April Update from Room 128

Dear Parent Partners,

 

March was so busy – I can hardly believe April has arrived! We started off the month with a great field trip to the “True Story of the Three Little Pigs”.  The culminating event for our fairy tale studies will be our upcoming performance of “Jack & The Beanstalk” on Thursday, April 8^th at 6:30 p.m.  We celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with Read Across America and contributed to those in need through Project Second Wind.  We all enjoyed a well-deserved Spring Break and begin the third trimester with much vigor and excitement.   Here is some more information…

 

Literacy

Each child continues to grow as a reader and a writer.  Reading groups are back in action and literacy centers have focused on our fairy tale studies.  We wrapped up our author study of Ezra Jack Keats and Mo Willems by learning about letter writing format. Many burgeoning writers have really taken to writing letters – I know many of you are the special recipients of some of these written treasures!  We are starting to explore writing informational text –specifically “all about” stories.  The kids amaze me with all that they know and can write about – what good writers do!

 

 Math

We continue to explore geometry and shapes whole group while the first graders are building on more number sense.  The focus right now for first grade is on place value, number patterns and fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 10.  The kids are very much enjoying this unit about shapes.  Soon, we will be moving from the world of 2 dimensions to that of 3D!

 

Science

Our garden seeds were officially planted just before Spring Break.  We are all fingers crossed in hopes of having a salad feast towards the end of the school year!  The children also sprouted their own individual basil plants in class as part of literacy centers.  They are working as true scientists do: making observations and recording their findings.  Stay tuned for a basil plant coming to your home soon!

 

Social Studies

While the children continue to focus on weekly personal goals, we are also beginning to discuss concrete steps to take for problem solving.  I am introducing two new posters to the class this week: problem solving strategies for the problem solver and for the listener.  Copies of each will be sent home in Friday folders for the children’s reference. 

 

 

Art

The children have been working on art work using not only a mixture of media but also include the shapes that we are studying in math and the gardening concepts that we are studying in science.  Also, as you know, we have the Run For The Arts coming up on Friday, April 16.  Sponsor sheets were sent home this week and are due back by the day of the run (if not before).  We would love to have as many sponsors as possible to support this event as it provides the kids opportunities such as the artist-in-residency program: Taiko Drumming!

 

Field Trip Alert! We will be visiting the Tillamook Forest Center on Wednesday, April 28.  It will be an all day affair and there is no limit on chaperones! Please let me know if you are interested in joining us. J

 

Thanks to families for your continued support and assistance in the classroom! Please do not ever hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. Cheers, Jennifer