Butterflies, Zucchini and More for the Week of 9/26-9/30

 Learning highlights from the week:

• Math- Second graders continued to review their strategies for adding 3 numbers.  We will be  continuing that discussion next week.  First graders learned strategies for solving subtraction problems. Students also used a math computer program called Happy Numbers.

• Reading- We started our reading and word work groups this week.  Each group received their spelling sort that includes words or sounds to sort and learn specific phonics patterns.  In addition we are starting book groups.  Sometimes a student might bring home a book to practice with you.  This is just to share.  They can read it and return it when they are finished sharing it at home.  

• Mindfulness - Our class is starting to work more on self regulation.  They are learning how to recognize where their energy level is and how to adjust it to be in the green zone which is just right for learning. 

• Science - We said goodbye to our last butterfly on Thursday.  We will be wrapping up our monarch life cycle unit this coming week. 

 

Adventures With Our UCS Nature Cats- 9/19-9/23

 

 Learning highlights from the week:

• Math- Second graders continued to review their combinations to 10 and today we discussed order while adding 3 or more addends.  We will be  continuing that discussion next week.  First graders learned strategies for adding and solving story problems.  Next week first graders will start strategies for subtraction.  First graders also have been enjoying this counting by 10’s song (warning… it’s catchy and sticks in your head)

• Reading- We continue to build our reading stamina and we're slowly stretching our reading times as well. We learned about using our schema and connecting new information to things we already know. This helps strengthen our comprehension. 

• Mindfulness - We read Your Fantastic Elastic Brain and learned what our brain does for us!  We made brain hats to help us learn more about our brain. We made our classroom expectations: Be Kind, Be Honest, Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Our Classroom and Supplies.  We created thumbprint promises to help remind us to follow those expectations. 

Science - Recycle Rhonda came to visit us on Friday reminding us of the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling! Here is our 3 R’s Recycling Song that we are learning to sing. 

Adventures From 9/9-9/16

What a fantastic week!  We have had another week of playing, laughing and learning.   We are getting to know each other and the routines and expectations of the classroom.  I can honestly say that every day we feel more and more like a community.  I am looking forward to an incredible year. 

Important Information:

Communication:

Please notify both myself and the front office for pending absences and tardies. This can be via email, note or phone call.  Also, if by any chance, end of day plans change, please send a note to both myself and to Connie at connie.arceneult@mmuusd.org.  I do not always have a chance to check my email in the afternoon, so this way we will be sure to see the message.

Calling All Large Zucchinis:  Our Zucchini Relay will be held on Thursday September 29th.  If you have an overly large zucchini growing in your garden that you would like to contribute to our race, we would love to have it.  Don’t pick it yet!  Let it grow and we’ll be in touch when we would like them brought to school.  If you would like to come see the race it begins at 1:45 sharp!

Picture Day:  September 29th.  Picture envelopes are in home folders today!

Open House Morning:  We will be holding an Open House Morning on Thursday October 13th from 7:30-8:30.  Come in if you can and see what your child has been working on!

 Learning highlights from the week:

• Math- Second graders are working on combinations of numbers under 20 as well as an exploration of coin names and their value.  First graders have been practicing counting to 20, playing Roll and Record and One More/One Less

• Reading-  Because we will be running literacy time using skill stations this year, the focus of our time right now continues to be how we function within a center model.  This includes; rotating through stations, building stamina and keeping our voice level low while reviewing letter sounds.  

• Writing-   This week we started creating our own books.  Students are drawing and writing about adventures that have happened to them or things they do!  They enjoyed building their books this week. 

Celebrations- This week we celebrated International Dot Day!  We read the story The Dot by Peter Reynolds, sang the song and created Dot Art to help inspire everyone to make their mark! Here is the link to the book and the song!               

The Dot (story)                              The Dot song w/ motions

 

Nature Cat Adventures 9/6-9/9

Below are some highlights of the week:

Home/School Folder: 

Our Green Folders come home on Friday.  Please help your child remember to get it out of their bag and unpack it.  Please send it back by the following Friday.  

Communication: 

Our Nature Cat newsletter will go out every week.  If you have a question or concern please feel free to call or email us anytime.  If you send an email to us after 4:30 we will try our best to get back to you by the end of the next school day!

Early Release: 

A reminder that next Wednesday is the first early release day of the year.  Students will be dismissed at approximately 12:15 and buses will leave approximately 12:30.  Lunch will be provided as usual.

Volunteers:  

If you would like to volunteer in the classroom you must first fill out the volunteer sign-up form on the UCS Website.  The link can be found under the Families tab.  This form must be updated every 5 years.

 Learning highlights from the week:

• Math- We began transitioning to our math classes this week.  Ms Jones and Mrs Eakes will be teaching second grade math.  All of our 2nd Graders will have Mrs. Eakes.  Mrs. Ferreira and I will be teaching first grade math. Our class will have 7 of Ms. Jones’ students come into our class and join us.  This week first graders explored counting collections and 10 frames while second graders explored ways to get to 10 with multiple addends and filled in pattern block shapes.     

• Reading- We worked on Reader’s Workshop routines.  We are working on Reading to Self and Word Work.  On Friday we added Read to a Stuffed Friend.  This was a highlight for our learners.  

• Community- We read several new social emotional books this week.  We learned about how we have thoughts and feelings and we give others thoughts and feelings. We talked about the type of thoughts we can give people. In addition we learned about the Group Plan!  Ask your child to tell you all about it!

• Celebrations- We have 1 chrysalis and 1 caterpillar to observe!  Thank you for sending them in! Reminder- if you find any at home and want to add to our collection we would love to care for them! 

Some of our self portraits!  

Reading with a stuffed friend!