Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thank you
June 25, 2010
Dear Families,
I cannot believe that the end of the year is here. Ten months ago, June was nothing more than a far off dream. Now, in what seems like a blink of the eye, summer vacation is upon us and July is only one week away.
I always take time to reflect at the close of the school year. It has taken a lot of hard work on all of our parts (children, parents, and teachers) to arrive at this day. I have a tremendous amount of pride in the children for all that they have accomplished and for the blood, sweat, and tears that they have put into their learning. Twenty children arrived in September wanting and willing to learn. So much has happened between then and now. Lots of time spent learning, laughing, questioning, crying, etc. They have driven me crazy at times, made me sad at others, while also filling me with joy and gratitude (and all of those emotions could occur before snack time on any given day). They’ve tattled, lost teeth, grown new ones, and celebrated accomplishments and frustrations together. With all that the children and I have done, we’ve done it together.
The last day of school is always so bittersweet to me. I will miss these 20 very special girls and boys terribly but I know that they are ready to move on to new beginnings and new challenges. I am so proud of all their accomplishments and I know that I am passing them along to a school filled with very talented and capable teachers at T.Z.E.
Please accept my sincerest thanks for all of your help and support this year. The year’s success certainly couldn’t have happened without you. I truly appreciate your support, patience and understanding. Your encouragement and reinforcement are truly what make this experience so triumphant.
Have a fabulous summer vacation. Summer is a time for relaxation but it’s also a great opportunity for review and reinforcement and I encourage you to support your child by providing educational opportunities (not necessarily worksheets) for them to review and learn through games, conversations, and life. I never forget that you are your child’s first and most significant and influential teachers. Please keep in touch. Thanks again for sharing your children with me this year.
With great appreciation,
Randi Stern
Dear Families,
I cannot believe that the end of the year is here. Ten months ago, June was nothing more than a far off dream. Now, in what seems like a blink of the eye, summer vacation is upon us and July is only one week away.
I always take time to reflect at the close of the school year. It has taken a lot of hard work on all of our parts (children, parents, and teachers) to arrive at this day. I have a tremendous amount of pride in the children for all that they have accomplished and for the blood, sweat, and tears that they have put into their learning. Twenty children arrived in September wanting and willing to learn. So much has happened between then and now. Lots of time spent learning, laughing, questioning, crying, etc. They have driven me crazy at times, made me sad at others, while also filling me with joy and gratitude (and all of those emotions could occur before snack time on any given day). They’ve tattled, lost teeth, grown new ones, and celebrated accomplishments and frustrations together. With all that the children and I have done, we’ve done it together.
The last day of school is always so bittersweet to me. I will miss these 20 very special girls and boys terribly but I know that they are ready to move on to new beginnings and new challenges. I am so proud of all their accomplishments and I know that I am passing them along to a school filled with very talented and capable teachers at T.Z.E.
Please accept my sincerest thanks for all of your help and support this year. The year’s success certainly couldn’t have happened without you. I truly appreciate your support, patience and understanding. Your encouragement and reinforcement are truly what make this experience so triumphant.
Have a fabulous summer vacation. Summer is a time for relaxation but it’s also a great opportunity for review and reinforcement and I encourage you to support your child by providing educational opportunities (not necessarily worksheets) for them to review and learn through games, conversations, and life. I never forget that you are your child’s first and most significant and influential teachers. Please keep in touch. Thanks again for sharing your children with me this year.
With great appreciation,
Randi Stern
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010: Spelling Bee
This morning we went outside to see the South Orangetown Ambulance Corp. There were four ambulances and lots of paramedics. A man talked to us calling 911 for help. We asked questions (and told LOTS of stories) about times where people needed help or went in an ambulance. Then each of the classes got to go into an actual ambulance. People sat on the seats and on the stretcher. The paramedics showed us some of the things that they have inside the ambulance and then answered some of our questions and listened to even MORE of our stories. Before we came back to the classroom, we got candy and information to become Smarties.
Ms. Stern passes along a folder with important information for our second grade teachers. Some of the things in that folder are our November conference report, our final report card, reading information, and a piece of writing. Today we worked on our writing piece. We had to introduce ourselves to our new teachers. First, we thought of things that our teachers will see when they look at our writing: spelling, spacing, capitalization, punctuation, and handwriting. After that, we brainstormed things that our teachers might want to know about us: our name, family, what we like about school (or what we don’t like), what we know a lot about, school activities that help us with our learning, favorite books, our birthdays, interests or hobbies, things that challenge us in school, and our behavior in school. We turned and talked to our partners to think about what we wanted to share before we started writing at our seats. Stephen had no problem thinking of things that he wants his second grade teacher to know about him!
Today was our celebration for Dylan’s birthday. Her real birthday is the day after school ends. Victoria helped Dylan pass out the plates and then Ms. Stern passed out the cupcakes. They were red velvet mini-cupcakes. Arlo thought they tasted awesome!
We looked at coins during math today. Yesterday we worked in groups to record what we know about pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Each table wrote what they knew about one coin and then passed it to the next table. Today we looked closely at pennies and nickels. We know that pennies are a brownish, copper color. They have Abraham Lincoln on them and are worth one cent. You would need 100 pennies to make $1.00. Next, we looked at a nickel. It is a silver color and is bigger than a penny. It is worth five cents. You would need 20 nickels to equal a dollar.
We went outside during P.E. We played a bunch of games like tennis, scoops, Frisbee, boxball, kickball, and foxtail. Sasha sang a song from Glee. While people were playing games, Meaghan, Sasha, and Emma came to the classroom window to say hello. Ms. Stern saw us and came over to say hi. She was eating lunch with her friends.
We had a spelling bee after specials. Everyone lined up around the rug. Ms. Stern gave every person a word. We had to spell the word correctly and if we didn’t, we had to sit down at our seat. In the first round everyone (except for one person) spelled the word correctly. The words got harder and harder after each round and more and more people spelled the words wrong. Dylan was a little scared before her turn because she was afraid she would spell the word wrong. Drew was also a little scared. Lauria wasn’t so scared because she’s been practicing using the words in her homework journal so she thought she was going to do really well. Adam had a feeling that Ms. Stern was going to start with easier words. He also practiced pretty much all of his words. Meaghan was thinking that she wasn’t so scared. Eesha practiced with her mom in the car. She even spelled the word encyclopedia on the third try! Her practice paid off because she ended up being the winner! Our final four contestants were: Dylan A., Emma, Eesha, and Drew. Eesha got a medal and Drew (our second place speller) a certificate. Once we finished the spelling bee, everyone wanted to do it again!
Please don’t forget about donations for next week’s tag sale. So far, we only have a few items that will be available for purchase. Unused/unwanted toys, books, movies, music, stuffed animals, crafts, etc. will gladly be accepted. Thank you!
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Stern passes along a folder with important information for our second grade teachers. Some of the things in that folder are our November conference report, our final report card, reading information, and a piece of writing. Today we worked on our writing piece. We had to introduce ourselves to our new teachers. First, we thought of things that our teachers will see when they look at our writing: spelling, spacing, capitalization, punctuation, and handwriting. After that, we brainstormed things that our teachers might want to know about us: our name, family, what we like about school (or what we don’t like), what we know a lot about, school activities that help us with our learning, favorite books, our birthdays, interests or hobbies, things that challenge us in school, and our behavior in school. We turned and talked to our partners to think about what we wanted to share before we started writing at our seats. Stephen had no problem thinking of things that he wants his second grade teacher to know about him!
Today was our celebration for Dylan’s birthday. Her real birthday is the day after school ends. Victoria helped Dylan pass out the plates and then Ms. Stern passed out the cupcakes. They were red velvet mini-cupcakes. Arlo thought they tasted awesome!
We looked at coins during math today. Yesterday we worked in groups to record what we know about pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Each table wrote what they knew about one coin and then passed it to the next table. Today we looked closely at pennies and nickels. We know that pennies are a brownish, copper color. They have Abraham Lincoln on them and are worth one cent. You would need 100 pennies to make $1.00. Next, we looked at a nickel. It is a silver color and is bigger than a penny. It is worth five cents. You would need 20 nickels to equal a dollar.
We went outside during P.E. We played a bunch of games like tennis, scoops, Frisbee, boxball, kickball, and foxtail. Sasha sang a song from Glee. While people were playing games, Meaghan, Sasha, and Emma came to the classroom window to say hello. Ms. Stern saw us and came over to say hi. She was eating lunch with her friends.
We had a spelling bee after specials. Everyone lined up around the rug. Ms. Stern gave every person a word. We had to spell the word correctly and if we didn’t, we had to sit down at our seat. In the first round everyone (except for one person) spelled the word correctly. The words got harder and harder after each round and more and more people spelled the words wrong. Dylan was a little scared before her turn because she was afraid she would spell the word wrong. Drew was also a little scared. Lauria wasn’t so scared because she’s been practicing using the words in her homework journal so she thought she was going to do really well. Adam had a feeling that Ms. Stern was going to start with easier words. He also practiced pretty much all of his words. Meaghan was thinking that she wasn’t so scared. Eesha practiced with her mom in the car. She even spelled the word encyclopedia on the third try! Her practice paid off because she ended up being the winner! Our final four contestants were: Dylan A., Emma, Eesha, and Drew. Eesha got a medal and Drew (our second place speller) a certificate. Once we finished the spelling bee, everyone wanted to do it again!
Please don’t forget about donations for next week’s tag sale. So far, we only have a few items that will be available for purchase. Unused/unwanted toys, books, movies, music, stuffed animals, crafts, etc. will gladly be accepted. Thank you!
Have a great weekend!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010: Crazy Hair Day
Today we had Crazy Hair Day. It’s a day where everyone in the class gets to make crazy hair. Meaghan tried three different hair-do’s and didn’t like any of them. Adam didn’t have a lot of hair. Pretty much all of the girls in the class had lots of ponytails. A few boys had Mohawks. Stephen noticed that most of the boys had gel in their hair to make it spiky. Dylan M. had one ponytail on the top of his head, kind of like Stephanie from Stephanie’s Ponytail. Lots of kids had color in their hair. Sarah had glitter in her hair! There was lots of discussion about the different hairstyles. Dylan A’s reaction was, “WOW! They have freaky hair!” Ms. Stern couldn’t believe all of the crazy, colorful hairstyles! Tomorrow morning we will have a crazy hair contest.
Ms. Stern read us a story called Saying Goodbye to Lulu. It’s about a girl whose lifelong companion, her loveable dog named Lulu, who passes away. The girl was very sad and decided to honor her pet by planting a special tree called “Lulu’s tree.” Then she told us some very sad news. Jimmy, our class pet, died over the weekend. He was having some problems with one of his eyes for a little while. Unfortunately, Jimmy didn’t get better. Together, we shared happy memories and told about funny things that happened with him around. Lots of people were very sad. Some children cried. Sarah reminded us that when we get sad, we can remember the things about Jimmy that make us happy. We are making a book about or favorite Jimmy memories to remember him by. He was a great class pet and we will miss him. Here’s what we wrote:
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he peed and pooped on my unfinished work folder. –Emma
My most favorite memory about Jimmy is when he tried to get out of his cage. –Sarah
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he took a bath. –Stephen
My favorite memory of Jimmy is hearing him chomping on his lettuce. I miss him so so so much already. –Victoria
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he crawled in my hands and went to sleep. –Dylan
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he was eating lettuce. –Dylan M.
My favorite memory of Jimmy is seeing his puke. I miss Jimmy already. He was a great class pet. –Drew
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he eats celery and when the sand came out. –Nancy
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he was trying to climb the cage. –Hunter
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he ate his food. –Arlo
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when me and my friends played with him. –Meaghan
My favorite memory of Jimmy is giving him a bath. One Monday, me and my sister gave Jimmy a bath. We watched him crawl around in the container. –Eesha
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he scared my friend away. –Anthony
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when we met him. –Dylan A.
My favorite memory about Jimmy is when he ate and munched loud. –Sasha
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he peed on my brother’s face. –Jacob
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when Nicole (my older sister) got to take Jimmy home and we got to see Jimmy and play with Jimmy. –Amanda
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when I took him home and he looked so quiet. –Adam
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when Ms. Stern let him crawl on the rug. I think everyone was happy to meet Jimmy. Ms. Stern told us to hold him like a sandwich. –Lauria
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when we first saw Jimmy when he was crawling on the yellow rug. Jimmy crawled to me first. –Anthony D.
Ms. Stern had to go to a meeting. Mrs. McNamee came into our classroom for part of the day. Everyone read independently before lunch time.
After lunch, we did our 100 facts. Then we played place value Tic-Tac-Toe again. We got to choose our own partners.
Today everyone began writing and illustrating their ABC books using the graphic organizers to help us remember our ideas.
Our trip to the DeWint House is on Wednesday. Permission slips need to be returned by Wednesday morning in order to go on the walk. Please be sure to have your child wear sneakers and dress appropriately for the trip. We will be leaving WOS around 9:00 a.m. and are hoping to return by 11:30. Let Ms. Stern know if you are interested in chaperoning. Thanks!
Tomorrow is Twin/Triplet Day. Refer to the June activity calendar to be up to date on each day’s special event.
