Finally, the students will take a Religion quiz on Friday.
+In Science, the children will begin a new unit on "States of Matter". The students will participate in an experiment on Friday.
+In Social Studies, the students will begin studying the continent of Asia. THANK YOU to Mrs. Johnson for coming to the classroom last Friday to present a powerpoint on Australia and give our students a special treat!( fairy bread).
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Week of February 14, 2022:
Happy Valentine's Day! The children's valentine's are due into the classroom on Monday. The students will "mail" them in the bags they made on Friday. Thank you to those who have brought in supplies/treats for the kids. We have some fun activities planned! This will be a four and a half day week. Friday is a half-day of school with dismissal at 11:45am. Gentle reminder: Spelling tests are on Friday's unless otherwise notified. We will have a Spelling test and Religion test this coming Friday.
+ In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: How do people work with animals? The children will listen to an interactive read aloud called, "Ming's Teacher". The children will play phonics games practicing spelling words with long e: y, ey. The children will have a share read called "From Puppy to Guide Dog" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will learn about adverbs in grammar. Finally, the students will have reading groups on Friday.
+In Math, the students will begin a new unit on "Subtracting numbers from 20". The children will play math games in centers to practice this concept. The kids will play Math Valentine Bingo and Valentine 10 frames on Valentine's Day.
+In Religion, the children will learn about St. Valentin. We will continue learning about prayer and and answer the essential question why do we pray?
+ In Science, the children will do an experiment using M and M and Skittles. We will begin a unit on Simple Machines.
+ In Social Studies, we will complete our study of Australia and begin Asia. We will have a visitor on Friday who has lived in Australia. This is a surprise for the kiddos!
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Week of February 7th, 2022:
This will be a 4 day week. Gentle reminder: NO SCHOOL Monday, February 7, 2022- faculty retreat. This week the students will take the STAR test in reading and math. Please make sure your child is rested and had a good breakfast so he or she can perform to the best of their ability. Also, on Tuesday, we will celebrate our "100th Day of School" with some fun activities! Also, on Tuesday, we will deliver our card to Gianni's!
+In Language Arts, the students will take a spelling pre-test. The students will answer the essential question "What insects do you know about?". The kids will listen to the interactive read-a-loud "Hide and Seek" and right about it in their reading/writing companion. In phonics, the children will work on long i: ie y and igh combinations by playing games on the smartboard. Finally, in grammar the students will work on the words: see and saw.
+In Math, the students will complete Chapter 8- Addition to 20. The students will play games with ten frames, cubes, and bingo for review! Our test will be on Friday. We will do a review practice page to send home for practice.
+In Religion, the children will begin Unit 4: what is the power of prayer? The children will watch a "did you know video" and do a follow-up activity. The children will review the Lord's prayer and the Hail Mary.
+In Science, the children will learn about Insects. This unit will correlate with this weeks language arts essential question. We will review the life cycles of different animals and do a research activity on our i-pads.
+Finally, the students will finish their study of Australia by making a kangaroo stick puppet. We will also have a surprise guest who is originally from Australia).
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Week of January 31, 2022:
HAPPY CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S WEEK! Please check your e-mail daily for information on many fun activities happening through out the week. This will be a 5 day week.
*In Language Arts, the students will share their information in front of the class regarding their choice of an animal team. Next, the children will take their spelling pre-test. The students will work on phonics smartboard games. They will listen to the interactive read aloud, "Animals in Winter". The students will read in their text a non-fiction story called, "Go Wild" and write about it in their reading/writing companion. The children will practice long o combination spelling words on the dry erase boards, with legos and with playdoh. In Grammar, the students will learn about the verbs "go" and "do". We will continue learning about prefixes. Spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the students will continue with sums to 16-20. More practice will be done with "making a ten" and "doubles plus 1". The students have greatly improved with these two mathematical strategies. The children will continue to practice their problem solving skills.
*In Religion, the students will make cards for our community restaurant, Gianni's, to say thank you. The children will finish Lesson 15 with a test on Tuesday. First grade will attend mass Wednesday at 9:30am. We will begin Lesson 16, "What is prayer?".
