Just a reminder that our spring egg hunt is Thursday, April 12th. Please send in eggs with individually wrapped candy by Monday, the 9th.
This week in the Pond:
Reading We will identify initial, middle, and final sounds in simple words; learn about verbs (action words); focus on short vowel /e/, as well as word families (-et, -en, -ed); and continue with sight words. This week, the children have started making their own flashcards to be studied at school. Please continue working with your child on the sight word lists. They should be able to recognize them in lists, as well as in other forms of print (books, magazines, internet), AND use them in sentences. I strongly suggest having your child write the words they know in simple sentences. Here's a great website for sight word activities/games.
Language Arts Writing this week will focus on verbs and illustrating/writing about our spring activities (spring cleaning the house, playing in the park, hitting the ball, splashing in the puddles). We will also write article pieces about the different seasons.
Math We will review two-dimensional shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, hexagon) and learn three-dimensional shapes (cube, cone, sphere, cylinder). We will focus on their attributes- flat surfaces and whether they can roll, stack, or slide.
Social Studies We will identify and describe the different seasons and illustrate how the weather affects people and the environment. One of the activities is a flow map of the seasons, with drawings/labels of appropriate clothing/accessories needed for each season.
Science We are beginning our 9 week unit on plants and animals. This week will observe plants and animals, and describe their similarities and differences.
Have a great week!!!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
It's Dr. Seuss Week!
This week is all about the delightful Dr. Seuss!
We will be reading some of the most popular (and Mrs. Miller's favorite) Seuss books. Comprehension strategies we are covering are: predicting, identifying characters/setting/plot, determining if a story is fiction or nonfiction, and retelling main events.
In Language Arts, we will be making a Cat in the Hat hat, while reviewing the -at word family. This is a great week to practice word families with your child (mat, hat, rat, sat, tag, wag, rag, drag, tap, map, clap, flap, etc.) He/she may even want to create their own Seuss-like book using rhymes. We will also discuss/draw/write about places we'd like to vist, using inspiration from the book Oh, the Places You'll Go! On Wednesday, we're participating in a school-wide writing prompt, explaining why being kind to others is important.
In math, we are focusing on counting, writing, and creating sets of numbers 11-20. You can practice with your child at home by making flashcards, counting groups of things found around your home (buttons, pennies, cottonballs, beans, crayons), and "writing" numbers using spaghetti noodles, yarn, or chalk.
For science, we will read Bartholomew and the Oobleck, and then make gooey oobleck and explore it's properties. Is it a liquid? A solid? Could it be both? Just a warning that this green slime will be going home with your child on Friday. :) Also, last week we began a science lesson on motion of objects (moving fast and slow). We will continue this unit, exploring ways in which we can make an object move slowly or quickly by how much force we use or how steep an incline is (if an object is pushed down a ramp.)
We will be reading some of the most popular (and Mrs. Miller's favorite) Seuss books. Comprehension strategies we are covering are: predicting, identifying characters/setting/plot, determining if a story is fiction or nonfiction, and retelling main events.
In Language Arts, we will be making a Cat in the Hat hat, while reviewing the -at word family. This is a great week to practice word families with your child (mat, hat, rat, sat, tag, wag, rag, drag, tap, map, clap, flap, etc.) He/she may even want to create their own Seuss-like book using rhymes. We will also discuss/draw/write about places we'd like to vist, using inspiration from the book Oh, the Places You'll Go! On Wednesday, we're participating in a school-wide writing prompt, explaining why being kind to others is important.
In math, we are focusing on counting, writing, and creating sets of numbers 11-20. You can practice with your child at home by making flashcards, counting groups of things found around your home (buttons, pennies, cottonballs, beans, crayons), and "writing" numbers using spaghetti noodles, yarn, or chalk.
For science, we will read Bartholomew and the Oobleck, and then make gooey oobleck and explore it's properties. Is it a liquid? A solid? Could it be both? Just a warning that this green slime will be going home with your child on Friday. :) Also, last week we began a science lesson on motion of objects (moving fast and slow). We will continue this unit, exploring ways in which we can make an object move slowly or quickly by how much force we use or how steep an incline is (if an object is pushed down a ramp.)
