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. 

HOMEWORK 2-29-12

It's XTRAMATH night!  Get those math juices flowing and practice those addition facts.  The number of problems you are solving correctly is going up and your dot charts are getting closer to the top!  Keep up the good work!  Remember, the more you practice, the easier it gets.  You can practice ANY day from home...not just on XTRAMATH homework night.  Subtraction awaits for those of you who finish the addition.  :-)

CHALLENGE

Today in class we were talking about how we live in Dare County.  One of the students asked, "Why is it called Dare County?"  Excellent question!  Therefore, it is our challenge question of the week.  Research why our county is named Dare County and either bring in the answer on a piece of paper OR submit it to the COMMENT BOX for a challenge prize!  :-)

HOMEWORK 2-23-12

We have been learning about contractions.  We know that they are formed by combining two words and that some letters are replaced by an apostrophe.  We are going to practice contractions tonight!

Play the following games:
Memory Match

Treasure Trove

Fly By

COMMENT BOX:  In the comment box, write the two words that make up each contraction:

he's, they'll, wouldn't, she'll, you're

Quest for the Calabash

THIS IS NOT HOMEWORK!!!  For 2-22-12 homework, scroll down.

During our study of Africa, we went on a Quest for the Calabash with Anansi the Spider.  Some of the children wanted to show their families, so I thought I would send you the link.  Have fun on the quest!

Africa for Kids is another PBS site that will help your child learn more about the continent of Africa.  How are our cultures alike and different?

Read some African tales with your child.  To get to them, go to Whootie Owl's Stories to Grow By.  Beneath the owl, click on Folk and Fairy Tales from Around the World.  Follow the instructions on the search page to search for stories from the African continent.  See if they are similar to other stories you have heard. On the Whootie home page you can also go to the section for audio stories and find two other African tales; you can print them out and have your child follow along during the audio reading.

If you check out any of these sites, leave a comment so we know what you liked!

HOMEWORK 2-22-12

What's on deck tonight?  XtraMath!  Follow the instructions in the back of your book baggie and do a session of XtraMath (play until you get the 'sign out' button).  Try to make the number of happy faces go up and increase the number of green boxes you have.  You do not need to write in the comment box because we can see the reports. 

HOMEWORK 2-16-12

We are still practicing telling time.  Reading analog clocks with a time to the half hour is still challenging to several students.  Please emphasize the placement of the hour hand (short hand) when helping your child practice.  A common mistake is for the students to think that it's the next hour when the hour hand has moved off the present hour's number.  For instance, they say that 12:30 is 1:30 because the hour hand is no longer on the 12; it is halfway between.  Please help them see that it cannot be 1:30 because the hour hand has not gotten to the 1, yet.

For tonight, have your child show you the following times on the analog clock:  3:30, 11:00, 8:30, 4:30, 6:00, 12:30, 2:30, 10:30, 7:00, 6:30.  Keep the purple circles beside the clock closed and only use them for checking (you really do not need to open them at all).

Last, play one of the telling time games from HOMEWORK 2-12-12 or  HOMEWORK 2-9-12.
NO COMMENT BOX IS NECESSARY FOR TONIGHT.

HOMEWORK 2-15-12

Night one of online homework!  Tonight, all you need to do is go to XtraMath and practice your math facts.  No comment box is necessary.  Do your best to REMEMBER the facts rather than using your fingers.  Detailed instructions and your PIN #'s are in the back of your Reading Journal in your book baggie.

HOMEWORK 2-9-12

Happy Thursday!  There are two parts to tonight's assignment.  Please make sure your child does both.

Now that we are telling time to the half hour, the students are needing a bit more practice.  Understanding that the hour hand is halfway between the present hour and the next hour when it's 30 minutes after the hour is a bit confusing.  Refer to last weeks assignments for some telling time activities.  The Clock Shoot provided practice with both the hour and half hour.   For tonight, have your child play Stop the Clock five to ten times.  The game keeps track of how long it takes to complete the game each time.  Encourage your child to improve his/her time each time the game is played. 

