December 3rd -7th

 Dear families,

We had such a fun time this week on our Zach Scott Theatre field trip!

The weather was perfect, as were the thousands of leaves under the huge oak trees. The children could not resist running, yelling, scooping, and throwing leaves at each other while we waited in line outside of the theatre doors for the play to begin!! The play was a two man act that kept us all singing, laughing, and interacting with the actors. They were genuinely funny guys! 

And if you haven't had the chance to stop by lately, please come on down the first grade hall and enjoy some of the fabulous maps that your little cartographers have designed. While you're here, please stop to read the beautiful letters that your children have crafted. I am so proud of their progress in spelling and writing so far this year! They have been working hard, and their "brains have been growing"!  :)

Reading Workshop:

This week we are focusing on making predictions.  As students make predictions they are using their background knowledge to help them comprehend what they are about to read.  We will talk about how good readers make predictions by envisioning the story; they use the text to make predictions and connections with the story.

Writer’s Workshop:

During Writer’s Workshop we will be focusing on our Giving Unit.  We will begin by discussing the meaning of giving and philanthropy.  We will talk about what it means to give and how we can help others in our community and other places in the world.  We will read stories about Giving and discuss their meanings.  We will begin with The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, followed by a whole group discussion of how the tree gave to the boy as he grew. We will then make text to self and text to world connections, which will be followed up with writings and eventually a philanthropy project.

Math:

In math we will begin a unit on Patterns.  We will build on student’s prior knowledge of patterns by creating new patterns with concrete objects such as cubes and triangles. Students will label their shapes and design a patterned quilt. We will then elaborate on how we began with a pattern and continued it. 

Social Studies:

We will begin our unit on cultural celebrations this week with The Elf on the Shelf: Holidays around the World.  Our very own Elf will come to our classrooms each day and teach us about holidays that are celebrated in countries all around the world.  We will learn about traditions by watching videos and reading stories that give us information about each holiday.

Thank You:

Mr. Lee - joining us and helping out on our field trip

Carrie Wright - working on classroom projects at home

Mr. Alagar - computer lab

Santrupta and Jennifer - homework packets and setup

Kari -Tuesday Folders

Samaneh -Thursday classroom helper and reader

Jennie C. - Friday reading with children

Reminders:

Book Fair this week (I emailed you the details)

Wednesday, December 5^th  Early Release at 12:45pm

Thursday, December 13^th  Family Art Night

Wednesday, December 19^th  Winter Parties

December 21^st- January 7^th (Students return on the 7^th)