Friday, September 28, 2012

Who knew, apples could be science!

Today we made science! We celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day by making applesauce. We started by observing the properties of the apple. Everyone helped prepare the apples by washing and cutting them. They cooked all day (wow, our room smelled yummy).

We ended the day, using our 5 senses to observe the properties of the applesauce. It was a yummy experiment.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Happy Birthday to the Big Red Dog!

Today we were treated to a birthday party for Clifford. Mrs Lewis invited Pre K, Kinder, and 1st grade to join in on the birthday party that was as big as Clifford. We heard that the author created the character because he thought it would be fun to have a dog he could ride. The red color came because he had red paint on his desk when he drew Clifford.

Thank you Mrs. Lewis for the birthday treats and fun party!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Day 4 - Word Hunt!

We are close to wrapping up our first week of word study.  Today we learned how to hunt (not for bears), but words with our spelling patterns.  Students used their book boxes and magazines (Weekly readers) to find words that had the came patter.  They did a great job and are ready for their first spelling test!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Day 3 - Buddy Sort!

We are half way through learning the process of word study! Today students worked with a buddy to call words to each other. This is a great way to practice listening to the word and hearing the pattern.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Day 2 of Word Study

We are on Day 2 - The Word Sort! Today we practiced sorting our words using the pattern we learned yesterday. Students did a great job using yesterday's lesson and sorting words in their word study notebook.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Day 1 of Word Study

Today we started learning the process for word study.  We started by practicing sorting words using our names.  Students amazed me at the ways they thought to sort.  After learning that words follow patterns (not all words - some are oddballs), we looked at this week's list and sorted them by their pattern.  See if they can explain the pattern to you tonight.  Starting next week students will work in a small group with the me to identify and practice the patterns in their words.  This week we are learning the process all together. 

An instruction sheet cam e home to help you assist your student's homework.  Please keep them in a safe place.  We will use these practices all year with new words every week.



Thursday, September 13, 2012

Greater Than What?

This week in math we have been comparing numbers. Our class learned that to compare, we have to look at two things. Today we used our document camera to compare piles of beans. Students were able to see all the beans on the active board, and then make a statement.

Abby figured out that when we counted the larger group in groups of 10, it made more groups and change what we compared. Way to think Abby!

Ask your student about what greater than and less than mean. See if they can tell you the difference between a guess and an educated guess.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Don't Pop My Bubble!

Ask your student about their bubble. Today we learned about building our stamina for reading. Students start out the year reading to self for about 10 minutes. As the year goes, we increase our time. We will use our reading response notebooks to record our thinking.

The class did a great job. I love to see kids spread out all over the room with books in their hands. It was a great start to our training!