Students need to be able to demonstrate fluency with math facts to 20 by the end of the year.  In order to help students become proficient, we are using an online program called XtraMath.  It is free and tracks your child's progress as s/he practices and takes tests. 

HOMEWORK INSTRUCTIONS:  Go to XtraMath.  The instructions for how to access your child's assignment is located in the back of the Reading Journal in your child's book baggie.  Do the activity until the green 'sign out' button appears.  You may have your child use this program as often as you like.  You do not need to put a comment in the COMMENT BOX.  We can check the XtraMath site to see your child's progress.

IF you have trouble accessing XtraMath, go to AAAmath.  Practice addition for 5 minutes (to get to the practice area, scroll down until you get to the area with the blue background).  Post your score in the COMMENT BOX.  Your score will be private.  If you scroll down further, your child can get to some games.  You may want to have your child use this game as well as the XtraMath site to help build this skill.

Anansi Stories

We have been enjoying African folktales as part of our exploration of Africa.  Anansi the Spider is one of the popular characters.

Do you remember why Anansi has a big bottom? 

Anansi's Rescue from the River is similar to Gerald McDermott's version that we read to you.  How are the two stories alike?  How are they different?

Which Anansi story do you like best?  Can you find any others online?

HOMEWORK 2-2-12

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!   Today in class we read about Groundhog Day and predicted what would happen when Punxsutawney Phil came out of his burrow.  Did your child's prediction come true?

We are learning how to tell time.  We are learning about the analog clock (the one with the face and hands) and how time is shown on this type of clock.  We are beginning with time to the hour, but will progress to telling time to the half hour on both analog and digital clocks.

We are trying something new for tonight's homework.  We are assigning two different tasks.  To see which assignment your child is to do, look at the top of the telling time worksheet.  If there is a purple dot, do the purple assignment.  If there is a blue dot, do the blue assignment.  If you would like to have your child do both, that is fine, but ONLY the assigned work is required.   THIS WEEK, COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE CHECKED BY THE TEACHER, BUT WILL NOT BE RELEASED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING. 

PURPLE:   Go to Telling Time.  Read and review the information on the site with your child.  Have your child record the time on the clocks and post them in the COMMENT BOX.  When looking at clocks, clock #1 would be the clock on the left in the first set and clock #2 would be on the right.  In the next set, clock #3 would be on the left and #4 would be on the right.  Follow this procedure to number each clock.  After that, play Telling Time Game.  You may also like Clock Shoot.  If you want to, you may do the blue activities also. 

BLUE:    Go to Clock Shoot.  Play as many levels as you can.  Then, go to TIME QUIZ.  Have a grown up help you make sure you are Level 1 (look on the left side of the screen).  If you score 8 or better on this quiz, try Level 2.  COMMENT BOX:  Record your best scores from Level 1 and Level 2 in the box.  Please be honest.  YOUR COMMENTS WILL NOT SHOW.  ONLY I WILL SEE THEM. 

HOMEWORK 1-26-12

In math we have been looking at number sentences to determine whether or not they are correct or not.  Then, we explain how we know and how we could make the number sentence correct. 

For tonight's assignment, look at each of the following number sentences and decide if you agree or disagree with each one. 

4+2=2          8=6+2         5+4=8          7-5=3          10=12-2          10=3+6          9-3=6          12=6+7


COMMENT BOX:  Please remember that your comment will not show until they are released by the teacher.  Make a list of the number sentences that are correct.  Make a list of the number sentences that not correct.  Choose one that is not correct.  Explain one way that you can make it correct. 

HOMEWORK 1-19-12

In science we have been learning about forces.  We have explored how a force can be gentle or strong and the effects of each (ask your child about moving the ping pong ball off the cup).  We have made objects move using a push or a pull and have made objects move by directly touching the object as well as make them move by using an unseen force.

To complete tonight's task, you will first sort pictures to determine whether each shows a push or a pull. Look at each picture and decide whether it is a push or a pull.  Drag the picture to the correct section of the box and check your work.

Next, go to Pushes and Pulls.  Follow the instructions at the top of the activity box.  You will be asked to do specific things and see the results.

