How-To Publishing Party

Today the first graders celebrated their published how-to books with Roberta's kindergarten class!  Our publishing party was so much fun!

In the morning, before we met up with Roberta's class, the first graders made a party mix to share with the kindergarteners.  Our party mix was comprised of chex mix cereal, pretzels, pita chips, raisins, and m&ms - so yummy!  After the first graders learned "how to" make a party mix,  they split up in teams to make the snack.

Later in the afternoon, we split up into two groups.  One group went downstairs to Roberta's class, and the other group stayed in our classroom.  One group of kindergartners stayed in Roberta's class, and the other group came up to our room!  In each classroom, the first graders circulated the room, reading their how-to's and teaching the kindergarten students about topics like soccer, world maps, how to be a good friend, and how to draw a dinosaur!  Of course, all the kids enjoyed the special snack, too!

Overall, we really enjoyed our publishing party - it was a great celebration of our hard work during this writing unit!  Our how-to books are now hanging in the hallway; make sure you check them out!

Story Problems in Math

By the end of first grade, students are expected to solve story problems with numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20. Story problems can go in lots of different ways.  Here are some examples.

Add to with result unknown
Ben had 5 pencils.  Then he got 4 more.  How many pencils does Ben have?

The class is collecting canned food to help those in need. The teacher brings in 3 cans to start the collection. On Monday, Becky brings in 2 cans. On Tuesday, Talia brings in 2 cands. On Wednesday, Brendan brings in 2 cans. How many cans were there all together?

Add to with change unknown

Ben has 5 pencils. He got some more from his mother. Now he has 9 pencils. How many pencils did Ben get from his mother?

Put together with result unknown
Ben has 5 pencils and 4 erasers.  How many pencils and erasers does Ben have?

Put together
There are 8 children in the after-school cooking club. How many boys and how many girls might be in the class? (more than 1 answer)



Coming soon: student work samples showcasing strategies for solving math story problems.
Stay tuned and have fun with this math work at home!

Reading Strategies for Home

Use these reading strategies at home while reading with your child!

Starfall

Looking for an interactive and engaging website or iPad application around building reading skills?  Click here and have some fun with your child while learning how to read!

Friday Afternoon Clubs!

Today was our first Friday afternoon club session.  Students attended exciting clubs ranging from Sorcerer's Apprentice to Reptiles, from Outdoor Survival Skills to Sports, from Jewelry to Board Games... and so much more! Whether visiting a neighborhood garden, making recycled art or meeting someone new from another grade, the first graders really enjoyed their afternoon! Fall clubs last six weeks and are on Fridays from 1:30-2:25pm.  Make sure to ask your child about her or his club today!