Hello, everyone!

It felt like a VERY short couple of weeks, with the holiday and our fifth AND sixth storm days and the delay this week.  Hopefully, we won't have any more disruptions due to the weather! :/

We have learned more about polar animals, and enjoyed learning about Inuit culture as well.  Other learning included computation practice, an introduction to measurement, facts about how snow is formed and the types of snowflakes, and reading/writing fluency.
Can you believe that we are halfway through first grade?

For Valentine's Day, your child may choose whether she/he brings in Valentines or not.  If your child does choose to participate, please include all of the children in the class:

Jacoby    Anthony    Paige    Nataliya    Brayden    Annika    Gage    Joseph    Kaleb    Sophia

Crosby    Madisen    Zoe       Wyatt        Kristijan    Makenzie   Lydia

Valentine's Day also happens to be the 100th day of school.  We will do some 100th-day activities, but since our math standards include numbers from 1-120, we will do our big celebration on the 120th day of school in March.  Information about this event went home in purple homework folders this week-if your child didn't yet return his or her purple folder, please send it on Monday. :)

I didn't receive any book orders or notifications about any online orders.  We will send home another book order in March for those who are interested. :)

Have an awesome weekend!  We're thinking of going to Ice Castles in New Hampshire...I hope you all get to enjoy an adventure, too!
:)
Becca

Hello, everyone!

It was nice to have a bit of a warm-up after last week's deep freeze!

Thank you for all of the donations of grocery bags!  We do use them frequently, so your contributions are very much appreciated!  One other way you can help our class is to encourage your child to learn how to put all of his or her outdoor gear on independently.  We have several kids who are still requiring a lot of assistance with tying, zipping, etc.  Thank you so much! :)

Our learning this week included contractions such as don't, can't, we're, I'm, etc.  In Math, we're continuing to build our fact fluency and practice adding two two-digit numbers (no regrouping).  We learned a lot about polar bears this week, and we're looking forward to finding out about other polar animals next week.  In Writing, we're spending more time editing our work and making sure that our sentences are complete, with correct capitalization/punctuation.  Whew!  Lots to remember!

Book orders are going home today!  Please submit your order (online or on paper) no later than Friday, 1/22.  I'll be placing the order that evening.  Thanks!

Don't forget-no school on Monday!

We have a few items that have been here in the cubbies for a few weeks; none of the kids seem to recognize them.  Please let me know if any of these belong to your first grader:

Check out the Upcoming Events tab!  Also, I know a number of kids got iPads/tablets for Christmas and asked about apps.  The ones we use in the classroom are listed in the Links tab.  Other great apps are ABC Mouse, Teach Your Monster, and Endless Reader.  Some of these do require a subscription.

Enjoy the weekend-stay dry and warm!

Becca

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and healthy holiday season, and that you are staying warm during this chilly spell!

We have transitioned nicely back into our routine, even with a snow day and delay.  :)  Thank you for labeling our outdoor gear with your child's name/initials-much easier to keep track of 17 sets of snow clothing!

We've been reviewing adding three single digits, and learned how to add/subtract 2-digit numbers (no regrouping).  If you practice this at home, please help the children remember to start with the ones place so that when we learn about regrouping it won't be a whole new mindset.  Thanks!

We've also been working on writing complete, correct sentences, using upper/lower case and punctuation appropriately.  Thanks for helping us edit our work to practice those skills. :)

Next week, we'll start learning about polar regions and the adaptations of the animals who live there.  We've had plenty of real-life experience to help us think about cold-weather adaptations! :D

If your child did not bring back his/her white and purple folders this week, please help him/her remember on Monday. :)  Thanks!

Thank you the adults who helped us with our Project Day before vacation!  It was a blast!  I hope everyone enjoyed our gifts for our families. Our next Project Day will be on January 30 from 1:30-2:30; we'll be making scrimshaw.  This is a change from the original 1/25 date, as a meeting I am attending in Hampden was moved to the 25th.  Hope you can join us!

Stay warm this weekend!  When it is a little more pleasant outside, here are some fun winter activities for your family:

Portland Kids' Calendar: http://www.portlandkidscalendar.com/
          Dozens of fun activities to do together!!!

Also...

Outdoors:

Ice Castles in Lincoln, NH http://icecastles.com/lincoln/

Indoors:

Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum at Bowdoin College http://www.bowdoin.edu/arctic-museum/
       This family-friendly museum offers free admission.  On Feb 28, they will be hosting a Family Day!  Superb exhibits and knowledgeable staff-the kids will love it and you will, too!

Portland Science Center http://www.portlandsciencecenter.com/
         Pirate exhibit from now til January 14th!

Whatever your weekend holds, I hope you are able to relax and enjoy some time together!

Becca