Trick Word Activity

For the most recent list of Trick Words, see the Updated Trick Word post.  To practice these words, use the presentation there.  You may also want to try this fun activity.  Make a list of the words your child doesn't know as s/he reads through the presentation.  Write each one of those words on a separate piece of paper.  Crumple up each word and put it in an empty bin.  For each unknown word, write one known word on a separate piece of paper.  Crumple up each one of these words and add it to the bin.  There should be one known word for each unknown word.  So, if your child doesn't know 5 of the trick words, there should be 10 words in the bin:  5 known and 5 unknown.  Empty the words from the bin.  Have him/her toss a crumpled paper into the bin.  If the paper gets in the bin, have him/her read the word within 3 seconds.  If the word is read correctly, the paper should be in a keep pile.  If the word is read incorrectly or not within 3 seconds, then it should be crumpled again and added back into the toss pile.  If your child can read all the words, then play the game the same way, but ask your child to spell the words.  Have fun!

Sandy Hook Elementary - AMENDED ADDRESS

I am not going to discuss the event that is prompting me to post this.  However, I came across this, and felt the need to share it in case anyone wanted to participate from their own homes as a family.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND THESE TO SCHOOL.  The students have varying knowledge of the event and I want to preserve each family's decision on how to deal with the situation.  I am copying and pasting this from a Facebook post.  I am hoping it is valid.

A building has been designated to house the students from Sandy Hook Elementary School. They are in the process of transporting desks, chairs, supplies and so forth to this location.
Tonight the president of the Newtown PTA and others met discussing what we can do to make these children feel comforted upon their return to school.
Please join us in "The Snowflake Project".

We are asking your students to make and decorate a snowflake. We will hang them in the hallways at the stark, new building where the Sandy Hook students will be returning. PLEASE NO WORDS! We want just a cheerful, happy (glitter and sparkle) environment for the students entering the new building.
Please pass on to any teachers you think may want to participate.
When you send your snowflakes, please include a note to tell us where they are from (your school, class, town, etc) to display along with your snowflakes. 

SEND TO THIS ADDRESS

CT PTSA

60 Connolly Parkway

Bldg 12, Suite 103

Hamden, CT  06514

 Thank you so very much!"

Education City Results

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!  You are in first place for this month's challenge!  Keep working hard so we can stay on top! 

HOMEWORK 12-13-12

Sorry this is late getting up.  With Miss Shannon out, there was no time to get to this during the day.

Tonight, play Counting by Ten to 100.

COMMENT BOX:  Bill  has 30 boxes.  Stan has 50 boxes.  How many boxes in all?  Explain

HOMEWORK 12-12-12

We have been learning about the suffixes -ed, -s, -ing.  When reading, one "word attack" strategy we use is to identify these suffixes and cover them up to find the baseword.  Usually, once the students look at the baseword, they can read the word quickly.

Tonight, go to Education City.  Select Language Arts and play Hu-La-La Words With Inflectional Endings.  There are many Hu-La-La games, so please make sure you play the one where they have to identify the word with the correct suffix.

After that, on Education City, go to Math and play Catch a Kuko:  Order Numbers to 99.

COMMENT BOX:  Put these numbers in order from smallest to largest.

75, 32, 23, 65, 57, 56

Updated Trick Word List 12-11-12

This week we added three new trick words: so, there, put. You can use this presentation to practice trick words like we do in class. Students should be able to read each word correctly within 3 seconds. Repeated exposure helps students learn the words and read more fluently.

HOMEWORK 12-10-12

Do XtraMath. 

NO COMMENT BOX

Remember you can do Education City activities to help first grade in the monthy competition.

HOMEWORK 12-6-12

Tonight you will practice with characters, setting, and plot in a story.  You will play games on Education City to do this.  First play Rabbit Seeks a Snack.  The story will be read to you, but after it is read, please read the page yourself.

COMMENT BOX:  Make a text-to-self connection between you and the story Rabbit Seeks a Snack.  Remember that a text-to-self connection is a personal event from your life that you think of when you read a story.  Remember to include your first name.

HOMEWORK 12-5-12

By the end of the year students must be fluent with addition and subtraction facts to 10.  To be fluent, students must know the answer rather than having to use their fingers, objects, or counting on/back.  One great way to practice is to use XtraMath.  Not only does it provide excellent practice, but it also collects information about the facts mastered and those that still need to be learned.

For homework tonight, complete a session of XtraMath. 

You may choose to play games on Education City, too.  Wouldn't it be great if first grade won the monthly challenge for December?

COMMENT BOX:  nothing required

HOMEWORK 12-4-12

For tonight's homework, go to Education City and play the following games in Language Arts:

Home Run (capitals and question marks)

Wilderness Park (roots and inflections) - students may need you to use the word 'baseword' instead of 'rootword'.  Our phonics program uses the term 'baseword'. 

COMMENT BOX:  Add -s, -ing, or -ed to the word 'sing'.  Write a sentence using the word you made.

You may want to play other games, too.  You may also use XtraMath at home, too.

HOMEWORK 12-3-12

Telling time to the half hour is proving to be difficult for the students.  Please practice by playing Clock Shoot.  Play both Level 1 and Level 2.

After that, do a Language Arts activity on Education City.  In the COMMENT BOX, tell what game you played.  Please make sure it is not an activity that you have already gotten 100% on.

HOMEWORK 11-29-12

Today we introduced telling time to the half hour.  This is tricky for some students.  Many have problems understanding that the hour hand gradually moves throughout the hour and at the half hour it is located halfway between the present hour and the next hour.  Please help your child by pointing this out when you are looking at analog clocks.  Also, when asked to draw times on the analog clock, make sure that they are drawing the hour hand between the present hour and the next hour. 

Tonight's homework asks the students to match analog and digital clocks.  Please have your child complete the activity.  This activity is located on the IXL site.  It is free, but limits the amount of time you can use it in one day.  Keep this in mind as your child uses the site.

After doing IXL, have your child play one game on Education City.  It can be either a Language Arts or Math activity. 

COMMENT BOX:  Write in the comment box telling what activity your child played on Education City.

HOMEWORK 11-28-12

Tonight, practice the glued sounds -ank, -ink, -onk, -unk, -ang, -ing, -ong, -ung by naming the pictures in the presentation. Have your child say the word, tap the word, and write the word. You will want to have paper with you so your child can write the word. COMMENT BOX assignment: Write each word in the comment box. Choose two words and write one sentence for each. After doing this assignment, play one game on Education City in the Language Arts area.

Glued Sound on Prezi

HOMEWORK 11-27-12

In class we are learning about the clock and telling time.  We are naming the parts of the clock (face, hands) and recognizing the difference between the hour hand (the shorter hand) and the minute hand (the longer hand).  We know that the clock with the hands is an analog clock and that there are 60 minutes in an hour.  We have also discussed the reasons why it is important to know how to tell time. 

To practice telling time, you are going to play 2 games on Education City tonight.  You will play Wakey Wakey Tell Time to the Hour and then play Wakey Wakey What Time is It?  To get to these games, go to Education City.  Click the 1st grade bubble.  Go to MATH then click ACTIVITIES.  After you do that, look at the left side of the screen.  You should see the different topics (numbered 1-5).  Click the 4th one that says Measurement and Data.  When that screen appears, you will see the last 2 games are the Wakey Wakey games.  Please make your child do both. 

