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Student Blogging to Begin In Room 111!!!!

What is a blog?

Why are our kids going to be using one?

A "blog" is short for web log -- it is a journal of sorts that lives online and allows interaction between the author and reader.  (What you are presently reading is a blog!  You can comment on every post being sent to you and I can read and reply).


Blogs can offer so much to a classroom. Students can journal about books being read, science experiments being conducted, and thoughts on topics discussed at school.  The ideas are endless!  Plus blogs provide an "instant audience" for our young writers who may not quite understand "why" we write.


Our class is using the kidblogs.org platform for classroom blogging this year.  Kidblog.org is built by teachers for teachers, so students can get the most out of the blogging process.  Kidblog meets the need for a safe and simple blogging platform suitable for elementary and middle school students.  Most importantly, kidblog allows teachers to monitor and control all publishing activity within the classroom blogging community.


I would like to begin working on the blog with students next week.  If you have any concerns about your child participating, please contact me by email or phone -- or you can post your comment directly on this blog in the comment section below.


My class began blogging for the first time last year and it was a great success.  Ours was the very first elementary classroom to blog in the Burlington district.  Now many elementary classrooms throughout the district have followed that lead and have their students safely blogging.  Many parents commented last year that their children were giving up video games and television shows in lieu of going on the computer to blog!  Also, there are students from last year who are still talking about how much they loved blogging!   I think this will be an exciting adventure for all of us!


I'll be sending a blogging consent form home with your child.  Please look for it in their backpack on Monday and return it A.S.A.P. to show your support for this project.


Museum of Science Field Trip

Ashley, Dan, Drew, Evan and others are ready to blast off on an imaginary adventure!

Our trip to the Museum of Science was a grand success.  Not only did we see a fantastic show in the planetarium but we explored the entire museum.  Click on the link at the right entitled Field Trip Photos to see pictures from this fantastic outing.


Dr. Seuss Day
The children had a great time on March 2nd when we celebrated Dr. Seuss Day.  We listened to the Police Chief read Green Eggs and Ham.  We then proceeded to do many fun writing activities and read Dr. Seuss books while reading silly hats.

Police Chief Kent reads "Green Eggs and Ham" to the entire first grade.  He kept the kids enthralled!

Students put on silly hats and read Dr. Suess books together and alone.

We're Off to See a Live Stage Performance!
On April 8th, the entire first grade will go to see Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.  We have been listening to the audio version of this book and the kids are enthralled.  It will be great to see the show live on stage.  Those students who have younger siblings will particularly identify with the main character's frustration with the antics of the younger 3-year old brother, Fudge.


In the Classroom...
We have been learning about penguins and Antarctica.  This will be the first topic in which the students will be blogging.  Ask them what they know about the different species they have learned about so far (the Rockhopper, the King and the Little Blue.)


Math...

Jacob uses squares on the Interactive SmartBoard to measure how much bigger the bottom fish is than the top.

We have completed our unit on measurement and have returned to Number Games and Puzzles.  In the measurement unit the students practiced measuring with baby steps, basketball steps, craft sticks and paper clips.  Finally they got to use a real ruler to measure in inches.  They learned how important it is to measure with a consistent unit of measurement...and they had fun doing it!

Students work together at their seats to determine the difference in lengths of the fish represented on the smartboard.  That way, everyone is involved!

Being "Present"...
We also read a wonderful book entitled "What It Means to be Present."  After discussing what it means to be present, the children then made their own classroom book on what it means for them to be present. Here are some of their meanings (as told by the students):

• Listening when other people are talking
• Sleeping with my dogs.
• Noticing and helping others when they are feeling sad.
• Sharing your toys with people who want to use them.
• To be patient and enjoy yourself.
• Waiting your turn.
• To taste every bite that I eat...like an orange or a peanut butter sandwich or a granola bar.
• Treating others the way that you want to be treated.
• Helping kids that are younger...like if a kite was stuck in a tree.
• Knowing that making mistakes is how we learn and grow.

This book is a great reminder to all who read it -- regardless of age!  For as the book says:

Yesterday is history

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift --

That's why it is called a "Present."

The Chicks Are In! (Or should I say Out?)

The class left school on Tuesday with seven eggs in a classroom incubator and came in on Thursday to find that all seven of our chicks hatched while we were home with a snow day on Wednesday!  Ask your child how (s)he can tell if a chick is a boy or a girl.  We are journaling the changes in the chicks over the next week before they go back to the Science Center.  Exciting times in Room 111.

Valentine's Day
Since we are going on a field trip on Monday, February 14th, we will be celebrating Valentine's Day with a small celebration and valentine exchange on Friday, February 11th.  I will be sending a list of the names of all the boys and girls and their teachers if your child needs them for writing valentines.

