Math, Math, Math!

Our district is implementing a new math curriculum and math series this year.  One thing I LOVE about it is that it provides a lot of time for the students to work hands-on with manipulatives.  Many of the activities lend themselves to partner or cooperative group work as well.  As you can see, the students have been busy this week playing games and using counters to learn about part-part-whole number relationships.

Post in the comments below about two parts that make up 9.  Let's see how many ways we can make 9!

Tying and Trying

Well, another week of first grade has flown by!  Today the students published their narratives that they worked hard on all week long... ask your child what he/she wrote about.  There were some interesting characters in our classroom including Santa, a sugar glider, a wolf, and even a talking burrito!  What imaginations we have in our room!  

Please practice tying shoes at home if your child does not know how.  This is a great time to learn!  Check out this video for a fun way to learn how to tie your shoe.

It may be hard to tie your shoe the first time (and even the second and third time), but keep trying, and you'll be an expert in no time!   

Speaking of trying, putting forth great effort is one of the most important things we can do as individuals.  I am not just looking for my students to know the right answer in first grade... I think it is much more important for them to learn to work hard and try their best!  Please comment below about a time when you had to work hard or keep trying to accomplish a goal!  

Super Students and Super "e"

Wow, our first FULL week of school has ended, and I am so proud of my students!  (I am also SO exhausted... I see a long nap in my future!)  I am especially proud of my first graders for being such good friends to one another.  If a student drops their crayons, breaks their pencil lead, or can't find a folder, there will be a little swarm of helpers around the student-in-need in less than 5 seconds!  Awesome!

The students were great listeners this week for several read alouds, such as Wemberly Worried, The Dot, and Swimmy.  We discussed beginning, middle, and end and the characters and setting of the stories.  In the comments below, let us know which story your child enjoyed the most, and also list the characters and setting of that story.  

Next week our spelling words will all contain a silent e at the end.  Please practice these words at home with your child: chase, shine, rope, ate, cute tube, tune, cube, these, shade, vote, lime.
Check out the fun youtube video below for a great way to remember how to use "super e."