There is no COMMENT BOX assignment tonight. 

HOMEWORK 11-26-12

Tonight for homework you are going to work on using capital letters correctly.  Remember that we use the word MINTS to help us check for capitals.

M - months
I  - to talk about oneself
N - names - people, days of week, products
T - titles
S - sentences

Go to Education City.  Login and go to 1st grade.  Select Language Arts.  Play the game Out to Play. 

COMMENT BOX:  Type this sentence correctly in the box:

deb and jim will go to the shop on monday.

Put the THANKS in Thanksgiving

Take a moment and think about what you are most thankful for.  Tell everyone about it in the COMMENT BOX.  I am thankful for so many things.  Most of all I am thankful for my family.  They love me and support me in everything I do.  They make me laugh.  They make me proud.  I love them to the moon and back plus infinity.  I am also thankful for my students.  They make me smile and they teach me something new all the time.  They make me strive to be the best I can be.  Can't wait to see them on Monday.  Until then, though, I will enjoy relaxing with my family.  :)

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

Here is a possible activity for our Great Turkey Challenge (If you need a copy of the letter so you can learn more about the challenge, read this week's letter)!  In class we shared the story 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.  The students drew pictures of how they would hide the turkeys and then wrote stories using the words first, then, next, and last to tell how they would help the turkeys escape.  If you have this book you can read it at home or you can use the link to see a video of the story on YouTube.  Please use caution when using YouTube.  It can be a valuable tool, but it is also easy to wander into an area that is not suitable for students.  After sharing the story, complete the COMMENT BOX assignment in order to earn a prize in the Great Turkey Challenge!

COMMENT BOX:  Answer each of the questions about the story.  You can do it in the COMMENT BOX or write it on paper and bring it to school the first day you come back.

1.  Make a list of the main characters (the ones that must be in the story for the story to make sense).

2.  What is the setting (where and when)?  Remember that you are not to use the words 'inside' or 'outside'. 

3.  What is the problem in the story?  Write a sentence to answer this question.

4.  What is the solution to the problem?  Write a sentence to answer this question.

Xtra Math

Instructions for accessing XtraMath will be sent home in the folders tomorrow (Tuesday).  Using XtraMath also counts as doing work for the Great Turkey Challenge!  To document use of this program, just tell us that your child did it.  We can easily see the work they did.  When the book baggies come home next week, the information will be glued to the inside front cover. 

HOMEWORK 11-15-12

Sorry for the delay in posting, we have had Internet issues again.  For homework, please do Education City.  You can do the activities of your choice.  If you can print out the scores, send them in.  Otherwise, record the scores and the activities and send them in.  Scores of 100% earn 3 caught being good coupons.  Scores in the 90's receive 2 caught being good coupons.  LET'S GET INTO FIRST PLACE!!!!  :)

HOMEWORK 11-14-12

I am sorry to be posting the homework so late.  We have had several technology issues today.  For homework tonight, please have your child use Education City.  S/he should do both Language Arts and Math.  In math, we are focusing on Geometry (not fractions), so you may want to do the activities on that topic.  Please make sure your child scores 90% or better. 

COMMENT BOX:  No comment box assignment for tonight.

HOMEWORK 11-8-12

Ready to earn some points for Education City?  Super!  Tonight you need to practice with Education City.  Use the instructions in the back of your book baggie notebook.  You must complete Hu-La-La:  Short or Long Vowel Sound.  To get to it, go to 1st grade.  Go to Language Arts and scroll down until you find Hu-La-La.  There are two games called Hu-La-La so make sure your child plays the one that focuses on Short or Long Vowel Sounds. 

COMMENT BOX:  Write one sentence for each of these words:  cape, cube, bite.  Remember to put your first name in the box.

HOMEWORK 11-7-12

HAPPY 50TH DAY!!!  Tonight you are going to do another activity to celebrate 50.  We practiced making 50 with groups of 10 today.  For homework, play Counting by 10 until the session is done.  Then, do the COMMENT BOX assignment.  If you cannot display your work in the COMMENT BOX, then bring it in on a piece of paper. 

COMMENT BOX:  Show 4 ways to make 50.  You can use objects, numbers, words, tallies, coins, or whatever way you can think of.  YOU CAN ONLY USE EACH WAY ONE TIME.  For instance, if you write a number sentence for one answer, you cannot use another number sentence.  HINT:  Think of the different ways we showed 50 one the calendar today!  If you post your answer in the comment box, remember to include your first name.  :)

Pumpkin Project

Hurricane Sandy has certainly put a bit of a damper on Red Ribbon Week and our Pumpkin Project.  Please bring your projects to school when we return to school.  As of now, we plan to go ahead with the Gallery Walk on Friday.  I hope you have had fun making your pumpkins.  I know I loved making mine!

Fun Stuff

It looks like we are in for quite a weekend of inside time as Hurricane Sandy visits.  I hope you are taking time to work on your Pumpkin Patch Project.  I will be working on mine today!  If you need a fun break and we still have electricity, check out Halloween Math and work on your addition and subtraction facts. 

Do you like to play Memory?  Here's an addition game called Candy Corn Addition.  Match the sum to the addition sentence.

I will edit this post as I find more fun stuff for you to do.  :)

HOMEWORK 10-25-12

Words can be put into different categories.  Nouns are words that name people, places, or things.  Adjectives are words that describe nouns. 

To practice identifying the difference between the two, you are going to play two games.  The first one asks you to find the noun in a group of words.  The words are definitely harder than what most first grade students can read.  A proficient reader should read the words to the student and then let the student choose the noun.  This game will help promote good vocabulary.  Play Noun Explorer until the round is over.

The second game is called Adjective Adventure.  Again, the words are mostly above what a typical first grader can read.  This game will expand vocabulary and help students understand the difference between nouns and adjectives.  Play the entire game.

OPTIONAL:  Although we have not discussed verbs, your child may have fun playing the Grammar Tutorial.  For this activity, students can select a noun, adjective, and verb and see their creation come to life.  The concept of what a verb is will definitely be understood easily through this activity.

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT (mandatory):  Find a noun in your house.  Name it and write it in the comment box.  Write two adjectives to describe it.  For example:

                                       noun:  ruler              adjectives:  yellow, long

Remember to include the student's first name in the box. 

HOMEWORK 10-24-12

We are learning about how addition and subtraction are related.  We have used part-part-whole charts (look on the front of previous math pamphlets to see some...they have a rectangular shape divided into two equal parts and then a small square on top to represent the whole) to show how the parts equal the whole.  Then we write addition and subtraction number sentences to match the chart.  We have also used triangular cards to do the same thing. 

To practice this skill, play Fact Family Addition and Subtraction.  Play for 5-10 minutes or until the game ends.

COMMENT BOX:  Using the numbers 8, 2, 6, write the two addition number sentences and the two subtraction number sentences that belong in that fact family.  Remember to include your child's first name.  :)

Moon Phases

We are learning about the phases of the moon.  In class we watched this and the kids loved it.  I thought you may want to check it out at home.  :)

HOMEWORK 10-18-12

This week we introduced the 'silent e' or 'bossy e' rule for long vowels.  In words with silent/bossy e, the vowel is long and says its own name, but the 'e' at the end is not heard. 