WeeDeliever Is In Full Swing
Wee Deliver is still in full swing if you want to write a letter to your daughter or son.  The address for our class is 111 Rock Party Drive.  They can be mailed through the large red and blue mailbox in the front lobby.

Snow Pants and Boots
I know that the inclement weather has kept us in for recess lately, but we are going to be going out into the snow whenever we are able so please continue to send your child in with boots and snow pants every day.

Happy Chinese New Year
Special Thanks to Christina Chang (Malachi's mom) for volunteering her time to come into the class to teach them about Chinese New Year.  We all had a great time listening to a special story, making a paper dragon and leaving with lucky money and special treat!  Above is a photo of the dragon the class made together under Ms. Chang's direction.

"Secrets of the Sky" Field Trip 
On Monday, February 14th
We are all set for a field trip to see "The Secret's of the Sky" on February 14th.  Thanks to all of you who volunteered to chaperone.  If you did not get chosen for this field trip due to the overwhelming response of volunteers, please be assured that you will be able to chaperone future field trips.  Thanks to all who have submitted their permission slip and payment.  Please be sure to pack a brown paper bag lunch with a drink in a non-breakable container for your child on the day of the trip.  Busses will leave promptly at 8:30 am.  Chaperones should be at the classroom by 8:15 am.  Thank you.

Field Trips, Chick Hatching and More!!!

Field Trip to the Planetarium
Our next field trip is to the Planetarium.  The first grade has been studying about the solar system so this field trip will complement all that the children have learned so far.  We will be seeing the show "Secrets of the Sky" on Monday, February 14th (Don't worry, we'll celebrate Valentine's Day on Friday, February 11th instead).  The show will be followed by a visit to the Exhibit Hall and lunch before boarding the busses back to school.

Permission slips and money are due February 4th.  We will need four chaperones from each class ... so if you want to experience a show that is out of this world and museum exhibits with our class, please hand in your permission slip soon! (Chaperones will be notified on February 4th).

(Please remember to pack a brown bag lunch on the day of the trip as children will not be permitted to buy lunch at the planetarium due to time and supervision constraints.)

The Chicks Are Coming!
Has your child told you that we have an incubator which is warming up in preparation for the eggs that the Science Center will be bringing into the classroom next week?  The Science Center has begun the incubation of these fertilized eggs and is bringing them into the class for the final 5 days of incubation before hatching. Children will get to witness life happening before their eyes in real time as these tiny creatures crack and emerge from their shells.

Can Fluffy the Hamster Come to Visit Your Home?
Fluffy the Hamster is looking for a home for weekends and holiday breaks.  Now that the little guy is used to the many hands touching him, Fluffy is ready for home visits.  Please jot me a note or e-mail me at tortolini@burlington.mec.edu if you wish to have Fluffy as a visitor.  Please indicate also if you are willing to care for him for the February or April break as we are always looking for a home during this time.  You will be provided with all of the food, shavings and materials that you need.

"Wee Deliver" Begins Next Week
A school-wide mail delivery system will begin next week in which children can write and send notes to friends, classmates, teachers and administrators throughout Francis Wyman.  Look for an address list to be sent home next week.  The address for our classroom is 111 Rock Party Place.  The children will be writing letters in class but they may also write letters at home and bring them.  Feel free to write letters and send them to your child via the big mailbox in the lobby.


Collecting and Analyzing Data in Math
Our class is starting a new unit in Investigations about data.  Students will be sorting objects and information, posing questions, collecting data and making representations of the data they collect.  They will also be interpreting a variety of representations of data with two categories.

Fundations
We are currently learning about the glued sounds of ing, ang, ong, ung, ink, ank, onk, and unk in Fundations.  Please continue to review the "trick" words (also known as sight words) located on the menu on the right (100 sight words for first grade).  As these words become committed to memory, children will find their reading and writing become a bit easier.  Just a few minutes spent reading and spelling 5-10 of these words a night can make a big difference.  As always, please don't let this be a substitute for reading.  As assessment comes to an end, you can expect to see books coming home for your child to read again from his/her reading teacher.

DORA and DOMA Testing
The children have also been going to the computer lab to take the DORA (reading) and DOMA (math) test.  These computerized tests are universal assessments which all children in Burlington are taking at the same time.  Please know that the tests are only part of many assessments (including teacher observation) being administered this month to determine how your child is progressing.

Happy Holidays from Room 111!

 

                                    

Room 111 Holiday Party December 22, 2010 (Click on "Field Trips" menu on the right for more photos of our celebrations.)

A Special Thank You to All of the 

Parents of Children in Room 111

Thank you for all of the very thoughtful and generous classroom and individual gifts!  I appreciate the thought and sentiment that went into each and every gift.  Thank you for entrusting me with your most precious gift -- your child -- each and every day.  The start of the year has been great and although I am looking forward to a nice holiday break, I am excited to start a new year of adventure.

