The past couple of weeks in Social Studies we created balloons that have information about ourselves such as our favorite dinner, our favorite subject, if we had could have one wish what would it be, if we could meet a famous person who would it be, our favorite instrument, and something that we are proud of. On Monday we had the opportunity to share what we wrote and show off our decorated balloons. Check out the pictures of us sharing in the slide show. Ask your child about what they shared.
In math we have been working with non-standard units. We measured objects in the classroom with popsicle sticks and unifix cubes. We also had a lesson on measuring a jump rope with various student feet. We talked about why we were getting different answers and how important it is to use an object that is the same length when measuring and how it is important to have no gaps and not overlap when measuring.
In Reader's Workshop, we have been talking about how readers are like runners. They practice to get better and they set goals to help them get better. We are working our way up so that we can sustain quiet reading for the whole Reader's Workshop. We are doing pretty well with reading for 30-35 minutes. We are also continuing to work on finding our "Just Right" books.
Next week we will begin our reading groups. Check out the pictures of us reading during Reader's Workshop.
In Writing this week we started our "Small Moment" stories. We are working on stretching a small moment of time over 3 pages. We talked about how we need to come up with an idea, find the book we would like to write it in, plan out what we want to say by touching each page and saying what will go on it, then sketching the important parts and finally getting our words down on the paper.
Also I wanted to let families know that we practiced a drill today that was originally known as an intruder drill but we now say "Clear the Hallways and Secure the building" in case questions come up at home. This is a drill we practice in case there is ever a threat to students/staff members. If you have any questions, please let me know. I don't want to post details on-line.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy
Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Week of September 16th
It was a very busy week. On Tuesday we got set up for the finger print system in the cafeteria. On Wednesday it was Fire Prevention Day. We had two volunteer Firemen, Brian (Mrs. KillKelley's husband and Steve) come in to our team space to talk to us about what to do in case of a Fire. They talked about how important it is for families to have a place to meet outside in case of fire. They also talked about how children should throw a pillow out their window if they are unable to get out of their bedrooms in case of fire. This will ensure that a fireman will know that they are stuck in their bedrooms. We then had the opportunity to go outside and practice Stop, Drop and Roll and those who wanted to, went into a smokehouse and practiced crawling through being low to the ground. Check out our photos in the Smilebox.
On Thursday we went to Shelburne Farms with the 2nd grade class. We broke up into 4 groups and went on a Scavenger hunt through the trails at Shelburne farms. The groups were very successful on their scavenger hunts. After the scavenger hunt, we all met up in the Farm Barn to check out the animals. Everyone had a fantastic time and it gave time for the 1st graders to get to know some of the 2nd graders a little better. I would like to thank Ali Novak for coming along with us. Check out our photos in the Smilebox.
In math we have been looking at ways to make 10s using our number racks. We are also working on using structure to help us identifying numbers quickly on the number rack, double ten frames, tallies and popsicle sticks grouped into 10s and 1s.
In Writer's and Reader's workshop we continue to get our routines set-up so that we can have successful workshops throughout the year.
On Thursday we went to Shelburne Farms with the 2nd grade class. We broke up into 4 groups and went on a Scavenger hunt through the trails at Shelburne farms. The groups were very successful on their scavenger hunts. After the scavenger hunt, we all met up in the Farm Barn to check out the animals. Everyone had a fantastic time and it gave time for the 1st graders to get to know some of the 2nd graders a little better. I would like to thank Ali Novak for coming along with us. Check out our photos in the Smilebox.
In math we have been looking at ways to make 10s using our number racks. We are also working on using structure to help us identifying numbers quickly on the number rack, double ten frames, tallies and popsicle sticks grouped into 10s and 1s.
In Writer's and Reader's workshop we continue to get our routines set-up so that we can have successful workshops throughout the year.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Curriculum Night Powerpoint
The Curriculum Night Power Point has been posted to our team page on the School Website.
Parent Workshop
FYI~
Subject: Free parent education workshops this fall
Dear Early Childhood Community,
Our next workshop is: Nurturing Through Nature: Fostering Young Children’s Development Through Outdoor Play with Lisa Guerrero, M.Ed. Here is a brief synopsis:
Frequent, spontaneous play in natural settings is not only fun, it also provides perfect support for all domains of child development: physical, social/emotional, creative, intellectual and spiritual. This workshop will help participants better understand the value of getting kids outside and introduce simple ways adults can create meaningful outdoor experiences for the children in their lives.