*In Science, the students will participate in another Science experiment. The children will also compete in a STEM activity regarding paper airplanes on Monday.
*In Social Studies, the children will make their Australian big booklet page. They will make a kangaroo stick puppet after listening to a story about this adorable marsupial!
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Week of January 24, 2022:
This will be a five day week! We are so glad to see all of our students back in class ready to prepare for Catholic School's Week. Please check the Saint Ann's website and mine for upcoming events!
*In language arts the students will answer the essential question: how do animals help each other? The children will take their spelling pre-test on Monday. They will listen to the interactive read loud "Animals" and write in there reading/ writing companion. This week the students will learn about verbs "has" and "have". They will also work on games pertaining to prefixes: un, re and pre. Finally, the children will learn about " Animal teams" and research information on their i-pads and write about it. Spelling test is on Friday.
* In Math, we will begin Chapter 8: Adding Sums to 20. We will use our ten frames and counters again to make a 10. The students will aksompractice playing games regarding this concept on education.com .
In Religion, the students will show their love of God and catholic education by participating in various activities for Catholic School,s Week. These activities include: vocation awareness cards, CSW banner, cards for our restaurant neighbors and practicing for the religion bee.
*In Science, we will begin learning about "mixtures "and "separation". The students will participate in an experiment to determine if a substance dissolves or separates.
*In Social Studies, the children will begin learning about the continent of Australia.
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Week of January 17, 2022:
This will be a 4 day week! This week the service club will be having a "winter clothing drive". If you have an items that can be donated to those in need it would be greatly appreciated! Examples are: winter coats, mittens/gloves ,hats,etc. The students enjoyed their earned movie on Friday. However, we were unable to complete"Encanto". The students will finish the movie on Tuesday afternoon.
*In Language Arts, the students will work on their "research and inquiry " project. Each child will pick a food of their choice and read books on epic!on that food. Afterward, they will write about what they have learned. The students will take a reading/phonics test on Tuesday. The students will have spelling words pertaining to long a: -ai and -ay. This week, the kids will answer the essential question: How do animal's bodies help them? The children will listen to two folktales: "The Elephant's Child" and "Snail and Frog Race". These two stories will be compared and contrasted on a "comparison" chart. Finally, the children will take their spelling test on Friday and participate in reading groups.
*In Math, the students will complete Unit 7: Comparing Numbers. We will work on the last lesson : Problem/Solving and reasoning. Then, the students will review the chapter for a test on Wednesday. The children will work on the "Simple Solutions" app.
*In Religion, the students will continue learning about "peace" and how we can help keep a peaceful world just like Jesus wanted. (and Marting Luther King). We will begin Lesson 14: what turns you away from God's love?" The students will do a prior knowledge check in. They will watch a "Did you know?" video and do the corresponding activity.
*In Science, the students will make a "snow bag" on Tuesday. We will then begin our new unit.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their study of Antarctica. Ask them about what they hae learned! The next continent: Australia!
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Week of January 10, 2022:
This will be a 4 and a half-day week. Friday will be a casual and pretzel day. The cost is one dollar with money going toward the missions. Our class has earned a "movie day" for our of our outstanding reading done for the rea-a-thon. We will vote on a movie and watch it on Friday, January 14, 2022.
*In Language Arts, we will answer the essential question: how do we get our food? The students will take a pre-test on words with double oo making the short u sound. The children will hear a Big Book story called "Where Does Food Come From?" The students will write in their reading/writing companion about "Meals: Look at Breakfast". In grammar, the students will work on "is" and "are". The children will also work on contractions with "not". Finally, the students will do a research/inquiry on a type of food . Each child will look up informational text on epic to learn about that food and write about it. As always, we will have reading groups and a spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the students will continue learning about number patterns 1-120. The children will work with their own number charts. The children will play games to put larger numbers in sequence. Finally, the children will take a chapter review to practice concepts learned.
*In Religion, the students will learn about Jesus and his baptism. Also, the students will talk about how Jesus wanted a world of peace. This peace will be correlated with Martin Luther King.
*In Science, the students will learn abut the season of winter. We will talk about snow and how it form. The students will make pretend snow and listen to informational texts on epic! Finally, the children will make snowmen for the outside bulletin board regarding the story, "Snowmen at Night".
