this week in first grade
March 3, 2017
Happy Friday, Families!
I hope that everyone had a great time off for Spring Break. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to recharge my batteries and get geared up for the last 9 weeks of school. Our first week back was very busy, but we made it through. It’s hard to believe that we now only have 8 weeks left in First Grade! There will be lots of things going on these last two months, so keep your eye on your email inbox for updates and information as we go.
Headphones: As the year has progressed, we have been learning of new ways to incorporate iPads into our daily learning. Part of these uses include having sound. In order to ensure that the sound does not disturb the learning of other students, headphones are used. We began the year with 10 sets of headphones for classroom use, as well as some students bringing in their own. Unfortunately, those class headphones did not withstand the daily use of 1st graders and we are now down to 4 pair of usable headphones. If you haven’t already sent in headphones or earbuds for your child’s personal use, please send some in the next week. I will put them in a baggie and label them for only their use. Thanks!
Canvas: As you might already know, our Learning Management System (Canvas) has recently been made available to parents to monitor their students’ assignments, grades, etc. I have had a few questions about how that works with first graders. I am not really aware of what you, as parents, are receiving when it comes to updates regarding Canvas. What I can tell you is that, at this time, there is really nothing for you to do with your first grader’s work in Canvas. Right now, I am using it as a way for students to “turn in” the work they have done during Workshop times. There are no grades being assigned. We are simply experimenting with how it can be used at the primary level. You can disregard any notices you receive from Canvas about your first grader. As they move further along in school, Canvas will be used more and more by their teachers.
I hope that everyone had a great time off for Spring Break. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to recharge my batteries and get geared up for the last 9 weeks of school. Our first week back was very busy, but we made it through. It’s hard to believe that we now only have 8 weeks left in First Grade! There will be lots of things going on these last two months, so keep your eye on your email inbox for updates and information as we go.
Headphones: As the year has progressed, we have been learning of new ways to incorporate iPads into our daily learning. Part of these uses include having sound. In order to ensure that the sound does not disturb the learning of other students, headphones are used. We began the year with 10 sets of headphones for classroom use, as well as some students bringing in their own. Unfortunately, those class headphones did not withstand the daily use of 1st graders and we are now down to 4 pair of usable headphones. If you haven’t already sent in headphones or earbuds for your child’s personal use, please send some in the next week. I will put them in a baggie and label them for only their use. Thanks!
Canvas: As you might already know, our Learning Management System (Canvas) has recently been made available to parents to monitor their students’ assignments, grades, etc. I have had a few questions about how that works with first graders. I am not really aware of what you, as parents, are receiving when it comes to updates regarding Canvas. What I can tell you is that, at this time, there is really nothing for you to do with your first grader’s work in Canvas. Right now, I am using it as a way for students to “turn in” the work they have done during Workshop times. There are no grades being assigned. We are simply experimenting with how it can be used at the primary level. You can disregard any notices you receive from Canvas about your first grader. As they move further along in school, Canvas will be used more and more by their teachers.
specials coming up this week
Monday 4/3: Art
Tuesday 4/4: Gym
Wednesday 4/5: Music
Thursday 4/6: Art
Friday 4/7: Gym
Tuesday 4/4: Gym
Wednesday 4/5: Music
Thursday 4/6: Art
Friday 4/7: Gym
mark your calendar
You can find upcoming dates on the Calendar and Events page on our class website. Here are some upcoming events:
4/3--7:00 p.m. PTO meeting--5th grade to attend
4/7 -- 6:00-9:30pm Hilliard Education Foundation’s Casino Night
4/14--NO SCHOOL--GOOD FRIDAY
4/21--DCTrail Bike Rodeo and Playground night with Mr. D---more info to come!
4/28 -- Class Input forms for next year’s placement are due (See Mrs. Teske’s update on 3/31)
5/1--7:00 p.m. PTO meeting--Special Area Teachers to attend
5/2 -- NO SCHOOL - PROFESSIONAL WORK DAY
5/21 -- 1:00-3:00 p.m. ART SHOW
5/25 -- End of Year Parties
5/26 -- Last Day of School
5/26 -- Field Day
4/3--7:00 p.m. PTO meeting--5th grade to attend
4/7 -- 6:00-9:30pm Hilliard Education Foundation’s Casino Night
4/14--NO SCHOOL--GOOD FRIDAY
4/21--DCTrail Bike Rodeo and Playground night with Mr. D---more info to come!
4/28 -- Class Input forms for next year’s placement are due (See Mrs. Teske’s update on 3/31)
5/1--7:00 p.m. PTO meeting--Special Area Teachers to attend
5/2 -- NO SCHOOL - PROFESSIONAL WORK DAY
5/21 -- 1:00-3:00 p.m. ART SHOW
5/25 -- End of Year Parties
5/26 -- Last Day of School
5/26 -- Field Day
we are learning...
Reader’s Workshop:. We are learning about the author’s message. Author’s write to share information, to help you learn a lesson, or just for entertainment. Think about what the author’s message or author’s purpose is when you read a book together.
Writer’s Workshop: We have been working on Personal Narratives throughout the school year and will now be moving to another topic. We will be learning about writing Opinions. We will choose a topic and write our opinion, followed by the reasons for that opinion.
Math: We have been learning about comparing numbers, and using the symbols for greater than, less than, and equal to (or same as) to show the relationship between numbers. We are learning how understanding the place and value of numbers will help us compare numbers.
Science/Social Studies: We have begun learning about maps. We are taking a look at the features of maps and how maps help us find things and find our way around places.
Writer’s Workshop: We have been working on Personal Narratives throughout the school year and will now be moving to another topic. We will be learning about writing Opinions. We will choose a topic and write our opinion, followed by the reasons for that opinion.
Math: We have been learning about comparing numbers, and using the symbols for greater than, less than, and equal to (or same as) to show the relationship between numbers. We are learning how understanding the place and value of numbers will help us compare numbers.
Science/Social Studies: We have begun learning about maps. We are taking a look at the features of maps and how maps help us find things and find our way around places.
curriculum night information
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for Curriculum Night. We hope that you came away with a better understanding about what life is like every day for your first grader and what the year holds for us. If you were unable to attend Curriculum Night, you can still get the same information (just without the personal touch). View the presentation below and let me know if you have any questions.