***Tomorrow is a Packer Dress Down Day.

***First grade has math homework tonight.

***A few updates -

First Grade Math - We are working on comparing data.  We are learning the terms more and fewer. Don't forget to practice those math facts!

First Grade Phonics - We just finished unit 7.  We have now learned all of the glued sounds that we will use this year.  (all, am, an, ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk)

Science - We are working on the liquids portion of our solids and liquids unit.  This week we  learned about liquids that are fluid and viscous. We tested our four liquids on wax paper, in baggies, and by putting them on special containers and having drop races.  We were surprised to find out that the green shampoo was the slowest liquid.  (The most viscous)  Our class thought for sure it would have been glue.  We found out that our fastest liquid was water.  (The most fluid)

Religion - We learned about Epiphany this week.

Reading - Our word work focus this week is compound words.  As we're working in daily 5, I'm starting to pull the students for another round of running records.  Running records tell us what reading level the students are at with both accuracy and comprehension.  I am so excited by the growth I'm seeing so far!

Computer - In the computer lab this week we started working on typing skills.  So far we worked on the home row.  The kids did awesome on this!

Writing - This week in writer's workshop we wrote to the Packers!  There was an article in the the Press Gazette saying that they wanted people to write letters to the Packers.  I downloaded the form and we wrote letters and drew pictures and sent them off to Lambeau Field!

ART

This week in art we are working on some basic painting skills while learning about an artist named Wassily Kandinsky. Some skills we are working on include how to hold the brush, take care of a paint brush, load the brush with paint, control the amount of water we use, and how to keep our colors and water clean. We are also practicing using color in various parts of the painting for unity and balance, or "painting around " the whole piece. We are also talking about different art styles. Some artists paint realistic work, some art is more about imagination and fantasy, some is about feelings and emotions, and some paintings are about lines, shapes, colors, like Concentric Circles by Kandinsky. And of course we continue to work on our mosaic bird baths which are turning out amazing! Have a great week and Happy New Year!