1A Classroom Update 9
February 3, 2017
Dear 1A Families,
Please check out what we've been doing in 1A and read till the end for important announcements and many photos, including ones from our SIMS Recycling Center Field Trip. THANK YOU to all chaperones for taking time out to join us on this very fun (and sometimes smelly) trip!
This unit, our Reading and Writing unit have been intertwined as we examined the purpose of nonfiction text features. We even combined our knowledge about nonfiction text features to a reading strategy, which is "asking questions". When reading, asking questions are just as important as making predictions. We asked a question about a topic we wanted to learn more about and utilized the text feature, table of contents, to help us answer our question. Also using what we learned in Reader's Workshop, we have been adding text features into our own All About Books. We are beginning the editing and revising process of our writing! We cannot wait to go through the publishing process and share our writing with you!
Math
We have been working hard on regrouping with Addition, and now we have been working with regrouping to solve subtraction problems. Regrouping involves making or breaking apart groups of 10. We practice solving problems using base-ten blocks, whiteboards, and expanded form. For subtraction problems, we work on breaking apart a ten to make more ones available to complete the problem. One skill we are working on is making sure that we subtract the entire number. For example, when solving the problem 32-18, we first break apart one ten to make ten ones, then we subtract the 8 ones, followed by the one ten in the number 18. By following these steps, we end up with the answer 14.
Inquiry
Our Inquiry unit on Maps and Geography is off with a running start! We have explored a variety of maps, ranging from zoos to art museums to the Borough of Brooklyn. We are examining maps closely by looking for map titles, labels, colors, and map keys or legends. We are learning that signs and symbols are important for reading maps. Next we will move on to learning about Cardinal Directions and the Compass.
Important Dates
- Thursday, 2/16: Queens Museum Field Trip
- Monday, 2/20 - 2/24: Mid-Winter Break
- Monday, 2/27: Classes Resume
Important Announcement
Sight word flashcards (on bright green paper) were sent home with your children today. These are our first 50 sight words for 1st grade. These words are high-frequency words that appear most often in our reading and writing. The majority of the words cannot be sounded out and need to be memorized. In class, we practice spelling these words with movements, games and by writing them in sentences. Many students are able to spell these words from the practice they do in class; while other students might require more practice at home.
We are providing you with flashcards in case your child requires practice at home to memorize these words. You can make up games (for example, how many can the student write correctly this week, then try to beat that record next week) or put one card on the fridge each week and practice it each morning. Or, an adult can choose a card and read the word and have the child write it then check it again the card. Lots of families get creative with this practice, and the students love making up their own games or ways of practicing that they find fun.
SIMS Recycling Center
READ-A-THON Sponsored by PTSO Begins Today!
Specials Update
1A Artists Prepare for Kyoto!
First Graders are excited about our March 10th to Kyoto in the year 1150! They kicked off 2017 with an investigation of Terunobu Fugimori, Japanese architect and historian. (See homes below.) They looked at the emphasis Japanese people put on gardens, water, rituals and having a view. Inspired by Fujimori they designed tea houses for our trip.
Additionally, with Ms. Marchena, they looked at the work of Japanese printmakers, Hiroshige and Hokusai and are working hard to create their own.
PS and Happy Chinese New Year!!
Many Thanks to all the parents who reached out with Japanese expertise to the Anytime Anywhere Team. We’re very excited to travel back in time to Kyoto, Japan on Friday, March 10th. Look out for our volunteer sign up form with Jumaane’s “Notes from the Elementary School (Feb 10th). We appreciate your continued support on this magical and unique adventure!
A Science Update From Ms. Rosabal!
Ice Exploration!
We Can Make Ice Melt!
We Can Observe Matter Changing!
Grooving With Ms. Siby
We are also using our knowledge of body shapes to create human letters, inspired by Pilobolus Dance. Can you guess which letters we are making?