Classroom Times

1. In like a lion… out like a lamb. March Classroom Times Teachers: Mrs. Mills Date: 3/14/14 Highlights This week in first grade we: *closely examined the following informational text features: contents page, photographs, headings, bold face words, glossary, and text structure. The students practiced reading a contents page, locating sections of an informational text as listed on the contents page, and how to use a contents page to make predictions. We closely examined the text’s photographs to activate prior knowledge, draw conclusions, make connections, and gain a deeper understanding of the informational text. We recognized that headings are usually at the top of a page, they usually match the words on the contents page, and they organize the information in the book. The students found out that authors of nonfiction may choose to show important words in boldface, or dark print. Then to make sure the reader understands what the word means, the author lists them at the back of the book in the glossary. The students learned that the text structure of nonfiction isn’t the same as fiction - “Beginning, Middle, End”, instead the author organizes the sections of the book in a sequential order. Have a conversation with your child about the text features of nonfiction/informational texts. *had fun brainstorming long vowel e and u words and identifying the vowel patterns for the these long vowel sounds, and added the words blow, myself, we’ll, class, always, been, and these to the word wall. *wrapped up our unit on How-To books. The students worked with their writing partner to check for clarity. To this the students took turns, 1 student read their book and their partner pantomimed the steps to see if the text was easy to follow. They learned what a “lead” is and wrote one for their book. *explored triangles on the geoboard, practiced solving function machines (rules, input, & output), examined quarters and played “Penny-Nickel-Dime-Quarter Exchange”, reviewed time concepts and writing digital time, and were introduced to statistical landmarks, range and middle value, to practice collecting data and making bar graphs. *investigated 7 different liquids in bottles. Wediscovered that liquids have many properties, and that liquids pour and flow. Warmly, Mrs. Mills cmills@spfk12.orgP.S. turn the page over…

2. Dear First Grade Families~ Today was Ms. Gott’s last day in our classroom. The students brainstormed how we should wish Ms. Gottgood luck, and say good-bye to an important person of our classroom community. We threw a surprise “Good Luck” party and the students gave her letters they wrote to her, cards, and pictures. She truly appreciated the letters and cards the children made for her. Also, Ms. Gott was touched by your thoughtfulness and your wishing her good luck in her new position. Our new classroom aide, Ms. Roach, will be starting on March 24th. We will have a substitute for the interim. Warm regards,