Combinations of 10

Students enjoyed working with their thinking partner to show as many combinations of '10' as possible.  They were expected to use their Rekenrek and then record their math thinking with an equation.  Students quickly realized that not only are there many ways to make 10, but they also noticed knowing 'turn around facts' makes addition easier (i.e. 9+1 = 1+9).

Visit with Fire Fighter Jeff!

This morning we joined Ms. White's class for a visit with Fire Fighter Jeff!  This was a great connection to both Community Helpers and Fire Safety Month.  We learned/practiced four important phrases today:

1. Stop, Drop, Cover your face, and Roll

2. Get Low and Go!

3. Get Out and Stay Out!

4. 9-1-1- is for emergencies

Thank you Colchester Fire and Rescue for all that you do for our community!

Community Helpers

Counting, counting, counting!!!

Today's math lesson focused on partners working together to count (accurately) large groups of objects.  They were encouraged to use a number grid or tens frame to look at making groups of 10.  We then shared some of our strategies and discussed what their answers meant (i.e. 95 beads = 9 groups of ten and 5 more).  The concept of place value is crucial in first grade and it takes a lot of work for students to truly understand what place value is.

Our First Skype

Yesterday we had our first classroom Skype!  We spoke with Fire Fighter Dayna and Molly (the Fire Dog).  They are based at 'Sparkles Clubhouse' in Clarksville, Arkansas.  Fire Fighter Dayna shared a story she wrote, some fire safety tips, and of course cute pictures of Molly!  I was so impressed with the first graders skype etiquette.  We will definitely be doing more with Skype this year! 

Burnham Library Visit

We have been able to reschedule our walking field trip to the Burnham Memorial Library.  We will leave UMS around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th and return by 2:20 p.m.  If we have to cancel (again) due to weather we will not reschedule.  Thanks for your understanding!  A note will come home tomorrow with your child.

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***See Video Below***

I apologize that this explanation can't be posted with the actual video (see post below) right now.  However, I wanted you to understand what you were watching.  Almost every day students practice 'red' words (words that cannot be sounded out) at school.  We use our bodies to help us remember how to spell these tricky words.  I will introduce new motions as the year progresses.  Below is just a sampling of some of our fun movements!

Red Word Practice

Community Helper Visit

Today we were fortunate enough to have Officers Fontaine and Kendrew join us to talk about their jobs and how they help our local community.  We learned about the tools that they use (ask your child what tool is most important for a police officer), why they like their jobs, and what they do when they are not on duty.  It is wonderful to have community members who like to visit Union Memorial School!

Three Important Notices

Today your child will be bringing home three important notices in his/her green folder.  The first is in regards to a walking field trip scheduled for Thursday, October 16th.  We will be walking to the Burnham Memorial Library.  Please see the note for details and the permission form.  Secondly, I introduced a fun and interactive math site this morning called 'Dream Box Math'.  Each child has a login name and password.  Although I have only modeled it for them they are welcome to try it at home as soon as you see fit.  I have a link on our blog to make it easy to access.  Lastly, the sign up form for November Parent/Teacher Conferences will also be in your child's home/school folder. Please remember that there is only one conference slot per child.  Thanks and have a great weekend!

Reading with Friends

I hope that by the end of the year all students will have a love of reading (whether alone or with someone)!  Right now I think they really enjoy when they can read with a friend.

Our First Writing Celebration

Yesterday marked our first writing celebration!  As I told the students both our publishing process and celebration begin small.  As the year progresses we will make publishing a more detailed process and our celebrations will also become larger.  No matter what, I think students enjoyed reading their writing to a 'new audience' (Ms. White's first graders) yesterday.

School Pictures

I wanted to let you all know that school pictures are in!  I just received them in my mailbox at school today.  I did not send them home with students, but thought it might work out better to have you take them tomorrow night at Open House to avoid pictures getting crushed in backpacks.  If you are unable to attend Open House I will of course send them home with your child on Friday.  Thanks for your understanding.

Vowel Bat

Want to have a song stick with you for days?! Watch this video (encourage your child to watch it with you). This is a classroom favorite for practicing short vowel sounds.

What is a 'rekenrek'?

Unfortunately, I got too caught up in beginning to teach students about our new math tool the 'rekenrek' to take pictures. However, I am posting a great video (it's long) that explains this excellent math tool, why it is important, and how students use it. Developing number sense and being able to decompose numbers is a huge part of math in first grade.

Teamwork and Community Helpers

As we continue our study of Community Helpers students have been working with a partner to brainstorm specific traits and needs of a variety of helpers.  My goal is to have students end the unit by sharing their work in a digital format.  Watch the blog for upcoming posts!

Word Sorts with Short Vowels

This week as one of our SWR activities students had to match pictures with the correct word and then decide which word family they belonged to (i.e. -ag, -ad, -ab, -am).  This was a challenging activity, but I was proud of the boys and girls for persevering.

Fun Friday Craft

On Friday afternoon we celebrated the end of the week with a quick, but cute art project.  We now have some sweet and spooky cats hanging out in our room.  You can see them at Open House on Thursday night!

Halloween Party

We will have a small Halloween Party on Friday, October 31st from 2-3 p.m.  All families are welcome!  Please use this link if you are able to contribute something to our celebration.  Please note, that at UMS we do not wear costumes to school.  Thank you!