COMMENT BOX:  Make something in your house move.  Did you use a push or a pull?  Did you use a gentle force or a strong force?  Write about what you moved and HOW you moved it using the words like push, pull, and force.  I can't wait to see what you do!

HOMEWORK 1-12-12

We have been talking about nouns.  Nouns are words that name a person, place, thing, or idea.

For tonight's homework, watch the BrainPOP Jr. video about nouns.  Then, do the COMMENT BOX assignment.

COMMENT BOX:
In the comment box, you will make lists of nouns.  First, write PEOPLE.  Then, list three nouns that name people.  Next, write PLACES.  List three nouns that name places.  After that, write THINGS.  List three nouns that name things.  Remember to put your name in the box so you get credit for your homework.  :)

HOMEWORK 1-5-12

We are working on place value with tens and ones.  To practice, play both of these games.

First play Base Ten.  You will be given a two digit number that you need to build with base ten blocks.

Next play Tens and Ones.  You will be shown groups of tens and ones.  You need to count them and enter the number represented.

COMMENT BOX:  For the comment box, answer this question:
Sam has M&M's.  He puts them in bags of 10.  If he has 7 bags of M&M's and 3 left over, how many M&M's does he have in all?

Santa Fun!

If you haven't written a letter to Santa yet, you can send him an email!  While you are at the site, you can link to lots of other Christmas activities!  Have fun!

Gingerbread Man

We have read three tales of gingerbread people during the month of December:  The Gingerbread Boy, The Gingerbread Girl, and The Gingerbread Baby.  Some of the elements of the story were similar while many of the details were different. 

Here are two other versions of the traditional story:

Version 1 and Version 2

Read each one.  Encourage your child to read as many words as s/he can, but support your reader as needed.  Students should know the "trick words" and be able to tap and read short vowel words as well as the words family words we have studied. Read further to find the COMMENT BOX activity.

I thought you might enjoy the song, too.

Source: reallyroper.blogspot.com via Ms. on Pinterest

COMMENT BOX:  Choose one of the following to do:
A:  Tell two ways the stories are alike and two ways the stories are different.
B:  Retell one of the stories in your own words.
C:  Write a new ending for one of the stories.

HOMEWORK 12-15-11

This week we took a ride on the Polar Express!  Students boarded the train with their tickets, listened to the story, and even received bells!  Enjoy the story again tonight and be ready for an Accelerated Reader test tomorrow.  The test will ask for details about the story. 

COMMENT BOX:  The Polar Express is featured on the main page of Storyline Online.
Underneath the LET'S READ IT! line, there are two icons that suggest activities.  Select one of the activities to complete.  You may complete the assignment in the comment box or on paper and send it to school.  Please let us know if you choose 'Related Activities' or 'More Activities' as well as which activity you have chosen.  For example:  Related Activity #1  or More Activity #4.  If you choose an activity that says "discuss", you should write your thoughts down in the comment box. 

HOMEWORK 12-8-11

For tonight's homework I have selected some activities that reinforce skills that we are practicing in class.  Although suggested earlier in the year, Tens Frame Addition helps students use tens frames to add two addends.  This week we practiced finding sums greater than ten.  We used two tens frames and then made a group of ten and added on.  For part of tonight's homework, select the link above and select the "ADD" activity.  Play until you have successfully completed 10 number sentences.

Next, practice finding a missing addend.  We have done several problems like this at school.  If your child struggles, remind her that the sum is whole and that they already know one part and need to find the other.  You may want to have pennies available as manipulatives.  If the question is 5 + ___ = 8, you can have your student take out 8 pennies all "heads up".  The part we know is 5.  Keep those pennies "heads up" and have her flip the others to show the "tails" side.  That is the missing part.  Play this game until your child has answered 5 number sentences OR the "free practice" for the day is done (this site only allows a certain amount of free practice daily; if you are responsible for homework for more than one student, you may want them to look at the computer at the same time and work out the questions simultaneously).

Last, go to Storyline Online.  We have begun to use Accelerated Reader at school.  It is a reading program designed to provide an incentive to read because they earn points and prizes.  Students read or listen to a story and then take a short comprehension test.  Listen to the story A Bad Case of Stripes and be ready to take a test on it.

