Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Sorry for the lack of pictures on this fun day!  My battery died…go figure.

In Reading, we will focus on the sound “oo” as in “moon.”  But mostly, we will celebrate our last week of school before the Christmas holidays and talk about Santa Claus and his little elf helpers.

In Language, we will wrap up December with rule 7 {Words that name on thing are singular.  Words that name more than one thing are plural.}  Students will continue identifying nouns in their DOL sentences by circling them.  We are working really hard on checking our own paper.  As I explicitly go over each word in each sentence that should be capitalized and what punctuation mark belongs at the end, the children are expected to follow along and correct their own papers as needed. 

In Math, finally we will take our test on Tuesday!  We will begin Ch. 7 when we return to school in January.

Don’t forget that Thursday will be a busy busy day for us!  We will celebrate a “Green Grinch Day” and would like for the students to wear something green that day.  It is also our party day and what a fun afternoon it will be with pizza, cookie cake, BINGO, treat bags, and a present to unwrap from ME!  You do not want to miss!  The party will begin at 1:30 and end at 2:15.  If you plan to check your child out after the party, please remember to follow the procedures listed below for a smooth checkout:

~ Stop by the office to sign your child out and wait to receive a check out slip from the office staff.  I will collect all check out slips as soon as you get to the party.  If I do not receive a check out slip from you then I cannot allow you to take your child!

Friday is a regular school day, but if you know that you will not be sending your child that day, please let me know so that I can have all crafts we have done for Christmas ready to send home with them on Thursday.  Otherwise, I will have them ready on Friday.

Other Important News

All students have taken their second STAR test, which gives them a ZPD level, which helps me to determine “good fit books” for them to check out in the library.  I will be working on new library cards and will have those ready for them in January when they return.

Also, DIBELS scores have been sent home with a detailed letter explaining the purpose of each test.  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.  These do not have to be signed and returned.

Dec 17 ~ Nancy’s Italian Ice $1.00

Dec 18 ~ Library Day with Mrs. Morris

Dec 19 ~ Signed Papers

Dec 20 ~ Green Grinch Day and Christmas Party

Dec 21 ~ Last day for students

Jan 3 ~ Students return from holidays

From the bottom of my heart, my family wishes your family a Very Merry Christmas!  We hope that you enjoy your time with friends and family and have safe travels.  Cannot wait to see everyone in 2013!

Christmas Blessings ~ Kristin

Christmas is Near!

It is going to be a pretty busy week.  Does the word DIBELS sound familiar?  MPS decided that we would not be participating in DIBELS this year.  However, they have changed their minds so on Tuesday our first graders will be headed to the library for some DIBELS testing.  Please do not worry or feel like you need to do anything at home to prepare your child for this.  For those of you that have never heard the term DIBELS a detailed explanation along with your child’s score will be sent home to you before we get out for the holidays!  :)  Kindergarten will be testing on Monday so during these two days the library will be closed for most of the day.  When it opens I will try my best to send those that need new books to the library to get them.  Please still continue to send library books with your child to school.  Thanks so much!

In Reading, we will focus on the letter “k” as in “kangaroo.”  We will also spend some time talking about reindeer, particularly Rudolph. 

In Language, we will continue learning about rule 7 {Words that name one thing are singular.  Words that name more than one thing are plural.}  Remember, we are still identifying nouns by circling them in our DOL sentences. 

In Math, we will continue Ch. 6.  I know it seems like we have been on this chapter forever and we have.  We got way off schedule last week and I apologize for that but we will definitely spend every day this week covering a lesson or two. 

Thanks to my wonderful parents and grandparents who were able to come on Thursday and treat the kids to a lunch without their teacher.  It was a treat for me to because I got to eat in the library and the food was delicious.  Our very own Andi Graydon {Scott’s mom} is the coordinator for our treat days and always does a fabulous job!  Thanks PTA for all that you do!  We truly are blessed with the BEST!

On Friday, first grade is going to have a very exciting day.  We have planned for the children to wear their pajamas while enjoying the movie, The Polar Express.  I know several children have already seen this and may have even participated in something similar to this in Kindergarten but it never seems to get old and this year they have new friends to share the fun with.  And who doesn’t like to come to school in their pajamas and watch a movie?  A letter will be sent home as a reminder.  I will need some treats donated so if you are able to do so please send me an email to let me know.  Thanks for helping make this a fun day!

