Good Morning,
Yesterday, we worked on a special parent gift and used the morning time to do this. The students did an excellent jobs and I think that you will all enjoy their work. We didn't have Reader's Workshop yesterday because of this change in schedule. Yesterday was a day where I had no volunteers and aloud the kids to complete their gift and still keep it a surprise.
Today, we had Reader's and Writer's Workshop, Math, Social Studies, and PE. We ended the day with a quick skit from our school's leadership committee (student led).
I hope you have a great day.
Peace,
Tommy
December 18, 2013
December 16, 2013
December 16, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope everyone had a chance to have some fun in the snow. It's always fun to see the excitement on children's faces when they wake up to a snow covered landscape. My daughters had smiles on their faces and were outside at an fairly early hour yesterday.
Today, we continued writing a whole class narrative, using Good Dog Carl. The students also shopped for new Read to Self books and had Reader's Workshop. This morning, they had Music and this afternoon they had PE.
Notes For This Week:
*There is a math survey in your child's homework bag (1st grade only). Please fill it out and send it back in tomorrow. There will not be a new math game this week. I will send one home the first Tuesday that we are back in school.
*We will be working with our 5th and 6th grade reading buddies on Thursday morning. We will head to Ms. Bassom's room around 9:30. The students will be learning about an ancient alphabet and use the alphabet to write their name. This is part of a Social Studies unit that the 5th & 6th graders have been studying.
*We will be watching the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday. I will have popcorn and juice for the students.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tom
I hope everyone had a chance to have some fun in the snow. It's always fun to see the excitement on children's faces when they wake up to a snow covered landscape. My daughters had smiles on their faces and were outside at an fairly early hour yesterday.
Today, we continued writing a whole class narrative, using Good Dog Carl. The students also shopped for new Read to Self books and had Reader's Workshop. This morning, they had Music and this afternoon they had PE.
Notes For This Week:
*There is a math survey in your child's homework bag (1st grade only). Please fill it out and send it back in tomorrow. There will not be a new math game this week. I will send one home the first Tuesday that we are back in school.
*We will be working with our 5th and 6th grade reading buddies on Thursday morning. We will head to Ms. Bassom's room around 9:30. The students will be learning about an ancient alphabet and use the alphabet to write their name. This is part of a Social Studies unit that the 5th & 6th graders have been studying.
*We will be watching the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday. I will have popcorn and juice for the students.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tom
December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013
Good Morning,
The kids started their day working on their sight words (this is something they do each morning from 7:40-7:50). This is the second week with their current words and I will tsp them on Friday. We then had a our Morning Meeting. Today Jack, Jude and Emma signed up to share. As part of the Morning Message, I asked students to write and expression using the < and > than symbols. We had a quick discussion about who to figure out expressions that looked like this: 4+5 ___ 3+3+1.
Then the students went to PE. There was a substitute in PE class. They seemed to enjoy the class and the sub had a lot of great energy. The day continued with Spelling and Reader's workshop. Rachel Rosenbloom was in volunteering today. We ended the morning with an abbreviated Writer's Workshop. We looked at a wordless book titled Good Dog Carl. The students had to identify the components of a narrative as we looked through the book.
There is reading homework tonight.
*Still looking for someone to provide juice and cups for our viewing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the 20th. Please let me know if you can provide this.
Peace,
Tommy
The kids started their day working on their sight words (this is something they do each morning from 7:40-7:50). This is the second week with their current words and I will tsp them on Friday. We then had a our Morning Meeting. Today Jack, Jude and Emma signed up to share. As part of the Morning Message, I asked students to write and expression using the < and > than symbols. We had a quick discussion about who to figure out expressions that looked like this: 4+5 ___ 3+3+1.
Then the students went to PE. There was a substitute in PE class. They seemed to enjoy the class and the sub had a lot of great energy. The day continued with Spelling and Reader's workshop. Rachel Rosenbloom was in volunteering today. We ended the morning with an abbreviated Writer's Workshop. We looked at a wordless book titled Good Dog Carl. The students had to identify the components of a narrative as we looked through the book.
There is reading homework tonight.
*Still looking for someone to provide juice and cups for our viewing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the 20th. Please let me know if you can provide this.
Peace,
Tommy
December 9, 2013
December 9, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It always amazes me how busy the weekends are this time of year. Today, we continued our study of narratives. Today I read the story Hiccups for Elephant by James Preller. This is another example of an author using the narrative elements to create a story. During Reader's Workshop, the students all shopped for new books for their Read To Self Bags. Today's specials were Music and PE.
Notes:
*There are new Reading Logs in your child's homework bag. Please make sure they're filled out nightly and the bags are returned each day.