For example, the word bit becomes bite when the 'e' is added; the 'i' says its own name when the word is said.

To practice, play Make a Word.  Then do the COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT.  You will need the list of words that you make during the game to complete the assignment.

COMMENT BOX:  Write one sentence for each word that you made in the Make a Word activity.  Please remember to include your first name in the box.

NEW TRICK WORD PRACTICE PREZI

THIS IS NOT HOMEWORK FOR 10-17-12. FOR TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK, SCROLL DOWN TO THE NEXT BLOG ENTRY. IT IS ENTITLED: HOMEWORK 10-17-12. This is the new trick word practice presentation with our new trick words: says, would, other.

Trick Words on Prezi

HOMEWORK 10-17-12

In class we have been using subtraction sentences to compare two groups.  We have also learned that we can use subtraction to solve stories that involve separating groups.  Tonight you are going to practice using subtraction to solve problems.  Play SUBTRACTION on IXL until your practice time for the day has "maxed out". 

In the COMMENT BOX, solve the following word problem using a subtraction number sentence:

Frank has 10 rocks. Will has 8 rocks.  How many more rocks does Frank have?  Explain with a subtraction number sentence.

Remember to put your child's first name.

First Grade Common Core Workbook

The 2012-2013 school year is the official implementation year of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Math.  According to the Common Core Mission Statement, the Common Core State Standards "provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy."  To find out more about what your child is expected to know, check out the Common Core State Standards Initiatives website. 

Our school adopted this curriculum last year in grades K-2.  One of the resources we are using to implement these changes is the First Grade Common Core Workbook.  It is an incredible compilation of the standards as well as activities that hone the first grade skills.  Having the materials at the touch of my hands is a time-saver.  I wanted to make sure you could access this resource as well so you could help your child in a manner similar to what we are doing in class.  You can download a free sample via this site.  Feel free to create the activities at home.  I especially like the cards that ask questions about literature.  One neat way to implement this at home would be to print them out and put them in a cute box or jar.  After reading a book with your child, select one (or more) card and use it to discuss the book you and your child just read.

Let me know what you like by leaving a comment.  :)

HOMEWORK 10-11-12

We are still working on consonant digraphs -ck, sh, th, wh, ch. It is sometimes hard for the students to decide when to use 'c' or 'k' or 'ck'. Tonight they will practice this skill. Using the presentation, have your child identify the picture, tap it, and write it in the COMMENT BOX. PLEASE remember to include your child's first name so s/he gets credit for the work.

Digraph -ck on Prezi

HOMEWORK 10-10-12

Identifying basic shapes builds the foundation for geometry.  Students should be able to identify basic shapes.  To review, play Shapes.

COMMENT BOX:  Go on a shape hunt.  Find objects near you that are examples of the following shapes:  circle, square, rectangle, triangle.  Write the name of the shape and the name of the object in the comment box.  Remember to add your first name. 

example:  circle=dish  

Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation Fun Run

It was wonderful to see so many 1st graders participating in this amazing event!  PROUD OF YOU!!!!  By the way...all of you looked adorable in your pink!!!  :-)

HOMEWORK 10-4-12

Our new trick words are 'give', does', and 'want'. Tonight, practice reading all of the trick words with the Trick Word presentation. COMMENT BOX: Write one sentence for each of the new trick words: give, does, want.

Trick Words on Prezi

HOMEWORK 10-3-12

We have been learning about showing the different parts that can make up the whole in math.  For instance, if you have 10 green and yellow M&M's and 2 are green, then 8 are going to be yellow.  If 6 are green, 4 are going to be yellow.  Understanding the parts and the whole and finding the missing parts builds the foundation for algebra. 

When practicing this at home, you may want to use pennies since each side is different.  To use the pennies to practice, follow these steps to solve the following problem:

There are 8 candles on the cake.  1 is lit.  How many are not lit?  Explain.

1.  Ask your child how many candles in all.  Then have him take out that many pennies, making sure all the heads are "heads" up.
2.  Ask your child how many are lit.  Have your child flip the coins so 1 coin is "tails" up.  Explain that the coin showing "tails" represents the 1 candle that is lit.
3.  Ask your child how many are not lit.  The number of candles that are not lit is shown by the coins that are still showing "heads".  That number is 7.
4.  To explain the answer, the student can draw the coins or write a number sentence.  Some students can apply the subtraction and write 8-1=7 while others can write 1+7=8 or 7+1=8.  Whatever way they choose to show the answer, make sure s/he understands that the parts make up the whole.

This is just one method for solving these types of problems.  Your child may have developed his/her own way to find the missing addend and that is fine as long as s/he demonstrates the understanding that the parts make up the whole.  Often when solving word problems, students automatically want to add the numbers given.  In some cases that works, if the word problem is a joining story that needs the students to find the whole.  However, if given the whole and one of the parts, adding the two numbers is not going to help them find the correct answer.  If your child is having difficulty with this, help by practicing solving both types of problems so they can see the difference.

Tonight's assignment:  
1.  Play Busy Bees for 5-10 minutes.  This game has the student find the number of bees in the hive (the missing part) when told how many bees in all and shown some outside the hive.
2.  In the COMMENT BOX, solve the following 2 number sentences:

*  There are 9 birds on a fence.  2 are blue and the rest are red.  How many are red?  Explain.
*  Three birds were on the fence. 6 more landed on the fence.  How many birds in all?  Explain.

Remember to write your first name so you get credit for the homework. 

Trick Words (updated 10-1-12)

Here is a presentation with all of the trick words from Kindergarten as well as the words we have added this year.

Trick Words on Prezi

Ocean Life

Throughout the year we will be learning about different groups of animals and their needs.  We will examine how their environment provides them with their needs and how their bodies are made for the environment in which they live.

Our first focus is on sea life.  We have read several Magic School Bus books to learn about sea life as well as discuss the difference between fiction and non-fiction text.  We have also read many fiction selections about sea life while we learn about the setting and characters in stories.  We have ordered story events and discussed problem and solution, also.  During TSI, the students are working in groups to research specific sea animals. 

For fun, check out some non-fiction about sea life with Oceanlife for Kids.  Read the information about the various animals.  You may even want to take the quizzes to check your understanding.  When done, write (in the comment box) about something you learned while visiting the site.  Anyone from the CHES first grades who posts will receive a reward.  Remember to post your first name so you can get your prize.

HOMEWORK 9-27-12

This week we began working with digraphs. A digraph is a combination of two consonants that make one sound; you cannot hear each letter when the two are together. The digraphs we are using are sh, ch, th, wh, and ck. When your child is reading, point these out so s/he becomes familiar with them and also begins to recognize them. Tonight you will have a chance to work with some digraphs. Watch the presentation below. For each picture, read the sentence and decide what word should go in the blank. HINT: Each word you use will have a digraph. For each picture word, have your child tap the word. Each word will have 3 taps. Your child has been tapping words since kindergarten. To make sure s/he is doing it correctly, follow these instructions for tapping the word 'shop': 1. Say the word. Shop. 2. Tap the digraph sh by tapping the pointer finger to the thumb and making the sound sh. 3. Tap the o sound by tapping the middle finger to the thumb and making the sound of short o (as in ox). 4. Tap the p sound by tapping the ring finger to the thumb and making the p sound. 5. Blend the sounds together by making each sound as you run your thumb across the tips of each finger (except for the pinky because you did not use it for this word). 6. Say the word again. Shop. COMMENT BOX: In the comment box, tap and write the word for each picture. Please write them in order. Remember to include your first name. The comment will not appear until I release it.

