Hi 1A families,
We are maintaining our classroom bubble during school hours, where it is business as usual. The kids seem happy to be back at school after break and they have been working hard. Here are some of the topics we have covered.
- We worked on 2025 new year resolutions. The students set some goals for themselves in the new year. Many of them want to make a new friend or read a chapter book.
- In math, we have been talking and learning about measurement. The kids learned how to compare the height/length of objects. They learned that it is necessary to line up the endpoints when they determine which item is longer or shorter. They also practiced measuring with standard units using both centimeter cubes and a ruler. After that, they measured with nonstandard units such as paper clips and crayons. They also determined the difference in length between two objects.
- Today, we began learning about data. The kids voted on their favorite animal and then we made a pictograph to show the results. (Dogs were the clear winner, by the way.) They also learned vocabulary terms about graphing such as data, graph, label, and key. Tomorrow, we will be investigating bar graphs.
- In Fundations, we wrapped up module 7 which focuses primarily on glued sounds such as /ing/, /ang/, /unk/, and /onk/. Example words include "thing" and "chunk". The trick words for unit 7 include: very, also, too, some, come
- In module 8, which we began this week, the students are learning about consonant blends, when 2 consonant sounds can be hear, but blend together (e.g. /pl/, /gl/, /tr/, /dr/, /sm/, /sp/). Example words include: black, small, and grab
- In the Wit and Wisdom curriculum, we began module 3, which focuses on the power of the wind. We read a story called Feel The Wind which is a nonfiction text. Additionally, the students are learning to gather information about a topic from multiple sources. We read a text about hurricanes, listed facts about the wind, and then watched a video to collect more information. Using the new facts, the students are each writing a paragraph about what wind can do during a hurricane. They began with a graphic organizer and are currently working on the final drafts. I'm so impressed with how far their writing skills have come this year! Vocabulary words that have been introduced are: force, powerful, sources, similar, singular noun, plural noun, and soar
- In the Mystery Science curriculum, the kids completed a unit on The Sun and Shadows. Ask them about how they used mini-flashlights to create shadows in class. We also talked about the path of the sun in the sky. This week, the students started learning about The Moon and Stars. Today, we talked about how the moon can look different each night. Tomorrow, we will start to discuss the phases of the moon.
- The students are also learning about the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- The most recent read aloud book has been The One and Only Ivan. If you've never read it or seen the movie, I high recommend the book! It is the story of some animals who live in a run-down mall and perform for meager audiences each day. Ivan, a gorilla, makes it his mission to find a better life for Ruby, a baby elephant. There are lots of ups and downs but it truly is a heart-warming story.
Student Teacher :)
I'm very excited to welcome back Ms. McMahon, who is a teacher candidate from Merrimack College. Last semester, she visited our classroom for some of her observation hours. Starting tomorrow, she will be with us daily. We are very lucky to have her!
Upcoming Dates
January 17 (Friday): No school - teacher professional development
January 20 (Monday): No school - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 23 (Thursday): Kittredge Dines Together
January 29 (Wednesday): Early release at 1:45 - teacher professional development
February 5 (Wednesday): Early release at 1:45 - teacher professional development
February 14 (Friday): Valentine card exchange and craft in class
February 17-21: No school
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me. And, again, thank you for all of your support.
Katie