*First graders should continue to play the math homework game they were given last week. The survey will be sent home a week form today.
*The students were asking if we were going to have any kind of party in December. Although, we are not going to have a "holiday party," I have decided that on the last day of school, before break, we will watch the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. I will provide popcorn for the kids and would like someone to provide cups and cider/juice. Please let me know if would be able to provide it.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It always amazes me how busy the weekends are this time of year. Today, we continued our study of narratives. Today I read the story Hiccups for Elephant by James Preller. This is another example of an author using the narrative elements to create a story. During Reader's Workshop, the students all shopped for new books for their Read To Self Bags. Today's specials were Music and PE.
Notes:
*There are new Reading Logs in your child's homework bag. Please make sure they're filled out nightly and the bags are returned each day.
*First graders should continue to play the math homework game they were given last week. The survey will be sent home a week form today.
*The students were asking if we were going to have any kind of party in December. Although, we are not going to have a "holiday party," I have decided that on the last day of school, before break, we will watch the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. I will provide popcorn for the kids and would like someone to provide cups and cider/juice. Please let me know if would be able to provide it.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tommy
December 5, 2013
December 6, 2013
Good Morning,
Today we read the letters from our Pen Pals and started working on our first draft responses. The students also wrote in their Weekly News journals. Today marked the start of Health Class with Mrs. Dillon. She will come to our room every Friday during the 2nd trimester.
Below is this weeks video.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
Today we read the letters from our Pen Pals and started working on our first draft responses. The students also wrote in their Weekly News journals. Today marked the start of Health Class with Mrs. Dillon. She will come to our room every Friday during the 2nd trimester.
Below is this weeks video.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
December 4, 2013
December 4, 2013
Good Evening,
This week we started another part of our People Making A Difference unit. This is the beginning of the global education unit that I developed over the summer. To put the idea of the world, the United States, Vermont, and Waitsfield into perspective, I had the students work with a few maps this week. We started talking about the Earth being broken into 7 Continents and then moved to a map of the United States. We discussed who the continents are made up of different countries (with the exception of Antarctica). We will look at the map of Vermont and where Waitsfield is located on Thursday.
I want to thank everyone for their diligent work in m,akin sure their child is prepared for recess. Please remember to pack shoes in your child's backpack. It is best of they are not wearing their boots all day long.
I hope you have a great evening.
Peace,
Tom
This week we started another part of our People Making A Difference unit. This is the beginning of the global education unit that I developed over the summer. To put the idea of the world, the United States, Vermont, and Waitsfield into perspective, I had the students work with a few maps this week. We started talking about the Earth being broken into 7 Continents and then moved to a map of the United States. We discussed who the continents are made up of different countries (with the exception of Antarctica). We will look at the map of Vermont and where Waitsfield is located on Thursday.
I want to thank everyone for their diligent work in m,akin sure their child is prepared for recess. Please remember to pack shoes in your child's backpack. It is best of they are not wearing their boots all day long.
I hope you have a great evening.
Peace,
Tom
December 1, 2013
December 2, 2013
Good Morning.
I hope you all had a restful and fun filled Thanksgiving and/or Break. It is hard to believe that we only have four weeks until our next school vacation. No that report cards and end of trimester assessments are done, we will be right back into our regular routine.
Winter weather is upon us and appropriate recess attire is a must. Please read the following note from Ms. Korb:
I hope you all had a restful and fun filled Thanksgiving and/or Break. It is hard to believe that we only have four weeks until our next school vacation. No that report cards and end of trimester assessments are done, we will be right back into our regular routine.
Winter weather is upon us and appropriate recess attire is a must. Please read the following note from Ms. Korb:
Happy winter everyone!
Thank you for helping your children be organized to bring boots, snowpants, a warm coat and other cold weather gear to school each day. We find that children that are dressed to play in the winter conditions truly get out and PLAY, despite some initial grumblings about getting on their gear. If the snow melts away (let's hope it doesn't!!!!) and temperatures warm, we'll let you know if we change our expectations, but for now, all students are asked to bring this gear with them each day.
Proper gear not only gets kids actually playing, but also helps them be focused on inside work when that time comes. Who can concentrate on math when your pants are soaking wet with melting snow? Boots, and different shoes for indoors, also help us protect our floors.
Again, we appreciate your help in supporting your kids in getting in the habit of coming prepared every day. Thank you!
Notes:
*Reading Logs will be sent home today. Please fill them out each night.
*New 1st Grade math Games/Homework will be sent home tomorrow.
I hope you have a great week!
