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!  :)