HOMEWORK 9-26-12

This week one of the skills we have been working on is writing and solving number sentences to match dice.  Tonight you are going to practice this skill using virtual dice.  Click the words 'virtual dice'.  When you get to the site, hit the 'roll again' box.  Each time you do this, write and solve the number sentence that matches your 'roll'.  Do this ten times. 

COMMENT BOX:  In the comment box, record the ten number sentences that match what you rolled.  Be sure to include your first name so you get credit for your homework.  If you do not want to post in the comment box, bring your work to school on a piece of paper.  Remember the comments will only appear after I release them.

HOMEWORK 9-20-12

View the presentation and follow the instructions. Please give the presentation time to load before clicking the arrow. It takes about a minute for it to be ready to go. COMMENT BOX: Write the word for each picture in the comment box. Be sure to include your first name in the box so you get credit for your homework.

HOMEWORK 9-19-12

Tonight we will be focusing on matching number sentences to a pictorial model.  We are going to use an activity on IXL called Addition Sentences - Sums to 10.  To get to this activity, simply "click on" the words "Addition Sentences - Sums to 10".  Play for 10 minutes or until the time runs out (unless something has changed, IXL only allows so much practice time each day unless you have a paid account). 

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  Answer the following question in the comment box:

Sue has 9 fish.  Some are blue and some are yellow.  If two are blue, how many are yellow?  Explain how you know. 

Remember to sign your first name and to click the 'anonymous' box before selecting 'publish'.  Your comment will not appear until Ms. Kristin releases it. 

Seahorse Giving Birth

In Ms. Kristin's class we read Mr. Seahorse by Eric Carle. We learned that it is a work of fiction, but we could still learn true facts from it. After reading the book we watched a YouTube video showing a male seahorse giving birth to its babies. Several of the children wanted to be able to see the video again, so I am posting it here. PLEASE be careful when allowing your child to view videos in YouTube. Although there are lots of fantastic things posted on their site, it is also extremely easy to access something that is inappropriate as well. Your child may also like to research some more about seahorses. If you find out a cool fact about the seahorse, post it in the COMMENT BOX so others can enjoy. :)

HOMEWORK 9-13-12

In class we are using groups of five and ten to quickly count a number of objects.  To practice this skill, play Ten Frame.  Although this may seem easy, it takes practice.  The goal is to get children to "see" groups of objects and be able to identify how many there are without having to count each one.  This activity enables students to build a solid foundation for the place value skills we will develop this year.  Games 1, 2, and 3 will be the most beneficial at this time and correlate more to the skills we are working on now.  Game 4 delves further into addition and has multiple steps for adding two addends. This activity is optional. The homework requirement is to play Games 1, 2, and 3 for a total of 10 minutes.  Please sit with your child while he does these activities.  You will need to make sure he understands the questions as they change from time to time.  Often, children anticipate the question and give an answer to the question they think is being asked.  Be sure to ask him how he knew the answer.  Being able to explain HOW an answer is found is equally important as finding the right answer.

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  To complete tonight's homework, answer this question in the comment box.  Remember to sign your first name.  The comment will not appear until I release it either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Imagine that you have 2 tens frames.  One is filled with chips and the other one has 6 chips in it. 

Answer each question:
(a)  How many chips are there in all? How do you know?
(b)  How many more do you need to fill the second frame? 
(c)  How many will you have if both are full?  How do you know?

Trick Word Practice

Welcome to online homework! Tonight you are going to practice your trick words. To do this, you will need to press the arrow button on the presentation below these instructions. You will read the word that appears. You will then spell the word by clapping and saying each letter (like we did in class) and then repeating the word after the spelling. For instance, for the word 'and', say the word 'and'. Then clap one time while saying "a", one time while saying "n", one time while saying "d". Finally say "and". Follow this procedure for each word. A grown-up should listen to you read each word. Each time you need a new word, press the arrow. Do this for each word (when it is done, it will not advance further). To complete the assignment, choose 3 of the trick words. In the COMMENT BOX, write one sentence for each of the 3 trick words. Write your first name in thee COMMENT BOX so I know it's your work. Submit the work. It will not show until I release it for viewing so don't worry if you do not see your comment. I release them later in the evening or in the morning. If you have any problems completing this work, write a note to your teacher. :)

Trick Words on Prezi

Sassy's Weekend

Sassy

XtraMath

I checked to see XtraMath progress.  I can now see all incoming first graders and my class from last year.  I am thrilled to see that Addyson, Daylynn, Derek G, Evela, Gabriella, Haley, Johnny, Kai, Marissa, and Noah used the program last week!  WAY TO GO!  Only a few more weeks until school starts!  Can't wait to see everyone!

August 1st and XtraMath

As of August 1st, my class from 2011-2012 will lose access again.  I will, at that time, create a new class consisting of my 1st grade class from '11-'12 as well as all the students entering 1st grade (last year's kindergarteners).  In order to enter, all students on that list (my class from '11-'12 and all incoming 1st graders) will need to use the email address graykr@daretolearn.org to gain access to the site as well as their first names and PIN #'s that they already have.  If you have created your own account and linked your child to it, then keep using that.  Thanks for your patience as we learn how to use this program.  :) 

Summer Packet Assignment & XtraMath Update

I hope you are all doing well getting your packets done.  I am already excited about next year!  For this assignment you are going to do some research.  The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics are on Friday.  Your job is to read a few sites about the Olympics and then post what you learned.  Have your family help you search for information about the 2012 Olympics.  Then, in the comment box, write 3 things you learned about the event.  To post in the box, write your message and then sign your first name.  You do not need to have an account; you can select to post anonymously.  Your answer will not appear until I release it.  I view all comments before they can be seen by others.  Have fun!

On another note, there have been some issues with XtraMath.  The classes in which the students have been enrolled ended on July 1st.  I personally am unable to reinstate those classes.  Here are two options:

Option 1:  I believe that you can make your own account and enroll your child using the name and PIN # they were originally assigned (refer to the packet or email me using my email address that I provided in the packet or find it on the school website).  I'm not exactly sure if this works because I already had a teacher account when I linked my son's account to my teacher account.  The data is stored with the XtraMath people, so you may want to contact them via email.  To contact XtraMath Help, just click the highlighted words from this sentence.  I have personally contacted them via email before and they are very prompt and extremely helpful.  You will need your child's KINDERGARTEN TEACHER'S EMAIL. For each, it is the teacher's last name and first two initials @daretolearn.org. 

Option 2:  There is another online tool for practicing math facts called AAAMath.com.  It does not store the data, but still provides online practice of math facts.  For addition, start out small with the 0, 1, 2 facts and then progress to the others when they reach a mastery of those (above 95% correct). You may use the "Practice" area or scroll down to see the 3 choices for games.  The games are more drill and practice, but add an element of fun.  If you choose this option, just initial the box where XtraMath is assigned. 