Peace,
Tommy
November 25, 2013
November 25, 2013
Good Morning,
I want to start by apologizing for some of
the craziness of last week. Last Sunday night into Monday morning, I had
to take my wife to the ER. On Wednesday, I got a call that she needed me
to take her back and left school kind of abruptly. She is now doing much
better and things are returning back to normal.
There will be book of choices for reading
homework tonight. This means that the students will choose a book that
they either want to read or have red to them. Some students may choose to
continue reading the chapter books that they are currently working on.
There will be no reading log this week (being that it is only for one
night). I will not send homework home during the vacation. However,
I encourage the his to keep reading.
Notes:
*There is a 1st grade math survey that is being
sent home tonight. Please return it tomorrow. If you have any
math pieces (from your game) please keep them at home in a safe place (maybe a
shoe box). That way you will have the supplies for future use.
*Please make sure that your child has shoes to wear
in the classroom. I really don't want the kids to be wearing boots all
day long.
*Parent Conferences are tonight and tomorrow night.
I look forward to seeing you there. Please remember to bring the
report card with you.
I hope each and every one of you has a
wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys the time with their family and friends.
Peace,
Tommy
November 17, 2013
November 18, 2013
Good Morning,
This will be the only blog post this week. I am leaving for South Carolina on Wednesday (after school) and won't be returning to Sunday. Report Cards will be sent out this week. I believe they are going home on Wednesday. There will also not be a video this week because of my absence.
Notes:
*Parent Conference Sign Up: I have everyone scheduled with the exception of Jackson, Soren, and Bella. Could you please look at the online scheduler to pick a time or call Kathy to schedule a time. I would like this completed by Tuesday of this week.
*It is up to you if you would like your child to attend the parent conference. I like going over the report card with them but understand that logistically it may not work for everyone. Also, please bring the report card to your conference.
That is all for now. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tom
This will be the only blog post this week. I am leaving for South Carolina on Wednesday (after school) and won't be returning to Sunday. Report Cards will be sent out this week. I believe they are going home on Wednesday. There will also not be a video this week because of my absence.
Notes:
*Parent Conference Sign Up: I have everyone scheduled with the exception of Jackson, Soren, and Bella. Could you please look at the online scheduler to pick a time or call Kathy to schedule a time. I would like this completed by Tuesday of this week.
*It is up to you if you would like your child to attend the parent conference. I like going over the report card with them but understand that logistically it may not work for everyone. Also, please bring the report card to your conference.
That is all for now. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Tom
November 14, 2013
Last Thursday was the end of round 1 of the camera project. Mr. Mongeon and I wanted to speak to the students about the pictures they took and show examples of pictures that will make the reflection project easier to complete. We also pointed out different angles that students were shooting pictures at and the perspective they offered.
This week, I spent a lot of Reader's Workshop testing each child's reading level (for report cards). I did not meet with any groups and that is why some of the first grader's were bringing home choice books.
Today, wrote in our Weekly New's journals. I asked the students to talk about their favorite special for the week and to elaborate on what made it so much fun. Please make sure to read your child's entry and write back to them.
We also spent some time working on persuasive writing piece. I wanted the kids to try and make an argument for either reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or going to see the play.
I hope you have a great weekend. I am headed to the the zip line at Smuggler's Notch with some of my colleagues from school. Being that I am afraid of heights, this should be a good test for me.
NOTES:
*If you haven't signed up for a Parent Conference time, please do so. If you need help with the online aspect of it, please let me know.
*Please note that I will be out next Thursday and Friday. I am headed to South Carolina for a family Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Tom
November 11, 2013
November 11, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope you had a great weekend. I would like to thank any and all of you who were able to contribute to the Ski and Skate Sale in some fashion. It is truly amazing how the community can make such a grand event possible.
Liezl Cosentino, a senior at GMVS and a former student of mine, will be volunteering in our classroom over the next two days. SHe is an amazing young woman and the students will enjoy her presence in the room.
Notes:
*I am out of school on Wednesday. All of the 1st grade teachers from the district will be participating in a lesson study at Thatcher Brook Primary School.
*We will be traveling to Harwood on Thursday afternoon to watch our 5th and 6th graders perform the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If you remember, we read this as a read a loud earlier this year. After the play, I will be asking the students to write a persuasive piece about which one they liked the best.
*First Grade Math Survey is coming home today. Please fill it out and return it tomorrow. Your child will have a new game tomorrow.
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tom
I hope you had a great weekend. I would like to thank any and all of you who were able to contribute to the Ski and Skate Sale in some fashion. It is truly amazing how the community can make such a grand event possible.
Liezl Cosentino, a senior at GMVS and a former student of mine, will be volunteering in our classroom over the next two days. SHe is an amazing young woman and the students will enjoy her presence in the room.