*In Social Studies, the children will begin the continent of Antarctica. The children will learn about the animals, culture, landforms and songs of the coldest place in the world!
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Week of January 4, 2022:
Happy New Year! We hope you had a relaxing and healthy holiday! Please take advantage of registering for "Test and Stay" program. This is an easy way to make sure your child is safe and healthy. We will follow protocol as usual in the classroom. THANK YOU for encouraging your child to "mask up". It certainly helps knowing that we are all working together to keep the children safe and in the classroom. This will be a four-day week.
*In Language Arts, we will begin a new unit. How is life different now then long ago? The children will take a spelling pre-test. The new words will pertain to long o, silent e, long u, silent e. We will listen to the Big Book story: "The Last Train" and answer comprehension questions. Our shared read will be about "Life at Home" and the children will write in their reading/writing companion. Also, in writing, the students will review what a "resolution" is and write about what their promise will be for the New Year. The students will make a corresponding craft to go along with the writing. In phonics, the children will play different games with long vowel, silent e at center time. On Friday, we will continue with reading groups and amplify reading. Finally, the students will have their spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the children will begin a new unit on "Place Value of Digits" and decomposing numbers. To do this, we will use manipulatives such as ones beads, ten bars, hundred squares and thousand cubes. We will then practice with some See-Saw assignments and practice in our workbooks for homework. Finally, the children will play math hands-on games on Wednesday and work on Rocket Math/ Freckle Math on their i-pad.
In Religion, the children will hear the story of the "epiphany". We will work on a color sheet and sign the song "We Three King". The students will then hear about Jesus' baptism. The children will review about this important sacrament.
*In Social Studies, we will begin a study of our world. We will review that God created the earth and there are seven continents and four oceans. The children will begin their study with the continent of Antarctica. The students will learn about the animals, landforms and culture from each place. Finally, the children will learn a corresponding song.
*In Science, the children will complete their unit on "States of Matter".
* Please note that handwriting will start to count on spelling tests and writing assignments. The children know the proper "format" and should be printing their letters on the lines in proper lowercase and uppercase format.
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Week of December 20, 2021Week of January 4, 2022:
Happy New Year! We hope you had a relaxing and healthy holiday! Please take advantage of registering for "Test and Stay" program. This is an easy way to make sure your child is safe and healthy. We will follow protocol as usual in the classroom. THANK YOU for encouraging your child to "mask up". It certainly helps knowing that we are all working together to keep the children safe and in the classroom. This will be a four-day week.
*In Language Arts, we will begin a new unit. How is life different now then long ago? The children will take a spelling pre-test. The new words will pertain to long o, silent e, long u, silent e. We will listen to the Big Book story: "The Last Train" and answer comprehension questions. Our shared read will be about "Life at Home" and the children will write in their reading/writing companion. Also, in writing, the students will review what a "resolution" is and write about what their promise will be for the New Year. The students will make a corresponding craft to go along with the writing. In phonics, the children will play different games with long vowel, silent e at center time. On Friday, we will continue with reading groups and amplify reading. Finally, the students will have their spelling test on Friday.
*In Math, the children will begin a new unit on "Place Value of Digits" and decomposing numbers. To do this, we will use manipulatives such as ones beads, ten bars, hundred squares and thousand cubes. We will then practice with some See-Saw assignments and practice in our workbooks for homework. Finally, the children will play math hands-on games on Wednesday and work on Rocket Math/ Freckle Math on their i-pad.
In Religion, the children will hear the story of the "epiphany". We will work on a color sheet and sign the song "We Three King". The students will then hear about Jesus' baptism. The children will review about this important sacrament.
*In Social Studies, we will begin a study of our world. We will review that God created the earth and there are seven continents and four oceans. The children will begin their study with the continent of Antarctica. The students will learn about the animals, landforms and culture from each place. Finally, the children will learn a corresponding song.
*In Science, the children will complete their unit on "States of Matter".
* Please note that handwriting will start to count on spelling tests and writing assignments. The children know the proper "format" and should be printing their letters on the lines in proper lowercase and uppercase format.