K5 Learning

This morning I checked out a site called K5 Learning.  It offers a program for families to supplement instruction.  They offer a free 14 day trial which includes a baseline assessment.  After the student takes the assessment, s/he is assigned specific activities to meet the needs of the student.  I have enrolled and watched some videos (I highly recommend watching the one that shows you how to login and work the program) and am waiting for notification that the assessment is ready for my child to take.  I also checked out a sample lesson.  Reports are available to parents in order to monitor progress.  One of my concerns is that some of the math activities do not match our curriculum.  For instance, the program includes counting money.  In first grade we explored money through calendar activities, but it was not required in our curriculum.  However, being able to count money is a life skill that everyone needs to know.  Anyway, I definitely think it's worth checking out with the free trial.  Try it out and let me know what you think by leaving a comment in the comment box!

More on XtraMath

I have heard from XtraMath. MY (my former 1st graders) class has been reactivated. Each class "ends" on July 1 - which is what caused the issue. Students linked to a school account cannot gain access. Parents can get an account (for free) and link to their student; those accounts do not expire. CHES is new to the program and still working out the kinks. If you need direct assistance from XtraMath, you can send questions to erika@xtramath.org. Although I have gotten quick and very thorough replies, please be patient. XtraMath is a free program and is offering an amazing service to so many students. :-)

In the meantime, if you want to practice addition facts online, use AAAMath.  Scroll to the blue box that says 'PRACTICE' and play.  Thanks for

XtraMath

I am having some trouble accessing XtraMath.  Some others are, as well.  I am not sure what is going on, but will try to get to the bottom of it. 

ZooBurst and Other Stuff

I have just finished with school obligations for the summer!  Yay!  I am now taking care of home responsibilities that I have put on hold for a bit, but then I plan to enjoy some fun in the sun (using lots of sunscreen, of course)!  However, I had to take a few minutes to check on my students and add to my blog! 

HURRAY to the follow students from Ms. Kristin's class who have used XtraMath this week (remember that I can't check on Mrs. Kee's students or on students entering 1st grade in August):  Amerika, Ansley, Chloe, Eathen, Gavin, Johnny, Maleia, and Paola!!!  Keep up the great work!  Your second grade teachers are going to be impressed!  I also hope lots of you are earning points in Book Adventure!  Feel free to comment about your work on Book Adventure.  Also, remember to work on those summer packets.  If you have misplaced it, contact the administration office at school Monday through Thursday.

While I was searching for some cool new stuff this week, I came across a site called ZooBurst.  This is AWESOME!  You can make your own online pop-up book!  You have to have your parents register and then you can write your own stories (up to 10 pages for free) and illustrate them with clip art!  There are many features on the free version!  Happy writing! 

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids is an excellent site for kids and families!  Play games, read non-fiction, learn about the world!  Enjoy exploring!  Tell others what you found fascinating by sharing in the COMMENT BOX!  :-)

Happy Summer

I hope all of you are enjoying summer so far!  I am still packing up the room and getting everything finished up.  It's lonely here without students!  I hope you are working on your Summer Packets!   For now, I can only check on XtraMath for the students I just finished teaching, but I am so glad to see that Courtney, Johnny, and Maleia have been practicing!  To the students that were in Mrs. Kee's class, I can't check up on you, so I can't tell if anyone from her class has been using it.  To the students just finishing Kindergarten, we will be able to see your record once we return to school.  If you haven't bookmarked it on your computer, I have linked this entry to the program.  All you have to do is click on the words XtraMath and it will take you to the login page.  Don't forget to check out Book Adventure!  It's very similar to Accelerated Reader.  Keep in touch by using the comment box!  :-)  Ms. Kristin

Accelerated Reader!!!

First graders ROCKED Accelerated Reader!!!!  At our final assembly for the year, both first grades were recognized for their dedication to AR!  Ms. Kristin's class earned 64 bookworms and took over 300 tests!!!  We will pass out the bookworms on Tuesday since we will be outside having fun all day on Monday for Field Day!!!  You should all be proud of yourselves!  The more you read, the better you get. Remember to sign up for Book Adventure so you will be ready to rock 2nd grade!

HOMEWORK 6-5-12 & 6-7-12

Go to the HOMEWORK 5-21-12 & 5-22-12 post and follow the directions.  If you haven't read about Book Adventure, check it out on the blog and then visit the site from there.  Some of the students are already taking tests and loving it!  :)

Sylvan Book Adventure

SCROLL DOWN FOR THURSDAY'S HOMEWORK...THIS IS ANOTHER POST 

I was thinking about how well our first graders have done on Accelerated Reader this year.  When I look at the lists of books each student has read and the scores they have received I am thrilled!  They are amazing! These thoughts reminded me of a similar program that you can do at home.  In order to keep interest up this summer, check out Book Adventure.  It's a FREE reading program that is similar to Accelerated Reader.  It's been a while since I used it (yes, I used it with my own kids and it was a great motivator), but I remember it was very easy.  They have lists of books that have quizzes.  Kids read the books and take the quizzes.  You set the goals and reward your child as they meet the goals you have set up with them.  You can set up all of your children since the books address a wide level of skill (Dr. Seuss, Magic Tree House, Captain Underpants, Junie B. Jones, Little Critter, Ricky Ricotta, Horrible Harry - to name some of our favorite series/characters).  For those of you that have older children, there is a quiz for The Hunger Games and many of the "Wimpy Kids" books.  The vast number of titles will entice all students, especially since there are more titles here than what we have available at school for Accelerated Reader.   There are also contests that you can enter.  It's definitely worth checking out.  

COMMENT BOX:  Let me know if you register your child so I can help keep them motivated during the summer.  :)

HOMEWORK 5-30-12 & 5-31-12

Congratulations to the four students who have completed the addition portion of XtraMath and have moved on to subtraction:  Blake, Gideon, Eathen, and Lily!!!!  WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

For homework tonight, go to the blog entry HOMEWORK 5-21-12 & 5-22-12.  Follow those instructions.

HOMEWORK 5-24-12

We are learning about plants in class.   We have examined the parts of a lima bean seed and are attempting to grow lima beans in a bag in our class window (ask your child to tell you about the activity).  We also have one bag without water, but placed in the window.  We have another bag in our dark closet; this one has water, but no light.  Soon we will be talking about the parts of plants and the role each one plays in the life of a plant.

For a quick experiment to see how different conditions affect plants, check out the virtual plant at How Plants Grow.  This activity allows students to change the amount of water, light, and heat to see what happens to the plant.

COMMENT BOX:  What did you learn about plants after playing this game?  What happens if there is too much water or heat?  What happens if there is not enough light?  Experiment with the game and share what you discover in the comment box.

HOMEWORK 5-23-12

Found Poems
One type of poem we have been writing in class is called a found poem.  Children often have difficulty selecting words when writing poetry.  This type of poem helps students with that dilemma while allowing them to critically analyze a text and compose a piece of writing.  In class, we have used familiar text to compose found poems about the main character in a story.  To write a found poem, students select phrases from a text to convey their thoughts.

