http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/ First Grade Daily Message Copyright 2008 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:16:07 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification
In honor of the lunchtime beach party our poetry this morning was called "Sea Shell". I set out shells that my family has collected over the years and the children drew shells to decorate the poem. The results were beautiful! Ms. Rossbach has certainly done a wonderful job.

We began math class with a sheet to review the addition facts. I'm sending home one addition and two subtraction sheets for review over break. This is not required homework and need not be returned to school. The children also played a game to practice the skill of identifying odd and even numbers. I've included a copy of the game if you would like to play it at home.

In science we took a look at the basic digestive system and it's major parts.  Then we played Food Group Bingo.

The annual beach party is one of the highlights of the year. Once again it's an example of how a very simple idea can create memories. We simply play some beach music, distribute leis and have the children eat lunch on beach towels. Such fun! Enjoy the pictures.
Barb  

]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-13.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-13.html Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:16:07 -0600
The math conference yesterday was great. I have many new activities to help children understand number sense. I'll be using them in math class during the rest of the year. Today we began looking at odd and even numbers. Many people assume there is not much to learn about odd and even. After all, most of us have memorized the rule that if a number ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 it is even, and all other numbers are odd. While this rule is important, knowing it does not mean that one understands the concept. At school we'll do some activities to help the children construct a deeper understanding of the mathematical terms odd and even. One way to determine if a group of objects contains an odd or even number of things is to FAIR SHARE the objects into two separate piles. If this divides the original pile evenly, without an extra one, there is an even number of objects. If there is one left over there is an odd number. In math class each child began with a handful of pennies. Then she determined whether there was an odd or even number by the fair share method rather than by counting. THEN she counted to verify.

In language arts we practiced words with CH. If your child needs extra review she can read and write the following: inch, chick, bunch, March, chapter, and porch.

During health class we continued investigating the nutrition labels and using two types of balance scales to measure objects.  This introduction to food labels is intended to interest the kids in what they are eating.  Much of the information is open to interpretation as to what is healthy and what is not.  I hope that discussions are happening at home and that you have the opportunity to discuss this topic with your children.  Please see the note below, and in folders today, explaining our food group lunch tomorrow.

Yesterday the children shared the story of the princess and the pea; enjoy the project found in folders today. I'm happy that the children remain focused despite the upcoming two-week break:)   
Barb   

PS As part of our nutrition unit we will be having a special lunch tomorrow. The challenge for all the students will be to have something on their tray from each of the five food groups. A secondary goal is to have each child try and new food that they have not tried before.  We will go to the cafeteria a little early to give everyone time to choose their food.   Then we will come back to the classroom and lunch together while talking about their choices.  If your child brings cold lunch we would like to include them and give them hot lunch for this day at no cost.  If they would prefer to bring their own lunch from home that is also ok and we will look for all of the food groups in their lunch.
 
The cafeteria menu for tomorrow is:
            Hamburgers, veggie burgers
            Potato chips
            Steamed Peas
            PB and J or Cheese sandwich
            Various salads
            Fresh fruit
            Fresh baked cookies.
 
Barb and I think this is a great way to apply what we are learning.
Scott

 ]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-11.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-11.html Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:01:27 -0600
Spring break is fast approaching! Please remember that children learning to read should practice on a daily basis, even during break if possible. If you are traveling out of town perhaps you can pack a few paperback books and make reading time a regular part of the day.

Today in health we completed labeling the food guide pyramid and talked about foods in each group.  Next week we will be looking at nutrition labels so each child is asked to bring in on Monday 3-5 nutrition labels from foods they enjoy.

In math class we continued to practice with calculators. The children really enjoy the calculator technology! The "cross number" puzzle was a fun challenge. On Monday I'll be attending a math conference. It focuses on math skills for lower elementary grades so I should return with some great new ideas and projects. The lesson I left for the substitute introduces negative numbers.