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This will be a three and a half day week! Mrs. McLaren and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe 2023!
*In Language Arts, the students will read a Holiday Story and make a coordinating booklet. We will do Christmas See Saw activities. The children will participate in Christmas centers and read Christmas readers at reading group time.
* In Math, the students will review place value.
*In Religion, the children will color in their last candle and leaf on their advent wreath. We will make a poinsettia for our religion wall and listen to the story "The Legend of the Pointsettia" and sing christmas carols.
*In Science, we will do a STEM activity with making Christmas trees using given materials.
On Monday, the students will attend a prayer service at 10am and "pantomine" the nativity/tableau at 10am. On Wednesday, the children will perform in a singing concert with grades pre-k3 through 5th grade at 1:45pm. On Thursday, the students will enjoy a holiday reindeer party at 10am. The students swill shop at our holiday Santa shop in the morning.
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Week of December 13, 2021:
This will be a 5 day week. THANK YOU to all parents who donated to the "pajama drive". THANK YOU to parents who have signed their child up for the read-a-thon! The children are very excited to read and meet their goals! Please encourage your child to keep on reading as we will do so in class.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: what is a folktale? The children will take their spelling pre-test. The students will read the literature selection, "Interrupting Children". The student will practice spelling words with soft c, -ge and -dge. The students will write in their reading /writing companion regarding the story, "The Nice Mitten". In Grammar, the student will practice past and future tense. Finally, the children will listen and write about the Gingerbrea Man folktale and make a corresponding craft.
*In Math, the students will "Count/Order Using Hundred Chart". The children will complete the Chapter Review. On Thursday, the students will take the Chapter 6 test.
*In Religion, the children will light the third candle on the advent wreath. The students will open the advent calendar door on the calendar and hang an ornament on the Jesse tree. Students will make an advent booklet to take home.
*In Social Studies, the students will continue to study the "holidays around the world". This week we will learn about Saint Lucia Day and Los Posadas.
*In Science, the children will continue to learn about the states of matter by participating in two experiments.
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Week of December 6, 2021:
This will be a 5 day week. Please consider participating in the read-a-thon which begins Monday. Students will receive a donut for participation on Monday. Pajamas are due this week for students of Warner Elementary. Pajamas must be for students 10 years and above.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: how do plants change as they grow? The students will take their comprehension/ phonics test on Monday. The children will take a spelling pre-test on Monday. Spelling words will follow the long i, silent e rule. The children will listen to the literature selection "Mystery Vine". The students will then write in their reading/writing companion. In grammar, the students will learn about present tense and review plurals. Finally, the children will study about the "Time to Plant" and learn about the stages of plant growth.
*In Math, the children will learn more place value. The students will work with numbers 40-100. The children will be introduced to 100 square and 1000 cube. The students will practice with their manipulatives: one beads, ten bars, one hundred square and one thousand cube. Finally, the kids will practice problem solving by attempting more challenging word problems.
* In Science, the students will complete their study of "States of Matter" by completing an exercise with hot cocoa. We will then study other ways to change matter.
*In Social Studies, we will study "Holidays Around the World". We will learn about St. Nicholas first. The children will put their shoes out in the hallway and hopefully receive treats. We will then study Hanukkah and St. Lucia Day.
*The children will continue LWTears by writing about what they want for Christmas in proper formation.
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Week of November 29, 2022:
+ In Language Arts, the children will also take a spelling pre-test. The students will answer the essential question: What can happen over time? The children will listen to literature selection called: A Second Is A Hiccup" and answer comprehension questions. In grammar, the students will practice with verbs on the smartboard and for homework. The children will also practice with contractions using "not" on their i-pads. The children will read a shared read called "Nate the Snake is Late" and will write in their reading companion. In Learning Without Tears, the children will practice printings sentences with Yy and Jj.
+In Math, the students will begin Chapter 5 : Measurement. This is a FUN, hands-on unit. We will measure with our hands, string, paper clips, cubes and then rulers! The students will also practice with games on their i-pads and SeeSaw lessons.