Tonight, you are going to compose a found poem.  Go to the Speakaboos site (this link takes you directly to the fairy tales).  You only have 10 free stories before being charged a fee, so keep that in mind as you select the text for the assignment.  Select a fairy tale that we have not read in class (from this site, The Little Red Hen and Jack and the Beanstalk are off limits).  Listen and read along with the story.  Then, select a main character from the story.  Compose a found poem about that character by using lines from the story that describe the character. 

For instance, here's an example of one written about the Little Red Hen (use this link to the story so you can see how the words were selected):

Little Red Hen
the smallest
the most active resident of the farm
kept everything in the barn tidy and clean
help me plant this wheat
I will do it myself
who will help me cut the wheat?
I will do it myself
who will help me mill the wheat?
I will do it myself
who will help me bake the bread?
I will do it myself
she made the flour into a loaf of bread
who will help me eat this bread?
did you help me?
I will eat the bread myself

COMMENT BOX:  Select a fairy tale from Speakaboos.  Write a found poem about the main character from the story.  You may want to have scrap paper handy to record your words.  You will be able to pause the story and copy your words, also.  Remember, use the words you find in the story.  Share your poem by putting it in the COMMENT BOX.  There is not a specified length, but remember that you want to fully capture the spirit of the character.  Also, remember that your poem should have all words spelled correctly since you are getting them directly from the words on the page. 

HOMEWORK 5-21-12 & 5-22-12

It's XtraMath time!  Complete a session of XtraMath and then do 2 min. of subtraction on AAAMath.  You can either practice in the blue area (scroll down) or play the games (scroll down further).  There are also links near the top that will take you to the area you choose; choose 'practice' or 'play'.  For those of you subtracting on XtraMath, you do not have to do AAAMath.  Instead, play the addition version of Math Baseball.  Begin with 'easy' and select 'yes' next to 'algebra style'.  Increase the skill level as you see fit.

NO COMMENT BOX

HOMEWORK 5-17-12

While reviewing telling time during calendar time in the morning, I have noticed that we need to revisit this skill.  The main issues that I see are students switching the hour and minute hands and the correct placement of the hour hand when it is half past the hour.  Tonight, play Clock Shoot.  Play Level 2. 

Then play the Time game.  If you notice your child is still having trouble, revisit often to help achieve mastery. 

COMMENT BOX:  No comment needed.

HOMEWORK 5-16-12

This week's vowel team is oa.  Read The Goat and the Toad.  Read it by yourself first and then select the 'Hear It' option so you can hear it and see some animation.  After that, do 'Sound Search'.  When you find the word that is requested, read it aloud.  Next, do the 'Find a Word'.  Make sure you read each one of the possible answers before selecting your answer. 

COMMENT BOX:  Make a list of 4 words that rhyme with 'boat'.  Write a sentence using your words.  Remember to include your name.

HOMEWORK 5-14-12 & 5-15-12

Developing fluency with addition and subtraction facts is an essential skill as it frees up space in one's working memory.  It enables students to devote more brain power to thinking about solutions to problems rather than bogging them down trying to recall the sums and differences.  Please make sure your child is fully engaged in math fact practice.

Please do XtraMath to practice your addition facts and AAAMath to practice subtraction for 2 minutes (either the practice or play modes are fine).  If you are doing subtraction on XtraMath, you do not have to do subtraction on AAAMath.  Instead play Math Lines.  You can select the sum you want to work on.  Please play with 3 different sums.  Select sums no smaller than 9.  Have fun!

NO COMMENT BOX.

Teacher Appreciation

Thank you to all the families and students who were so thoughtful this week!  I cherish each hug, token, card, kind word, etc.  Each one of you confirms my decision to teach.  I love what I do and am truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your lives.  :D 
<3 Ms. Kristin

HOMEWORK 5-10-12

We have been learning about goods and services.  Goods are things people want or need.  A service is any work done for others.  Can you sort the goods and services?  For other goods and services activities (this one is a bit more temperamental, but the kids liked the parts that worked while we were in class), go to EconEdLink.  The words in red will link you to different activities that the students will enjoy.

COMMENT BOX:  In the comment box, list 5 goods that your family uses.  Then, list 5 services your family uses.  Please include your first name.  :)

HOMEWORK 5-9-12

This week we are practicing the long e sound with the ea vowel team.  To review both the ee and ea vowel teams, play Hangman (you will need to 'click' on the box that says 'play the game').  Remember, guessing the correct vowels first helps you win.  Make sure you read the clue and read the final word.  For a real challenge, head to the Spellzone to practice some more ea words. 

COMMENT BOX:  Read the following words aloud to an adult.  If you have trouble, tap them out.

weak, eat, peak, speak, clean, clear, ear, pea, flea, easy, wheat, dream, team

Now, make a sentence using as many of the words as possible making sure the sentence still makes sense.  Write your sentence in the comment box and include your name.

HOMEWORK 5-7-12 & 5-8-12

So many of you are getting close to finishing your addition facts on XtraMath!  Practice Monday and Tuesday for homework.  Remember, you can use these sites ANY time.  Focus and concentrate extra hard so you can learn as much as you can.  Remember, you want to answer BEFORE the third circle so you can earn a smiley face.

After XtraMath, work on the subtraction on AAAMath for two minutes.  You can either use the blue practice area or play the games in the yellow section.

HOMEWORK 5-3-12

We are working on adding and subtracting numbers in units of ten.  We are using both the hundred chart (if you use this source, scroll down a bit and wait for it to load) and skip counting.  We have used the hundred chart quite often and have discovered that any time we need to know a number that is ten more, it is under the starting number.  If we need a number that is ten less, it is above the starting number.  If your child is not sure of this, please practice.  Play 100 Number Grid.  Each time your child finds the correct placement of the number, ask them what number would be 10 more than that number as well as what number would be 10 less than that number.  They should work towards not having to count by ones to determine the answer.  Once that is mastered, ask what numbers would be 20 more/less.  Gradually increase difficulty.

COMMENT BOX:  When you find the sum for 57 + 30, which digit changes?  The tens or the ones?  How many tens are you adding?  Remember to include your name.

HOMEWORK 5-2-12

Watch the video about the moon phases.
Complete the labeled diagram of the moon phases.
In the COMMENT BOX, explain the difference between the new moon and the full moon.  Also, explain the difference between the words waxing and waning.

Check out the cool moon event that will take place this weekend!

HOMEWORK 4-30-12 and 5-1-12

Do XtraMath. 
Do AAAMath for 2 minutes.  You need to scroll to the blue section for regular practice or you can scroll to the yellow section for a game.

HOMEWORK 4-26-12

This week we have been learning about long a spelled with the vowel team ay.  Go to the Spellzone and play at least two of the games to practice reading and building words with ay.  If a word list is given, make sure you read the entire list to an adult.  Remember that the long a sound gets a one-finger tap when you are tapping out the words.

COMMENT BOX:  What games did you play?  Think of as many ay words as you can.  Write a sentence using as many ay words as possible and post it in the comment box.  Remember to post your first name.

HOMEWORK 4-25-12

Calling all first grade poets!  We have been learning about acrostic poems and writing them to celebrate Poetry Month.  Tonight, you get a chance to create an acrostic poem on any topic you choose.  After composing the poem using the acrostic poem maker, you can either post it in the COMMENT BOX or print it out and bring it to school.  We will share the poems in class.

