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.