COMMENT BOX:  What part of A Bad Case of Stripes did you like best?  Why?

Frosty-Day 2

Frosty ended up in our fish tank on Friday!  Maleia thinks he was catching fish to eat at the North Pole.  We can't wait to see where he will be on Monday!

Where's Frosty? Day 1

Frosty was quite mischievous on Thursday!  Tyler found him in our box of linking cubes!  After finding him, we took his picture and then wrote a class piece on PowerPoint to explain where he was and what he must have been doing in that box.  The class decided that he was building a "big, colorful tower" so he could escape.  Later, each student illustrated his own picture and wrote his own piece to show where we found Frosty and explain what he was doing.  Most of the class thought he was trying to hide from me!  Right before dismissal we received an email from Frosty!  It was EXCITING!!!  Check it out!!!

HOMEWORK 12-1-11

To finish our November themes, we read I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie.  We have read several stories similar to this one which makes it easy to make text-to-text connections (students discuss how two books are similar). 

For tonight's assignment, have your child try to recall the items that the woman swallowed.  Next, have your child watch and read along with the PREZI to see if s/he was able to recall all of the items.  Then, have your child clap the number of syllables in each of the items that the old lady ate (refer to the video to see how we clap the number of syllables in a word - thanks to Max and Ansley for the demonstration and to Courtney for filming).  Finally, have your child make a list of which words have 1 syllable and which words have 2 syllables.

COMMENT BOX:  Type your list of 1 syllable items.  Type a list of the 2 syllable items.  Remember to put your name so we know you did your homework.  Last, tell us one other thing that you would like to have seen her eat.  Make sure it stays within the theme of the book.  How many syllables does your item have?  :D

Find Frosty

We are embarking on a new adventure in December!  Each day we are going to FIND FROSTY!!!  Frosty will hide in our classroom each day.  We will hunt for him and then write about where we find him and what he is doing.  Each student will get a chance to photograph him and publish their own piece to let everyone know where Frosty has been!  We will compile all the pieces and present them using digital media (not sure whether we will use PowerPoint or Prezi).  We will keep everyone up to date by publishing on the blog as well!  I have not done this project before so I am eager to see how it works out!  I hope the students are as excited as I am!!

Phonics Fun!

I was just looking around for some online reading games.  Here are a few you may want to try.  :)

THIS IS NOT AN ONLINE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT!  THIS IS FOR FUN AND EXTRA PRACTICE.  :)

For practice with consonant-vowel-consonant words, here is a site that offers a few options.  When you get to the site, you will need to select the red box that says 'game'.  In Concentration, you will match the picture to the word.  If you select Collect the Stars, you will be given a picture and a keyboard.  You will need to tap and then build the word.  The last game option at this site is called Shoot Out.  You will read a word and then "shoot" the picture that matches.  If you choose the 'quiz' option, you will need to choose the correct vowel to complete each word.  Have fun!

Dinosaur Eggs Phonics is a fun way to practice the digraphs 'sh', 'ch', and 'th'.  You can also practice other sounds that we have not covered yet.  This would be a wonderful way to extend your learning!  The only issue that I have found with this game is that the words are being said by someone with a British accent.  Some words are more difficult to understand than others.

Sight Word Practice

Want a fun way to practice trick words?  Check out this link for a DIY project you can make and use to help your child practice!

PICTURE DAY!!!!

Picture Day is November 29th (Tuesday)!  We did not receive order forms.  You can see an order form and/or print it out to send in by clicking the link.  If you want to order pictures, you must pay for them when they are taken. 

The Great Thanksgiving Challenge!!!!

Students who bring in a note on the first day they return from break listing what educational activities they did during break receive a special prize (not Caught Being Good coupons or something from the regular prize box).  Students can read, write, practice math problems, play online games (if you do the activities on the blog and comment on them, no note is needed).  A list of activities or actual work will be accepted. 

Here are some ideas!  Check back throughout the break for other ideas or come up with some of your own.  Have fun!

Write and illustrate a first, next, then, last story (like the one where we wrote how to catch a turkey) about your Thanksgiving day.