As mentioned above, I won't be here on Monday. The substitute has many years of experience in primary grades and I have left a fun language arts lesson so I think the children will have a good day.

The Daily Message will resume next Tuesday. Have a great weekend!
Barb
]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-7.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-7.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:38:48 -0600
Today in science/health class we used our 'rainbow filters' to make a flower.  Next I introduced the class to the food guide pyramid, MyPyramid.gov, explaining why the pyramid is set up as it is.  We began a discussion about grains.  During this unit it is helpful to talk with your kids about the foods they eat and the various food groups they are a part of.  Tomorrow I will ask the kids to collect 3-4 different food labels from some of their most often eaten foods and bring them to school on Monday.

We learned that Amelia Earhart achieved many "firsts" in the field of aviation.

Barb ]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-6.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-6.html Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:34:13 -0600
We completed the final subtraction facts in math class. We do not expect    that the children have mastered all the facts at this point. However, if your child continues to practice for two minutes each evening, she will be a step ahead for second grade. During practice it's helpful to remind her to consider related facts. For instance, if she knows that 17-8=9, she also knows that 17-9=8.

Today in health class a group of upper school students who participate in a group called Peer Leaders led a 'listening skills' workshop for first graders.  (They do many things to demonstrate leadership skills among their peers.) Through games and activities they demonstrated ways to help students get their minds and bodies ready to listen.  A big point that was made was listening can improve...with practice.  Over the next few weeks, Mrs. Meland and I, will be encouraging improved listening with the use of a 'star listener chart' and the various strategies we learned today.  Ask your child about it.

You might be interested in how Amelia Earhart's childhood compared to that of other girls of her generation. If so, your child can tell you all about it. (The children especially enjoyed the story of the homemade roller coaster.)

Barb ]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-5.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-5.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:02:04 -0600
Today in health class we began our unit on nutrition by sharing an edition of Scholastic News.  This edition deals with the fact that scientists are discovering that different colors of fruits and vegetables are beneficial for certain areas of the body.  During this unit we will be working with the new food pyramid's daily recommendations for healthy variety in our diet, food labels focusing on sugar content, and expanding our food choices by trying new foods.

I received the following note from Ms. Gaida today:

It was Dr. Suess's birthday yesterday so we will be visiting his web site during computer class.
http://www.seussville.com/

We will also look at pictures of Amelia Earhart.
http://www.ameliaearhart.com/about/index.php

The lessons sounded so interesting that I decided to visit computer lab. The children loved the Suessville site; you might suggest your child access it at home. You can see the concentration on their faces!

Barb     

]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-4.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/03/daily-message-march-4.html Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:37:44 -0600
Today in math class we practiced subtracting from 14. The children mastered these facts, but when we reviewed subtracting from 10 through 13 we determined that some of the children should include those in the nightly two-minute review. The children also solved problems like the following: 9+__=13, __+8=14, 12-__=5 and __-5=8. Please remind your child to add today's cards to their subtraction envelope and to return the "keep in folder" envelope to his folder.

In science today we conducted a color separation experiment called
chromatography or separating colors.  We used markers, a coffee filter and water.  It was a great activity and we made it half way through our recording sheet.  We will continue with the activity on Monday.  Ask your child about it.

Be sure to say hi if your family makes it to the Book Festival this evening.

Have a great weekend!
Barb   


]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-29.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-29.html Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:08:28 -0600
Today in health the children were introduced to a change in perspective.  Each child wrote a paragraph about what it could be like if they were a tooth in their own mouth.  It was a good review of the location, type and special use of the teeth they are taking care of as well as continued practice in spelling and writing.

We continued to practice using strategies for subtraction facts. Fact families and related facts are the only strategies for many of the subtraction facts, so it is wonderful that the children have mastered the addition facts. We ended math class with some oral problem solving.

Yesterday the children visited the Book Festival. Each child was given a "wish list" where they listed books they would like to own (see attached pictures). The lists come home today. You may want to bring them if you are attending the family activity evening on Friday.