Our exciting news has not ended!  On Tuesday of last week, I received a letter that said our class had met the goal to become a MODEL classroom for AR!!!!!  Is everyone screaming?  I haven’t told the children yet but can’t wait to share the news with them tomorrow!  They have worked so hard and are independently taking tests as they have completely become self-motivated from the start!  And a shout out to all the parents and grandparents who have volunteered your time to read with the children and encourage them along the way!  What a great bunch of super smart readers!!!  Is this not an exciting way to start the week or what?

Important Dates and Reminders

*Please do not forget to send back signed papers!

December 10 ~ Nancy’s Italian Ice $1.00

December 11 ~ First Grade DIBELS

December 12 ~ Money due for Christmas Party

December 14 ~ Pajama Day and Polar Express

December 20 ~ Green Grinch Day, Christmas Party, Signed Papers

December 21 ~ Last day for students

December 24 – January 2 ~ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year {No School}

January 3 ~ Students return to school

Have a great week and contact me with questions or concerns!  Kristin

Look who has joined the 25 point club…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….in room 121!

 

December is finally here!  Have you put up your Christmas tree?  Room 121 has and this is my most favorite time of the year to celebrate for many many reasons.  It is time to pull out all the traditions that make the season so memorable.  And I think the biggest tradition in room 121 they are all busting at the seams to talk about is the Elf on the Shelf!  I promised them we would dedicate an afternoon of laughing and discussing all the crazy things Elf on the Shelf has done at their houses!  Can’t wait :)

 

 

In Reading, we will focus on the letter “sh” as in “sheep.”  With Christmas being right around the corner, we will sneak in a few activities to go along with our Gingerbread Unit.  We will begin with the traditional Gingerbread Man story and spend each day reading a new Gingerbread story with a twist.  This will make for a fun discussion as we compare how the stories are alike and different.  At the end of the week, the students will come home with a recipe for Gingerbread cookies and if you have never made them before I encourage you to start a tradition with your family in the kitchen!  I would love to hear about them next week and if you are brave, pull out the camera and snap a few shots of your little one in action and send the pictures my way.  :)

In Language, we will begin discussing rule 7 {Words that name one thing are singular.  Words that name more than one thing are plural and end in “s” }  Please remember the importance of going over their DOL sentences each night that come home in their take home folder.  Students will be circling singular nouns and underlining plural nouns.

In Math, we are steadily working our way through Ch. 6.  We will spend the rest of this week and some of next week finishing up.  A review sheet will come home the night before the test.  This will be our last chapter test before the holidays.

 

Look what got delivered last week to our class….

A SMART BOARD and let me just say the kids were “oh” so excited!!!  We had to do a little rearranging but we are thankful for the new technology.  Now, if Mrs. Thomas can just learn how to use it!

 

A letter was sent home with your child on Friday about a teddy bear collection that Blount participates in every year.  We are collecting 12” bears through Friday that will be delivered to the Family Sunshine Guidance Center.  Thanks for your spirit of giving!

Our classroom holiday party is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 20 from 1:30-2:15 and we welcome all parents!  Please be on the look out for a detailed letter by the end of the week. 

I will be out of the classroom all day on Friday but have secured a wonderful sub, Mrs. Wilson!

Other News…

Monday ~ Nancy’s Italian Ice $1.00

Tuesday ~ Library with Mrs. Morris

Thursday ~ Teacher Treat Day and Signed Papers

Have a great week and as always contact me with any questions or concerns! ~ Kristin

Congratulations to Wilson for making the 25 point club!

December is almost here….woohoo!!!

I hope everyone had plenty of time with family and friends. 

In Reading, we will focus on the letter “r” as in rabbit and “ea” as in eagle.

In Language, we will continue learning rule 6 ~ Some words name things. {nouns}  A noun names a person, place, thing, or animal.  The children will be identifying the nouns in their DOL sentences each morning by circling them.

In Math, we will take Ch. 5 test on Monday.  The review sheet was sent home before the holidays so we will do a quick review in class and I will thoroughly go over each problem  with the students during the test.  {Some of the problems we will do together.}

We will begin Ch. 6 on Tuesday {Number and Operations in Base Ten}  By the end of the chapter, students should develop an understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones.