Ms. Stern read us a story called Saying Goodbye to Lulu. It’s about a girl whose lifelong companion, her loveable dog named Lulu, who passes away. The girl was very sad and decided to honor her pet by planting a special tree called “Lulu’s tree.” Then she told us some very sad news. Jimmy, our class pet, died over the weekend. He was having some problems with one of his eyes for a little while. Unfortunately, Jimmy didn’t get better. Together, we shared happy memories and told about funny things that happened with him around. Lots of people were very sad. Some children cried. Sarah reminded us that when we get sad, we can remember the things about Jimmy that make us happy. We are making a book about or favorite Jimmy memories to remember him by. He was a great class pet and we will miss him. Here’s what we wrote:
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he peed and pooped on my unfinished work folder. –Emma
My most favorite memory about Jimmy is when he tried to get out of his cage. –Sarah
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he took a bath. –Stephen
My favorite memory of Jimmy is hearing him chomping on his lettuce. I miss him so so so much already. –Victoria
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he crawled in my hands and went to sleep. –Dylan
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he was eating lettuce. –Dylan M.
My favorite memory of Jimmy is seeing his puke. I miss Jimmy already. He was a great class pet. –Drew
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he eats celery and when the sand came out. –Nancy
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he was trying to climb the cage. –Hunter
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he ate his food. –Arlo
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when me and my friends played with him. –Meaghan
My favorite memory of Jimmy is giving him a bath. One Monday, me and my sister gave Jimmy a bath. We watched him crawl around in the container. –Eesha
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he scared my friend away. –Anthony
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when we met him. –Dylan A.
My favorite memory about Jimmy is when he ate and munched loud. –Sasha
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when he peed on my brother’s face. –Jacob
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when Nicole (my older sister) got to take Jimmy home and we got to see Jimmy and play with Jimmy. –Amanda
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when I took him home and he looked so quiet. –Adam
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when Ms. Stern let him crawl on the rug. I think everyone was happy to meet Jimmy. Ms. Stern told us to hold him like a sandwich. –Lauria
My favorite memory of Jimmy is when we first saw Jimmy when he was crawling on the yellow rug. Jimmy crawled to me first. –Anthony D.
Ms. Stern had to go to a meeting. Mrs. McNamee came into our classroom for part of the day. Everyone read independently before lunch time.
After lunch, we did our 100 facts. Then we played place value Tic-Tac-Toe again. We got to choose our own partners.
Today everyone began writing and illustrating their ABC books using the graphic organizers to help us remember our ideas.
Our trip to the DeWint House is on Wednesday. Permission slips need to be returned by Wednesday morning in order to go on the walk. Please be sure to have your child wear sneakers and dress appropriately for the trip. We will be leaving WOS around 9:00 a.m. and are hoping to return by 11:30. Let Ms. Stern know if you are interested in chaperoning. Thanks!
Tomorrow is Twin/Triplet Day. Refer to the June activity calendar to be up to date on each day’s special event.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010: Field Day Favorites
•The best part of Field Day was having the ice pops and seeing my mom and my friends. –Victoria
•I had so much fun when I had an ice pop and I saw Mrs. Polansky and Ms. Carr having the soccer race. –Anthony D.
•My favorite part was when we were having the football race. Also when Ms. Carr and Mrs. Polansky were racing after Field Day. –Hunter
•My favorite part about Field Day was when we had the chicken race because it was easier than all of the other races and it was funny because chickens are funny. –Sarah
•My favorite part was the chicken race and the football race. –Jacob
•I liked when we did the chicken race and the football race because I felt I was going to drop the ball (during the football race) but I held it a different way and I didn’t drop it. –Sasha
•My favorite part is when we had the ice pops. –Meaghan
•My favorite part was when I got to squirt people and when I got to see Ms. Carr and Mrs. Polansky race. –Adam
•My favorite part was when we got the prizes from Coach. –Nancy
•My favorite part was when we did the football race and when we did the football race and when we saw Principal Polansky race. –Stephen
•I thought it was awesome! –Arlo
•I liked the soccer race because we could just dribble it and I took soccer for two years so it made me know how to dribble really well. –Dylan A.
•My favorite part was when we got to see Mrs. Polansky and Ms. Carr race and we got to have ice pops. –Emma
We celebrated Lauria’s summer birthday today. Her real birthday is in August so we celebrated today instead. Lauria’s mom brought in vanilla and chocolate cake with ice cream in the middle. Jacob had an Italian ice instead. It was delicious!
•I had so much fun when I had an ice pop and I saw Mrs. Polansky and Ms. Carr having the soccer race. –Anthony D.
•My favorite part was when we were having the football race. Also when Ms. Carr and Mrs. Polansky were racing after Field Day. –Hunter
•My favorite part about Field Day was when we had the chicken race because it was easier than all of the other races and it was funny because chickens are funny. –Sarah
•My favorite part was the chicken race and the football race. –Jacob
•I liked when we did the chicken race and the football race because I felt I was going to drop the ball (during the football race) but I held it a different way and I didn’t drop it. –Sasha
•My favorite part is when we had the ice pops. –Meaghan
•My favorite part was when I got to squirt people and when I got to see Ms. Carr and Mrs. Polansky race. –Adam
•My favorite part was when we got the prizes from Coach. –Nancy
•My favorite part was when we did the football race and when we did the football race and when we saw Principal Polansky race. –Stephen
•I thought it was awesome! –Arlo
•I liked the soccer race because we could just dribble it and I took soccer for two years so it made me know how to dribble really well. –Dylan A.
•My favorite part was when we got to see Mrs. Polansky and Ms. Carr race and we got to have ice pops. –Emma
We celebrated Lauria’s summer birthday today. Her real birthday is in August so we celebrated today instead. Lauria’s mom brought in vanilla and chocolate cake with ice cream in the middle. Jacob had an Italian ice instead. It was delicious!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010: Trip to TZE
This morning we went to TZE to visit the school. Adam was happy to see his school next year. Meaghan also was excited to see the school. Today was Dylan A., Emma, Eesha, Jacob, Victoria, and Dylan M.’s first time being there. Sarah was a little afraid of getting lost. We rode on the bus with Mrs. Ochman’s class. All of the first grade classes went so we had to wait a few minutes to come inside. We all went into the cafeteria to meet Dr. Lee and Ms. Lipton. We saw photos of the people who work in the school. Ms. Lipton explained different things that we will learn about or participate in. After that, the expert panel of second graders answered questions from the first graders. Mrs. Fanning, one of the second grade teachers, came to greet us in the cafeteria. She gave us a tour of the school with her students. We saw the colored hallways. They are lemon, raspberry, watermelon, and blueberry. Our last stop was Mrs. Fanning’s class. The students in her class answered the questions that we posted on the blog. That was very helpful for us. While we were talking, Stephen’s sister and her friend came into the classroom. Madison, Stephen’s sister, had Ms. Stern AND Mrs. Fanning in first and second grade. Before the trip, Dylan A. was nervous about going to the new school. After the trip, he felt really great about TZE and is excited to go next year. Lauria thought the best part of the trip was when Mrs. Fanning’s students answered our questions. Jacob liked standing in the rotunda and looking at all of the different hallways. Hunter liked getting to see an actual second grade classroom and thought it was interesting that the classrooms have 5 walls and not 4, like us.
Before our trip, we did some careful thinking about our classmates in order to give Ms. Stern information about people that we think would be good and bad matches for us to move to second grade with. We thought of 3 people who are helpful and good for our learning. At least two of them had to be in our class. Then we had to explain why they are positive people for our learning. After that, we thought about 3 people that stop us from being the best learners. They could be our friends and tempt us to talk or not be our best listeners. Or they might be people that we don’t always get along well with. Sasha found it really easy to list the people she would like to be with. Whenever she works with them, she learns a lot and completes her work. Stephen also thought it was pretty easy thinking of people he works well with. Ms. Stern told us that she can’t make any promises that we will or will not be in a second grade class with the children that we named.
Yesterday we started reading our last chapter book of the year: The BFG, written by Roald Dahl. It’s about a big friendly giant that takes a girl named Sophie during the “witching hour” because she spotted him in the street. Today we continued reading two more chapters.
We continued working on place value during math. We are doing a lot of partner work. Today we played Building On. Each set of partners picked 1 tile out of a bag. We built that number out of linker cubes by making tens and ones. We had to keep adding one more and recording until we reach 100.
Tomorrow is Gum Day. The children are allowed to chew gum in the classroom only. There will be a bubble blowing contest in the afternoon.
Before our trip, we did some careful thinking about our classmates in order to give Ms. Stern information about people that we think would be good and bad matches for us to move to second grade with. We thought of 3 people who are helpful and good for our learning. At least two of them had to be in our class. Then we had to explain why they are positive people for our learning. After that, we thought about 3 people that stop us from being the best learners. They could be our friends and tempt us to talk or not be our best listeners. Or they might be people that we don’t always get along well with. Sasha found it really easy to list the people she would like to be with. Whenever she works with them, she learns a lot and completes her work. Stephen also thought it was pretty easy thinking of people he works well with. Ms. Stern told us that she can’t make any promises that we will or will not be in a second grade class with the children that we named.
Yesterday we started reading our last chapter book of the year: The BFG, written by Roald Dahl. It’s about a big friendly giant that takes a girl named Sophie during the “witching hour” because she spotted him in the street. Today we continued reading two more chapters.
We continued working on place value during math. We are doing a lot of partner work. Today we played Building On. Each set of partners picked 1 tile out of a bag. We built that number out of linker cubes by making tens and ones. We had to keep adding one more and recording until we reach 100.
Tomorrow is Gum Day. The children are allowed to chew gum in the classroom only. There will be a bubble blowing contest in the afternoon.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Today was New Name Day in our classroom. Everyone picked a new name just for today. Ms. Stern gave us nametags to wear. These were our new names for today: Maggie, Adam, Taylor, Owen, Michael M., Madden, Mia, Posada, Jennifer, Steve, Bob, Jade, Jenna, Sam, Jake, Michael, Maddy, Megan, Nicholas, and Katie. It was confusing for some kids because some people chose names of kids in the class. So when Ms. Stern called Adam, Steve, or Megan, the kids with those names thought she was talking to them. We ended up having two Michaels. Some kids had trouble spelling their new names, especially when their nametags came off. Katie liked New Name Day because she didn’t have to get confused by all of the Dylans that we usually have. Sam was excited that she got to pick her name.
Sasha and Sarah’s moms came in to help us with our Field Day shirts. We learned two different ways to tie dye. The first way was by folding the shirt and the other way was twisting it. We used rubber bands to hold the shirts in place. They will make stripes or swirls on our shirts. Next, we had to dunk our shirts into water and then squeeze out the extra water. The last step for today was to put it in the red dye and then put the shirt into bags with our names on them. After they have had a chance to set, we are going to continue to decorate them. Once we finished with our shirts, everyone had snack and then had time to read in their book bags.
After lunch we went to the library for our last book exchange. We went into the computer lab and played Pigeon games that were on Mo Willems’ website. Half the class was in the lab while the other class picked out books. If we picked out our books and still had time, we could draw our own picture of the pigeon or work on another paper.
We had P.E. this afternoon. When we got to the gym, Coach Seeney couldn’t believe that our names were switched right after he finally learned our real ones! We played Crocodile. Then we played Clean Up Your Room. Coach Hudson sometimes jokes with us that he will take the winning team (with the least amount of stuff in their room) that he will take them to Toys R Us or for ice cream. Ms. Stern came in towards the end and started to play, too.
We finally got to do our 100 facts after we returned from specials and had time to pack up. Tomorrow is our trip to TZE. We will be learning about the school, second grade, and the people who work there. We’re also going to be going into Mrs. Fanning’s class to talk to the kids and find out what second grade is really like. Remember to leave your questions on the blog for the children to answer!
Sasha and Sarah’s moms came in to help us with our Field Day shirts. We learned two different ways to tie dye. The first way was by folding the shirt and the other way was twisting it. We used rubber bands to hold the shirts in place. They will make stripes or swirls on our shirts. Next, we had to dunk our shirts into water and then squeeze out the extra water. The last step for today was to put it in the red dye and then put the shirt into bags with our names on them. After they have had a chance to set, we are going to continue to decorate them. Once we finished with our shirts, everyone had snack and then had time to read in their book bags.
After lunch we went to the library for our last book exchange. We went into the computer lab and played Pigeon games that were on Mo Willems’ website. Half the class was in the lab while the other class picked out books. If we picked out our books and still had time, we could draw our own picture of the pigeon or work on another paper.
We had P.E. this afternoon. When we got to the gym, Coach Seeney couldn’t believe that our names were switched right after he finally learned our real ones! We played Crocodile. Then we played Clean Up Your Room. Coach Hudson sometimes jokes with us that he will take the winning team (with the least amount of stuff in their room) that he will take them to Toys R Us or for ice cream. Ms. Stern came in towards the end and started to play, too.
We finally got to do our 100 facts after we returned from specials and had time to pack up. Tomorrow is our trip to TZE. We will be learning about the school, second grade, and the people who work there. We’re also going to be going into Mrs. Fanning’s class to talk to the kids and find out what second grade is really like. Remember to leave your questions on the blog for the children to answer!