+In Religion, the students will begin the Advent season. Every day the Advent candle will be lit and the students will sing an Advent song. The students will also create their own advent wreath for their desk. Each day, the children will color in a holly wreath. Finally, the students will hang an ornament on our Jesse tree. Each child will also open a door on our Advent calendar.
+In Science, the children will study the different forms of matter. The students will watch Bill Nye the Science Guy videos on matter. The students will take part in a few science experiments this week regarding solids, liquids and gases.
+In Social Studies, the students will begin to study "Holidays Around the World". Our focus will be: Saint Nicholas Day, Saint Lucia Day, Los Posadas, and Christmas.
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Week of November 22, 2021:
This will be a one and a half day week. The children will NOT have a spelling test this week. The students will learn Thanksgiving vocabulary and print these words and meanings in their journals. The students will finish their study of Pilgrim life by completing their "Pilgrim centers". The children will make a bracelet that re-tells the story of the first Thanksgiving. Finally, the children will complete a corresponding booklet. In Math, the students will take a quiz on measurement on Tuesday. The children will also participate in a Thanksgiving Kahoot! in technology.
Mrs. McLaren and I wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! We are thankful for such wonderful students and parents!
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Week of November 15, 2021:
This week will be a 5 day week. We will participate in a special activity with our buddies on Friday.
+In Language Arts this week we will answer the essential question "How can you find your way around? The students will listen to a Big Book story "Me On the Map" and answer comprehension questions. In phonics, the children will practice diagraphs -ch, -tch, -wh and -ph with smartboard games. The students will take a pre-test on this weeks spelling words. The children will participate in a shared rad called, "Which way on the map?". Finally, in grammar, the students will practice irregular plurals on the white board and then have corresponding homework.
+In Math, the students will continue problem solving with measurement. The children will make their own rulers and practice measuring with them. The children will learn about the unit "inches". Finally, the students will finish a Chapter Review on measurement to practice what they have learned.
+In Religion, the children will answer the essential question "How do we celebrate God's forgiveness and healing?" The children will take a religion quiz on the sacraments: baptism, holy communion and confirmation. We will begin Lesson 9 "Why is it hard to say sorry?" The students will learn about Saint Peregrine Laziosi and do a corresponding activity. Finally, the children will do an activity with their "buddies" or Thanksgiving on Friday, November 19, 2021.
+In Science, the children will complete their animal unit and classification of animals.
+In Social Studies, the students will finish their study of Native Americans and begin studying the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. The children will rotate centers pertaining the pilgrims. They will have an opportunity to write with a "quill", make a log cabin, add the feathers, etc.
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Week of November 8, 2021:
This will be a five day week. We will be constructing our Native American homes on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. If you have not sent in a small shoe box, please do so by tomorrow, November 8th. Also, we will celebrate "Veteran's Day" in class by watching a slide-show celebration, doing a "directed drawing" activity and each child will receive a pin to wear proudly.
*In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: "How do people help out in the community?" The children will listen to a story, "Martin Luther King" and answer comprehension questions. The children will take a spelling pre-test on words with diagraphs: sh, th and ng. The students will participate in a shared read, "Thump, Thump Helps Out" and write in their reading/writing companion. The will use the text to answer questions. In Grammar, the children will learn about common and proper nouns and play corresponding games on the smartboard. They will also review syllables and learn about "closed syllables. We will continue with reading groups, individual games and amplify reading on the i-pads.
*In Math, the students will take their Chapter 4 test on "Addition/Subtraction: relationships with in 10. Please go over the Chapter review workbook page that was sent home on Friday. We will then begin Chapter 5: Measurement The children will compare and contrast length using cubes and paperclips as the measurement units. The student will then practice using rulers for measuring and will play games at measurement centers.
*In Religion, the children will answer the essential question how do we become members of the church? The students will do a "prior knowledge" check and watch a "did you know" video. They will complete a "did you know" activity afterward. The student will learn about St. Thomas and will write a prayer for him. Finally, the children will do a "show what you know "review. The students will take a Religion quiz on Friday, November 12, 2021.
*In Science, the students will continue their unit on "Animals" and "animal grouping". The children will take a Science quiz on Friday, November 12, 2021.