Find objects around your house and play The Drop Game.  Record your results. The Drop Game is similar to Draw the Line.  


Play an online math or reading game.  Copy and paste the link into the comment box and write about what you learned while playing it.


Read a book of your choice.  


Have fun!!!!

HOMEWORK 11-22-11

We are still working on recalling facts from expository text (non-fiction).  Please read the Kind News magazine in your child's homework folder with your child and complete a 3-2-1 chart using this material.  This publication is available to us due to the generosity of the Dare County Animal Shelter of the Outer Banks.  Please consider sending them a thank you note.  :-)
You can refer to last weeks homework for instructions on how to complete this type of chart.  

COMMENT BOX:  In the comment box, use the 3-2-1 Strategy to review what you learned.  You can (but are not required to) use the online 3-2-1 strategy chart while you are reading (if you open another window) and note your ideas as you read/listen.  On my computer it would NOT save the information I typed in.  If you would like to print out the sheet and bring it in (instead of posting your work in the comment box) that will be fine.  If you CAN save the online strategy, you can email your work to your teacher [graykr@daretolearn.org OR keeli@daretolearn.org]. Remember to put your name so we know you've done your work.  

HOMEWORK 11-17-11

This week we have learned the 3-2-1 strategy for examining expository text.  Expository text is
non-fiction and full of facts intended to teach the reader about a topic.  After reading a non-fiction text, we recall what we have learned using this strategy:

3 - Write 3 sentences.  Each one should tell something you learned.
2-  Write 2 sentences.  Each one should tell something you found interesting.
1-  Write 1 question.  What would you still like to know about the topic?

ASSIGNMENT:  Read/listen to The Thanksgiving Feast/Thanksgiving Slideshow.  The speaker icon will read the selection to you.  You can also have an adult read it with you (they can read the larger words and you can read the trick words and the words that can be tapped).  Then, complete the COMMENT BOX assignment.  There is no book baggie homework tonight.

You can also visit other areas on this site for your enjoyment, but please just use The Thanksgiving Feast for the 3-2-1 assignment. 

COMMENT BOX:  In the comment box, use the 3-2-1 Strategy to review what you learned.  You can (but are not required to) use the online 3-2-1 strategy chart while you are reading (if you open another window) and note your ideas as you read/listen.  On my computer it would NOT save the information I typed in.  If you would like to print out the sheet and bring it in (instead of posting your work in the comment box) that will be fine.  If you CAN save the online strategy, you can email your work to your teacher [graykr@daretolearn.org OR keeli@daretolearn.org]. You may want to write facts down on a scrap paper as you view the slideshow.  Remember to put your name so we know you've done your work.   

Weekly Challenge 11-14-11

On Monday we were finishing Corn by Gail Gibbons (an excellent author of many non-fiction books for children).  We learned many facts about corn in this non-fiction, expository text.  One of the pictures showed how tall corn was after 4 weeks and then showed another picture of what corn looked like after 8 weeks.  I asked the students how many days 4 weeks would be.  It didn't take them long to figure out that 4 weeks was 28 days.  However, it was harder to figure out how many days were in 8 weeks.  Thus, THE WEEKLY CHALLENGE was created for this week!

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:  You may either post it in the comment box or do it on paper and bring it to class.  It is due Friday.  How many days are in 8 weeks?  Be sure to circle your answer and explain (with pictures, words, or numbers) HOW you got your answer.  You will be rewarded for successfully completing the task.  Comments showing answers can be viewed by me as you post, but will not be released until Friday.  Have fun!

Class Lesson

This post may seem odd, but it is merely for a class activity.  I need the character to "talk" on several computers and this is the easiest solution I can come up with for now. I plan to keep it up until the lesson is done and then pull it down...just wanted to explain in case someone stumbled upon it.  :) 

HOMEWORK 11-8-11

We have read the book One is a Snail Ten is a Crab.  In this book we saw that different combinations of people feet and animal feet could represent the same number.  If you would like to share the book with your child, check out the video.  Lily and Casia did a super job sharing the story.

Your job is to tell 3 ways you can make 30 using the characters in the book. Remember how we did it in class with the different numbers?