Friday, May 28, 2010
June Activities
Dear Families and Students:
The end of the year is upon us and June is always a fun month of events for our class. Below, please find a listing of what we are planning and how you can help. Please let our class parents, Evan and Lenora, know ASAP what you can do to help.
Thank you in advance for making these special days possible!
Sincerely,
Randi Stern
Field Day Prep: (Tues. June 2)
We will be tye dyeing shirts on Tuesday and could use parents to come help. Time TBD.
-Volunteers 1 per table/4 in all - Lenora and Evan are 2, we need 2 more
-4 packages of assorted Sharpie colored markers to decorate the shirts
Field Day: (Fri. June 4)
-water bottles for the children labeled with their names-taken care of by Lisa Mapeli (thank you)
-a cooler with ice to keep water bottles in - Lenora is handling from class funds
-blankets for the children to sit on in our lane- Lenora has 2, we need 2 more
DeWint House: (Wed. June 9)
We will be WALKING to and from the DeWint house in enhance our history studies of the USA. In order to ensure safety for all, we need to have 6-7 parents join us for the walk and the trip. We will be leaving at either 9:00 or 9:30 (TBD).
Since it is likely to be hot, we need water and a snack. Gallons jugs of water, a cooler, and cups would be helpful in providing a cold drink after our walk. This would need to be dropped off at the DeWint House prior to our arrival.
Beach Day: (Thurs. June 17)
-filled water balloons (weather permitting-about 50 in all)
- any beach games and beach balls you have would be wecome
Father's Day Breakfast: (Fri. June 18)
-2 dozen assorted bagels cut in half
-2 dozen plain bagels cut in half
-cream cheese, butter
-optional: fruit, mini muffins, coffee, etc.
I have paper goods already and will take care of drinks.
Sundae on Monday: (Mon. June 21)
-2-3 kinds of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, and either cookie dough or cookies and cream are safe bets)
-whipped cream
-one of the following: hot fudge/chocolate syrup/hard shell
-sprinkles - NOTHING WITH NUTS
-bowls and spoons
-1-2 parents to help with serving
-optional: M&Ms, maraschino cherries, crushed Oreos, etc. - NOTHING WITH NUTS
I have one ice cream scoop. A second (or third) would be helpful.
Year In Review: (Wed. June 23)
Everyone is invited to attend the Year in Review. - We are looking for a tech savvy parent who can help with the production of cd labels and/or jewel case covers.
The end of the year is upon us and June is always a fun month of events for our class. Below, please find a listing of what we are planning and how you can help. Please let our class parents, Evan and Lenora, know ASAP what you can do to help.
Thank you in advance for making these special days possible!
Sincerely,
Randi Stern
Field Day Prep: (Tues. June 2)
We will be tye dyeing shirts on Tuesday and could use parents to come help. Time TBD.
-Volunteers 1 per table/4 in all - Lenora and Evan are 2, we need 2 more
-4 packages of assorted Sharpie colored markers to decorate the shirts
Field Day: (Fri. June 4)
-water bottles for the children labeled with their names-taken care of by Lisa Mapeli (thank you)
-a cooler with ice to keep water bottles in - Lenora is handling from class funds
-blankets for the children to sit on in our lane- Lenora has 2, we need 2 more
DeWint House: (Wed. June 9)
We will be WALKING to and from the DeWint house in enhance our history studies of the USA. In order to ensure safety for all, we need to have 6-7 parents join us for the walk and the trip. We will be leaving at either 9:00 or 9:30 (TBD).
Since it is likely to be hot, we need water and a snack. Gallons jugs of water, a cooler, and cups would be helpful in providing a cold drink after our walk. This would need to be dropped off at the DeWint House prior to our arrival.
Beach Day: (Thurs. June 17)
-filled water balloons (weather permitting-about 50 in all)
- any beach games and beach balls you have would be wecome
Father's Day Breakfast: (Fri. June 18)
-2 dozen assorted bagels cut in half
-2 dozen plain bagels cut in half
-cream cheese, butter
-optional: fruit, mini muffins, coffee, etc.
I have paper goods already and will take care of drinks.
Sundae on Monday: (Mon. June 21)
-2-3 kinds of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, and either cookie dough or cookies and cream are safe bets)
-whipped cream
-one of the following: hot fudge/chocolate syrup/hard shell
-sprinkles - NOTHING WITH NUTS
-bowls and spoons
-1-2 parents to help with serving
-optional: M&Ms, maraschino cherries, crushed Oreos, etc. - NOTHING WITH NUTS
I have one ice cream scoop. A second (or third) would be helpful.
Year In Review: (Wed. June 23)
Everyone is invited to attend the Year in Review. - We are looking for a tech savvy parent who can help with the production of cd labels and/or jewel case covers.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
This morning was our music showcase. It started at 9:15. Adam and Lauria got to play the big instruments. Sasha, Nancy, Jacob, Victoria, Dylan M, Anthony, Drew, Sasha and Eesha played the metalophones and xylophones. Emma, Meaghan, Hunter, Amanda, Anthony D., Stephen, Sarah, Dylan A., and Arlo played the glockenspiels. Anthony thought the funniest part was when one of the kids called out the song that we were playing. Adam was happy that his mom, grandma, and grandpa could come. Eesha’s favorite part was singing the Stop Polluting song.
After the music showcase, we came back to the room. We stopped to get drinks first. Then we reviewed some of the big ideas that we learned about mealworms and life cycles. Ms. Stern told us that we’re going to be learning about another life cycle that didn’t include animals or insects: plants. We let our brains do a lot of talking by writing down all of the information that we know about plants. Some kids knew a lot and others knew a little bit. Next, we thought about questions that we had or things that we want to learn about plants.
Sarah shared some of her travel journal from her trip to Savannah, Georgia. She had the funnest time ever! During the long car ride, Sarah wrote in her journal just like Junie B. Jones did in Aloha-ha-ha.
After art, we came back to the classroom to pack up like we usually do. Ms. Stern warned us that kids who were talking would be very upset. We were going to have a surprise but she wouldn’t tell us what it was. Kids kept trying to figure out what it was. We ended up going to the staff lounge to sit in the air conditioning to cool down for a little bit. Ms. Stern told us that there was a second surprise somewhere in the room. After a few guesses, we finally figured out that it might be in the freezer…and it was! We ate ice pops while Ms. Stern read two more chapters of Junie B. Jones: Captain of Field Day. Lauria had fun eating the ice pop and reading more of the Junie B. book. Sasha was so happy. She thought she was going to eat it in two seconds!
Yesterday, Adam was sitting at Ms. Stern’s computer researching the weather in China. He saw a spider near the computer. Ms. Stern caught it and put it in a container. Everyone wanted to know what the spider looked like and what type it was. After doing some research, we think that we discovered that it is a jumping spider. At the end of the day, lots of kids wanted to take it home to keep. Unfortunately, Ms. Stern said no. The very active spider is our new addition!
Speaking of new additions…our beetle eggs have begun to emerge! We have teensy tiny mealworm larvae that continue our life cycle!
Stay cool!
After the music showcase, we came back to the room. We stopped to get drinks first. Then we reviewed some of the big ideas that we learned about mealworms and life cycles. Ms. Stern told us that we’re going to be learning about another life cycle that didn’t include animals or insects: plants. We let our brains do a lot of talking by writing down all of the information that we know about plants. Some kids knew a lot and others knew a little bit. Next, we thought about questions that we had or things that we want to learn about plants.
Sarah shared some of her travel journal from her trip to Savannah, Georgia. She had the funnest time ever! During the long car ride, Sarah wrote in her journal just like Junie B. Jones did in Aloha-ha-ha.
After art, we came back to the classroom to pack up like we usually do. Ms. Stern warned us that kids who were talking would be very upset. We were going to have a surprise but she wouldn’t tell us what it was. Kids kept trying to figure out what it was. We ended up going to the staff lounge to sit in the air conditioning to cool down for a little bit. Ms. Stern told us that there was a second surprise somewhere in the room. After a few guesses, we finally figured out that it might be in the freezer…and it was! We ate ice pops while Ms. Stern read two more chapters of Junie B. Jones: Captain of Field Day. Lauria had fun eating the ice pop and reading more of the Junie B. book. Sasha was so happy. She thought she was going to eat it in two seconds!
Yesterday, Adam was sitting at Ms. Stern’s computer researching the weather in China. He saw a spider near the computer. Ms. Stern caught it and put it in a container. Everyone wanted to know what the spider looked like and what type it was. After doing some research, we think that we discovered that it is a jumping spider. At the end of the day, lots of kids wanted to take it home to keep. Unfortunately, Ms. Stern said no. The very active spider is our new addition!
Speaking of new additions…our beetle eggs have begun to emerge! We have teensy tiny mealworm larvae that continue our life cycle!
Stay cool!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Ms. Stern read us a story called Alfie the Apostrophe. We reviewed contractions and came up with examples. Next, we played Treasure Trove Contractions. Finally, we learned a new poem written by Jack Prelutsky.
Mrs. Costello and Mrs. Healey stopped by. They are second grade teachers who were here for a meeting with some of the first grade teachers. Some kids knew them already.
During math we played a game called Exactly 50. Everyone had to draw a shape on their paper that they thought would hold 50 of their treasures. We then made groups of ten, circled them, and recorded how many in all. Ms. Stern warned everyone to wait to see their treasure before drawing their shape. Most people drew shapes that had space for less than 50 treasures. Some of the treasures were: peas, buttons, eraser tops, creepy crawlers, pom poms, screws, paper clips, and dice. Then we played Shark Numbers.
In P.E., we practiced the races for Field Day. We did the junk race first. Everyone has to carry the jump rope, bean bag, block, bowling pin, and football to one hula hoop. The next person has to carry it all to a different hula hoop. After that, we did the football race. The trick to handing it off to the next person is how we hold our hands if we are waiting to get the football. Sarah’s favorite race was the chicken race. It was easy compared to the other races. Anthony D. liked the football race because it felt like he was in a real football game.
We continued to work on our ABC books. Some children finished brainstorming all of their words and facts today. Amanda likes being able to choose her own ideas in any order. She thinks X, Y, and Z are the hardest.
Mrs. Costello and Mrs. Healey stopped by. They are second grade teachers who were here for a meeting with some of the first grade teachers. Some kids knew them already.
During math we played a game called Exactly 50. Everyone had to draw a shape on their paper that they thought would hold 50 of their treasures. We then made groups of ten, circled them, and recorded how many in all. Ms. Stern warned everyone to wait to see their treasure before drawing their shape. Most people drew shapes that had space for less than 50 treasures. Some of the treasures were: peas, buttons, eraser tops, creepy crawlers, pom poms, screws, paper clips, and dice. Then we played Shark Numbers.
In P.E., we practiced the races for Field Day. We did the junk race first. Everyone has to carry the jump rope, bean bag, block, bowling pin, and football to one hula hoop. The next person has to carry it all to a different hula hoop. After that, we did the football race. The trick to handing it off to the next person is how we hold our hands if we are waiting to get the football. Sarah’s favorite race was the chicken race. It was easy compared to the other races. Anthony D. liked the football race because it felt like he was in a real football game.
We continued to work on our ABC books. Some children finished brainstorming all of their words and facts today. Amanda likes being able to choose her own ideas in any order. She thinks X, Y, and Z are the hardest.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
We started our day with only 15 kids! Stephen and Eesha came late so we ended up having 17 kids in all. We wrote in our journals and got new jobs.
There wasn’t a pre-test this morning. We learned about contractions. Contractions are a shortened combination of two words. You make a contraction by taking out some letters and including an apostrophe in their place. We saw this video from Between the Lions before making a list of contractions together.
We did our 100 facts again today. Lots of people are working on subtraction. Many people think they beat their best score today. After that, we played a game called The Bigger the Better. We worked with our partner from last week. Each player got a set of cards numbered from 0-9. Each player puts down one card from their set and then another and records on their paper. Both people make the biggest number from the two digits they drew. The higher two digit number gets circled and you start again. After 10 times, we figured out how many times both people made the bigger number. Nancy and Drew both ended up drawing the same exact numbers. The same thing happened to Amanda and Ms. Stern! Arlo realized that you can’t always get the number you wanted. Hunter liked when he got 9, 8, or 7 because they are the highest numbers and you win a lot. Emma didn’t like getting the 0 because you can’t make any tens with it.
After math, we went to specials. We had music and practiced for the music showcase on Wednesday. Everyone sat with an instrument: xylophone, metalophone, or a glockenspiel. Mrs. Fox had people at each instrument play a different note. We played tas and ti tis. Then we tried playing songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb. When our regular specials time ended, we took a quick break and then Ms. Beglin’s class came for us to rehearse together. Stephen likes playing the metalophone the most because you can hear the notes better. Anthony D. also likes playing the metalophone because he makes different sounds. Nancy thinks it’s so fun playing the big xylophone because you get to stand up when you play it.
Please remember to send in t-shirts for Field Day. Our class is Stern’s Speedy Kids. Also, there is a new blog question up now about questions we have about second grade or going to TZE.
