Fun in First

We have had an eventful and exciting week in First Grade!  On Tuesday, the students loved presenting their “Human Body Assembly” for you and the whole school.  We hope you enjoyed our class’s segment, Fitness for Fun.  The students worked very hard researching facts about exercise and we were proud of each child for the poise and confidence they showed.  What a wonderful way to start our week!

Phonics

We are so proud with the inventive spelling that each child is using in his writing.  We continue to encourage the children to “write the sounds they hear” and it is such fun to see the words looking more and more like the “real”  spellings.  The children have been experimenting with contractions in their writing and so we started the week off with a lesson called “Contraction Action”.  This fun song is sung to the tune of the Hokey-Pokey and explains how letters are popped out to put apostrophes in.  The students have been working hard in their centers this week to practice using contractions.  Ask your child to sing the “Contraction Action” to you at home!

Science

On Wednesday, we had a special visit from Arjun Srinivasan, who has two students at Trinity.  He is a doctor at the CDC and presented an exciting program all about his work with germs and infectious diseases.  A highlight of the program was when Dr. Srinivasan showed us the special suit some of the doctors at the CDC have to wear to protect themselves from various diseases. Kate had a chance to put on the suit.  Please see the pictures on our website of this exciting opportunity!

We also had a chance to add the important parts of the respiratory system to our bodies this week.  Students added the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm to their bodies.  Throughout this unit, the students have truly gained an understanding of what it means to work in a cooperative group.  We are amazed at the growth we have seen in working as a “team” while building their bodes.  Please visit the bulletin board outside of our classroom to see our nearly completed bodies!

Birthday

On Wednesday, we celebrated Harrison’s birthday!  We all enjoyed the delicious donuts that he brought in to celebrate!  Happy Birthday, Harrison!

100th Day of School!

As you know, the 100th day of school is on Wednesday, February 1st.  Please don’t forget to work with your child to decorate a shirt with “100″ of something on it.  Please also send in your assigned item for our 100 day mix.  The children are very excited about this event!

Wow, we have had an amazing start to the New Year! Since our return to school, we have declared our resolutions, engaged in deep discussions regarding Martin Luther King’s dream, and learned about the respiratory system! During Doctor Day and we had a special visit from Dr. Perlstein a neurologist, Dr.  Petro a cardiologist,  and Ms. Em’s chiropractor who shared important facts about their areas of expertise in the medical field. But, the biggest news was the announcement that Ms. Amanda is having a baby! We are so happy for her and look forward to learning whether she will be having a boy or a girl.

CELEBRATIONS:

Happy birthday to Sam! The birthday boy was all smiles as his classmates sang to him. He also brought in yummy brownies to celebrate!

COMING UP!

The students are  very excited to present all that they have learned in Tuesday’s assembly about the Human Body. Please remember to send your child to school in workout gear. Please be creative! Sweatbands and knee highs are perfect accessories!

On Wednesday, Dr. Srinivasan, a former First Grade parent , and current Second Grade and Kindergarten father, will present information on infectious diseases. Last year, he was the highlight of Doctor Day and we just had to invite him back!

IN THE CLASSROOM:

In Math, the students are learning to tell time to the quarter hour. We have also started the number scrolls. This practice aids the children in understanding place value and helps with practicing the correct formation of the numbers. We have been with how enthusiastic the children have been about this new activity!

In Phonics, we introduced the FLOSS rule, which states that in a one syllable word, with one short vowel, ending f, l, s, and sometimes z, you double the final consonant. For example, the words puff, hill, chess, and buzz follow this rule. The students enjoyed learning this rule, and reciting it as a cheer and football huddle chant. Be sure to ask your child about it! We have also introduced contractions.

In Social Studies, we continue our study of the human body and have learned about the respiratory system. The boys and girls have impressed us with their wealth of knowledge!