Classroom Highlights
This week we kicked off our work with The Four Processes by hearing stories about the Land of Numerica! This story will continue on as we explore these varying math concepts. So far, we have been introduced to Mayor Mathematica and Perry Plus. Perry’s problem arose in the Shop of Thises and Thats when children who came in to the shop after school and wondered just how many treasures were in the store! Perry Plus had never quite thought about that, but had just kept collecting treasures. They were intrigued and asked Mayor Mathematica for some assistance. Mayor Mathematica was able to think about a way to assist Perry Plus in figuring out just how may treasures were within each basket upon the shelves!
After this introduction through story, we then began to use the symbols of + and =. We were able to even write and read the number sentences that we created. We read the sentences as “12 is 7 and 5 more” and “12 equals 7 plus 5” interchangeably so that the new mathematical vocabulary becomes internalized. We also write the sentences starting with the whole. It makes much more sense developmentally for first graders to think of moving from the whole to the parts.
We also did some work with regrouping quantities. We began with 2 children who needed to arrange themselves in different ways to show some of the ways we could make 2. The observing children assisted in finding all the ways. We proceeded to do this with the quantities of 3 and 4. As they came up with the varied ways, I recorded the number sentences. After we finished, I invited them to share with a partner what they noticed. I love this question because it invites their thoughts, not just what I am hoping to hear. One child shared that his partner noticed that each number had one more number sentence than the amount. For example, 3 had 4 possible ways (when using 2 addends), 4 had 5, etc. Then we made predictions about other numbers. We will explore this further to see if our predictions are accurate.
Don’t let the cat out of the bag, but we are going to meet our multiplication character next! Children will begin to connect that multiplication is just a more efficient way to add quantities.
In Nature Studies, which we have fondly renamed Acorn Class, the children heard the story of “Why the Evergreen Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter” about a young bird with a broken wing in search of a place to stay warm through the winter. The oak, willow, and birch turned the bird away, but the pine, spruce, and juniper offered shelter and food. The North Wind showed appreciation for their kindness by allowing those trees to keep their green through the winter and blew the leaves off all the other types of trees.
Festival of Compassion
In our class, we had the opportunity to share a book, “Martin’s Big Words.” Although it brought our class a heavy topic, the book beautifully shares how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood up for what is right in a peaceful and loving way. We discussed how many children and parents in our community will be finding ways to offer love to others in need on Monday in honor of Dr. King. Not surprisingly, the children shared the ways they already try to help those in need. And, theyeven expressed that this should not just be done on Monday, but all days. Your children’s hearts are full of love and compassion. Let’s work together to keep that alive always.
Upcoming Events
MLK, Jr. Day of Service, Jan 21 (No School)
We are excited to initiate a new festival tradition of group service on the Martin Luther King National Day of Service(1/21). This is in addition to the different ways that teachers will be working with their classes on the important subject of Dr. King and his legacy in the lead-up to MLK Day. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and as such, it is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” As noted by the National and Community Service Organization, MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
Please sign up here for either opportunity, and I look forward to seeing you soon for our “day on”!
The Avila family is staying closer to home to take part in the Day of Service. The children were eager to continue this work.
First Grade Parent and Guardian 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, Feb 3
May Reilly and Lisa Gonzalez, our room parents, organized a First Grade Family Gathering. (Thank you, May and Lisa!) If you are able, please join First Grade families for a casual gathering to continue to build our classroom community. Children can play and explore while adults have a chance to catch up with one another.
Sunday, February 3 from 10-11:30am at the Garfield Park Conservatory
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!