A few updates...

First Grade Math - We have been working on all sorts of measuring in this unit.  First we worked on telling time.  Then we learned about shapes and fractions.  Next we learned about 3D shapes.  Today we worked on measuring.

First Grade Phonics - We are learning about closed syllables.  A closed syllable has one syllable, it has one vowel, the vowel sound is short, and the word is closed off with a consonant (or consonants). Some examples of closed syllable words are mat and bench.  We have learned all of the bossy r keywords.  We also started vowel teams this week.  We learned the keywords for vowel teams ai and ay.

Science - We are continuing to work on the Einstein butterfly kit.  Only about ten of our caterpillars made it.  :(  We have watched them start out as tiny caterpillars, watched them grow and grow and grow, go into the j shape, and go into the chrysalis.  As of today, two painted lady butterflies have emerged!

Religion - We have been learning about Lent.  We have been focusing on three things - pray, fast give.  Today we focused on prayer.  We made prayer boxes.  The students may write things to pray for throughout lent and keep them in their prayer boxes.  We also have been learning about the purpose of the rice bowl.

Reading - Our word work focus this week has been homophones.  Each reading group has been working hard!

Handwriting - We are continuing to work on our letters.  First grade is continuing to work on forming letters the correct way and writing them in the correct spaces.  Second grade is continuing to learn how to write in cursive.

Writing - We are writing stories in writer's workshop, working on writing in daily 5, and creating books in ZooBurst.

Gym - All students for this week and next week are working on jump roping.  You may think that is “easy-peasy” but each child is working on their best of cross-overs, double unders (some are trying triple unders), no middle jump, the wheel, line jumping, and double dutch.  Each child is working at their own pace.  Whew!!!  There have been a lot of red faces and much work accomplished.  Jump Rope for Heart information will be coming home in the next couple of weeks.  Be on the lookout for it please.  We will periodically revisit jumping to keep them all in shape for the Jump Rope for Heart event.  A special thanks to Mrs. Kristie Bigari and her sister Katie for their help.  Did you know:  5 minutes of vigorous jump roping is the equivalent to a 1 mile run?!!!!!

Art -  In art we are learning about symbols and how artists use symbols in art to create meaning. When we see a heart, we think of love. A peace sign makes us think of peace. When we see a cross we think of Christ, and a dove, the Holy Spirit. An American flag makes us think of the USA. American artist, Jasper Johns, likes to use symbols in his work. Our current art project is all about symbols.......inspired by Jasper.