January 17th - 20th, 2011

Dear families,

Our class is now registered to order books online through Scholastic. Please log into the account with this access code. HCFXF You will need this for you initial account setup when you register online.
Also, every time you place an order with this access code setup, our class builds credit points. When we have a million (just kidding about the number ...) points, I will be able to purchase extra books for our classroom library, reading groups ... So, order away!!

Language Arts/Reading:

We had so much fun learning about the elements of fairy tales and exploring with them in class.  One of my favorite activities was assigning the creative writing from story prompts with some of the fairy tales.  Look for a "Fairy Tale Folder" inside of your child’s Tuesday folder.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.  I must say, I’m very proud of my students writing this year! AND, I giggle every time I pass by our stories in the hall because they are so creative and funny!J This week in reader’s workshop we will focus on fractured fairy tales.  We will take some of the favorite fairy tales and read fractured versions. We will use a T chart and a Venn Diagram to make comparisons.  In writer’s workshop we begin writing our own fairy tales!  We will fill out a story map so we will remember to include the elements of a fairy tale in our writing.  This will probably take us two weeks to complete the entire writing process.  The published pieces will be displayed outside in our hallway.

Math:

This week we will begin a new unit on geometry and spatial reasoning.  Your child will learn to use attributes to identify, compare and contrast, two-and three-dimensional geometric figures.  The children always love this unit as we explore geometry in our world!  This unit will last for two weeks.

Science:

The children enjoyed and learned so much with the magnet lessons and activities!  We even learned that my silver hoop earings are magnetic. Now THAT was a strange sensation - having my earlobes pulled by students with magnets that attached to my earings!! :)

This week we will focus on patterns of movement with force, motion and energy.  The students have learned that force, motion, and energy are related and are a part of our everyday life.  Your child will also learn to describe the change in the location of an object, such as closer to, nearer to, and farther away: and to demonstrate and record the ways that objects move, such as a straight line, zigzag, up and down, back and forth, round and round, and fast and slow.

Reminders:

• Jan. 16   No School (Martin Luther King Day)
• Jan. 19   First Grade Fairy Tale Parade (starts at 8:
• Jan. 31   Science Fair
• Feb.  1    Early Release Day at 12:45 pm
• Feb.  4    Celebration of Families, RRISD 9am-2pm
• Feb.  7    General PTA Meeting 7:00 pm
• First Grade P.E. Program at 7:00pm (information will come home in the Tuesday folder from our P.E. coaches)
• Feb.  8    Spirit Night Out at Mimi's CAfe
• Feb. 15   Skate Night, Playland Skate Center 6-8:30 pm
• Feb 20    No School Presidents' Day
• Feb. 28   Spirit Night out at Catfish Parlour
• March 3  Family Dinner Night in the Caraway Cafeteria

Thank You!

Kari Means – Classroom Helper

Jodi Shores – Classroom Helper