Remember:  1 is a snail, 2 is a person, 4 is a dog, 6 is an insect, 8 is a spider, 10 is a crab. 

You may want to use scrap paper at home to draw out your answer.  Drawing and counting the legs will be very helpful.

Here is an example of one possible answer (no, you cannot use this one as your answer):  I drew 15 people and found out that 30 is 15 people.

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  Figure out THREE other ways to make 30 and write about each one in the box.  Remember to put your name.  

Character Costume Party 2011

On October 31, 2011 the first grade had a Character Costume Party!  Each student was to read a book and come to school dressed as a main character from the story.  Then, each student retold the story that was read to an audience consisting of peers, family members, and other school staff that popped in.  I hope all of you noticed Mrs. Brown in her opera gown!  Here's a quick peek to see which characters arrived in Miss Kristin's class.  Can you tell who they are and what story they represent? 

Character Costume Day 2011 on Prezi

Word Family Activity

Yes, I'm surfing the web on this crazy weather day.  I was checking out some school ideas when I came across this one.  All you need to practice word families is a marker and some paint samples.
 Word Family Fun is a great way to practice reading the word families we've studied:  -at, -an, -ap, -ot, -ell, and -et. 

Sight Word Bingo

Considering the weather is a bit nasty, I thought I would post today so the students would have something fun and educational to do.

Sight Word Bingo is a fun way to practice sight words. As stated on the site, "Sight Words are words that are recognized immediately (on sight) without phonetically decoding or sounding out parts."  Knowing these words helps students read fluently and allows them to comprehend what they are reading.  When these words are recognized automatically, it give the brain "more room" to process the meaning of the text.

The words in this game do not exactly match the list of Trick Words we use in class.  The list of Trick Words is inspired by our phonics program and the students themselves.  When the first grade teachers notice a word that the students need for successful reading and writing, we add it to our list.  Sight Word Bingo uses the Dolch Word List.  According to the game site, "The Dolch Word List is a list of English sight words by Edward William Dolch, PhD. The list is comprised of 220 words grouped by level, and includes pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, verbs and nouns."

Begin with the pre-primer level.  If your child is successful with that level, move to the next.  Daily practice with this game should improve your child's reading skills.  Have fun playing Sight Word Bingo!

Another fun rainy...or should I say windy...day site is Storyline Online.  The Screen Actor's Guild Foundation maintains this site.  Popular children's stories are read aloud by members of the Screen Actor's Guild.  The books change periodically.  At the moment, two of our recent class reads are on there:  Rainbow Fish and Stellaluna.  Listen and read along with the actors.  For a class bonus, complete one of the Related Activities that goes along with the story you read.  You can either do it on paper or submit it to the COMMENT BOX. 

Check back periodically, I may add some more activities.  

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

THIS IS NOT THE HOMEWORK.  Scroll down to the next entry entitled HOMEWORK 11-3-11 for tonight's homework.  This is a challenge we talked about during calendar time in Miss Kristin's class.  Students fulfilling this challenge will be rewarded.  Students must have the answer and have an explanation for HOW they determined the answer.  The answer to the challenge can be posted in the comment box OR brought to school.  The challenge is also posted in Miss Kristin's room and can be solved in class.  The explanations should be clear and align with first grade thinking and problem solving. THE CHALLENGE SOLUTION IS DUE FRIDAY.

CHALLENGE:
Wednesday was the 40th day of school.  How many more days until the 100th day?

HOMEWORK 11-3-11

This week I am attempting to implement some of the new technology that I learned about at the math conference in Greensboro.  Again, I am trying something new, so please let me know how it goes.  This is a learning process for all of us.  By watching the video, you will see how to do a word sort.  Kai was a great sport and agreed to let me tape him.  And yes, we did this the day of our Character Costume Party. This sort was done with the -at and -an word families.  Before doing the assignment, please watch the video.

ASSIGNMENT:  Your assignment for tonight is to sort the pictures from the presentation below into two categories:  words with the digraph 'sh' and words with the digraph 'ch'.  To do this, students should look at each picture, say the name of the picture, tap the word for the picture and write the word in the correct category.  After you complete this for the first picture, click on the arrow and go to the next.  If you need to go back, click the arrow pointing to the left.