*In Social Studies, the children will create their Native American Homes of their choice. The students will have many different supplies to construct with . The children will share their project with the class afterward.
*In Learning without Tears, the students will write a Thanksgiving poem in their best printing onto LWT writing paper and create a picture to go with it to hang in the classroom.
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Week of November 1, 2021:
It was such a pleasure to speak with all of the parents at parent/teacher conferences. We are blessed to have such kind, generous and supportive parents in first grade! Your children are awesome and it is a joy teaching them every day. Thanks, again, for your continued support.
This will be a 5-day week:
*In Language Arts, the students will take their spelling pre-test on words with "ending blends". The children will take their comprehension/phonics test on Monday, November 1, 2021. We will take this test in two small groups in order for the students to receive more individual assistance during the test. Our essential question will be "where do animals live together?" The children will listen to a Big Book story, "Baby in the Bayou" and answer comprehension questions. The students will learn about "possessive nouns" in grammar and play practice games on the smartboard. For our shared read, the children will read the story" The Best Spot" and write in their reading/writing companion. Finally, the children will participate in reading groups on Friday.
*In Math, the students will learn about finding missing addends. The students will also subtract and compare different numbers. We will continue to practice word problems and illustrate these problems. Finally, the students will begin reviewing for their Chapter 4 test by completing a fluency practice page.
*In Religion, the children will celebrate "All Saint's Day" by attending mass at 9:15am on Monday. We will do an "All Saint's activity in the classroom. The children will finish a unit task of creating a badge that represents their faith and will encourage others to join the group! Finally, the students will have a religion quiz on Thursday.
*In Social Studies, the children will begin a 3 week study of Native Americans. The students will learn about different tribes, homes, language, food/drink, customs of these historical people. The students will make a Native American home of their choice for a project-based assessment. Please send in one shoe box (small, medium-sized) by November 5, 2021.
*In Science, the children will continue with the study of classifying animals into groups. This unit will correlate with our discussion of where do animals live in language arts.
*Learning Without Tears"- the students are enjoying using their" special printing pencil" and using different paper with the correct LWT lines for writing special projects such as : a Halloween poem. The students will continue practicing the printing of different words this week. We hope you notice how beautifully your child's handwriting is now!
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Week of October 25, 2021:
This will be a 3 and a half-day week. One small pumpkin( 1-2 pounds) is due to the classroom on Monday, October 25, 2021. NOTE: Thursday: October 28, 2021- half day of school, parent/teacher conference. October 29, 2021- all students OFF from school, parent/teacher conferences.
*In Language Arts, we will answer the essential question: What buildings do you know? We will listen to the Big Book story, "3 Little Daisies" and answer comprehension questions. The children will review rhyming skills. In Phonics, the children will review short u words. Spelling words will be words with middle u. The children will have a shared read called, "Cubs in a Hut" and write about it in their reading and writing companion. In Grammar, the children will learn about contractions/ apostrophe 's. The students will also review singular and plural nouns. Special Halloween stories will be read such as "Stellaluna and "Spookley the Square Pumpkin". Fun, Halloween activities will correspond regarding these stories."
*In Math, the children will continue to learn about "fact families". The students will continue to use the number line to "think addition to subtract". The children will learn to check their subtraction problems by adding. Finally, the students will continue to problem solve by using a bar model.
*In Religion, the children will answer the essential question: how do we praise God? The students will watch a "did you know" video and make a poster. The students will continue to pray the rosary and color a corresponding color sheet.
*In Science, the children will take a quiz on "what steps do engineers take when creating a project". The students will begin Unit 2: Lesson 3: what materials make of objects? Finally, the children will study their individual pumpkins: weigh them, study the inside of a pumpkin and learn the sequence of the growth of a pumpkin.
*In Social Studies, the children will complete their community helper unit. The students will have a quiz on Thursday.
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Week of October 16, 2023:
This will be a 3 and a half-day school week. Thursday is half-day of school: dismissal at 12 noon. Conferences will begin at 12:30pm. Friday the students are off of school. Friday's conferences begin at 8:00am. Fire Prevention Posters due in the classroom tomorrow, October 1 6, 2023. This was OPTIONAL for the students. I am looking forward to seeing the fine posters our first graders produced!