When: Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Where: South Burlington Community Library (540 Dorset Street)
Time: 6:45-8:45pm
Please RSVP to aide@childcareresource.org or 863-3367 ext. 31
Amy Ide
Growing Kids South Burlington
181 Commerce Street
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 863-3367 ext. 31
Friday, September 13, 2013
Week of September 16th
We made it through our first full week of school! Wednesday was tough with the heat but your children were troopers and we got as much accomplished as we could. We switched the day around so that we could get through math when it was a little cooler.
In math this week we have been focused on workplace routines and looking at how numbers are structured using tally marks, popsicle sticks, double ten frames and our number racks. We talked about how the teen numbers are 1 ten and then some more ones. For example, 14 is 1 ten plus four more. We learned to recognize this quickly on double ten frames and number racks by seeing the ten right away and then counting up by 1s from 10. Your child brought home a number rack that they made in their Friday folders today. They can practice this skill at home with you.
In reading and writing, we continue to talk about routines and what to expect during this time. Today some of the children found books to put into their book boxes to start using next week. Those who did not have time today will do this on Monday morning. We had a lengthy discussion about how to choose a "Just Right Book" and where they should be looking in our classroom library. Ask your child how they should find "Just Right Books" at home to read.
In Social Studies this week students have been working on an "All About Me" balloon. They have answered questions about things like their favorite memory, if they had 1 wish what would they wish for, a picture of their family, what their favorite meal is and lots of other questions. These will hang in the room when they are finished and they will share them with their classmates.
In Fundations we continue to work on handwriting with lower case letters. An expectation this year as 1st graders will be to use upper case letters only when appropriate. This will not happen immediately, but will be something that we will be working towards throughout the year. Please encourage your child to do this at home as well.
I am still looking for a couple of volunteers for our Field Trip at Shelburne Farms. We will be doing some team building and visiting with the animals at the Farm barn. Let me know if you can help.
Homework will begin coming home, next Friday, Sept. 19th. I will talk about how this works at our Curriculum Night this Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 5 pm in Deb KillKelley's classroom.
Just a note that conference sign-ups for October are posted on our website and their is also a link on the blog on the right hand side.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy
In math this week we have been focused on workplace routines and looking at how numbers are structured using tally marks, popsicle sticks, double ten frames and our number racks. We talked about how the teen numbers are 1 ten and then some more ones. For example, 14 is 1 ten plus four more. We learned to recognize this quickly on double ten frames and number racks by seeing the ten right away and then counting up by 1s from 10. Your child brought home a number rack that they made in their Friday folders today. They can practice this skill at home with you.
In reading and writing, we continue to talk about routines and what to expect during this time. Today some of the children found books to put into their book boxes to start using next week. Those who did not have time today will do this on Monday morning. We had a lengthy discussion about how to choose a "Just Right Book" and where they should be looking in our classroom library. Ask your child how they should find "Just Right Books" at home to read.
In Social Studies this week students have been working on an "All About Me" balloon. They have answered questions about things like their favorite memory, if they had 1 wish what would they wish for, a picture of their family, what their favorite meal is and lots of other questions. These will hang in the room when they are finished and they will share them with their classmates.
In Fundations we continue to work on handwriting with lower case letters. An expectation this year as 1st graders will be to use upper case letters only when appropriate. This will not happen immediately, but will be something that we will be working towards throughout the year. Please encourage your child to do this at home as well.
I am still looking for a couple of volunteers for our Field Trip at Shelburne Farms. We will be doing some team building and visiting with the animals at the Farm barn. Let me know if you can help.
Homework will begin coming home, next Friday, Sept. 19th. I will talk about how this works at our Curriculum Night this Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 5 pm in Deb KillKelley's classroom.
Just a note that conference sign-ups for October are posted on our website and their is also a link on the blog on the right hand side.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy
Hands on Nature Volunteers Needed
Nancy Nakhleh's classroom could use 1 or 2 more volunteers for the
Hands on Nature (HON) program this year.
It is a lot of fun and a great way to be in the classroom with your
child! If you are not familiar with HON
here is what it entails.