Other News…

11/26 ~ Nancy’s Italian Ice $1.00

11/27 ~ Library with Mrs. Morris

11/29 ~ Humane Society Speaker and Spirit Night @ Salsaritas

11/30 ~ Box Tops are due!

12/6 ~ Signed Papers and Teacher Treat Day

Have a great week and please contact me with any questions or concerns ~ Kristin :)

Congratulations Cooper on making the 25 point club!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!!

Happy Veteran’s Day!

I hope everyone enjoyed the early dismissal on Friday and the “no school” holiday on today!  We slept in and stayed in our pajamas most of the day!

Students may purchase Nancy’s Italian Ice on tomorrow since Monday was a holiday.  As a reminder, I will be taking a half day tomorrow.  Mrs. Martinez, {a former Blount second grade teacher} will be in room 121!  :)

In Reading, we will focus on the letter “c” as in “cat.”  Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner we will also spend this week and next talking about the Mayflower, Pilgrims and Native Americans.  But most importantly we will give thanks!

In Language, we will begin learning rule 6 {Some words name things. ~ nouns}  The children will start identifying nouns in their DOL sentences by drawing a line under them with a blue crayon.  A noun names a person, place, thing, or animal. 

In Math, we are still working our way through Ch 5, Related Facts {fact families}.  If all goes well the test will be Friday so be on the look out for a review sheet to come home Thursday. 

Progress Reports will come home on Thursday.  Please remember this means we are halfway through the nine weeks.  If you are concerned about a grade, please know your child will have almost four weeks to work on bringing it up.  :)

On Thursday, the lunchroom will be serving a yummy Thanksgiving meal ~ turkey and dressing so if you haven’t had the opportunity to eat with your child or just need an excuse to eat with your child we would love for you to join us!  Our lunch time is from 11:10-11:25.

Congratulations to Josh for making the 25 point club! 

Have a great week and please contact me with questions or concerns!

Kristin :)

November Already!

Can you believe that November is already here? I love this month and have so much to be thankful for at Blount Elementary.  A big thanks to everyone who was able to attend the fieldtrip on Friday.  The weather was perfect, the children’s behavior was perfect and it was a great way to start November.  Please check back later in the week to see our Pumpkin Patch pictures.  :)  I got some good ones!

I am thankful for all the precious children and their families in room 121.  On Thursday afternoon I was presented with a gift card to Chappy’s from PTA for having the most children attend the Spirit Night at Chappy’s on Monday!  And let me just say that the Thomas family started out their weekend celebrating a much loved dinner at Chappy’s!

Don’t forget that Tuesday, November 6th is the ONLY day for first graders to purchase the grade level t-shirt.  The students may wear these every Tuesday and we will also ask our students to wear these on future field trips! 

Remember that Friday is an early dismissal day.  Blount will be releasing students at 1:10 so please make sure you have made arrangements for your child.  Enjoy an early start to a long weekend because there will be no school on Monday in observance of Veteran’s Day!

The PTA meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 6th has been cancelled!

In Reading we will focus on the letter “h” as in “hippo.”  We will focus on mammals and their habitats.  I hope by the end of the week your children can recall that mammals are animals that have a backbone, can breathe air, can give birth to live babies, and have hair or fur.  Ask him to name some of the mammals we talked about this week and what habitat they live in.

In Language, we will continue learning rule 5 {A sentence that asks something needs a question mark at the end.}  Last week, every sentence we wrote ended with a question mark.  This week, their DOL sentences will contain asking and telling sentences and the children will be expected to sort them appropriately.  Please go over these each night as it will be taken for a language grade on Friday!

In Math, we will continue with Ch. 5, Related Facts using the Fact Family.  A fact family is made up of 3 numbers that make two addition sentences and two subtraction sentences. 

Ex.  2, 3, and 5   {2+3=5, 3+2=5, 5-3=2, 5-2=3}

The Kindergarten and First Grade Community Service Project is up and running.  We will be collecting items for the Montgomery Humane Society through Friday, November 16th.  A letter will be sent home listing needed items that can be donated in a big yellow box located in the front lobby. 

Upcoming Events and Reminders

10/5 ~ Nancy’s Italian Ice $1.00

10/6 ~ Library Visit with Mrs. Moore

10/15 ~ Signed Papers/Progress Reports

10/21-10/23 ~ Thanksgiving Holidays

Have a happy week and please contact me with any questions or concerns!

Kristin :)