There wasn’t a pre-test this morning. We learned about contractions. Contractions are a shortened combination of two words. You make a contraction by taking out some letters and including an apostrophe in their place. We saw this video from Between the Lions before making a list of contractions together.
We did our 100 facts again today. Lots of people are working on subtraction. Many people think they beat their best score today. After that, we played a game called The Bigger the Better. We worked with our partner from last week. Each player got a set of cards numbered from 0-9. Each player puts down one card from their set and then another and records on their paper. Both people make the biggest number from the two digits they drew. The higher two digit number gets circled and you start again. After 10 times, we figured out how many times both people made the bigger number. Nancy and Drew both ended up drawing the same exact numbers. The same thing happened to Amanda and Ms. Stern! Arlo realized that you can’t always get the number you wanted. Hunter liked when he got 9, 8, or 7 because they are the highest numbers and you win a lot. Emma didn’t like getting the 0 because you can’t make any tens with it.
After math, we went to specials. We had music and practiced for the music showcase on Wednesday. Everyone sat with an instrument: xylophone, metalophone, or a glockenspiel. Mrs. Fox had people at each instrument play a different note. We played tas and ti tis. Then we tried playing songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb. When our regular specials time ended, we took a quick break and then Ms. Beglin’s class came for us to rehearse together. Stephen likes playing the metalophone the most because you can hear the notes better. Anthony D. also likes playing the metalophone because he makes different sounds. Nancy thinks it’s so fun playing the big xylophone because you get to stand up when you play it.
Please remember to send in t-shirts for Field Day. Our class is Stern’s Speedy Kids. Also, there is a new blog question up now about questions we have about second grade or going to TZE.
Blog Challenge: Questions about TZE
On June 2nd, we will be going to TZE to get a tour of the school, meet some of the teachers, and spend some time with students in a second grade classroom. In the comments section below, please write at least 2 questions that you have about TZE or second grade. Feel free to write as many questions as you have. They might be about the building, teachers, homework, playground, work, or anything else that you're wondering, excited, or nervous about. As usual, please remember to use your first name or initials only!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Today is voting day. Adam wanted to know who gets to vote and what people vote for. Ms. Stern explained that people vote for the budget (how money is spent), the Board of Education (a group of people who make rules for all of the schools), and money saved for projects like fixing the roofs so they don’t leak. Remember to vote!
We reviewed our –ow vs. –ow/ou list from yesterday and added a few more words to each side. Then we played a spelling game on a website. After that, we learned a new poem called Howard the Hound. We highlighted ow and ou words and then started rereading the other poems in our poetry journals (starting at the back and working our way forward).
Sarah’s tooth came out! It was practically hanging out. She said she wanted to keep it in until she got home but, as Ms. Stern suspected, the tooth didn’t want to wait! It came out right away!
Last week we talked about the oil spill that took place in Louisiana. Ms. Stern finished reading us a book called Oil Spill by Melvin Berger. We learned about how and why oil spills take place and different ways to clean them up. We also learned about how to use less oil. We looked at photos online of the water, birds being cleaned, people who were sad or unhappy about the situation, and beaches that have oil and tar washing up on the shoreline. Eesha suggested that we write letters to our senators like the book suggested.
We had art today. Mrs. S. was our substitute. She read us a book called The Art Teacher from the Black Lagoon. Everyone drew a picture of the art teacher doing different things. Nancy’s picture was of her putting two kids in a poster. Meaghan drew the art teacher locking the kids in a picture frame.
In math, we first went over the homework. Then, everyone worked as number explorers! Partners could choose to use a 100 board or not. Everyone also got a bag of number tiles. We worked together to match the number tiles on the right spot on the 100 board. People found different ways to work.
At the end, we shared our thinking, noticings, and observations:
*If you count to 100 with tiles, the 10s will go to 100 and they all end with 0. All the 9s in the column end with a 9 and it keeps going. –Adam
*We looked for 7s at the end and we noticed they are all in a row. –Victoria and Dylan A.
*You can sort by the end numbers. –Sasha and Eesha
*The 100 board doesn’t have 0 but you can always put it next to the 1. –Jacob, Hunter, Emma
*You can turn a 6 into an 8 by adding a 0 to the top. -Lauria
We’ve been reading lots of different ABC books. They are about holidays, people, places, animals, and insects. We had a conversation to figure out whether or not they are non-fiction. Today we read more ABC books. We reviewed our thinking from yesterday about our school (A is for art. In art, we create things using different materials. Mrs. Piteo is our art teacher. We go to the art room in the front of the school. B is for bathroom. There are two bathrooms in first grade. Kids shouldn’t scream in there. Responsible kids use the bathroom, wash their hands, and walk nicely back to their classrooms. C is for Charlie CAPS. Charlie is a bear introduced to the kids by Mrs. O’Donnell. CAPS classes are kind and caring, asking lots of questions, positive, and smile often. They earn marbles by making good choices. When a class earns 50 marbles, they get a Charlie CAPS party!) We started making our own books working by ourselves or with a partner. Everyone is brainstorming words that start with each letter of the alphabet that have to do with William O. Schaefer School or our classroom. Sarah chose to work alone because she thought it would be easier and she wouldn’t be distracted. She didn’t go in alphabetical order and thought it was the easiest thing she could ever do in her life! Jacob worked with Dylan A. They thought it was really hard. They wanted to use different words for the letter E. After discussing their choices, Jacob agreed to go with Dylan’s word, expression, since there was more to explain. Hunter enjoyed working on the ABC book and is excited to work on it again.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Blog Challenge: Non-fiction Facts/Features
We are continuing our study of non-fiction reading and writing. Remember this trick that we learned about telling the difference between fiction and non-fiction:
Rule: You can only say no once.
Rule: You can only say no once.
Fiction = not trueNonfiction = true
Non-fiction=not true can't be.
Non-fiction=not true can't be.
There are 2 "no"s!
In the comments section below, please:-Share the name of 1 non-fiction book that you read at home this week. Include 3 new facts that you learn. Identify 3 features that the book has. Remember, facts are the true statements that can be checked (the information that you learn). Features are the parts of the book that help you get the information (ex. table of contents, photographs, captions, labels, diagrams, maps, glossary, bold print, italics, index, etc.).Please use your first name only or your initials! Happy reading!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010/Trip Reminders
This morning we reread Listen to the Wind, the story about a man who helped a small town in Pakistan build a school. After that we read the responses from Mrs. McBride's questions that were posted as an earlier blog challenge. We discussed why Dr. Greg shared his story and believes that education is so important to help the world. We thought about ourselves and our school. Everyone made a quilt square that shows: our name (written as fancy as we’d like), our school, our favorite subject to learn about, someone special in our school, and a way that people help each other here. Even though our schools and kids here are different from children in Korphe, we want to learn and work hard to do so. We also have special people who make our school a great place to learn and grow.
During math, we reviewed using inch rulers. Everyone chose a partner and had to search around the room for objects that were 1 inch to 12 inches in size. Stephen thought that finding smaller stuff was harder than finding bigger stuff. Arlo kept on finding objects that were about 3 and 6 inches!
We had art today. We started making pictures of funny faces called caricatures. The way that you make one is by drawing a really big head and a really small body. Then, you choose a silly face. Nancy made an angry face on a body that was the size of a mouse! Sasha made a happy face with a very big mouth. Her background was outside. We think we will finish working on them next time.
We talked about tomorrow’s trip to the Museum of Natural History. We finished looking at all of the exhibits that we are going to see on the interactive map. Then saw a few minutes of a video that showed some of the dinosaur fossils there. We talked about the rules and expectations for our trip. Safety is SO important! Everyone understands and agrees that we need to be by our assigned adult’s side for the entire trip. We will only touch things that we are told we may touch, walk quietly and slowly to learn and observe the objects around us, and do some great thinking! After our discussion, we worked with partners to record some of our wonderings or questions about things at the museum.
Hunter/Eesha/Nancy: Why is it called the Museum of Natural History? Is there a section about monkeys?
Amanda/Adam/Sasha: How did they get the blue whale there? How big is it?
Jacob/Lauria: Where did they find the dinosaur bones? What are the animals stuffed with?
Stephen/Emma: What is the biggest dinosaur? How many dinosaurs have been discovered?
Victoria/Dylan M.: Why are dinosaurs extinct?
Meghan/Drew: How old are the dinosaurs?
Sarah/Dylan: How many bones are in the big blue whale?
Dylan A./Anthony: Where do the things in the museum come from?
**Please remember to have your child wear his/her SOCES t-shirt or a red shirt on the trip and pack a bagged, disposable lunch as well as a small, quick and easy snack. Additionally, in order to be fair to all of the children, no one is allowed to visit the gift shop during our time together at the museum.
Parents, I will be forming groups based on the response forms that I received last week. Please alert me of any changes. Chaperones may meet us at school and follow the buses or go directly there. Remember to ask about discounted parking and admission for accompanying school groups. We should be arriving at the Museum of Natural History around 10:00 a.m. Thanks!
During math, we reviewed using inch rulers. Everyone chose a partner and had to search around the room for objects that were 1 inch to 12 inches in size. Stephen thought that finding smaller stuff was harder than finding bigger stuff. Arlo kept on finding objects that were about 3 and 6 inches!
We had art today. We started making pictures of funny faces called caricatures. The way that you make one is by drawing a really big head and a really small body. Then, you choose a silly face. Nancy made an angry face on a body that was the size of a mouse! Sasha made a happy face with a very big mouth. Her background was outside. We think we will finish working on them next time.
We talked about tomorrow’s trip to the Museum of Natural History. We finished looking at all of the exhibits that we are going to see on the interactive map. Then saw a few minutes of a video that showed some of the dinosaur fossils there. We talked about the rules and expectations for our trip. Safety is SO important! Everyone understands and agrees that we need to be by our assigned adult’s side for the entire trip. We will only touch things that we are told we may touch, walk quietly and slowly to learn and observe the objects around us, and do some great thinking! After our discussion, we worked with partners to record some of our wonderings or questions about things at the museum.
Hunter/Eesha/Nancy: Why is it called the Museum of Natural History? Is there a section about monkeys?
Amanda/Adam/Sasha: How did they get the blue whale there? How big is it?
Jacob/Lauria: Where did they find the dinosaur bones? What are the animals stuffed with?
Stephen/Emma: What is the biggest dinosaur? How many dinosaurs have been discovered?
Victoria/Dylan M.: Why are dinosaurs extinct?
Meghan/Drew: How old are the dinosaurs?
Sarah/Dylan: How many bones are in the big blue whale?
Dylan A./Anthony: Where do the things in the museum come from?
**Please remember to have your child wear his/her SOCES t-shirt or a red shirt on the trip and pack a bagged, disposable lunch as well as a small, quick and easy snack. Additionally, in order to be fair to all of the children, no one is allowed to visit the gift shop during our time together at the museum.
Parents, I will be forming groups based on the response forms that I received last week. Please alert me of any changes. Chaperones may meet us at school and follow the buses or go directly there. Remember to ask about discounted parking and admission for accompanying school groups. We should be arriving at the Museum of Natural History around 10:00 a.m. Thanks!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Yesterday was our Mother’s Day celebration. We greeted our mothers at the door and showed them to their seats. Next, we got them food to eat and drinks. After our guests were served, we got to take food for ourselves. Ms. Stern called the kids to the rug. We recited a poem called I’m Trying So Hard. After that, we played our guessing game. Everyone took turns reading clues that the kids wrote. Moms had to think about the clues and look at the portraits. They had to guess whose mom it was. All of the moms correctly identified their kids’ work. Moms laughed at some of the funny clues. After the celebration, we learned that some of our clues that we wrote weren’t totally accurate. Eesha’s mom grew up in Bombay and worked in Germany. Emma’s mom was born in Amsterdam and not London (but she thought they were the same). Stephen’s mom really had 6 dogs and not 4. Sarah’s mom actually eats a lot and she had 8 cats and not 17. Dylan’s mom was born in Staten Island and not Italy. Emma thought the afternoon went pretty good and it was SO MUCH fun! Her favorite part was playing the game. Sarah really liked serving her mom. Hunter enjoyed the movie of our thank you letters. Everyone laughed because some people sounded louder than others.
Here are some photos of us and our special guests:
During math, we got timed ordering the days of the week and months of the year. Three people got to try each activity. Anthony was the fastest when sequencing the days of the week. He put them in the correct order in 12 seconds. Lauria ordered the months of the year in 33 seconds. Tomorrow, more children will have a chance to beat our current class records. We also reviewed measuring by comparing (longest, shortest, tallest, etc.), using linker cubes, paper clips, and rulers. Hunter realized that measuring two amounts and combining them was just like adding! We went to P.E. We played Rugrat Tag. Lauria, Nancy, and Amanda got to be Lil and Phil. That meant that they were baby rescuers. Meaghan liked when she got to blindfold her partner to give directions. We looked at an interactive map of the Museum of Natural History today. We located many of the exhibits that we will be seeing on Thursday and learned a little bit about them. The map can be seen here. We finished reading Junie B: Boss of Lunch. Amanda thinks that Junie B. is crazy and she doesn’t listen well. She needs better manners. Stephen thinks she tries to be good…it just doesn’t work out.
