Classroom Highlights
Another great week was had in First Grade! We continued our work the Four Math Processes with meeting Tamara Times who is a peppy character who enjoys helping Perry Plus do their work more quickly and efficiently with equal groups. We saw how Perry Plus and Tamara Times are both figuring out how many there are all together, but one way is a bit more organized and efficient. When we write and read the multiplication number sentences, it looks and sounds like: “12 = 4 x 3” & “12 is 4 groups of 3.” Again, by using “groups of” and “times” interchangeably, children can make sense of what we are doing and will gain the mathematical vocabulary as well.
We will continue a bit with our multiplication work on Monday. Today, they heard about Farmer Fran and Baker Bill who have food stands for the citizens of Numerica. They organize their trays of fruits and veggies & pastries so they can easily know how many items they have left. We will then begin exploring subtraction and learning the symbols to represent that mathematical concept.
Thankfully, there was snow falling during our Acorn Class and we had the opportunity to observe the fresh flakes floating down from the sky. The children noticed so many things about the snow: the varying shapes, the straight lines that often looked like needles that day, the clumps that many snowflakes created, what happened when you touch just one versus what happens when you touch a clump of them, and much more. We then came indoors and curled some paper strips which we will eventually use to create beautiful paper snowflakes.
In Form Drawing, the children continued to explore the spiral, but this time, spiraling both in and out. We have walked this many times in our circle when we share the verse: “We are truthful and helpful and loving in trust, For our heart’s inner sun glows brightly in us. We will open our hearts to the sunbeams so bright, And we’ll fill all the world with our heart’s inner light.”
Since we are writing so many numbers this block, it was time to introduce pencils for our bookwork! We still use our block crayons to draw the pictures, but our writing of numbers is completed with large, round pencils. Holding our pencils properly is important and a habit I am working to create with the children. Inappropriate pencil grip can cause fatigue so I have brought an image to the children to help them remember the proper grip. You can reinforce this at home as well. When we pick up the pencils, I remind them to make sure the passengers are safe in the car—adults (thumb and pointer) in the front seats of the car (each gently holding the pencil) and the children sit in the backseat (tall man, ring man, and pinky). The pencil should be held so gently that a friend could easily slip it out while they are writing. Thank you for bringing this image to them at home as well!
Congratulations!
Sending warmest wishes to the Esposito Family! Vincent and his family welcomed Baby Marcella Lucia on January 20. Mom and Baby are “happy and healthy”! The First Graders and I are enjoying hearing the baby updates!
A Few Extra Reminders
Your children were so prepared for our weather today! Thank you! Although we were only out for short stints of time, getting outdoors, moving our bodies in large ways, and breathing in the fresh, crisp air made our day even better. We all appreciate this! You may want to send in an extra pair of socks or two to keep at school. Sometimes in the transition from wet boots to dry shoes, we have an accidental step into water. Having an extra couple pairs in each cubby will be helpful.
Thank you also for your attention to our food allergy policy! This is just a friendly reminder that we are a tree nut and peanut AND egg free school. A colleague of older students shared that this is a time of year that sometimes we may forget. Thank you for your continued diligence.
Upcoming Events
Parent Night, Jan 30, 7pm-9pm
I look forward to gathering for a night of sharing classroom experiences and discussion. We will have the opportunity to learn trans-affirming tips, share the experiences we are having at home with our children, and experience some of the math learning from Grade 1. Please let me know if you have questions. I also would appreciate knowing if you are unable to attend.
First Grade Family Gathering, February 3, 10-11:30am
Join First Grade Families for our first monthly social gathering at Garfield Park Conservatory. If you have questions, please reach out to our Room Parents, May Reilly and Lisa Gonzales.
Midwinter Break, February 16-23
Parent Teacher Conferences, March 14-15
Please mark your calendars for March 14-15 so we can come together and speak about your child. When the days approach, we will share a Sign-Up Genius for our meetings. Thank you.
Festival of Spectacles, April 6
We invite community members, parents, and children to come to a day packed full of student dramatic productions. The Festival of Spectacles will include performances from Grades 1-5. It’s a great opportunity to experience the full spectrum of the lower school theater curriculum. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and burst into explosive applause. A final schedule will be shared soon, but be sure to save the date now!