1A Classroom Update 12
March 31, 2017
Dear 1A Families,
Math
Its Graph Time! Our mathematicians have been hard at work these past two weeks. Besides learning about telling time and measurement, our friends were introduced to the concept of graphing. They learned how to pose their own question, collect the date, graph it, and then analyze the date collected. Through our Problem of the Day , 1A friends would walk in the morning and find a question such as "What is your favorite snow activity" or "What is your favorite dessert" on the board. Once we collected the data, we would graph it together as a class. This week, our friends started to focus on analyzing the information and comparing the data points through a series of questions. One way to support your child at home is to have him/her pose a question and ask different relatives for their answers. Once they receive the information, they can graph it by using tally marks or coloring in boxes to make a bar graph. Next week, we will be starting our unit on Money! We are so excited to learn about the different coins and their values!
Reading
In these past couple of weeks, our friends continued to explore the fairytale genre and identified the features that can be found within these books. We will also be learning how to make inferences based off of “hidden author messages.” Our friends will learn about the central message of a Fairy Tale by identifying the problem and what the characters learn from the solution. We will also explore how the problems in fairy tales are unique to fairy tales because it typically is connected to the evil character in the story.
Writing
Our opinion writers have been hard at work expressing their point of views with topics they feel very strongly about. These past couple of weeks they have learned how to “hook the reader” with creative introductions for their writing pieces. They have also learned how to bolster their pieces by comparing their topic to another. For example, some wrote about how they felt Chuck E. Cheese was better than McDonald’s or how dogs were better than cats! Our friends then provided two persuasive reasons to convince their readers about their favorite topic. Next week, we will begin to talk about how to create a strong conclusion and begin to edit and revise our opinion pieces!
Important Dates and Reminders
- Thursday, March 30 | Art Night for Parents
- Saturday, April 1-2 | Greenlight Bookstore Fundraiser
- Thursday, April 6 | Third Grade Parent Coffee
- Monday, April 10 - Tuesday, April 18 | Spring Break
- Tuesday, April 25 | Second Grade Parent Coffee
- Wednesday, April 26 | PTSO General Body Meeting
- Tuesday, May 02-04 | NYS Math Exam
- Saturday, May 20 | Community Service, Fort Greene Park
- Tuesday, June 20 | Field Day
Learner Profile of the Month
As an IB World School, BPCS strives to foster the growth of students both academically as well as internationally minded citizens who are aware of the world outside of their local environment. To do this, the school incorporates the IB Learner Profiles into the classroom. The IB Learner Profiles describe a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities and, in turn, embody traits of a well-rounded individual. The Learner Profiles are: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, and Reflective.
For the month of March, we focused on students who are inquirers. Students who are inquirers are curious and explore. They ask questions and independently use research and problem-solving skills to find answers. They have a love of learning and share with others.
Our inquirers are Beatrice, Neve, Emma, and Oliver!
Curriculum Share
- We did a museum walk of our constructions of homes from around the world: Germany, Peru, Cambodia, Oman, and Argentina.
- Maestra Rosado came in for a mini presentation
- We read our published nonfiction books
Armory Fun!
Specials Update
Science Update!
First Grade Scientists wrapped up their unit on States of Matter by exploring two very different mixtures: slime and ooblek. In our first week together we made slime (recipe below) by mixing school, water and liquid starch together. Once we combined the ingredients, we worked with the slime to explore the texture, if it held a shape, or did not. We classified slime as a viscous liquid, and listed other liquids that fit into this category, including maple syrup- yum!
Next we made ooblek. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid; it has properties of both liquids and solids. You can slowly dip your hand into it like a liquid, but if you squeeze the oobleck or punch it, it will feel solid. The name oobleck comes from the Dr. Seuss book, “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” In the story, oobleck, a gooey green substance, fell from the sky and wreaked havoc in the kingdom.
Next we will investigate Weather and Seasons. We began with tracking weather and noticing trends. We will move on to how rotation and orbit of the Earth dictates seasons, temperature and other weather factors.
Liquid Starch Slime
1/2 Cup of Elmer’s Washable Nontoxic Clear Glue or White Glue
1/2 Cup of Liquid Starch
1/2 Cup of Water
Measuring Cup
2 bowls and a spoon
food coloring, confetti, glitter {optional}
Oobleck Ingredients
1 cup water
1.5 to 2 cups cornstarch
Small amount of food coloring (optional)
DANCE WITH MS. SIBY
Greetings First Grade Families!