*In Language Arts this week, we will answer the question: What makes a community? The students will listen to the Big Book story " Millie Waits for the Mail". In phonics, we will review short e. Our spelling words will also correspond with short e. In our Reading/Writing companion, we will have a shared read called "Good job, Ben and write about it. In Grammar, we will work on "nouns". Finally, we will continue with our reading groups.
*In Math, the students will continue our unit on subtraction. The children are using unifix cubes, part/part/whole mats thus far to subtract. On Friday, the children used 10 frames for subtraction. We will do the "Check Your Progress" assessment to see how the children are retaining this information. On Friday, the students will play subtraction bingo.
*In Religion, we continue to pray the rosary. We will continue with the Beatitudes.
*In Social Studies, the children will study about community helpers. They will create a community helper book report about what helper they would like to be when they grow up. We will review "Fire Safety".
*In Science, the students will review the scientific terms. The children will make a STEM project given certain materials to create a back scratcher.
*In Learning With out Tears, the children continue their "corner starting capitals" and "center starting capitals". The students have practice writing words and using the correct formation AND staying on the lines.
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Week of October 12, 2021:
This will be a 4 day school week. Monday, October 11, 2021- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
*This week in Language Arts we will answer the essential question: How does your body move? The children will listen to Big Book story called, "Move!" The students will answer corresponding comprehension questions. The children will take their spelling pre-test. Students will review a phonics game on ending sounds and have corresponding homework. The children will listen to a shared reading called" Move and Grin" and write about it in their reading companion. In grammar, the children will practice writing sentences that make sense using -s to make a plural.
*In Math, the students will continue with basic subtraction. The children will practice subtracting with numbers less than 10. The children will use manipulatives such as counters, unifix cubes, ten frames and bar models. The student will take a "check your progress" review. Finally, we will have Math groups on Friday.
*In Religion, the students will answer the essential question: What is the church? The students will use their prior knowledge before they watch a did you know video? The children will draw a picture of Mary as a role model. The students will take a Lesson 5 review quiz. Finally, the children will meet with their 6th grade buddies to practice the rosary.
*In Social Studies, the students will take a test on leadership. They will then begin a mini-unit on "Fire Safety". The children will have a "virtual" visit from Smoky the Bear and will be given a small bag of treats from Smoky. Finally, the children will be given information for a "Fire Prevention Poster Contest". We will send home the paper for the poster, directions and rules for the contest. There are nice prizes for the children. This contest is OPTIONAL.
*In Science, the children will complete their unit on leaves. The students will learn parts of the tree and stages of the seasonal tree.
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Week of October 4, 2021:
This will be a 5 day week. There are no birthdays this week. The students will be off from school on Monday, October 11, 2021 for "fall break". THANK YOU to those who have donated to the prize basket! There are a lot of fun choices for the students. We have plenty as of now. I will reach out again if it needs replenished. We are lucky to have such generous parents:)
This week in Language Arts the children will answer the essential question: What do friends do together? First, the children will take a reading/phonics test. Afterward, the students will listen to the Big Book story, "Friends All Around" and answer comprehension questions. The children will take a spelling pre-test. Our spelling words will review the short o sound. The kids will write in their reading/writing companion book after hearing the shared reading "Toss, Kick, Hop!". This story is about what games friends play together. Finally, in Grammar the students will practice forming questions and explanations. The students are enjoying "epic!" and amplify reading.
In Math, the children will review addition strategies to prepare for their Unit 2 test. On Tuesday, the students will take their second Math test. We will begin Chapter 3, adding numbers 10-15. On Friday, the students will play different games from their "math tubs". These are individual games the students can play at their seats to practice different math skills. We will continue with "Freckle Math" and "Rocket Math".
In Religion, the children will practice "the Hail Mary" to celebrate October- the month of Mary. We will watch a you tube bible story/video- "the Advocate" to represent the second spiritual work of mercy. We will take a religion quiz on Lesson 3. We will begin studying Mary the mother of Jesus.