Yesterday in Chinese class the children practiced a hand clapping activity, counting in Chinese (see attached pictures). I was really impressed with the way they combined the hand movements with counting!

Today we celebrated Aneesh's birthday. We enjoyed seeing his special things. The children loved the cupcakes. We wish him a wonderful evening.

I will be leaving a bit early today. Mr. Wilson will be on hand if any of the children need help or have questions at the end of the day.

Barb  


]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-28.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-28.html Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:48:18 -0600
In health class we evaluated the results of our 'egg-speriments' involving eggs, coca cola and vinegar.  Ask your child about what they observed when we took a close look at the eggs.  Then we watched a film about animals and their teeth and how their teeth tell us about their diet.

Yesterday we shared the story of Peter Rabbit. Today we learned how that story came to be written. Be sure to ask your child to relate how Beatrix Potter came to write that classical story.

Barb   
 
 ]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-26.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-26.html Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:57:35 -0600
We began math class by sharing a book about money. I was truly impressed with the way the children solved the problems presented in the book. Next we practiced adding three numbers, taking special note that it doesn't matter which two of the three numbers you add first.

In recognition of the book festival, our Famous Face this week is Beatrix Potter. Today we shared perhaps her most famous book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." Before I began to read one of the children remarked that she had this book in her collection of "baby books." However, after enjoying the story (and considering lines like "implored him to exert himself), the children agreed that it was a great story for all ages. You might check to see whether your child can remember the meanings of implored and exert.

Today in health we continued with the next stop of our experiment to help us answer the question; "Does toothpaste really help protect teeth?"  Next we looked at three teeth categories (molars, canines and incisors) and how they relate to animals that are herbivores or carnivores or omnivores.

As a part of the book festival there will be a used book sale in the cafeteria after lunch each day this week. Hard cover books are 50 cents and soft cover books are 25 cents. You might remind your child to break open his piggy bank; it's hard to find a better bargain than this.

The children loved making snow sculptures during recess.

Barb   

]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-25.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-25.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:35:39 -0600
Although we will review, this was our final day of studying money in math class. Today we included half dollars as we practiced counting. I'm sending home some money games. If your child needs additional practice, games are a great alternative. If your child has mastered the skill of counting coins you might consider the game, "Penny Pinchers." This game presents an introduction to making change. Another possibility is to save the games for summer review. Encourage your child to practice occasionally. For example, when you get home from work, empty your pocket/purse of change and suggest she count it. Challenge problem for the weekend: using half dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies how many ways can you show 53 cents? If your child works on this problem please remind her to pack the paper so that she can share it with me on Monday.

During health class we completed a model of our teeth, attached it to a
self-portrait, and read the brushing teeth poem.  We discovered that if we read the poem (in our heads) three times while brushing it will be the two minutes recommended that we brush. Put it on the bathroom mirror and brushing also becomes reading practice. The apples continue to decay. Ask about what everyone saw under the microscope.

We'll end the day with the annual reading assembly. First graders and seventh graders will share books and have a great time.

Barb  
PS On Monday the children will make snow sculptures as a part of the Book Festival. Your child may bring materials, if she wishes, as described on the blue flier sent home earlier in the week.

]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-22.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-22.html Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:17:11 -0600  
In order to keep skills sharp, the children worked on an addition fact sheet in math class. Next they practiced graphing with coins. Finally they used coins for problem solving. For example: Jen buys a green ball for 25 cents and a red ball for 60 cents. How much did she spend in all? Not all children used the same coins (for example, some children ended up with three quarters and a dime, while others used one quarter and six dimes). They solved several problems and did a fabulous job! Tonight you'll find a "treasure chest" game in folders. This is a great game as it not only reinforces counting coins, but is also a strategy game. You might give it a try on this cold winter evening (or save it for the weekend). Strategy games are wonderful choices for young problem solvers!
 
