On Friday the first graders certainly proved that they have many talents! You heard their beautiful voices on stage, and later saw and heard their flair for the written word. It has been such a fun week preparing for the writing celebration. Because the children wrote these stories at the end of September and early October, they were so surprised to reread them and see how far they had progressed. Due to the word work they have done for the Super Secret Detective Agency (go ahead and ask your child about earning their badges!) the children were able to find and correct many spelling errors.  Their eyes and ears are now focused on many more high frequency words on the word wall and they are ever on the hunt for word endings requiring a silent e. There was much laughter as they looked at their pieces written so long ago!
We hope everyone has a relaxing two weeks full of family, food, fun and festivities. Enjoy your children!

This week the first grade students engaged in several experiences with measuring, specifically with measuring length.   Our program helps children to see length by providing them with concrete tools that form a firm understanding of length.   This understanding is then transferred later to more traditional measurement tools such as rulers.  The children gained experience in measuring by using units such as toothpicks, pencils, string, and cubes.  This practice involved making sure there weren't any gaps between units and that the space was filled up from end to end.  They also learned that units must be placed parallel to the path or object being measured, and to keep the line straight to avoid errors.  

This week each first grade published a How To book. The children began the unit brainstorming a list of topics on which they were experts. The books covered a wide range of topics, from how to build a snowman to how to draw good eyes! Each published book included a list of materials needed along with step-by-step teaching instructions. The authors also experiment with “jazzy endings” to add his or her own personal voice to the pieces. The children proudly shared their work with their peers.
We want to remind you to join us in a writing celebration directly following the winter concert on December 21st. We promise it will be a wonderful way to begin your winter break!