Your COMMENT BOX assignment requires your child to list the words into the correct categories in the comment box. [For adults:  Do not let the child see these spellings or supply them with the spellings of the words until they have made many attempts to tap and write.  The goal is for them to distinguish between the two digraph sounds, tap the word correctly, and write the word correctly.  Here are the words for each picture:  ship, chin, chop, shot, chip, shop.]  For simple posting, write sh: (followed by the 'sh' words).  Start a new line and do the same for the 'ch' words.

Draw the Line

Here is a fun way you can practice more with part, part, whole.  Being able to identify the whole and its parts is essential for developing a solid foundation in number sense. 

First, get a piece of 8 1/2  x 11 paper and fold it in half.  (If you don't have this, you can find an easy substitute:  a paper plate with a line drawn down the middle is great, too.  The main objective is to have a workspace that is clearly divided into 2 separate areas.) 

Next, find a set of 10 objects that can be gently tossed and fit within the workspace.  Pennies, PollyPocket dolls, plastic animals, plastic people, cereal, M&M's or other small candy (kids like this option so they can eat afterwards)...whatever you have on hand. 

Decide on what number is going to be the whole and put the rest of the objects aside.  Refer to this group as the whole throughout the remainder of the activity. 

Have your child toss the whole set of objects onto the workmat.  Have him observe what part of the whole is on the left side of the workmat and what part is on the right.  Ask what two parts make up the whole.  See if he can write or state a number sentence (eg. 2+4=6) that matches the workmat.  Rotate the mat so that the left part is now on the right.  Can he come up with a new number sentence?  Using the same whole, have your child toss the objects again.  Have the same discussion about the new parts.  Continue until many or all of the combinations have been found.  For the comment box bonus activity, you may want to have your child keep a list of the combinations he makes as well as the matching number sentences.

Select a new whole and follow the procedure again. 

COMMENT BOX BONUS:  For 3 'caught being good' coupons, have your child post one of the wholes she explored and list the parts that she found using number sentences.

HOMEWORK 10-26-11

Now that you are familiar with adding, it's time to start practicing addition facts to build fluency.  Building fluency means that you can easily recall the addition facts without having to count.  It's okay to use your fingers or other tools to begin, but our goal is to know them well.  Being able to recall the facts without much thought makes it easier to solve math problems.  The more you practice, the better you get.  Play each of these games at least once, then head to the comment box to get credit for doing homework.

First up is Marble Math Addition. This one will increase in difficulty as children are successful.  There are marbles that the students can use if they still need manipulatives.

Next is Addition Concentration .  In this game, students are shown sums and addition facts and must match the sum to the correct fact.

Our last game for tonight is Math Baseball.  In this game students must find a missing addend.  When you get to the page from this link, make sure you select 'addition'.  Also, select 'yes' for the question 'algebra style'.  Start out at the 'easy' level and progress to a harder level if your child is proficient.  We have been working on finding the missing part in class.  You may need to have some manipulatives on hand (pennies, cereal pieces, etc.).  Ask your child to identify the sum and talk about how that is the whole.  Then ask them the part they know (it is one of the addends).  Have them show the whole with the manipulatives.  Then have them separate the part they know from the whole.  That is the missing part.  

COMMENT BOX ASSIGNMENT:  Remember to include your name so we know you did your homework.  What game did you like best?  Why?

HOMEWORK 10-20-11

We have been learning about animals. We know that animals are LIVING. Living things grow, move, eat, need oxygen, produce waste (yes, this means they poop), and reproduce (have offspring/babies). To begin tonight's homework, sort the items into two groups Living vs. Non-Living.

Habitats are where living things live and grow. They can get the things they need to stay alive.  Play Get Me Home! to sort the animals into their habitats.

Last, with an adult, go to National Geographic for Kids. Together, read about at least three different animals. Find out what the animals eat and how they move. What do you know about their babies? Find out about the habitat where they live. You will need this information for the assignment in the COMMENT BOX.