Please click on the right to see more photos of your child participating in the Polar Express, the gingerbread decorating and the holiday party.  Great fun was had by all this week as they also saw the Kindergarden Nutcracker and the school's holiday concert.

Please enjoy a restful, joy-filled and healthy end to the year.  I look forward to the second half of the school year being even more exciting!  Here's to a happy, healthy, abundant 2011.

Special Holiday Happenings for December

Mark Your Calendar

Important dates to remember for December:

December 10th -- the entire first grade rotated to each of the five classrooms to learn about the five different holidays celebrated this season: Hanukkah, Christmas, Divali, and Eid.  Ask your children to share with you what was similiar in how each of the holidays were celebrated when you get the chance.  It was a fun and informative day!

December 21st -- Polar Express/Pajama Day:  Be sure to send your child in wearing their pajamas on this day!  (Please send in a change of clothes for outside recess.)  We will evoke the mood of The Polar Express by reading the story as the kids sip on hot chocolate and nibble on cookies.  If your child has any allergies, please send in a special treat which they can have during this time.

December 22 -- Holiday Party for the Class.  Children will celebrate the holiday season with a Gingerbread Cookie decorating party.  I have purchased the cookies.  Room mothers will be contacting you to send in the decorating materials for the cookies.  If your child has allergies, they will be permitted to decorate the cookies, but instructed to bring them home and give them as a gift to a family member without allergies.  Please feel free to send in a special allergy-free treat for your child to eat at the party.


December 24th - no school.  Enjoy your holiday break!


Say Hello to Fluffy, Our Classroom's Newest Member:

Want to Fluffy to Visit Your Home?
Please welcome the latest addition to Room 111.  The kids are thrilled to have him.  Fluffy will need a home over holiday breaks and weekends.  You will be provided with all of the necessary supplies, food and instructions.  If you are interested in taking Fluffy home, please e-mail me and let me know if you are willing to take Fluffy for a weekend or the following school breaks: Winter Break, February break, April break.  Your name will be put into a rotation and you will be notified prior to the date to confirm that you can or cannot take Fluffy for that particular weekend or week.  Thanks!

An Elf Has Arrived!

A friendly spy has arrived in Room 111.  The Elf on A Shelf (or wherever else it decides to sit) has come to help keep an eye on the class throughout the holiday season.  His name is Jingles and he has all the secrets!  He reports on all of the great behavior of the students throughout this highly charged time of the year.  So far he tells me that the boys and girls are behaving and making wonderful choices.  Who knows maybe he'll swing by your house some time to tell you what goes on in the classroom!

Shedding Lights on the Holidays
Our next unit of study in the classroom will focus on holiday celebrations around the world.  Since many holidays this year are celebrated through the use of light, the children will learn about the significance of light in these various celebrations.  Students will be introduced to the light celebrations of Divali, Los Posados, St. Lucia, Hanukkah and Christmas.  They will also learn about the winter solstice -- the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year due to its lack of sunlight.


Fairy tales, folk tales and fables from around the world will be another area of study.  Many versions of some familiar tales will also be introduced.  If anybody celebrates a unique holiday, you are more than welcome to come in and discuss it with the class.  Just jot me a note or quick e-mail to set up a time.


Solving Story Problems in Math
Our class is starting a new unit in mathematics called Solving Story Problems.  We will be working on mathematical ideas such as adding and subtracting whole numbers, counting to higher numbers, counting sets of objects, and finding multiple combinations of a number.  Throughout this unit, students will be working toward the following goals:
•  Finding at least 5 combinations of 2 addends for a number up to     
   15.
•  Combining two small quantities
•  Interpreting and solving addition and subtraction story problems.
•  Subtracting one small quantity from another.
•  Representing numbers by using equivalent expressions.

At home, please encourage your child to explain his/her math thinking to you.  More information will be sent to you as the unit progresses.


Want to Order Scholastic Books For your Child?

Next Deadline Ordering Date:  December 15th
Online Ordering Information
Website Address: scholastic.com/books
Class Activation Code: HBMDK

Find the perfect books for your child through Scholastic's NEW online Book Club Web site.  Choose from  much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer.  Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit/debit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.

Its so simple!  Here's how it works:

SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/booksclubs.  On the parent page, register by clicking the "Don't have a user name or password?" link.  When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above.  This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
Select the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.
Send your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.  Ordering online is fast, easy and secure.

See for yourself how convenient it is to order online.

100 Sight Words to Practice at Home

At the right, you will find a link to the 100 sight words all first graders must know.  Please click on this link entitled 100 Sight Words for the list of these 100 sight words.  Print out this page and practice 5-10 words a night.

The more sight words children know, the better readers they become.  Sight words are words that frequently appear in print.  The same words are among those used most frequently by children in their writing.  When children build their sight word vocabulary, they become both better readers and spellers.