As a HON volunteer, you will attend monthly workshops led
by a Four Winds naturalist-educator. Each workshop looks at nature in your own
community – your schoolyard, backyard, or nearby natural area. You will
participate in both indoor and outdoor hands-on activities that help you to
understand the subject matter and how to present the lesson to children. As a
whole group, we’ll discuss teaching techniques and ways of interacting with
students so that your in-class workshops are light-hearted, engaging, and
effective.
Trainings are held the first Thursday of every month from 9 – 11
am in the Town Offices. In class
instruction is on the Tuesday following training from 9 – 10. Please email Trish Mitchell at mitchowitz@gmail.com if
interested in partcipiating as well as Zynnia Seidta at mountainmuttsvt@comcast.net to get on the group HON email list.
You are helping students
learn important science content and skills while developing a sense of place
and an understanding of the complexity of nature. It is the dedication of
volunteers – your time and energy – that makes this happen. Thank YOU!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
PTO September Meeting Minutes
Convene at 6:05
Introductions with many new faces
Biggest meeting yet!
Reviewed/Approved minutes
Principals Report:
-school recognized as a top performer in the state
-Part 2 after school is off to a great start: 71 kids in the census already, a nearly 50% increase
-lots of professional development over the summer
-enrollment stable @763
Budget
-reviewed line items
-budget approval in October
Team Reps Update:
-straightened out curriculum nights
-signed up team reps
Fundraising Update:
-directory sales are up to $1620 already
-can now donate online through Paypal
-looking to a new fundraiser for Red Barn potentially
Ideas: Yankee candle, Equal Exchange, Plant Sale w/Red Wagon, Amazon storefront
-Price Chopper tools for school
-Hannafords helps schools
-Genevieve fundraiser starts 9/10, ends 9/24 use team name not teacher
-now have photo cards!
-80% of profits go to the teams
Sally Stevens talked about visiting artist program
-Flynn Artists/integrating the arts
-brought in two artists from the Flynn using a grant
-One hour of planning, 4 hours of in class help
-$3500: $1000 PTO and $2500 grant
-fund using visiting artist program
Mark your Calendars
Walking Wednesdays on the town green at 7:30 (in front of Jamie Two Coats)
12 Oct: Newberry Cup Bake Sale
22Oct: UA Curriculum night and Genevieve Gift Wrap distribution
Help Wanted
-School directory data input (Leslie@borrok.com)
-Flower garden help (lisawvt@hotmail.com)
-PTO bulletin boards: sweeneyrs@gmail.com
-Newberry Cup Bake Sale: amybknight@gmail.com
-gift wrap distribution on 10/22: campwestwick@gmail.com
-ALSO REMEMBER: you can sign up for helping at any event at any time online. Access through the PTO website: www.cssu.org/site/
Other Business:
-the
cold weather clothes donation box will be out soon. The sooner you
donate the better. Lots of folks use all of these donations
Thanks yous:
Rita Daley and Teresa Shuptrine for the bulletin board
Valerie Richardson and Teacher's Breakfast helpers!
First Day Greeters
Everyone who filled out a volunteer form
Monday, September 9, 2013
ELIZABETH BLUEMLE
TUESDAY, SEPT. 10TH 4-6PM
DOGS ON THE BED
It's not everyday that my best friend and bookstore co-owner comes out with a paperback. Tuesday, September 10th is the day Elizabeth's book,
Dogs on the Bed will come out.
The
book is about what happens when the family dogs decide they all want to
sleep on the bed. The engaging rhyme (down right infectious) and
humorous illustrations will stay with you long after you finish the
book. Dog lovers will immediately recognize their dog's behavior in the
story and the art conveys the poutiness of dogs who can't get
comfortable, except when their owners have forsaken their beds.
We
are celebrating the release with cake, dog treats and other fun
surprises. Please feel free to bring your well-behaved dog and get a
book for your dog loving friends. You can also pre-order Elizabeth's
fourth book, Tap Tap Boom Boom which comes out March 25th, 2014, and save the date for the launch party!
School Library Journal says of the book, "The exuberant, rhyming text delights the ear as the hilarious illustrations engage the eye in this kid- and dog-friendly tale."