Here are some photos of us and our special guests:
During math, we got timed ordering the days of the week and months of the year. Three people got to try each activity. Anthony was the fastest when sequencing the days of the week. He put them in the correct order in 12 seconds. Lauria ordered the months of the year in 33 seconds. Tomorrow, more children will have a chance to beat our current class records. We also reviewed measuring by comparing (longest, shortest, tallest, etc.), using linker cubes, paper clips, and rulers. Hunter realized that measuring two amounts and combining them was just like adding! We went to P.E. We played Rugrat Tag. Lauria, Nancy, and Amanda got to be Lil and Phil. That meant that they were baby rescuers. Meaghan liked when she got to blindfold her partner to give directions. We looked at an interactive map of the Museum of Natural History today. We located many of the exhibits that we will be seeing on Thursday and learned a little bit about them. The map can be seen here. We finished reading Junie B: Boss of Lunch. Amanda thinks that Junie B. is crazy and she doesn’t listen well. She needs better manners. Stephen thinks she tries to be good…it just doesn’t work out.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
We had an assembly called Gems Rock. We learned about special kinds of rocks and minerals. We learned lots of neat information. Objects all around our homes are made from rocks and minerals. For example, toothpaste has minerals in it that come from rocks in the earth. Windows, electronics, toilets, and roofs are also made from objects in the earth. We also learned that a purple gemstone (amethyst) will change colors and become orange-ish (citrine) if it is next to a heat source. Potassium is an important mineral that is helpful for our bodies. Some people were called up to try different experiments. One child got to go up and lick his finger, touch the rock, and lick his finger again. It tasted salty! It turns out that the rock in his hand was the same mineral used to make salt.
Another child from our class also got to participate in an experiment. She put her hand in a tub. When we saw her hand, it had something white on it. We got a clue that it was something you might put on a baby’s bottom. She thought it might be chalk. It ended up being talc (used to make baby powder).
At the end of the assembly all of the classes lined up by a bin and got to sort through lots and lots of stones. We each picked two to keep.
When we came back to the classroom, Ms. Stern showed us the chart on the Dinosaurs Rock website to try to identify the stones that we picked.
We played Star Wars during P.E. Coach Hudson picked someone to be a Jedi. Hunter, Sasha, Dylan, Adam, and Dylan M. were picked to be Jedis. The Jedi goes on the orange dot (home base). When Coach Hudson says, “Never smoke!” the other people in the class run to pick up the balls on the floor and throw them to the other team across the gym. If the Jedi comes off of the orange dot, the other team can try to get him by hitting him with the soft ball. That earns the other team a point. Saying “Good luck” before the game or showing good sportsmanship will also earn a team points. Our class beat Mr. Gunther’s class 5-1. Sweepers are people who sweep the balls to either side of the gym. Dylan A., Lauria, Nancy, and Emma were sweepers for our class.
We began working a secret project that our moms will find out more about next week. Everyone is doing their best work, even though we can’t say what we’re doing our best work on!
Another child from our class also got to participate in an experiment. She put her hand in a tub. When we saw her hand, it had something white on it. We got a clue that it was something you might put on a baby’s bottom. She thought it might be chalk. It ended up being talc (used to make baby powder).
At the end of the assembly all of the classes lined up by a bin and got to sort through lots and lots of stones. We each picked two to keep.
When we came back to the classroom, Ms. Stern showed us the chart on the Dinosaurs Rock website to try to identify the stones that we picked.
We played Star Wars during P.E. Coach Hudson picked someone to be a Jedi. Hunter, Sasha, Dylan, Adam, and Dylan M. were picked to be Jedis. The Jedi goes on the orange dot (home base). When Coach Hudson says, “Never smoke!” the other people in the class run to pick up the balls on the floor and throw them to the other team across the gym. If the Jedi comes off of the orange dot, the other team can try to get him by hitting him with the soft ball. That earns the other team a point. Saying “Good luck” before the game or showing good sportsmanship will also earn a team points. Our class beat Mr. Gunther’s class 5-1. Sweepers are people who sweep the balls to either side of the gym. Dylan A., Lauria, Nancy, and Emma were sweepers for our class.
We began working a secret project that our moms will find out more about next week. Everyone is doing their best work, even though we can’t say what we’re doing our best work on!
Blog Challenge: RIF Books/Gems Rock
This week you have a choice! You decide whether you blog about Gems Rock or RIF!
Choice 1: Today we had an assembly called Gems Rock. Everyone learned about gems and minerals. We even got to dig for 2 special ones to keep! Using the chart on the website, leave a comment below telling which gemstones, rocks, or minerals you think you chose. Explain why.
OR
Choice 2: On Wednesday we will be going to RIF. What are some titles of books, series, or authors that you hope are available for kindergarteners and first graders to take? What suggestions would you make to the PTA for next year?
Choice 1: Today we had an assembly called Gems Rock. Everyone learned about gems and minerals. We even got to dig for 2 special ones to keep! Using the chart on the website, leave a comment below telling which gemstones, rocks, or minerals you think you chose. Explain why.
OR
Choice 2: On Wednesday we will be going to RIF. What are some titles of books, series, or authors that you hope are available for kindergarteners and first graders to take? What suggestions would you make to the PTA for next year?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Today we had two special Earth Day performances to attend. The first one took place this morning. It was an assembly called The Magic of Recycling. It was all about recycling and magic tricks. A man named Bob Conrad had a puppet that he pretended was his nephew. The puppet was scared of pretty girls because he thought one would kiss him. One of his first tricks was to tear a paper that said RECYCLE on it. He tore it up into lots of pieces before making it one piece of paper again! He also took two sheets of tissue paper, tore them up, and put them back together again to make a pretty hat. Throughout the performance, he would talk about the drinking water we have, pour it into a bowl to empty it, say “That’s ALL the water we have!” and come back to it a little bit more and magically empty more water into the bowl again. He showed us how to make a puppet out of a paper plate and cups. At the end of the performance, Bob chose four kids to go on stage to be part of his Latin percussion band. The instruments were made out of coffee containers, clothing detergent containers, a Pringles container, and an empty tin can.
Ms. Stern read us the Touching the Past book that we made after our trip to Philipsburg Manor. We all worked together to write the captions that explain what we saw and did on our trip. Click on the book cover below to read a copy of our book. Click and drag to turn pages or zoom in for a closer look.
During Reader’s Workshop, Ms. Stern told us which groups we will be in for our non-fiction research. We’ve been learning about features of non-fiction. This week we will begin studying a topic of our choosing. Today we practiced reading text and putting the information that we learned into our own words. That’s important because it’s not right to copy information that other people wrote. The other reason we don’t copy is because we have to understand in order to put ideas into our own words. It’s the evidence that we understood what we read.
After lunch we worked on math. Ms. Stern asked us to complete math problems to show our learning. There were addition and subtraction problems and word problems. It was easy solving the problems. It was trickier to explain our thinking and tell how we use strategies.
In P.E. we played a game about recycling. There were a bunch of bean bags in the middle of the gym. 1 person at a time would grab a bean bag and put it in our hula hoops. There were three or four people in a team. After that, we played a game with a gigantic red inflatable ball that is bigger than either of the coaches. The game was kind of like soccer. Two people from each side worked together to try to move the ball into their goal at the end of the gym. It was hard to push because the people on the other team were pushing against us. The team that got the ball to their goal earned a point. After each round we had to shake hands with our opponents.
At the end of the day we went to our second Earth Day performance. It was put on by Ms. Berube, Ms. Ferzola, and Mrs. Goldstein’s classes. They sang songs like This Pretty Planet, Stop Polluting, and The 3Rs. The kids also recited poems. One of them was called Earth Day. We put the same poem in our poetry journals yesterday! Everyone did a great job. We decided to email the classes when we came back to the classroom to say thank you for inviting us rather than write on the chart paper to try to make less waste by saving resources.
Don’t forget: tomorrow is Earth Day! 40 beautifully decorated bags from our class (along with hundreds more from all of the other classes) are being brought to Shoprite in Northvale to give to customers for their groceries tomorrow.
Ms. Stern read us the Touching the Past book that we made after our trip to Philipsburg Manor. We all worked together to write the captions that explain what we saw and did on our trip. Click on the book cover below to read a copy of our book. Click and drag to turn pages or zoom in for a closer look.
During Reader’s Workshop, Ms. Stern told us which groups we will be in for our non-fiction research. We’ve been learning about features of non-fiction. This week we will begin studying a topic of our choosing. Today we practiced reading text and putting the information that we learned into our own words. That’s important because it’s not right to copy information that other people wrote. The other reason we don’t copy is because we have to understand in order to put ideas into our own words. It’s the evidence that we understood what we read.
After lunch we worked on math. Ms. Stern asked us to complete math problems to show our learning. There were addition and subtraction problems and word problems. It was easy solving the problems. It was trickier to explain our thinking and tell how we use strategies.
In P.E. we played a game about recycling. There were a bunch of bean bags in the middle of the gym. 1 person at a time would grab a bean bag and put it in our hula hoops. There were three or four people in a team. After that, we played a game with a gigantic red inflatable ball that is bigger than either of the coaches. The game was kind of like soccer. Two people from each side worked together to try to move the ball into their goal at the end of the gym. It was hard to push because the people on the other team were pushing against us. The team that got the ball to their goal earned a point. After each round we had to shake hands with our opponents.
At the end of the day we went to our second Earth Day performance. It was put on by Ms. Berube, Ms. Ferzola, and Mrs. Goldstein’s classes. They sang songs like This Pretty Planet, Stop Polluting, and The 3Rs. The kids also recited poems. One of them was called Earth Day. We put the same poem in our poetry journals yesterday! Everyone did a great job. We decided to email the classes when we came back to the classroom to say thank you for inviting us rather than write on the chart paper to try to make less waste by saving resources.
Don’t forget: tomorrow is Earth Day! 40 beautifully decorated bags from our class (along with hundreds more from all of the other classes) are being brought to Shoprite in Northvale to give to customers for their groceries tomorrow.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
The morning got off to a bad start. Even when turned on, the Smartboard looked very dark. After we finished with our morning meeting, Ms. Stern was in the middle of reading us a book when we heard a loud POP. Next thing we knew, the Smartboard was off. The light bulb in the projector went out! Ms. Stern let Mrs. Cornelius know. We are hoping that a new one comes soon so that we can start using it again.
The book that we read was called Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea.
It was a true story about a man from the United States who traveled to Pakistan to climb mountains. He got sick and lost and ended up in a town where people made clothes, food, and even toys for themselves. The kids could only go to school three days a week. Their lessons took place outside. The man, named Dr. Greg, made a promise that he would come back with supplies to build a school for the children to go to every day. He thought it was important that children be able to learn more and kept his promise by returning to the village one year later. After lots of hard work, time, and materials, the town had a brand new school for the children to learn. We realized that our lives in New York are very different from the children in but then we did more thinking and feeling (and reread Mem Fox’s book Whoever You Are) before we realized that we are also a lot like the children in Korphe and that education is very important to us all. Ms. Stern told us that Mrs. McBride, a teacher at Cottage Lane and SOMS, started a book club for kids and grown ups based on Dr. Greg’s story. She has a wiki for people to discuss the book and for other resources. This week’s blog challenge is to answer Mrs. McBride’s questions (on the blog…Ms. Stern will take care of putting them on the wiki) and to think about why building schools and providing an education will help people the most.
During Reader’s Workshop, we spent half the time reading from our non-fiction baskets. We worked on recording facts (pieces of information that we learned) and features (parts of the book that helped us to learn the facts). After 15 minutes, we switched to our book bags and continued to read independently.
In Music, we learned about the percussion family in the orchestra. Some of the instruments are: tambourine, piano, drum, and maracas. Percussion instruments have to be shaken or hit. We got to play the maracas and Mrs. Fox played the gong. Stephen thought it sounded like a karate show. Next time we will finish up the music lab.
Ms. Stern shared two stories that she wrote for Writer’s Workshop. They were both about the same topic but one was done and one was a work in progress. Most people guessed that the first story was finished and the second one was not. Most people (except for Dylan A.) were wrong! We reviewed the three parts that every good story should have: a beginning/introduction, a mighty middle, and an interesting ending. The beginning includes when, who, where, and why. The middle describes the events that happen through thoughts, words, and actions (showing, not telling!). The ending finishes the story with a thought, or feeling, and maybe a look to the future. Our job today was to go back and reread our work to make sure that our writing includes all of those things.
**From Ms. Stern: I have seen many Silly Bandz bracelets coming and going over the past few weeks. The children have been given numerous reminders to keep the bracelets on their wrists during the school day but the temptation is proving too great for many to keep from playing with them. Mrs. Fox has also experienced similar problems during specials. To minimize distractions and encourage the children to remain focused on their learning, any bracelets that are not kept on the children’s wrists (or are being played with) will be taken away. I’d rather not, but if necessary, the Silly Bandz will need to be banned. Thanks for your cooperation!
The book that we read was called Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea.
