December Primer newsletter
Holiday edition
Notes from classroom 110
As I changed our displays both inside and outside our classroom, I got to wondering how many states have we connected with so far this school year? This question seemed to be mostly answered as I received our holiday card exchange list and took down our leaf exchange letters in the same day. In all, with our water conservation project, Skype visits, leaf exchange, NAIS 20/20 Challenge and after we complete the holiday card exchange we will have connected with 24 of the 50 states.
Putting up the December calendar I also discovered that we only have 13 full school days together. I want you know that each day will be filled to the brim with authentic and quality activities. This newsletter will give you a glimpse as to what lies ahead.
With only 13 days, we will just have two weekly homework assignments. This week students will focus on our holiday card exchange by making a card and researching the location their card will be sent. The week of December 8 students will explore their home for things that are programmed and make a collage, try their hand at two coding activities and record a reflection of their activities. You will find the rest of our curriculum focuses below.
Reading: Nonfiction text features
Writing: Shark report for NAIS 20/20 Challenge
Math: Time to the half hour and counting/making collections of coins
Science: States of Matter and Hour of Code
Social Studies: Holiday Card Exchange
Phonics: QU blend ( week of Dec.1) and long and short vowels introduction ( week of Dec. 8)
'Tis the Season
Every year, Dash has introduced the Primer Pals to the Reindeer Cam. The Reindeer Cam is a live feed of Santa feeding his reindeer. The kids always enjoy participating in this activity as well as seeing if their name appears on the nice list that is scrolling on the screen. Reindeer feedings are at 10 AM, 5 PM and 8 PM CST.
Dash is also slated to bring us "snow" one day during this week. Students will bring home their "snow" in a Ziploc bag. "Snow" cannot be eaten but can be played with and refreshed by just adding a tablespoon of water.
Home extensions
You can also have your child count loose change in the car or an amount when paying with cash.
Class Read Aloud
Also, check out the image above for some read alouds that promote the growth mindset of perseverance and resilience.
Holiday Card Exchange
Dear Mrs. Smith's class,
I imagined a picture of a candle and then started creating my card. I was resourceful when I used old newspaper to make the candle base. Enjoy! Have a happy and safe holiday.
From,
Mrs. Hogan
Finally, listed below you will find a Pinterest page of card ideas for this project. If you would like to get started on your homework, begin by designing and composing your holiday card. Students will only create one card for homework.
Hour of Code
Student Treasures Publishing
Mark your calendar
- Thursday, December 4 Marathon Kids Family Run 7:15 AM
- Tuesday, December 9 ESD Spirit Dress Day
- Friday, December 12 Hour of Code showcase 12:15-12:45 PM in the computer lab
- Monday, December 15 Dallas Zoo field trip 9 AM-2 PM
- Tuesday, December 16 Bright Start meeting with Ms. Harris and Mrs. Wabrek at 8:00 AM in the theater
- Wednesday, December 17 Holiday party in Primer classroom 1:15-1:45 PM
- Thursday, December 18 Christmas Service 8:30-9:30 AM in Main church Dismissal following