Pictures from last week.

Our first "sort".

Move to Learn Exercising.

Our butterflies take flight.

What's New?

     -Learned how to solve number stories

     -Worked on how to do our first "sort" of v, y, z

     -Practiced counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's

     -Finished reading, My Father's Dragon, our first chapter book

     -Became a math explorer with pattern blocks, geoboards, and base 10 blocks

     -Worked with our reading/writing partner

     -Set our painted lady butterflies free

Questions to Promote "School Talk"

     * What is DOL?

     * Who is Yes-Yes?

     * What did you learn at bus evacuation?

     * Who is your reading/writing partner?

     * What was your favorite math exploration?

     * Who are the Social Detectives?

     * What is your job this week?

     * Who did you sit next to at lunch?

Brown Bag Shares

Last Week's Brown Bag Shares

Dolphin Digest--September 22, 2014

     This week promises to be a busy one in the Dolphin classroom. First, we will be sending home your child"s homework folder today. The folder comes home every Monday and you should find a list of activities for the week to be completed and signed and returned on Friday. The goal of homework is to begin to teach your child study skills and responsibility. For parents, the homework will keep you informed on the math skills and word study list that your child will be practicing each week. This week, we will all begin word study together by learning the procedures involved in the "word sorts".  Next week, your child will be coming home with his/her personal "word sort" to cut apart and practice at home. Of course, every night your child should try and spend ten minutes practicing reading to you. 

In math, we will continue collecting data with tally marks and begin solving number stories. In Reader's Workshop, we will be talking about building "stamina", reading conferences, and expected coaching during partner reading. We are anxious to begin our "small moments" writing.

     My sincere thanks for supporting your child at Curriculum Night. They enjoyed their notes. If you were unable to make it, I sent a folder of handouts which I hope you find useful home with your child on Friday. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call 772-5413 ext. 143 or email me at dfennessy@sau16.org.

     Thanks for your attention and have a wonderful week!

     Deb

Dolphin Digest--September 14,2014

     This week promises to be a very busy one in the Dolphin classroom. First, we will be celebrating International Dot Day tomorrow, September 15. The day will begin with a whole school Morning Meeting. The day centers around the book, The Dot, written by Peter H Reynolds which encourages everyone to make their "mark" each day. If possible, please have your child wear "dots" tomorrow.

     We will begin our "Brown Bag" shares on Monday. Please refer to the schedule sent home and send your child's "Brown Bag" on the assigned day. Your child should place five items in the bag. These items should help describe them. For example:  a family picture, a dog collar if he/she has a dog, a cucumber if he/she has a garden, etc. This project was modeled in class by all first grade teachers and paraprofessionals. 

     Thank you for all your support of our RAH folders last week. We will continue with this practice this week and next week, we will begin homework. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday night.

Have a good week!

Deb 

UPCOMING EVENTS

* International Dot Day-Monday, September 15

* Early Release-Wednesday, September 17 @ 12:50

* Picture Day-Thursday, September 18

* Curriculum Night-Thursday, September 18 @ 6:30PM

Here's what we have been working on:

     -Made an All About Me book

     -Explored our classroom library and learned how to

      take care of our books

     -Practiced the Counting Songs

     -Introduced slates as a math tool

     -Compared numbers by playing Top-It

     -Learned the math game, Bunny Hop 

     -Practiced counting up and back on the number line

     -Talked about being a scientist and wrote predictions 

       and observed and formed conclusions as to the effect of 

       4 liquids...water, salt water, baking soda water, and vinegar on gummy bears.

Our New Dolphins

Dolphin Digest--Sept. 8

Here's what we have been working on in the Dolphin classroom...
   -Book shopped for "just right" reading books
   -Talked about math "tools" and explored with our first tool, a pattern block template
   -Played "Penny Dice" and "Monster Squeeze"
   -Started our September calendar and began observing and charting the temperature
   -Sent "Flipper" home for the weekend with our first dolphin
   -Chose classroom jobs for this week
   -Met our reading pals from 4B

Questions to ask to promote "school talk"...
   -Did you earn any tickets?
   -Explain how to play "Monster Squeeze" or "Penny Dice".
   -Who is "Flipper" and when might he/she visit?
   -How do you play "Sparkle"?
   -What is the name of the person whom you interviewed?
   -What is the most interesting new fact that you've learned about dolphins?

This week our RAH (Reading at Home) folder will be coming home each night with your child.
Please listen to your child read and help them record titles in their book log and send it back each day.
I will review this procedure and answer any questions you may have on Curriculum Night. All other homework assignments will begin after the18th.

Mark Your Calendars
- Early Release:  Wednesday, September 17 at 12:50PM
-Picture Day:  Thursday, September 18
-Curriculum Night:  Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 PM

Welcome Dolphin Families!

This blog will share the many happenings of our 1F (Dolphin classroom). As soon as I receive all the permission/paperwork back, I will be able to post pictures of our first week. I am looking forward to a great year together. Thanks!