Do you want to enjoy some other student-authored poems?  Check out poems written by students that are presently in sixth grade at CHSSCS!  Can you guess the topic of these acrostic poems?

Remember:  Cool Cats Poetry Reading is Thursday night from 5:30-6:30.  Come to do some poetry activities, share your own poems, listen to original poetry, and enjoy light refreshments!  Open mic poetry night ROCKS!

HOMEWORK 4-19-12

This week we are focusing on the long a sound using the 'ai' spelling.  Play the Hangman-like game to practice 'ai'. 

COMMENT BOX:  Read the list of words.  Write one sentence using as many of the words as possible and put it in the comment box.  Remember to put your name in the box.

train, hail, bait, mail, plain, snail, aim, stain, braid, drain, pail, trail

HOMEWORK 4-18-12

Please do one session on XtraMath.
Go to AAAMath and practice subtraction facts for two minutes.  Remember to scroll down to the blue box.  You can also scroll down further and play the games.
No COMMENT BOX assignment.

Kindergarten Registration

Visit the school website for information regarding this year's Kindergarten Registration this Thursday evening.

Special "SHOUT OUT"

I was just checking out the XtraMath data that was emailed to me and wanted to recognize Eathen for working on his fast facts during Spring Break!  Way to go, Eathen!!!  I know both 1st grades follow this blog.  I have no way of accessing Mrs. Kee's XtraMath account.  If you are in her class and have worked on XtraMath during break, we are proud of you, too!

School resumes Monday.  Remember to have your moon logs up to date.  I hope you looked at the sky last night.  I could not see the moon, but the stars were utterly amazing!  Does anyone know why I didn't see the moon?  Post your predictions in the COMMENT BOX for discussion when we get back to school. 
HINT:  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Poetry

April is Poetry Month!  After break we will be learning about and writing different types of poems.  Poetry is a wonderful way to express oneself without having to worry about the traditional use of punctuation and sentence structure typically required when writing.  To experiment with composing some poetry, check out Fridge Poetry.  This link will take you to a site where you can play some trick word games.  To get to the Fridge Poetry section, click on Frig Magnet Poetry.  Post some of your creations in the COMMENT BOX.  Be sure to include your name.  :D

Greater Than/Less Than/Equal To

I hope you are keeping up with your moon calendar AND enjoying your break.  The full moon was absolutely incredible the other night!  So, if the moon was full the other night, is it waxing or waning right now? 

In case you want to practice during break, here is a Greater Than/Less Than/Equal To game. 

Take some time to enjoy the weather and have fun.  I did a bit of both yesterday.  I read a book while in my hammock.  :)

HOMEWORK 4-5-12

Practice your facts on XtraMath.
Go to AAAMath and practice subtraction (the game in the blue box...scroll down) for 2 minutes.

No assignment for the COMMENT BOX.

Moon Phase Calendar

We are beginning a study of the moon and sky.  One of the objectives is to recognize patterns of observable changes in the Moon’s appearance from day to day.   Since we rarely see the moon during the day, students will need to observe and record the daily appearance of the moon each night on the moon chart that has been placed in the homework folder.  Please shade in the dark part of the moon using pencil. The chart should be kept in the homework folder and return to school completed each day.  It must also be done on the weekend and throughout Spring Break.  If there is a cloudy night, you may document that and refer to the online Current Moon Phase site. 

WAY TO GO!

We are so proud of our first graders for all their hard work in Accelerated Reader!  We are the only grade level that had 100% participation this month!  Your necklaces look AWESOME with all of those book worms!!!  Mrs. Kee and I are thrilled that you are so into reading!  Keep up the incredible work!

HOMEWORK 3-28-12

We have learned that number sentences must be balanced.  The part on the left side of the equals sign must have the same value on the right side of the equals sign.  The students have a tendency to add the numbers given and put the sum in the empty box.  Please help them see that this does not create the same value on each side of the equals sign.

Practice this skill by playing Complete the Addition Sentence on IXL.  Remember that IXL only allows a certain amount of practice, so plan accordingly.

HOMEWORK 3-27-12

Practice your facts on XtraMath.
Go to AAAMath and practice subtraction (the game in the blue box...scroll down) for 2 minutes.

COMMENT BOX:  Find the missing number in each number sentence/equation.  Write the complete number sentence in the comment box.

7 + 3 = 4 + ____

5 + ____ = 10 + 4

2 + 3 + 5 = 7 + _____

Going Fishing

Today in my class we read What Makes a Magnet?  One activity the book suggested was to have students gather a group of magnetic and non-magnetic items and let them go "fishing" in a box to see what is and what isn't magnetic.  We thought this would be fun to do in class.  So, for a caught being good coupon, students are asked to bring in a collection of items for classmates to test.  Please send in your items in a gallon plastic sealable bag.  We will write your child's name on the baggie and allow students to test the items to see which items in the collection are magnetic and which items are not.  Thanks!

HOMEWORK 3-22-12

Our focus continues to be on geometric solids. We count the edges, vertices, and faces.  You can watch a 3D shape video with your child.  It is the 2nd video from the top (do not count the ad for IXL).  First graders only need to know the cube, rectangular prism, cone, sphere, and cylinder.  Other shapes are presented, but those are not requirements in the first grade curriculum.  However, this is a great opportunity to extend learning.  If your child is having trouble naming the shapes, the top video presents a song that gives many examples of 3D shapes. 

We have also built them in class using 'nets'.  Nets are flat, but when folded, form a geometric solid.  You can do this at home by clicking on the link, printing out the net, and folding it into the shape.  Before folding, have your child look at the shapes that make up the net and guess what shape it is going to be.  Ask why s/he thinks that way, then fold.
cube
rectangular prism
cone
cylinder

For homework, play Count Edges, Vertices, and Faces on IXL.  Remember that time on IXL is limited.  Even if your child is presented with an unknown shape, s/he should be able to identify edges, vertices, and faces.

COMMENT BOX:   Find a cylinder in your home.  Tell how many faces, edges, and vertices.

HOMEWORK 3-21-12

Homework tonight is the same as the Homework from 3-14-12.  Click the link and follow the directions.  :)

For a Caught Being Good Coupon, find a number that could complete the following Fact Family and write the 4 number sentences that are part of the family.  For a second Caught Being Good Coupon, find another number that could complete the Fact Family and write those 4 number sentences.  Write your response in the COMMENT BOX or bring it on a piece of paper.

5, 6, ___

Brown Bag Book Party!

Unfortunately we forgot to take pictures!  But, yesterday was our first (of hopefully many) brown bag book parties.  We got the idea from Pinterest, but changed it to reduce the amount of paper we would need to have many parties and to accompany literature we were reading.

We started preparing for our party earlier in the week by reading St. Patrick's Day in the Morning.  The story is about a little boy named Jamie who is not allowed to march in the town's St. Patrick's Day parade because everyone thinks he is too little.  Before his family wakes up, Jamie and his dog, Nell, march the parade route by themselves.  After discussing the story elements (setting, characters, problem, solution), the students completed their 'party ticket' (a graphic organizer where they had to write down the story elements - they could refer to the book for reminders).  The party ticket had to be finished to attend the party.  Once complete, the party ticket was glued to a brown bag.

