First Grade News!
How the World Works
How the World Works-Launching UOI #5!
Transdisciplinary Theme: How the World Works
Central idea: Scientists study the atmosphere to ask questions and make predictions.
Key concepts: Change, Reflection, Causation
Lines of inquiry
- Properties of Air
- Patterns in Weather
- Changes in the Sun and Moon
What we'll be working on in the next couple of weeks, in sha Allah...
- In response to provocations during the first week of this UOI (and without yet knowing our central idea), students have already started thinking about key words related to our central idea. STUDENTS have come up with the following ideas: observation, examine, conclusions, science/scientists, asking questions, the world, explore, looking, change, five senses, weather, Earth...and so much more. I am very proud of this class for the progress they've made in being able to think critically.
- We will explore air through various experiments and activities including making and testing parachutes, balloon rockets, air "wresting" with syringes and tubes, and activities where we can see how air and water interact. Through these activities, we will determine the properties of air and students will be guided to defend their conclusions (Reflection).
- We will examine and look for patterns in weather including wind, rain, and clouds.
More About What Are We Learning in this UOI
Math
Here are the concepts we'll be working on in Math!
- We will continuously review addition and subtraction strategies, as well as place value (tens and ones), and math facts fluency.
- We will also move onto working with measurement. We are starting with direct and indirect measurement of objects, comparing length of two objects, and using cm cubes as a unit of measurement. As we develop our skills and understanding of measurement, we will move onto ordering objects by length, and solving word problems involving measurement of objects, sometimes using nonstandard units of measurement.
Daily 5-English Language Arts
We continue to use the Daily 5 model to guide our Reading/Language Arts instruction. During Daily 5, students receive a burst of whole group instruction followed by working independently on a meaningful task while I conference with individual students and small groups. During this time, students are working on reading fluency, reading comprehension, reading skills and strategies, vocabulary, sight words, writing, and spelling.
Vocabulary Words
applause, nervous, shriek, whirl, instrument, perform, sway, lively, role, timid, delighted, mischief, splendid, stun, grateful, romp, sprinkle, groan, selfish, stormy
Sight Words
Updated individual sight word lists have been taped into the blue folders. These lists will be updated every 1-2 weeks, or as students master the words. Please practice these words from time to time with your child, in order to help him/her build fluency while reading. These words often do not follow common Spelling conventions, so it is important students learn to recognize them in print, by their Form. Many of our students are now on 2nd grade sight words! Masha Allah!
Phonics/Spelling
We are working on vowel teams and continue to work on the "stretch the sound" strategy when reading and spelling. Here are spelling words for the next couple of weeks:
"oa" team:
oak, loaf, coach, boat, float, coat, toast, foam, soak, goal, soap, goat, load
"oo" team:
too, scoop, loose, pool, bloom, spook, room, school, moon, smooth, soon, tooth, food, igloo, mood, gloomy, roost, goose, proof, noodle, loose, spook
"ee" team:
eat, deal, leak, seal, dream, peace, treat, pea, each, lean, seam, eager, peach, weave, sea, easy, leap, seat, eagle, reach, wheat
Writing
Students have written fictional stories highlighting one Learner Profile attribute. We are putting all of these stories together in one class book, which will be published through Student Treasures publishing company. We are really excited to see this book come together! If you'd like to order a class book, you still may. Just let me know and I will send home another order form. You do not have to order a class book. We will have one class copy which I will allow students to "check out" and take home for a few days.
Students will move onto their individual books, which will also be published through Student Treasures. Students will write a nonfiction piece for their individual books, working on adding details to strengthen their writing. Students have improved in brainstorming and drafting independently; we will now work on revising and editing with more independence, as well as moving through each stage of the writing process with more ease and independence.
Comprehension
We are working on applying the following strategies while reading:
- summarizing a text
- using text features to better understand a text including titles, subtitles, glossary, index, table of contents, diagrams, and labels
- asking questions to better understand a text
Arabic, Quran, Islamic Studies with Ms. Sanchez
Arabic
Students will be learning all about expressing the weather! Students will learn weather expressions such as windy( عَاصِف), cloudy (غَائِم) , rain (مَطَر), sunny (مُشمِس), and hot (حَار). Students will use this new vocabulary to form sentences in a weekly weather log. Along with learning the weather, they will also learn the days of the week.
- I can write notes about something I have learned using lists, phrases, and memorized expressions.
- I can write about the daily weather forecast.
- I can recognize and sometimes understand basic information in words and phrases that I have memorized.
- I can recognize some common weather expressions.
Quran
- Students will work on their reading skills by reviewing basic Tajweed rules to enhance their Quranic reading skills. Students will be placed in groups depending on their level of fluency and letter recognition
- Recognize the letters and sounds of Arabic alphabets in their initial, middle, and final position.
- Recognize and understand the sound / symbol relationship of Arabic language.
Islamic Studies
During this UOI, students will focus on the memorization of daily and essential duas (supplications). Students will learn the importance of thanking Allah and remembering Him at all times, rather than just when we do an act of worship (fasting, praying).
- Dua for entering the Masjid
- Dua for exiting the Masjid
- Dua when starting a fast
- Dua when breaking fast
Art
Students will discover connections between Art and Meteorology.
Students will explore depth and perspective through creating air balloon painting and collage (mixed-media).
Students will explore forms and shapes in clouds.
Students will create painted kites and 3D kites.
Targeted MSDE Standards
2.0 Historical, Cultural, and Social Context: Students will demonstrate an understanding of visual arts as an essential aspect of history and human experience.
2. Discuss reasons why people (including self) create and use art by studying artworks and other sources of information
a. Identify common themes or similar ideas expressed in artworks
b. Identify reasons artists create artworks, including personal reasons
Students Work on the PYP Transdisciplinary Skills of Observation and Asking Questions in a Provocation for our UOI
Key Concept-Causation in the UOI
Patterns in Weather
Key Concept-Change in the UOI
Changes in the Sun and Moon
Key Concept-Reflection in the UOI
Properties of Air
Please Support Our Class Pets
As you know, we have a family of guinea pigs as class pets. The kids have been so excited about them, and have thoroughly enjoyed feeding them, holding them, and playing with them. These guinea pigs, however, require a lot of maintenance. I am kindly requesting the items below. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated (Jazakum Allahu khairun to those parents who did send in some items. Thank you SO MUCH!).
- bedding (urgent need)
- hay
- guinea pig food
- gift cards to walmart or pet store to purchase needed items
Learner Profile Attribute of the Month-Knowledgeable
Please assist your child in recognizing ways he/she is Knowledgeable and assist them in recording examples in the Knowledgeable passport. Unfortunately, we have had low class participation with the passports, and I'm hoping to turn this around and have 100% participation, in sha Allah! Passports from all students are due May 1!
Contact Information
- Ms. Aboubakr - haboubakr@tarbiyahacademy.org (Hmrm)
Email: info@tarbiyahacademy.org
Website: http://www.tarbiyahacademy.com
Location: 6785 Business Parkway, Elkridge, MD, United States
Phone: 844-827-2492
Facebook: facebook.com/tarbiyahacademy