In Science, the students will continue using their science vocabulary. The children will learn about different types of leaves. On Friday, the kids will go on a "leaf walk". Afterward, the students will document their information on their science booklet sheet.
In Social Studies, the will learn about a strong leader and president, Abraham Lincoln. We will watch a brain pop! video and answer questions regarding this great man. We will take a quiz on leadership and community.
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Week of September 27, 2021:
This will be a 5-day week. Our "person of the week" is Molly Chaitt. Happy Birthday, Molly! The students will take their STAR test in Reading and Math. They will take the reading section on Tuesday at 8:15 and the Math section on Thursday at 8:15. Please make sure your child is rested with a full stomach so he or she can achieve their best results.
Also this week:
*In Reading, the children will practice spelling words with l blends. We will work with question or statement in Grammar. The children will answer the essential question "what makes a pet?". They will listen to a Big Book "Cool Dog, School Dog". We will write about our own pets. The students will share their writing with the class.
*In Math, the students will review the addition stratedgy of "breaking apart". The children will practice making their own addition word problems. Finally, a new addition stratedgy the "bar model" will be introduced.
*In Religion, the students will make a prayer card for their friends. The students will draw a picture of what we give praise to god for. The children will be introduced to their own rosary. We will review the "Hail Mary".
* In Science, we will talk about Johnny Appleseed. The children will do an apple tasting, graph their favorite apple, write about apple types and make an apple craft. The children will do a STEM activity called "Apple Jenga". The students enjoyed their "fall walk" with their church buddies last Friday.
*In Social Studies, we will continue to talk about leadership on the United States. The children will go review what a citizen is and how to be a good one.
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Week of September 20, 2022:
This will be a 5 day school week! We welcome back Mrs. McLaren to the classroom! The students missed her very much! Here's to a productive whole week of school:)
* I am happy to report the students did very well on their first Spelling test. Every Monday, the children will take a spelling pre-test. When the students receive a 100 percent on their pre-test, they receive a certificate and a small piece of candy. He or she is then exempt from the Friday test and will do an activity of their choice during that time.
*This week in Language Arts, the children will answer the essential question "What is it like where you live?". The children will listen to a Big Book story "Alicia's Happy Day". The students will write about their neighborhood and what places are inside of it. In phonics, the children will work with short i words. In grammar, the children will work on word order. The students will continue small groups on Wednesday's and Friday's for more individualized reading practice. Spelling test on Friday.
* In Math, the children will continue with addition. The students will learn about adding doubles and doubles plus one. The children will also practice adding 3 addends. Word problems will continue to challenge the students with the 4-step process.
* In Science , the students will welcome fall on Thursday by naming and writing about the signs of fall . The children will also learn what scientists do and what science vocabulary they use. We will practice this vocabulary with a Science word search.
* In Social Studies, the students will answer the essential question: what is a leader? The children will learn about the jobs of the president, governor and mayor.
* The children will continue "Fun Friday" with fidgets and a wonderful story about a scarecrow and will complete a scarecrow craft for the hallway bulletin board!
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Week of September 13, 2021:
This will be a 5 day school week. We will begin our Spelling words. The words will be posted weekly under the tab "spelling words". The students will also go home with a written list to refer to when studying. In Language Arts, the students will answer the essential question: What do you do at school? The children will write in their journals. Phonics focus will be on short a. In grammar, the children will practice sentence formation. The students will practice reading short a readers with their teacher. In Math, we will continue adding to the sum of 10. The children will use all types of manipulatives to practice: cubes, counters/ten frames and beans/number line. We will have our Unit 1 test on Friday. In Religion, we will try and answer the essential question: Who is God? The children draw what God created and how He takes care of all of those things. They will pray a traditional prayer using "holy water". The kids will pray the trinity using a shamrock. In Science, the children will continue with "The 5 senses". We will study units of measurement and practice measuring with those items in class. The children will take a quiz on Wednesday. On Friday, we will do an experiment with celery and document our results. Finally, in Social Studies, the children will begin their unit on " My neighborhood". The students will learn about "what is a map". The kids will take a walk and draw a map of our school neighborhood. The children are truly enjoying school! They are adjusting to their new classroom and our first grade routine. Keep up the great work first grade!