Ms. Weig's First Grade Class: December 14, 2016 Newsletter

Dear Room 2 Families,

I hope you're all well and enjoying the month of December! It's a whirlwind of activity for my family...birthdays, holidays, travel, snow...so much fun, for sure! I've had to purposely s-l-o-w down each day to enjoy it all! We've taken the opportunity to do so in class as well, spending Open Circle time on Mindful Moments, focusing on the present with deep breathing, short meditations, and continued discussions on how to stay focused and in the "green zone." We've also been talking a lot about respecting each other's ideas, beliefs, and personal space.

Social Studies

Kids have LOVED sharing their family traditions and have shown such pride in sharing their posters and ideas with their friends! Kids are so interested in what is important to others; we've had such a wonderful variety of traditions represented. Kids make wonderful connections and learn more about their friends with each share. If your child needs any extra time to complete his/her poster, please take whatever time you need.

In other Social Studies news, we've been studying American Symbols, including the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell. Next week, we'll focus on the American Flag and the Bald Eagle.

Math

We just finished our math unit on addition and subtraction through 20. Kids have done a wonderful job with our continued work with story problems/word problems with missing addends. We've focused on strategies for addition and subtraction including doubles (2+2=4, 5+5=10), doubles plus one 2+3=5, 5+6=11), counting on and counting back using number lines, tens friends or tens partners (9+1=10, 2+8=10) and turn around facts (3+5=8 and 5+3=8). We've been working on showing our thinking using labeled pictures and equations as well. Today, we began our unit on Linear Measurement and Data.

Writer's Workshop

Our Writer's Workshop has focused on writing letters these past 2 weeks. We discussed reasons people write letters, including keeping in touch with people who live far away, thanking friends and family for gifts, telling someone that you love them or appreciate them, and sending important information to others. We've talked about the important parts of a letter as well: the date, the greeting, the body of the letter, and the closing. Kids have written to friends, teachers, Mr. Lee, their 5th grade buddies, and parents! They've loved receiving responses as well! It's such fun to watch the power of a letter, and how it can so simply bring a smile to the receiver's face.

Pajama and Stuffed Animal/Toy Day

Tuesday, December 20th is Pajama Day and Stuffed Animal/Toy Day in celebration of being a Happy Hollow Gold Star Classroom! Kids are welcome to wear pajamas and slippers to school if they wish. You may want to pack a change of clothes for your child to change into if he/she wishes to do so during the day. Your child may also bring in a stuffed animal or toy that can fit into his/her backpack. I encourage kids to keep extra special stuffed animals, pillows, fragile items, and electronics at home. We'll also have extra Choice Time that day!

Happy Hollow Concerts

We were treated to a wonderful strings and band concert on Tuesday morning! Third, fourth, and fifth graders played a variety of songs for us and showed us all they've learned musically this year! Kids enjoyed seeing their friends, 5th grade buddies, and siblings perform. We have a Happy Hollow Chorus Concert tomorrow morning as well.

A Final Note...

I will be out of the classroom tomorrow, Thursday, December 15th. My son is having surgery at Children's Hospital in Boston so I will be with him for the day. Our old friend Mrs. Machowsky will be with the class; kids were very excited for her return when I shared this with them today!

Please let me know if you have any questions about the information in this newsletter.

Enjoy the remainder of the week!

Take care,

Lise :)

Here are a few photos of the kids sharing their traditions posters...