Monday, January 23, 2012
This Week in the Pond
Hello Parents! This week begins the 3rd nine weeks... the year is flying by! We are focusing, over the next several weeks, on influential African Americans. We've learned about MLK and now we are learning about Rosa Parks and what it meant for her to stand up for what she believed.
Reading We will identify the author's purpose, retell important facts from nonfiction books, and use our background knowledge/details from text to determine if a story is fact or fiction. We continue to segment and blend phonemes (sounds in words)... students use a slinky for this skill- fun for everyone! Our letter sound of the week is Q /kw/ and they should be able to identify words that begin with the target sound.
Language Arts We have a writing prompt this week. The topic is Putting First Things First. Students will think of habits that help them to be successful in school (being on time, on-task, staying organized, using time well) and explain why it is important to "Put First Things First." At this point in the year, children should be able to space their words apart, use capitalization where needed, and add ending punctuation. I strongly encourage students to think about what they want to write, and then sound out the words as they write.
Math This week we are beginning addition and learning how to join and count two groups together. Children are counting groups of stickers on index cards (adding numbers together) and locating the sum on a "parking lot," where they park their cars. We will also use snowman mats to tell addition story problems. Centers will continue to focus on patterns, counting and making groups of numbers with manipulatives, and writing numbers.
Science/Social Studies What is matter and how can we change the way matter looks? Children will learn about matter and how we can change it (physical change). They will be able to change the way paper looks (by cutting, tearing, crumpling) and change the shape of a cookie... without making too much of a mess, hopefully. :) In social studies, the focus is influential African Americans and character traits that these Americans possessed (good citizenship, courage, responsibility, integrity). This theme will continue over the next few weeks.
Monday, January 9, 2012
All About Winter!
Hello parents! This week we are doing all things Winter! What we're working on:
Reading We are reading books about winter, weather, and arctic animals. Primary focus is on penguins and polar bears. We are doing KWL charts with facts we've learned about animals, as well as identify the author's purpose. We will also read the Mitten, a story about a boy who loses his mitten and the animals that have another idea in mind for the mitten. Your child will have his/her very own mitten to take home- ask your child to retell the story to you!
Language Arts We are now adding adjectives to our writing. This week's writings include: snowman descriptions, the Mitten (choose an animal that might crawl inside), and facts about penguins.
Math This week we are ordering numbers 0-10. You can help with this task by creating a number line with several missing numbers and having your child fill in the spaces. We will also identify an object in line by its ordinal position (first through tenth). Have your child line up objects (toy cars, stuffed animals, hair clips, coins, buttons) and ask him/her to point to the object that is third, seventh, tenth, etc.
Science During this nine weeks, we have learned to sort materials by observable properties (size, shape, color) and recorded our observations in a journal. This week we will continue to sort objects by: temperature, weight, and texture. Tomorrow we will try different ways to melt an ice cube!
Reading We are reading books about winter, weather, and arctic animals. Primary focus is on penguins and polar bears. We are doing KWL charts with facts we've learned about animals, as well as identify the author's purpose. We will also read the Mitten, a story about a boy who loses his mitten and the animals that have another idea in mind for the mitten. Your child will have his/her very own mitten to take home- ask your child to retell the story to you!
Language Arts We are now adding adjectives to our writing. This week's writings include: snowman descriptions, the Mitten (choose an animal that might crawl inside), and facts about penguins.
Math This week we are ordering numbers 0-10. You can help with this task by creating a number line with several missing numbers and having your child fill in the spaces. We will also identify an object in line by its ordinal position (first through tenth). Have your child line up objects (toy cars, stuffed animals, hair clips, coins, buttons) and ask him/her to point to the object that is third, seventh, tenth, etc.
Science During this nine weeks, we have learned to sort materials by observable properties (size, shape, color) and recorded our observations in a journal. This week we will continue to sort objects by: temperature, weight, and texture. Tomorrow we will try different ways to melt an ice cube!