It was a true story about a man from the United States who traveled to Pakistan to climb mountains. He got sick and lost and ended up in a town where people made clothes, food, and even toys for themselves. The kids could only go to school three days a week. Their lessons took place outside. The man, named Dr. Greg, made a promise that he would come back with supplies to build a school for the children to go to every day. He thought it was important that children be able to learn more and kept his promise by returning to the village one year later. After lots of hard work, time, and materials, the town had a brand new school for the children to learn. We realized that our lives in New York are very different from the children in but then we did more thinking and feeling (and reread Mem Fox’s book Whoever You Are) before we realized that we are also a lot like the children in Korphe and that education is very important to us all. Ms. Stern told us that Mrs. McBride, a teacher at Cottage Lane and SOMS, started a book club for kids and grown ups based on Dr. Greg’s story. She has a wiki for people to discuss the book and for other resources. This week’s blog challenge is to answer Mrs. McBride’s questions (on the blog…Ms. Stern will take care of putting them on the wiki) and to think about why building schools and providing an education will help people the most.During Reader’s Workshop, we spent half the time reading from our non-fiction baskets. We worked on recording facts (pieces of information that we learned) and features (parts of the book that helped us to learn the facts). After 15 minutes, we switched to our book bags and continued to read independently.
In Music, we learned about the percussion family in the orchestra. Some of the instruments are: tambourine, piano, drum, and maracas. Percussion instruments have to be shaken or hit. We got to play the maracas and Mrs. Fox played the gong. Stephen thought it sounded like a karate show. Next time we will finish up the music lab.
Ms. Stern shared two stories that she wrote for Writer’s Workshop. They were both about the same topic but one was done and one was a work in progress. Most people guessed that the first story was finished and the second one was not. Most people (except for Dylan A.) were wrong! We reviewed the three parts that every good story should have: a beginning/introduction, a mighty middle, and an interesting ending. The beginning includes when, who, where, and why. The middle describes the events that happen through thoughts, words, and actions (showing, not telling!). The ending finishes the story with a thought, or feeling, and maybe a look to the future. Our job today was to go back and reread our work to make sure that our writing includes all of those things.
**From Ms. Stern: I have seen many Silly Bandz bracelets coming and going over the past few weeks. The children have been given numerous reminders to keep the bracelets on their wrists during the school day but the temptation is proving too great for many to keep from playing with them. Mrs. Fox has also experienced similar problems during specials. To minimize distractions and encourage the children to remain focused on their learning, any bracelets that are not kept on the children’s wrists (or are being played with) will be taken away. I’d rather not, but if necessary, the Silly Bandz will need to be banned. Thanks for your cooperation!
Blog Challenge: Listen to the Wind (Three Cups of Tea)
We read the book Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea.
Mrs. McBride, a teacher at Cottage Lane and SOMS, started a book club for kids and adults of all ages in South Orangetown. On the Three Cups of Tea wiki, she asks:
Mrs. McBride, a teacher at Cottage Lane and SOMS, started a book club for kids and adults of all ages in South Orangetown. On the Three Cups of Tea wiki, she asks:
- Why is learning important?
- What makes a school a school?
- How would you feel if you didn't have a classroom, a teacher, or a school?
In the comments section below, give your response to Mrs. McBride's discussion question(s). Also, reflect on your classmates thoughts and ideas as well. Remember to only use your first name or initials.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
After morning meeting, we went to Room 1 for an assembly called Making Friends. A woman came with different puppets to talk to us about people with disabilities. 
One of her dolls was blind and used a walking stick. 
Another was deaf and used hearing aides. 
The last one didn’t have strong legs and used a wheelchair to move around. 
We looked at photos of people who are disabled and also learned some sign language. Ms. Stern had to put a piece of wax paper over her eyes to find out what it is like to be blind. She thought everything looked very foggy and couldn’t see things clearly. Touching and hearing their voices helped Ms. Stern to identify Anthony and Dylan. When we came back to the classroom we talked more about people with disabilities. We will remember to smile, say hello, or invite people to play with us…with or without disabilities.
We counted each of the containers of mealworms again. Before vacation we separated them into 3 groups: mealworms, pupae, and beetles.
We are charting our data by checking each container and recording our findings. 
This afternoon we had to go outside. An announcement was made that we were having a silent fire drill. Everyone walked outside like we usually do. After a while, we started walking towards the field where we have Field Day and everyone sat in a line. Lauria, Adam, and Amanda found a worm on the ground. Ms. Stern asked us to get into groups. Each group began telling stories by adding one word or one sentence. Then we started thinking of different groups: things that are yellow, words that start with b (or other letters). After that, we played Detective. Meaghan, Sasha, Stephen, Hunter, Sarah, Amanda, Jacob, Eesha, Adam, and Ms. Stern all had a turn being the detective. After a really long time, we walked back to the school. At the end of the day, Mrs. Polansky made an announcement explaining why were outside for so long.
Lauria’s mom came to read a story to us. She read Old Turtle.
We discussed the message of the story: no matter what your religion or your beliefs, everyone is correct. There is no right or wrong way to think. Stephen thought she was very good at reading. Sasha thought she sounded like a real storyteller.
One of her dolls was blind and used a walking stick. Another was deaf and used hearing aides. The last one didn’t have strong legs and used a wheelchair to move around. We looked at photos of people who are disabled and also learned some sign language. Ms. Stern had to put a piece of wax paper over her eyes to find out what it is like to be blind. She thought everything looked very foggy and couldn’t see things clearly. Touching and hearing their voices helped Ms. Stern to identify Anthony and Dylan. When we came back to the classroom we talked more about people with disabilities. We will remember to smile, say hello, or invite people to play with us…with or without disabilities.We counted each of the containers of mealworms again. Before vacation we separated them into 3 groups: mealworms, pupae, and beetles.
We are charting our data by checking each container and recording our findings. This afternoon we had to go outside. An announcement was made that we were having a silent fire drill. Everyone walked outside like we usually do. After a while, we started walking towards the field where we have Field Day and everyone sat in a line. Lauria, Adam, and Amanda found a worm on the ground. Ms. Stern asked us to get into groups. Each group began telling stories by adding one word or one sentence. Then we started thinking of different groups: things that are yellow, words that start with b (or other letters). After that, we played Detective. Meaghan, Sasha, Stephen, Hunter, Sarah, Amanda, Jacob, Eesha, Adam, and Ms. Stern all had a turn being the detective. After a really long time, we walked back to the school. At the end of the day, Mrs. Polansky made an announcement explaining why were outside for so long.
Lauria’s mom came to read a story to us. She read Old Turtle.
We discussed the message of the story: no matter what your religion or your beliefs, everyone is correct. There is no right or wrong way to think. Stephen thought she was very good at reading. Sasha thought she sounded like a real storyteller.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
This morning we learned a little bit about the country of Greece by sharing Flat Dylan’s journal. She went to visit her aunt. We learned about the Parthenon, a statue of Zeus, Mykonos, the Parliament, and the Olympic Games. After looking on Google Earth and sharing her journal, everyone wrote about Dylan’s trip.
Ms. Stern read with Victoria and Anthony D. during Reader’s Workshop. Everyone was working on asking questions before, during, and after reading. The Wednesday shoppers also got to shop for new books during the first five minutes.
We got to play games during math today. After we reviewed addition ideas, Ms. Stern explained the activities and choices that we had. Our choices were to play pig with 1 or 2 partners, Calculate and Color alone, Candy Count with a partner, or Adding With Doubles by ourselves. Everyone had fun reviewing addition strategies by choosing an activity that they preferred.
During Writer’s Workshop we thought about how we could add thoughts, words, and actions to our stories to make them more interesting to the reader. At the end, Stephen, Sasha, and Lauria shared their stories with the class and explained what they added today.
Ms. Stern read with Victoria and Anthony D. during Reader’s Workshop. Everyone was working on asking questions before, during, and after reading. The Wednesday shoppers also got to shop for new books during the first five minutes.
We got to play games during math today. After we reviewed addition ideas, Ms. Stern explained the activities and choices that we had. Our choices were to play pig with 1 or 2 partners, Calculate and Color alone, Candy Count with a partner, or Adding With Doubles by ourselves. Everyone had fun reviewing addition strategies by choosing an activity that they preferred.
During Writer’s Workshop we thought about how we could add thoughts, words, and actions to our stories to make them more interesting to the reader. At the end, Stephen, Sasha, and Lauria shared their stories with the class and explained what they added today.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
We started our day by attending the Jan Brett assembly to formally open Brett Boulevard, the back hallway where our classroom is. A parent helped Mrs. Piteo by using the artwork from the book The Umbrella to make a mural at the end of the main hallway. First, we watched a video of Jan talking about making the book. Then Mrs. Polansky read us the story while we looked at the pictures on a humongous screen. Afterwards, we headed to the hallway for the ribbon cutting. It was interesting to learn that it took Jan a year to write the book and Mrs. Malora and her husband over 2 months to do the artwork. It looks beautiful!
After the ribbon cutting ceremony we came back to the classroom and reviewed some of our phonics poems before learning a new one called Soaking My Toes. We used two highlighters today to find ow and oa words. Then we worked backwards in order to practice our newer poems first.
We celebrated Emma’s birthday today. She turned 7. There were vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. The icing was pink and yellow. We also had orange juice. Happy birthday Emma!
We observed the mealworms for the fourth time today. At table 1, Nancy did some really careful observing. Two of the fat things were on their plate. One was darker than the other. The children at that table noticed that the tail was moving. Nancy predicted that a baby mealworm would come out. Dylan A. thought it would get darker and darker. Lauria is predicting that it is in a chrysalis it will turn into a bug. We had a problem at table 3. After lunch, someone found a mealworm on the floor. Unfortunately, it died.
Ms. Stern shared the recording that people wrote in their mealworm journals. She noticed that the thinking taking place is different than the writing. We talked a lot about what we saw, we looked at photos on the Smartboard, we had time to observe, reviewed and made an example together. Everyone is going to work really hard to make their writing match their thinking the next time that we work and to use our time better.
Today was the first day of Gym City. The streets are named. They are Sitting Street, Tummy Turnpike, Hudson Highway, Seeney Street, and Backwards Drive. The classes split up into different stations. We use scooters to move around in different ways, depending on the streets that we are on. When we get to Station #9, we walk around and act as police to make sure that people are following the rules. One person gets to operate the traffic light. It was so much fun! Coach Hudson sprayed us with water on our way out. We are so excited to go back on Thursday!
Eesha shared her favorite website on the blog yesterday. Check out the comments section to find out what it is and to leave your own!
After the ribbon cutting ceremony we came back to the classroom and reviewed some of our phonics poems before learning a new one called Soaking My Toes. We used two highlighters today to find ow and oa words. Then we worked backwards in order to practice our newer poems first.
We celebrated Emma’s birthday today. She turned 7. There were vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. The icing was pink and yellow. We also had orange juice. Happy birthday Emma!
We observed the mealworms for the fourth time today. At table 1, Nancy did some really careful observing. Two of the fat things were on their plate. One was darker than the other. The children at that table noticed that the tail was moving. Nancy predicted that a baby mealworm would come out. Dylan A. thought it would get darker and darker. Lauria is predicting that it is in a chrysalis it will turn into a bug. We had a problem at table 3. After lunch, someone found a mealworm on the floor. Unfortunately, it died.
Ms. Stern shared the recording that people wrote in their mealworm journals. She noticed that the thinking taking place is different than the writing. We talked a lot about what we saw, we looked at photos on the Smartboard, we had time to observe, reviewed and made an example together. Everyone is going to work really hard to make their writing match their thinking the next time that we work and to use our time better.
Today was the first day of Gym City. The streets are named. They are Sitting Street, Tummy Turnpike, Hudson Highway, Seeney Street, and Backwards Drive. The classes split up into different stations. We use scooters to move around in different ways, depending on the streets that we are on. When we get to Station #9, we walk around and act as police to make sure that people are following the rules. One person gets to operate the traffic light. It was so much fun! Coach Hudson sprayed us with water on our way out. We are so excited to go back on Thursday!
Eesha shared her favorite website on the blog yesterday. Check out the comments section to find out what it is and to leave your own!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Blog Challenge #3: Your Favorites
Last week I asked everyone to check out the Primary Games website to try some spring games. This week, I am asking YOU to share a website with your classmates and me. In the comments section, please share a link to the website along with an explanation about what you do there and why it is a favorite of yours. Remember to use your FIRST NAME ONLY and share a website appropriate for other first graders! Read your classmates' posts and try some of them out for yourself. Let's see if we can make a collection of at least 10 sites to try! I'll include a few to get us started:
Robot Calculator: Robot Calculator is a game to practice addition and subtraction facts. Start off on easy before trying out the medium level.
Long Vowel Drag n' Spell: Find the long vowel combination to complete the correct spelling of the word and picture
Word Drop: This is a fast paced word game where you need to make words from tiles that drop in columns. The challenge is to progress through six levels, each with increasing levels of difficulty without allowing a column to become filled with letters
Robot Calculator: Robot Calculator is a game to practice addition and subtraction facts. Start off on easy before trying out the medium level.