On Friday afternoon, students were given Lucky Charms cereal to sort.  The students made a tally chart to show how many of each kind of marshmallow they had.  After completing a personal tally table, students mingled with other students and found out how many of each they had together.  They also found out what type of marshmallow each had the most and least of.  All the cereal went into the brown bag for the book party.

When it was party time, the students sat at their neighborhoods (tables).  Each table was given a cup with 6 craft sticks.  Each craft stick had a colored dot on the bottom.  The cup was passed around the table.  Each student had an opportunity to select a stick when it was his/her turn.  The dot color on the stick corresponded to a discussion task displayed on the board.  When all six sticks were selected it was time to snack on the cereal.  The kids had a great time and there was incredible conversation abounding!  We are already planning our next party!

In case you wanted to discuss the questions with your child, here is a list of the discussion tasks the students discussed in groups:
*   Think about a new ending to the story and share.
*  What do you think would have happened if Jamie's parents had woken up?
*  Tell about a time you were told you were too small to do something.  Share it with the group.
*  Make a text-to-text connection.
*  How are you like Jamie?  How are you different from Jamie?
*  What was your favorite part?  Why?

These are tasks that you can alter to accommodate any book your child is reading.

HOMEWORK 3-15-12

Tonight we will work on geometric solids some more.  Although it may seem easy, some of the children are still having difficulty naming the shapes, often calling a "cube" a "square" and a "rectangular prism" a "rectangle".  We are working on this skill daily and often play Shape Hunt in the classroom during calendar time.  When asked to find a rectangle, some students are bringing boxes or similar items.  Part of our study of geometry focuses on students knowing the difference between "plane figures" (flat shapes) and "geometric solids" (3D shapes).  You can play Shape Hunt at home by asking your child to bring you everyday examples of squares, triangles, rectangles, circles, cubes, rectangular prisms, cones, and spheres.  For a refresher, go to the Harcourt Math site and check out their online glossary (see instructions from last week's geometry homework).

For tonight, your child should play the IXL game entitled Relate Planar and Solid Figures.  Please have your child name each shape that is shown (not just the correct answer).  Ask questions about how they know that is the correct shape (students should name the number of sides, vertices/corners, faces, etc.).   Remember that IXL only allows a certain amount of practice time each day.

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  In your home, find an example of a rectangular prism.  Have your child count the faces (6 flat sides), edges (12 "lines" where the faces meet), and vertices (8 corners where the edges meet).  Then, have your child trace each face of the rectangular prism on a sheet of paper.  Have him/her name each shape that was traced (there should be a combination of squares/rectangles or rectangles only).  In the COMMENT BOX, have your child do the following:

What object did you choose?
How many faces does it have?
How many edges does it have?
How many corners does it have?
When you traced your object, what shapes did you trace? (eg. I traced 2 squares and 4 rectangles)

To earn an extra marble or paper clip for your neighborhood, bring in examples of shapes.  PLEASE make these objects that we can keep for class activities and that we do not need to return.  Please do not bring large items (nothing larger than a shoe box).  Objects are due by Monday.  You may bring in more than one object, BUT EACH OBJECT MUST REPRESENT A DIFFERENT SHAPE (ie.  ONE square, ONE circle, etc.).

SHAPES TO BRING:  square, circle, triangle, rectangle, hexagon, cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere

HOMEWORK 3-14-12

FAST FACTS NIGHT! 

First, go to XtraMath and practice your addition facts.
Next, go to AAAMath and practice subtractions facts.  To get to the practice activity, scroll down until you get to the blue section.  Play for 2 minutes or longer. 

You're done!  :-)

HOMEWORK 3-8-12

We are exploring geometric solids in first grade!  Geometric solids are cones, cubes, rectangular prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and spheres.  You can see an example of each by going to the Harcourt Math Glossary and using the word list on the left side to look at each shape.  We are comparing these shapes to plane figures and also identifying where these shapes appear in our environment.  We will be learning the definitions for face, edge, and vertex/vertices (corner/corners) and counting the number on each.  We will identify which solids roll and which stack.

We use this poem to help us remember our geometric solids (as well as build reading fluency):

3D shapes are fat not flat.
A cone is like a party hat.
A sphere is like a bouncy ball.
A prism is like a building tall.
A cylinder is like a can of pop.
A cube is like the dice you drop.
3D shapes are here and there.
3D shapes are everywhere!

Tonight, you need to play Geometry of Everyday Objects.  This is on the IXL site, so your use of the game is limited daily.  If you are doing homework with more than one first grader, you will need to have them work on it together so each gets an opportunity to play.  IXL is an awesome site; I suggest you explore the wide variety of games they offer (especially on days/nights when there is no online homework).
COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  It's time for a shape hunt!  Look around your home environment.  Find at least one example of a cone, cube, rectangular prism, sphere, and cylinder.  List your items in the comment box.  Be sure to include your name.

HOMEWORK 3-7-12

I bet you already know it...it's XtraMath night.  Log in and work your hardest to learn those facts.  :-)  It may be a bit more difficult tonight since the computers have been down at school and we have not been able to use it each morning.  Then, read below for your COMMENT BOX activity.

As stated on the Math Cats website, "Fact families are 3 numbers that are related, just as the people in a family are related. They make a set of related math facts."  Fact Families help students see that addition and subtraction are related.  At the Math Cats site you can print out cards to help practice Fact Families.  They also show how you can use them at home.  We are using the addition/subtraction set.  For the COMMENT BOX tonight, write the 4 equations that belong to the 7, 2, 9 Fact Family.  Please remember to write your child's first name in the box.  Comments will not appear immediately (I monitor and release them).

Online Stories

One of the stories we shared as part of our Presidents' Day celebration was Arthur Meets the President.  We read it together to practice fluency and also used it to practice story elements.  We learned about some of the famous places in Washington, D.C., too!

Since then, the students have been asking me to post the link to the story, so here it is (click on the title above).  You can also check out other Arthur stories while there and link to some other online stories. 

While sharing the story, we did not learn much about the Jefferson Memorial.  Learn about it and either leave a comment in the COMMENT BOX or bring in a written answer for a prize. 

Don't forget...you can use XTRAMATH on the weekend.  Some of you are very close to knowing all your addition facts. 

HOMEWORK 3-1-12

Tonight you get to be an author!  We have worked on writing descriptions in class about pictures.  We have talked about what makes a piece of writing good.  Here are some of the qualities we have discussed:

*  We liked the descriptions that were like stories because they were entertaining to hear.
*  We liked the stories that described what was happening because we could picture the scene in our heads based on the words.  The describing words let us picture the colors and sizes.  We also liked when someone compared one object to something else (The snowman's cheeks were as red as roses.).


We have also talked about how important it is to tap out words we need to spell and to spell our "trick words" correctly.  We need to use correct punctuation so the audience knows how to read it.  We need to use capitalization properly, as well. 

Your task tonight is to write for ten minutes about ONE of the pictures shown below.  You can either type it in the COMMENT BOX or bring it in on a sheet of paper.  You can time yourself for ten minutes using the timer we use in class (use the 'count down' option and select 10 minutes) or a timer you have at home.  When the timer goes off, you may either stop writing where you are or continue writing more.  Keep in mind the pointers discussed above.