Monday, November 28, 2011
It's Gingerbread Week
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. :) It's good to be back, but there's only a few weeks until the holiday break! We have a lot of fun things planned between now and then. Our holiday party will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15th (more details to come) and Polar Express Day is Friday, the 16th. We have permission to wear PJs that day! I will be asking for a couple of volunteers that morning to help serve donuts and hot chocolate.
Today you may have noticed there wasn't a hw packet. I thought I'd give the children (and you all) a break. I would, however, like some help decorating our little classroom tree. Yes, it's another project! Please work with your child on creating a tree ornament that represents your family's holiday traditions, culture, or interests. I would like to have the ornaments by Monday to hang on the tree. A brief letter will go home tomorrow.
This week's theme is the Gingerbread Man. Everyday we will read a different version of the popular story, comparing and contrasting the characters. We will also create a class book, adding ourselves to the story. In reading, our focus is on reviewing and identifying beginning sounds and the short a sound in words, and rhyming words. In math, our gingerbread theme continues with the game "Roll-a-Gingerbread," Gingerbread glyphs, a cookie graph, counting games on the promethean board, and finding the perimeter and area of a gingerbread man.
In science, we are starting a unit on Properties of Matter. Our goal is to sort objects by observable properties, such as color, shape, size, temperature, weight, and texture. We will record in our science journals what objects we've sorted and the property that we used to sort. On Friday, we will place gingerbread cookies in water and observe them over time.
Today you may have noticed there wasn't a hw packet. I thought I'd give the children (and you all) a break. I would, however, like some help decorating our little classroom tree. Yes, it's another project! Please work with your child on creating a tree ornament that represents your family's holiday traditions, culture, or interests. I would like to have the ornaments by Monday to hang on the tree. A brief letter will go home tomorrow.
This week's theme is the Gingerbread Man. Everyday we will read a different version of the popular story, comparing and contrasting the characters. We will also create a class book, adding ourselves to the story. In reading, our focus is on reviewing and identifying beginning sounds and the short a sound in words, and rhyming words. In math, our gingerbread theme continues with the game "Roll-a-Gingerbread," Gingerbread glyphs, a cookie graph, counting games on the promethean board, and finding the perimeter and area of a gingerbread man.
In science, we are starting a unit on Properties of Matter. Our goal is to sort objects by observable properties, such as color, shape, size, temperature, weight, and texture. We will record in our science journals what objects we've sorted and the property that we used to sort. On Friday, we will place gingerbread cookies in water and observe them over time.
Monday, November 7, 2011
It's Native American Week!
Parents, Tom Turkey is due Friday. Please include your child's name on the back, along with the name of the turkey (angel, baseball player, Santa, etc.). Get creative, silly, and have fun! Mrs. Miller is making a turkey too, with the help of her incredibly artistic husband. :)
Today, we made Native American headdresses and children will add a feather each day for great behavior. Hoping to see tons of feathers on the children's heads! Here's what else we're working on:
Reading We are reading a nonfictional book about Native Americans and a fictional story, the Legend of Bluebonnet. Focus is finding the main idea, describing characters, and setting. Phonics skill: identifying the /h/ and short a in words.
Language Arts Focus continues to be on phonetic spelling (sounding out words) in writing sentences, beginning sentences with capital letters, word spacing, and punctuation. I can see that we have some amazing little writers!
Math This week we're focusing on making, counting, and writing 6 to 8. Some of our math centers include: counting corn (kernels), leaf sorting, using playdoh, pipe cleaners, yarn, and craft sticks to form numbers, making a collage of numbers, and a fun game called Roll-a-Turkey (children follow directions to create a turkey with a roll of the dice).
Science The focus is on daytime and nighttime patterns, and on Friday (with your help) we will begin working in our 5 day science journal. The journal will go home Friday for children to record their observations of the sun and moon.
Today, we made Native American headdresses and children will add a feather each day for great behavior. Hoping to see tons of feathers on the children's heads! Here's what else we're working on:
Reading We are reading a nonfictional book about Native Americans and a fictional story, the Legend of Bluebonnet. Focus is finding the main idea, describing characters, and setting. Phonics skill: identifying the /h/ and short a in words.