Long Vowel Drag n' Spell: Find the long vowel combination to complete the correct spelling of the word and picture
Word Drop: This is a fast paced word game where you need to make words from tiles that drop in columns. The challenge is to progress through six levels, each with increasing levels of difficulty without allowing a column to become filled with letters
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
St. Patrick's Day: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
This morning we reviewed our adjective activity from yesterday. Everyone came up with words that described us and school. Ms. Stern took our words and put them on the Smartboard. We looked at them and found words that didn’t belong (like girl, glasses, and learnful). Then we looked again and found words that were tired and boring (words that get used ALL the time): cool, good, awesome, fun, and nice. Next, we looked for colorful, interesting words: challenging, helpful, hyper, friendly, creative, brave, and talented. 
These words make our writing more enjoyable for the reader. Thinking about colorful and tired words, we then had to stretch our minds and thinking to describe two new nouns: homework and the Tooth Fairy.
We revisited our mealworms again. Last week time, we noticed some white mealworms. Today, they were nowhere to be found…but we did see something else that changed. There were things that looked sort of like mealworms but they were lighter in color, curved, and they didn’t really move.
Each table had conversations about what they observed, how things changed, and what might happen in the future. Everyone was expected to draw and write about the things that we saw (or noticed were different from other times), make a prediction, and ask a question. 
Our work was interrupted by the sound of bagpipes. A parent in Mrs. Kuhn’s class came to play. Everyone was invited in the hall to listen and watch as he played and marched.
Yesterday we also got to see and hear bagpipes being played. Miss Beglin’s brother-in-law came and talked to us about these beautiful musical instruments, answer questions, and play a few songs. 
After lunch, we went to the library. Mrs. Cornelius wasn’t here today so we didn’t stay the whole time. Everyone who brought their books back got to have book exchange. Those who didn’t were allowed to browse, go to the listening center, or read with a friend. The next star reader is going to be Nancy.
At gym, we practiced on the scooters again. We need to make sure that everyone knows the rules and stays safe. We went forward and backward and used different muscles and body parts. Once, a girl with long hair got caught in the scooter and Coach Hudson had to cut her hair. Gym City is coming next week!
During Reader’s Workshop we practiced asking questions before, during, and after reading. We ask questions to get to know the book better. Before we read we think about our schema and make predictions. While we read, we ask questions to check for understanding and to make more predictions. After reading, we might have some unanswered questions about things that happened or about what happens after the story ends. Today we used a paper to record our thinking instead of using post-its so that Ms. Stern could see the proof as we practiced. Lots of great questions were asked!
Don’t forget about this week’s blog challenge! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
These words make our writing more enjoyable for the reader. Thinking about colorful and tired words, we then had to stretch our minds and thinking to describe two new nouns: homework and the Tooth Fairy.We revisited our mealworms again. Last week time, we noticed some white mealworms. Today, they were nowhere to be found…but we did see something else that changed. There were things that looked sort of like mealworms but they were lighter in color, curved, and they didn’t really move.
Each table had conversations about what they observed, how things changed, and what might happen in the future. Everyone was expected to draw and write about the things that we saw (or noticed were different from other times), make a prediction, and ask a question. Our work was interrupted by the sound of bagpipes. A parent in Mrs. Kuhn’s class came to play. Everyone was invited in the hall to listen and watch as he played and marched.
Yesterday we also got to see and hear bagpipes being played. Miss Beglin’s brother-in-law came and talked to us about these beautiful musical instruments, answer questions, and play a few songs. After lunch, we went to the library. Mrs. Cornelius wasn’t here today so we didn’t stay the whole time. Everyone who brought their books back got to have book exchange. Those who didn’t were allowed to browse, go to the listening center, or read with a friend. The next star reader is going to be Nancy.
At gym, we practiced on the scooters again. We need to make sure that everyone knows the rules and stays safe. We went forward and backward and used different muscles and body parts. Once, a girl with long hair got caught in the scooter and Coach Hudson had to cut her hair. Gym City is coming next week!
During Reader’s Workshop we practiced asking questions before, during, and after reading. We ask questions to get to know the book better. Before we read we think about our schema and make predictions. While we read, we ask questions to check for understanding and to make more predictions. After reading, we might have some unanswered questions about things that happened or about what happens after the story ends. Today we used a paper to record our thinking instead of using post-its so that Ms. Stern could see the proof as we practiced. Lots of great questions were asked!
Don’t forget about this week’s blog challenge! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Blog Challenge #2: Spring Games
We have had a LONG and hard winter. The good news is that Spring is just around the corner! Try out one of the games on this website:
Leave a comment telling which game(s) you played. Write a review for at least 1 game. Share 1-2 things that you liked about the activities and games or strategies that you discovered. What type of learner might also enjoy playing? What is the most challenging part?
Remember to check with a grown up before using the computer first. Only first names or initials, please!
Leave a comment telling which game(s) you played. Write a review for at least 1 game. Share 1-2 things that you liked about the activities and games or strategies that you discovered. What type of learner might also enjoy playing? What is the most challenging part?
Remember to check with a grown up before using the computer first. Only first names or initials, please!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Today we celebrated Hunter’s birthday. It was the 3rd birthday that we had this week! (Happy birthday to Sarah and Dylan A.!) His dad brought in munchkins. For Dylan’s birthday, his dad brought in beautiful blue cupcakes. Mrs. McCahill, our school reading teacher, had her baby that day! On Sarah’s birthday, her mom came in to read the class one of her favorite stories: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. She explained how Dr. Seuss is an important author in her family and shared some of her family’s special memories with us. Then everyone got to eat special dairy- and gluten-free birthday snacks!
During Reader’s Workshop, we learned that good readers ask questions before they read, while reading, and after reading. Ms. Stern showed us how. Then everyone went off to read and practice by themselves. At the end of Reader’s Workshop, we made a chart of our questions. Some children remembered to record their questions while they worked.
We observed our mealworms again for the second time today. Some really great observations and conversations took place at each of the tables. People noticed and compared differences between the mealworms. Based on our observations, we made predictions and asked questions. We love being scientists!
In art, we started working on our still lifes. Still life drawings are pictures of things that do not move. Ours are of different types of flowers. First we are drawing with pencil. Then we will paint them. Jacob worked on twelve flowers. Adam drew lots of flowers and started working on the stems.
During math, we reviewed the strategies that we have already learned. Sarah played one round of Sum Sense on the Smartboard. We learned another addition strategy today: counting on (start with the bigger number). We practiced by playing a game called Pig. The first person to get to 100 wins. You get points by rolling 2 dice. Each player can go as many times as they want (except if you roll one 1 you lose your turn). If you roll 2 ones your score goes back to zero. Ms. Stern played against the class first. She kept on rolling a 1! She ended up losing! Afterwards, everyone got to play in groups of 2 or 3.
Thank you Dylan, Amanda, and Sarah (and her mom) for giving the Things That Are White blog challenge a try! It’s not too late to add more ideas. Look for another question of the week next week.
Have a terrific weekend. Stay dry!
During Reader’s Workshop, we learned that good readers ask questions before they read, while reading, and after reading. Ms. Stern showed us how. Then everyone went off to read and practice by themselves. At the end of Reader’s Workshop, we made a chart of our questions. Some children remembered to record their questions while they worked.
We observed our mealworms again for the second time today. Some really great observations and conversations took place at each of the tables. People noticed and compared differences between the mealworms. Based on our observations, we made predictions and asked questions. We love being scientists!
In art, we started working on our still lifes. Still life drawings are pictures of things that do not move. Ours are of different types of flowers. First we are drawing with pencil. Then we will paint them. Jacob worked on twelve flowers. Adam drew lots of flowers and started working on the stems.
During math, we reviewed the strategies that we have already learned. Sarah played one round of Sum Sense on the Smartboard. We learned another addition strategy today: counting on (start with the bigger number). We practiced by playing a game called Pig. The first person to get to 100 wins. You get points by rolling 2 dice. Each player can go as many times as they want (except if you roll one 1 you lose your turn). If you roll 2 ones your score goes back to zero. Ms. Stern played against the class first. She kept on rolling a 1! She ended up losing! Afterwards, everyone got to play in groups of 2 or 3.
Anthony D. played with Adam. Anthony kept rolling ones! Dylan A. thought the game went perfectly! He and his partner were going back and forth being in the lead. At the end, he won!
Thank you Dylan, Amanda, and Sarah (and her mom) for giving the Things That Are White blog challenge a try! It’s not too late to add more ideas. Look for another question of the week next week.
Have a terrific weekend. Stay dry!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
We reviewed our spelling rule this morning. We learned that when there are two vowels together, the first one does the talking and the second one does the walking. It means that the first vowel says its name and the second one is silent. We watched a spelling rap video about it.
Then we played some games together on the Smartboard. The games can be played by anyone online by clicking here.
This morning we got to observe and handle mealworms!
They felt smooth but they tickled our hands a little bit when they moved around. Dylan was scared at first because she was afraid they might bite. By the end of science, she was sad to see them go. Eesha was also scared at first. She only picked up the smaller one because it didn’t look as determined to crawl on her as the others. She named him Speedy. It kept racing around the plate! Stephen noticed that the mealworms would stay near one another. Some of them looked like they were fighting. After we had a few minutes to get used to them, we had to stop thinking like kids and begin thinking like scientists. We made observations and predictions. We also drew a picture and asked a question. Most of us are very excited to observe the mealworms again soon.
We read another book by Mem Fox. It was called Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild. Harriet reminded us of lots of different people that we know in our own lives (including our siblings and even ourselves)! We concluded that she doesn’t intend to get into trouble, much like Junie B. Jones or Amelia Bedelia.
When we went to the library we played Magic Mirror on Kids Keys. We practiced using the keyboard to type like grownups. It got a little confusing figuring out which finger to use. Dylan A. liked typing the same keys more than once. Everyone who returned their books also got to choose new ones.
We played Star Wars in P.E. The coaches pick a Jedi. The Jedi stands on a dot and saves people who get hit by a ball by touching them with their light saber. If the Jedi is off of the dot, and s/he gets hit with the ball, the other team gets a point. Everyone else is throwing one of the many balls at the other team. If you are hit with a ball you have to sit down until a Jedi saves you. Eesha and Adam were the Jedis for our class.
After P.E., we talked about Mem Fox. We are reading many of her books to get to know her better as readers and writers. She is from Australia. We looked at the city of Adelaide on Google Earth. It’s VERY far away! We learned a little bit about her and her family. Many of the ideas that Mem thinks about when writing are the same things that we concentrate on, too. So far we have read: Koala Lou, Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild, Sleepy Bears, and Zoo Looking. We know that she writes about things that have happened to her, important people and events, and she writes with her audience in mind. Together, we started writing a story about the Rockland Read In, so that our readers would feel the peaceful, cozy feelings that we had on that special day. Tomorrow we will begin writing our own stories.
Please don’t forget to add to our Things That Are White blog entry. We are going to be having a competition with Mrs. Jacobs’ class to see who can come up with more white items. Remember to post your ideas in the comments section and to use only first names or initials. Get those brilliant minds thinking!
Then we played some games together on the Smartboard. The games can be played by anyone online by clicking here.
This morning we got to observe and handle mealworms!
They felt smooth but they tickled our hands a little bit when they moved around. Dylan was scared at first because she was afraid they might bite. By the end of science, she was sad to see them go. Eesha was also scared at first. She only picked up the smaller one because it didn’t look as determined to crawl on her as the others. She named him Speedy. It kept racing around the plate! Stephen noticed that the mealworms would stay near one another. Some of them looked like they were fighting. After we had a few minutes to get used to them, we had to stop thinking like kids and begin thinking like scientists. We made observations and predictions. We also drew a picture and asked a question. Most of us are very excited to observe the mealworms again soon.
We read another book by Mem Fox. It was called Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild. Harriet reminded us of lots of different people that we know in our own lives (including our siblings and even ourselves)! We concluded that she doesn’t intend to get into trouble, much like Junie B. Jones or Amelia Bedelia.
When we went to the library we played Magic Mirror on Kids Keys. We practiced using the keyboard to type like grownups. It got a little confusing figuring out which finger to use. Dylan A. liked typing the same keys more than once. Everyone who returned their books also got to choose new ones.
We played Star Wars in P.E. The coaches pick a Jedi. The Jedi stands on a dot and saves people who get hit by a ball by touching them with their light saber. If the Jedi is off of the dot, and s/he gets hit with the ball, the other team gets a point. Everyone else is throwing one of the many balls at the other team. If you are hit with a ball you have to sit down until a Jedi saves you. Eesha and Adam were the Jedis for our class.
After P.E., we talked about Mem Fox. We are reading many of her books to get to know her better as readers and writers. She is from Australia. We looked at the city of Adelaide on Google Earth. It’s VERY far away! We learned a little bit about her and her family. Many of the ideas that Mem thinks about when writing are the same things that we concentrate on, too. So far we have read: Koala Lou, Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild, Sleepy Bears, and Zoo Looking. We know that she writes about things that have happened to her, important people and events, and she writes with her audience in mind. Together, we started writing a story about the Rockland Read In, so that our readers would feel the peaceful, cozy feelings that we had on that special day. Tomorrow we will begin writing our own stories.