COMMENT BOX: To get credit for doing the homework, you MUST post in the comment box or write this assignment on a piece of paper and bring it to school. If you choose to use the comment box, remember that the comments will not appear immediately. They will appear after I release them. Make sure your child's name appears in the comment box so s/he gets credit for doing the assignment. Select one of the animals you read about on the National Geographic site. Write the name of the animal in the comment box. Then do the following (adults can enter the information, but discuss the ideas together):

* Tell about the animal's habitat.

* Tell about what the animal eats.

* Tell about its babies.

* Share an interesting fact about the animal.

HOMEWORK 10-12-11

Solving and explaining problems and developing number sense is a large part of the first grade math curriculum.  For tonight's math homework, there are two games that practice this skill.  Both have timers and show the score.  You may want to write down the scores and set goals for personal improvement. 

First, your child should play Addition Sentences/Sums to 10.  While playing this game, your child should find the correct number sentence to go with the picture shown.  We have been working on the commutative property in math (eg. 3+4=7 has the same value of 4+3=7), but have not used the name to describe it at this time.  Before moving on to the next question, verbally ask your child what the number sentence would be if the puzzle pieces were flipped.  We are emphasizing that the order of the addends (the parts we add together to get the sum) does not matter; the sum will be the same.  Play this game for 2 minutes (or more if your child likes it), then play the next game.

Next, your child should play Write the Addition Sentence.  For this activity your child will be given a word problem.  You can choose to hear the word program with the proper download.  However, it is read quite rapidly.  You can read them with your child and have her read the trick words.  Sometimes students will determine an answer, but explain the answer by using a number sentence that does not represent the story.  You may want to have some scrap paper and a pencil nearby in case your child needs to work it out before entering it.  Play this game for 5 minutes. 

In Fundations we have introduced digraphs (sh, th, ch, wh, ck).  Digraphs are two consonants put together to make a sound.  Neither consonant makes its regular sound.  After these directions, I will list the "phrases" we use in class to remember these sounds.  You may want to use them to help your child decide which digraph to use for each picture.  For this game, there is not a timer.  You will need to time it yourself.  Also, make sure your child clicks on CHECK after selecting each digraph.  Without clicking CHECK, the correct answer will not be given which may reinforce wrong answers.  Please play Digraph Phonics Game for about 1 to 2 minutes.  After playing the games, don't forget to read the COMMENTS directions and put a comment in the box so your child gets credit for doing online homework.  :-)
CALL PHRASES FOR DIGRAPHS:
sh - ship - /sh/
ch - chin - /ch/
th - thumb - /th/
wh - whistle - /wh/
ck - sock - /ck/  [You may notice that this sound is at the end of the word, unlike the others.  This is so that students can associate the digraph ck being found at the end of the word.]

COMMENT:  For tonight's comment, have your child tell you a story that joins two groups of things.  Use the word problems from the second game as an example.  These only need to be a few sentences long (see the example below).  Each should end with a question.  Include the number sentence that solves the problem.  You may type in the story.  Please use your name or your child's name (you may use your first name if you'd like) in the comment box so we can give your child credit.  Comments will not automatically appear; I will release them.  For practice later, come back and visit the comment section and have your child solve other students' questions.

EXAMPLE:  Meg had 7 blocks.  She found 2 more under the bed.  How many does she have in all?  7+2=9

New Links!

As you have seen by the work that has gone home and by last week's Weekly Math Review, we are exploring addition sentences and working on joining groups.  One game we suggested on our weekly letter is called Addition With Pictures.

Another site I have stumbled upon is called Children's Stories Online. There are a variety of stories you can listen to with your child.  The story is read aloud to your child with the words highlighted as they are read.  You can have your child follow along and read the trick words aloud with the narrator.  At the end, ask some questions about the story.  Here are some suggestions for questions:
*  Who are the characters in the story?
*  What is the setting of the story?
*  What was the problem in the story?
*  How did the problem get solved?
*  Make a text-to-self connection.  What in your life does the story remind you of?  Why?
*  Make a text-to-text connection.  What book does this story remind you of?  Why?

Feel free to leave a comment in the comment box.  Let me know what book you liked best or if you find another place to find stories online!  :0)