In health class we cut open one pencil-pierced apple today and indeed discovered it was beginning to rot from the inside out, much like a cavity can develop in a tooth.  We saved one apple to examine tomorrow to see how fast it is progressing. We set up another 'eggsperiment' today.  Ask about it.
 
The Book Festival activities begin tomorrow. We'll have a reading assembly at the end of the day. Children may bring books from home to share with their reading buddies. They can bring books to read TO their buddies and/or books they would like their buddies to read to them. Tomorrow the children may wear jeans with a book festival tee shirt, MPA tee shirt, or anything that is blue and white.
Barb
]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-21.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-21.html Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:31:34 -0600
We began math class with some mental math using the hundred chart. The children are becoming quite skilled at adding and subtracting ones and tens without referring to the chart. (We use arrows; your child can demonstrate if you're curious.) Next we continued to practice counting coins. Most of the children can now count combinations of coins up to one dollar. Finally we practiced writing various amounts of money. You could review at home by asking your child to write these amounts: 65 cents (they use the symbol), $4.25, $10.01, 74 cents, $7.09, $303.03. (Some children may need a reminder that while the dollar sign comes before the number, the cent sign comes after the number.) One other skill we have been practicing the last two days is counting by three's up to 30. This is a great skill to practice during drive-time.

During health we took a closer look at the anatomy of a tooth, explored how and why a cavity forms, and began an experiment with an apple.  Ask your child about it.  Class ended with a read aloud story about a loose tooth and the ways in which the adults try to solve the problem.

Ask your child about how Marie Curie (called Manya during her childhood) learned to read.

It was too cold to go outside for recess, so the children enjoyed Kapla blocks and legos. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Barb   

]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-20.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-20.html Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:03:28 -0600
In health class, with the aid of a friend and a mirror, each child was able to map their teeth and determine which teeth were baby, adult, loose or missing altogether.  Next they helped each other count how many teeth they had in their mouths at this time.  After graphing this information, we shared a story about a boy learning about the parts and functions of teeth.

We celebrated Gabby's and Parker's half birthday today with yummy cookies and their special things.

This week we'll be learning about Marie Curie.
Barb
]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-19.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-19.html Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:51:06 -0600 celebrated Valentine's Day. We had planned on celebrating for a short time
in the morning and then moving on to language arts. However, the children
were having such a great time that the party consumed much of the morning.
Every year I am surprised by how much they truly love those silly little
valentine cards. Actually we did manage to squeeze in math and science.
Children who read in the Airplane books do have a weekend homework
assignment. Because of the party we did not have time to go over the
material in class, so it will be new to the children. However, with the
four-day weekend hopefully there will be time to master it.
 
"25, 50, 75, a dollar,
We all know our quarters,
So let's give a holler!"
We began math class with this chant as we added quarters to the coins we
count. I am hoping that the children will have just a bit of time to
practice over the four-day weekend. I sent home a sheet from the math book
where they can use coins to find different ways to make certain amounts. We
do these problems in class, but it would be great if the children could also
practice for a few minutes at home.
 
Today science switched to health and our dental health unit.  Students have
been asked to record their brushing using a calendar that we made today in
class.  I have also given them a toothbrush packet, compliments of Crest, to
use. It includes some 'revealing tablets'.  There is a letter in folders
today that explains the plan.
 
By adding one president each day, the children now know all four presidents
on Mount Rushmore. Many also remember the name of the sculptor. If your
family is ever fortunate enough to visit the monument, your child is well
prepared.
 
Some of you have asked about the blog vs. email survey regarding the daily
message. Interestingly, the results were in favor of the email message with
only one vote for the blog. Thus, we will continue with the daily message
via email. If you are ever interested in visiting the blog site the address
is http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/. Because there were a couple
of families who chose not to have pictures posted on a website that is not
password protected, most of the daily pictures will not appear on the site.

Have a great long weekend!
Barb
 
]]> http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-14.html http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/bmeland/2008/02/daily-message-february-14.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:11:55 -0600