Please don’t forget to add to our Things That Are White blog entry. We are going to be having a competition with Mrs. Jacobs’ class to see who can come up with more white items. Remember to post your ideas in the comments section and to use only first names or initials. Get those brilliant minds thinking!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Blog Challenge: Things That are White
We worked in partners to brainstorm as many objects as we could think of that are or could be white. Remember, if you think of more things that fit this category, leave them in the comments section. By Friday, everyone is asked to brainstorm other things that are white that have NOT been mentioned yet (either in class or by other children in the comments section). I can't wait to see what else you think of!
This is what we came up with so far:
Dylan A. and Stephen
paper, socks, cotton, clouds, snow, marshmallows, moon, crayons, wipes, diaper, milk, vanilla ice cream, snowflakes, underwear, shirt, shoes, Bakugan, clock, paint, sweater, mittens,eraser, makeup, gum, dots, book, words, tape, horns, horse, hair, box, fox, flags, rabbits, fur, plastic, teeth, cow, scissors, radiator, games, stars, seeds, seats, lima beans when they are not cooked, wall, marker, stuffed animal, penguin, icing, laces, pens, pencil
Sasha and Meaghan
socks, marshmallows, clocks, vanilla ice cream, table, basket, snowman, whipped cream, journal paper, refrigerator, shirt, shoes, books, scissors, cards, bathtub, bottle cap, shades, container, ceiling, lunch calendar
Adam and Anthony
paper, cloud, tissues, teeth, zebra, boxes, snakes, snow, ice, glasses, eggs, Smartboard, shirts, house, lights, my dog, shoes, books, car, paint, jacket, clock, refrigerator, crayons, watches, candles, candy, container, fish, sushi
Victoria and Sarah
swan, duck, snowman, shorts, flowers, shoes, calendar, eraser, clouds, polar bears, fish, clocks, laptop, stickers, ice cream, horses, snow, Elmer's glue, diamonds, paper, books, eyes, teeth, snowy owl, rabbits, buttons, tissues, stars, dots, frosting, sprinkles, sparkles, paper towels, gummy bears, gum
Dylan M. and Emma
diapers, paper, t-shirts, clouds, paper towels, cats, snow, glue, dogs, paper plates, plastic knives, tiles, crayons, lights, moon, zebra, polar bear, tissues, napkin, shoes, Snoopy, rabbits, kitchen, paint, eraser, stars, underwear, plastic bin, bone, notebook, rulers, milk, eggs, hair, cows, white chocolate chips, horses, hens, cream cheesse, wires, baseball, pencil, eyes, marker parts, scissors, binder, teeth, cheese, ice cream, vanilla, white chocolate, birds, butter, salt, sugar, fan, bag, jacket, ball, book, blinds, shirt stripes, seeds, refrigerator, toilet, wall paper, box, clock, microwave, sink, tub, snowman, card
Drew and Hunter
skeleton, paint, snowball, refrigerator, cards, calendar, cat, bins, shell, crayon, Yankee sign, plastic, karate belt, shades, clouds, eraser, paper, shirt, tissues, book, eyes, snowman, snow fort, glue, hair, cup, mail, cream, salt, egg, ice cream, ring, flashcards, toilet, light, binder, butter, tub, panda
Nancy and Amanda
polar bear, inside of a fish, duck, shell, cat, snow, snow bunny, bathtub, mouse, wheel, egg, snowman, snowflake, salt, tooth, cheese, lightbulb, vanilla ice cream, ice, panda bear
Jacob and Lauria
zebra, tissues, shirts, crayon, mugs, name tags, snowflakes, snow, folders, mail boxes, paper, snowman, magnets, balls, balloons, refrigerators, soap bottles, paper towels, walls, cash register, tap shoes, sneakers, goats, sheep, boats, bat, cows, words, socks, shorts, post its, stripes, markers, clouds, wrapping paper, toilet paper, car
Eesha and Dylan
erasers, glue sticks, crayons, cloud, paper, rulers, diamonds, mashed potatoes, stickers, labels, eyes, teeth, pencils, tigers, buttons, wipes, tank tops, snow, owls, rabbits, fish, dogs, cats, birds, ceilings, folders, journals, signs, hangers, bottle caps, shoes, refrigerator, swan, magic markers, book covers, freezer, heater, ducks, hermit crab shells, penguins, stars, clocks, timers, skin
This is what we came up with so far:
Dylan A. and Stephen
paper, socks, cotton, clouds, snow, marshmallows, moon, crayons, wipes, diaper, milk, vanilla ice cream, snowflakes, underwear, shirt, shoes, Bakugan, clock, paint, sweater, mittens,eraser, makeup, gum, dots, book, words, tape, horns, horse, hair, box, fox, flags, rabbits, fur, plastic, teeth, cow, scissors, radiator, games, stars, seeds, seats, lima beans when they are not cooked, wall, marker, stuffed animal, penguin, icing, laces, pens, pencil
Sasha and Meaghan
socks, marshmallows, clocks, vanilla ice cream, table, basket, snowman, whipped cream, journal paper, refrigerator, shirt, shoes, books, scissors, cards, bathtub, bottle cap, shades, container, ceiling, lunch calendar
Adam and Anthony
paper, cloud, tissues, teeth, zebra, boxes, snakes, snow, ice, glasses, eggs, Smartboard, shirts, house, lights, my dog, shoes, books, car, paint, jacket, clock, refrigerator, crayons, watches, candles, candy, container, fish, sushi
Victoria and Sarah
swan, duck, snowman, shorts, flowers, shoes, calendar, eraser, clouds, polar bears, fish, clocks, laptop, stickers, ice cream, horses, snow, Elmer's glue, diamonds, paper, books, eyes, teeth, snowy owl, rabbits, buttons, tissues, stars, dots, frosting, sprinkles, sparkles, paper towels, gummy bears, gum
Dylan M. and Emma
diapers, paper, t-shirts, clouds, paper towels, cats, snow, glue, dogs, paper plates, plastic knives, tiles, crayons, lights, moon, zebra, polar bear, tissues, napkin, shoes, Snoopy, rabbits, kitchen, paint, eraser, stars, underwear, plastic bin, bone, notebook, rulers, milk, eggs, hair, cows, white chocolate chips, horses, hens, cream cheesse, wires, baseball, pencil, eyes, marker parts, scissors, binder, teeth, cheese, ice cream, vanilla, white chocolate, birds, butter, salt, sugar, fan, bag, jacket, ball, book, blinds, shirt stripes, seeds, refrigerator, toilet, wall paper, box, clock, microwave, sink, tub, snowman, card
Drew and Hunter
skeleton, paint, snowball, refrigerator, cards, calendar, cat, bins, shell, crayon, Yankee sign, plastic, karate belt, shades, clouds, eraser, paper, shirt, tissues, book, eyes, snowman, snow fort, glue, hair, cup, mail, cream, salt, egg, ice cream, ring, flashcards, toilet, light, binder, butter, tub, panda
Nancy and Amanda
polar bear, inside of a fish, duck, shell, cat, snow, snow bunny, bathtub, mouse, wheel, egg, snowman, snowflake, salt, tooth, cheese, lightbulb, vanilla ice cream, ice, panda bear
Jacob and Lauria
zebra, tissues, shirts, crayon, mugs, name tags, snowflakes, snow, folders, mail boxes, paper, snowman, magnets, balls, balloons, refrigerators, soap bottles, paper towels, walls, cash register, tap shoes, sneakers, goats, sheep, boats, bat, cows, words, socks, shorts, post its, stripes, markers, clouds, wrapping paper, toilet paper, car
Eesha and Dylan
erasers, glue sticks, crayons, cloud, paper, rulers, diamonds, mashed potatoes, stickers, labels, eyes, teeth, pencils, tigers, buttons, wipes, tank tops, snow, owls, rabbits, fish, dogs, cats, birds, ceilings, folders, journals, signs, hangers, bottle caps, shoes, refrigerator, swan, magic markers, book covers, freezer, heater, ducks, hermit crab shells, penguins, stars, clocks, timers, skin
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Last night was the dance festival at Tappan Zee High School. We went into the back gym. Each class walked out into the big gym and then sat down in a line. We alternated the way we faced so that parents on both sides could see us. Victoria was really tired before it began. She ended up having lots of fun and making it through. Eesha was tired at the end from all of that dancing. She felt happy when her mom and little sister danced with her during the Cha Cha Slide. Drew had stage fright! At first, Emma had stage fright too. It went away after a few dances. Stephen was sweaty from all of that exercise. Lauria thought the best part was the Cha Cha Slide because she got to help her dad learn the dance.
Today we had gym. We played Wheel of Torture. Victoria was the winner! She won against Richard in Mr. Gunther’s class. People were shouting Anthony D.’s name. He won last time so everyone wanted him to win again. Once he got out, everyone starting cheering for Victoria.
We got exciting news today. Just like we got to study living things in kindergarten, we are going to learn about the life cycle of mealworms in first grade. Today we went over the rules. Then we had to think about all of the things that we know or think we know about them. It was sort of challenging because a lot of us didn’t know much and Ms. Stern wouldn’t give any information away! Here is some of our thinking:
Mealworms do not read. –Jacob
They live underground. –Anthony D.
Mealworms help flowers grow. –Sarah
They eat the soil and then they poop it out. –Victoria
They have a head. –Arlo
Mealworms are worms. –Adam
Next, we had to think of questions we have or things that we want to learn about mealworms.
How long do they live? –Lauria
What do they eat? –Stephen
Do they go to the bathroom a lot? –Emma
Why are they called mealworms? –Dylan A.
Are mealworms similar to earthworms? –Eesha
Do mealworms have legs or no legs? –Nancy
Next week we will get to begin observing (and handling!) the mealworms as they grow and change.
We read The Cat’s Quizzer. It is a Dr. Seuss book that asks lots of interesting and silly questions. Lauria brought it in to share with the class. Thanks, Lauria!
The Animal Encounters Blog Challenge is up on the website. Everyone is encouraged to research one (or more) of the animals that we saw during our assembly earlier this week. Give it a try! http://sternwos.blogspot.com/2010/03/animal-encounters-research-challenge.html
We have MANY children who have given the Over and Above All Stars a try! Congratulations to Dylan A., Eesha, Anthony D., Victoria, Sasha, Jacob, Arlo, Lauria, Hunter, Sarah, and Dylan. A special congratulations to Lauria for being the first person to inducted into the Hall of Fame. So far, she has completed 54 activities and is a silver medalist! Eesha is a bronze medalist, with 32 completed activities. Keep it up!
Have a great weekend!
Today we had gym. We played Wheel of Torture. Victoria was the winner! She won against Richard in Mr. Gunther’s class. People were shouting Anthony D.’s name. He won last time so everyone wanted him to win again. Once he got out, everyone starting cheering for Victoria.
We got exciting news today. Just like we got to study living things in kindergarten, we are going to learn about the life cycle of mealworms in first grade. Today we went over the rules. Then we had to think about all of the things that we know or think we know about them. It was sort of challenging because a lot of us didn’t know much and Ms. Stern wouldn’t give any information away! Here is some of our thinking:
Mealworms do not read. –Jacob
They live underground. –Anthony D.
Mealworms help flowers grow. –Sarah
They eat the soil and then they poop it out. –Victoria
They have a head. –Arlo
Mealworms are worms. –Adam
Next, we had to think of questions we have or things that we want to learn about mealworms.
How long do they live? –Lauria
What do they eat? –Stephen
Do they go to the bathroom a lot? –Emma
Why are they called mealworms? –Dylan A.
Are mealworms similar to earthworms? –Eesha
Do mealworms have legs or no legs? –Nancy
Next week we will get to begin observing (and handling!) the mealworms as they grow and change.
We read The Cat’s Quizzer. It is a Dr. Seuss book that asks lots of interesting and silly questions. Lauria brought it in to share with the class. Thanks, Lauria!
The Animal Encounters Blog Challenge is up on the website. Everyone is encouraged to research one (or more) of the animals that we saw during our assembly earlier this week. Give it a try! http://sternwos.blogspot.com/2010/03/animal-encounters-research-challenge.html
We have MANY children who have given the Over and Above All Stars a try! Congratulations to Dylan A., Eesha, Anthony D., Victoria, Sasha, Jacob, Arlo, Lauria, Hunter, Sarah, and Dylan. A special congratulations to Lauria for being the first person to inducted into the Hall of Fame. So far, she has completed 54 activities and is a silver medalist! Eesha is a bronze medalist, with 32 completed activities. Keep it up!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Animal Encounters Research Challenge
Today we got to see (and touch!) a variety of reptiles from the Animal Encounters program. The animals that we saw were: 
- Box Turtle
- Snapping Turtle
- Blue Tongued Skink
- American Alligator
- South American Tegu
- Milk Snake
- Russian Legless Lizard
- Albino Burmese Python
In the comments section, share what you learn about the animal’s habitat (where it lives), diet (what it eats), and 2 other interesting NEW facts about that animal. Use your first name or initials only. Please do NOT include your last name. I can't wait to see what you learn!
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