Language Arts Focus continues to be on phonetic spelling (sounding out words) in writing sentences, beginning sentences with capital letters, word spacing, and punctuation. I can see that we have some amazing little writers!
Math This week we're focusing on making, counting, and writing 6 to 8. Some of our math centers include: counting corn (kernels), leaf sorting, using playdoh, pipe cleaners, yarn, and craft sticks to form numbers, making a collage of numbers, and a fun game called Roll-a-Turkey (children follow directions to create a turkey with a roll of the dice).
Science The focus is on daytime and nighttime patterns, and on Friday (with your help) we will begin working in our 5 day science journal. The journal will go home Friday for children to record their observations of the sun and moon.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
News from the Pad
It's hard to believe November is here! We have a busy week (and month) ahead. The next several weeks we are learning about people (life) from the past and comparing them to people and life in the present. Today, the children had a great time looking through family photos, old and new, and sorting them into categories. Thank you all for sending in pictures. Some of them are posted in the hallway for our "American Heritage" display. :) Other activities we have planned this week are:
Reading Yesterday, we read Sarah Morton's Day (the life of a pilgrim girl) and have been comparing/contrasting her life with our own. I am also doing AR testing on the book, Ugly Pie, which will go into next week as well. There's a recipe for Ugly Pie that I'll try to send home this week. :) Comprehension strategies we're using in the classroom (you can do at home) are: identifying characters and setting, retelling the beginning, middle, and end of the story, comparing/contrasting, predicting, and identifying fiction and nonfiction books. Phonics skills this week are: identifying the beginning /n/ sound in words, like Nyle Noodle. You may want to have your child list words that begin with n, as well as end with n. This skill will be easy to do with our word family -an. Come up with as many -an words as possible, and take apart and blend the words. Ex: /f/ an, fan; /m/ an, man; /k/ an, can; etc.
Language Arts We will continue to write (and speak) in complete sentences, use punctuation to end sentences, and capital letters at the beginning. What we say can be written down and our focus is writing our thoughts down and sounding out our words on paper. Sight words we have been using in our writing include: I, can, see, like, my.
Math The focus is on numbers 1-20, verbally, in writing, and counting with manipulatives. Our math centers include: domino counting, number writing (using number "roads" and hotwheels), counting with Halloween-themed erasers, number concentration, candycorn count, and making a collage of numbers.
Science We will explore the law of gravity this week, with an experiment to see which objects in the classroom fall more slowly/rapidly than others. Any objects that the children can pick up, then drop, are fair game. :)
Reading Yesterday, we read Sarah Morton's Day (the life of a pilgrim girl) and have been comparing/contrasting her life with our own. I am also doing AR testing on the book, Ugly Pie, which will go into next week as well. There's a recipe for Ugly Pie that I'll try to send home this week. :) Comprehension strategies we're using in the classroom (you can do at home) are: identifying characters and setting, retelling the beginning, middle, and end of the story, comparing/contrasting, predicting, and identifying fiction and nonfiction books. Phonics skills this week are: identifying the beginning /n/ sound in words, like Nyle Noodle. You may want to have your child list words that begin with n, as well as end with n. This skill will be easy to do with our word family -an. Come up with as many -an words as possible, and take apart and blend the words. Ex: /f/ an, fan; /m/ an, man; /k/ an, can; etc.
Language Arts We will continue to write (and speak) in complete sentences, use punctuation to end sentences, and capital letters at the beginning. What we say can be written down and our focus is writing our thoughts down and sounding out our words on paper. Sight words we have been using in our writing include: I, can, see, like, my.
Math The focus is on numbers 1-20, verbally, in writing, and counting with manipulatives. Our math centers include: domino counting, number writing (using number "roads" and hotwheels), counting with Halloween-themed erasers, number concentration, candycorn count, and making a collage of numbers.
Science We will explore the law of gravity this week, with an experiment to see which objects in the classroom fall more slowly/rapidly than others. Any objects that the children can pick up, then drop, are fair game. :)
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