Booklist says, " The
rousing rhymes and frequent refrains provide continuous, peppy
entertainment, and the occasional altered rhythms will keep readers and
listeners on their toes... A humorous and affectionate ode to the
frustrations and joys of having dogs as pets and part of the family."
We're
also having a contest. Can you correctly spot the numbers of
differences between the covers of the paper back and the hard cover.?
We'll hold a drawing of all eligible answers and the winner will get a
signed copy of Tap Tap Boom Boom.
Friday, September 6, 2013
2nd Week of School
I apologize that my post for last week never got posted. I typed it up and never hit publish. I will update this weekly to let you know what is happening.
It was another great week with your children. They are beginning to be comfortable with one another and coming together as a wonderful class!
In math we have been looking at patterns and counting by 2s and 5s. We also did some problem solving on white boards. Next week we will be introduced to Rekenreks also known as Number racks.
During Reading and Writers workshops, we are learning routines of the classroom. In Reader's workshop the class talked about What is Reading?, we talked about What do Reader's do?, and we were introduced to how our classroom library is organized. In Writer's workshop we talked about What is Writing?, What do writers use?, and How do Writers get ideas?. We also created hearts with a list of ideas that we can use when we get stuck and don't know what to write. It included important people, important memories and places that we have lived or visited.
Please make sure to check your child's Friday folder. There was a note that went home today with information that you need to know about.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy
It was another great week with your children. They are beginning to be comfortable with one another and coming together as a wonderful class!
In math we have been looking at patterns and counting by 2s and 5s. We also did some problem solving on white boards. Next week we will be introduced to Rekenreks also known as Number racks.
During Reading and Writers workshops, we are learning routines of the classroom. In Reader's workshop the class talked about What is Reading?, we talked about What do Reader's do?, and we were introduced to how our classroom library is organized. In Writer's workshop we talked about What is Writing?, What do writers use?, and How do Writers get ideas?. We also created hearts with a list of ideas that we can use when we get stuck and don't know what to write. It included important people, important memories and places that we have lived or visited.
Please make sure to check your child's Friday folder. There was a note that went home today with information that you need to know about.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy
Our First Week of School
We have had a wonderful start to the new year. I am really enjoying getting to know your children. They are a special and great group!! I am looking forward to being with them for the next 2 years. They have been troopers this week with the heat because it has been hot in the school.
Friday folders went home today with our first share theme and schedule. Please read this over and let me know if you have any questions. There is also a short note from me, our class schedule and a big envelope from the school with forms to be filled out and a calendar. If your child has a younger sibling in the school, they will not be bringing home the big envelope, your younger child will.
Several students have been asking about homework this week. Homework will begin the week after curriculum night.
This week we have been doing some activities to get to know each other. We wrote our hopes and dreams for the year, created a self portrait, shared information about ourselves in morning meeting and played some team building games with the 2nd grade class on Firefly. We even had our first 2 lessons in math where we created a chart with twin popsicles to count by 2s and created a graph with our favorite flavors of popsicles.
I'd also like to welcome our new Team Para, Colleen Nick!
Just a few housekeeping reminders:
-please remember to send in a note to let me know if your child's afternoon schedule has changed
-please remember to send your child with sneakers on P.E. days (Monday and Thursday)
-check back here each week to see what's happening in our classroom:)
I hope everyone has a wonderful and restful long weekend,
Nancy
Friday folders went home today with our first share theme and schedule. Please read this over and let me know if you have any questions. There is also a short note from me, our class schedule and a big envelope from the school with forms to be filled out and a calendar. If your child has a younger sibling in the school, they will not be bringing home the big envelope, your younger child will.
Several students have been asking about homework this week. Homework will begin the week after curriculum night.
This week we have been doing some activities to get to know each other. We wrote our hopes and dreams for the year, created a self portrait, shared information about ourselves in morning meeting and played some team building games with the 2nd grade class on Firefly. We even had our first 2 lessons in math where we created a chart with twin popsicles to count by 2s and created a graph with our favorite flavors of popsicles.
I'd also like to welcome our new Team Para, Colleen Nick!
Just a few housekeeping reminders:
-please remember to send in a note to let me know if your child's afternoon schedule has changed
-please remember to send your child with sneakers on P.E. days (Monday and Thursday)
-check back here each week to see what's happening in our classroom:)
I hope everyone has a wonderful and restful long weekend,
Nancy
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