Notes:
*I am out of school on Wednesday. All of the 1st grade teachers from the district will be participating in a lesson study at Thatcher Brook Primary School.
*We will be traveling to Harwood on Thursday afternoon to watch our 5th and 6th graders perform the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If you remember, we read this as a read a loud earlier this year. After the play, I will be asking the students to write a persuasive piece about which one they liked the best.
*First Grade Math Survey is coming home today. Please fill it out and return it tomorrow. Your child will have a new game tomorrow.
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tom
November 8, 2013
November 8, 2013
Good Afternoon,
This morning the students were each given a spelling test on the sight words that they have been working on in class. Each kid has their own list of words and new ones are added as old ones are mastered. The students spend 10-15 minutes each morning (upon arrival) working on these words.
We finished our Morning Meeting with our traditional game of Silent Dodge Ball (Friday Tradition). The students then wrote in their Weekly News journals. Please make sure to read through them and write back to your child. During science, the students each created their own Moon Phase poster.
This afternoon, we had math and Art.
Here is this week's video:
Notes:
*Enjoy your weekend and have fun with your family!
Peace,
Tommy
This morning the students were each given a spelling test on the sight words that they have been working on in class. Each kid has their own list of words and new ones are added as old ones are mastered. The students spend 10-15 minutes each morning (upon arrival) working on these words.
We finished our Morning Meeting with our traditional game of Silent Dodge Ball (Friday Tradition). The students then wrote in their Weekly News journals. Please make sure to read through them and write back to your child. During science, the students each created their own Moon Phase poster.
This afternoon, we had math and Art.
Here is this week's video:
Notes:
*Enjoy your weekend and have fun with your family!
Peace,
Tommy
November 6, 2013
November 6, 2013
Good Morning,
Today we had Morning Meeting, Reader's Workshop and an abbreviated Writer's Workshop. We had lunch early and then the early dismissal. Today's special was PE.
Your children do have reading homework tonight. Some of the kids will be assigned a Time For Kids Magazine. They should read it tonight. There will be an assignment about the reading on Thursday evening.
Have a great day.
Peace,
Tom
Today we had Morning Meeting, Reader's Workshop and an abbreviated Writer's Workshop. We had lunch early and then the early dismissal. Today's special was PE.
Your children do have reading homework tonight. Some of the kids will be assigned a Time For Kids Magazine. They should read it tonight. There will be an assignment about the reading on Thursday evening.
Have a great day.
Peace,
Tom
November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013
Good Morning,
I hoe you had a wonderful weekend. My daughter and I ran in a very cold 5k in South Burlington on Sunday morning. However, it was a lot of fun and she did great. I am trying to run 1 race a month for a year. I might need some suggestions for a warm February one.
Today, the students shopped for their new books for their read to self bags. We had Reader's and Writer's workshop in the morning. This week I will review/introduce the students to the concept of using powerful/descriptive words in their writing. I call these words "Spicy Cheez-It" words. On Tuesday, your child will find out why. You will have to ask them about it in Tuesday evening.
On Friday, we had a session with our 5th and 6th grade learning buddies. The students were asked to work together to build the tallest structure that they could using marshmallows and toothpicks.
NOTES:
*There is a new reading log in your child's bag. Please make sure it is filled out each evening. I check these at the end of each week and if it is completely filled out the student gets a sticker for their album.
*1st Grade Math: You should continue to play the game that was sent home last week. I will send home the survey next Monday and a new game a week from tomorrow.
*If you are going to be away the week of Thanksgiving and will be missing our parent conference, could you please let me know this week. I have already heard from one family and just want to know about any others.
*I will be traveling on the 21st and 22nd of November. I will be headed to South Carolina to see my siblings and parents. My brother Kenny just got back from Afghanistan and we are gathering as a family.
*Remember there is an Early Release Day on Wednesday.
*Please send back your Winter Sports Form. I am missing 5.
Have a great week!
Peace,
Tommy
I hoe you had a wonderful weekend. My daughter and I ran in a very cold 5k in South Burlington on Sunday morning. However, it was a lot of fun and she did great. I am trying to run 1 race a month for a year. I might need some suggestions for a warm February one.
Today, the students shopped for their new books for their read to self bags. We had Reader's and Writer's workshop in the morning. This week I will review/introduce the students to the concept of using powerful/descriptive words in their writing. I call these words "Spicy Cheez-It" words. On Tuesday, your child will find out why. You will have to ask them about it in Tuesday evening.
On Friday, we had a session with our 5th and 6th grade learning buddies. The students were asked to work together to build the tallest structure that they could using marshmallows and toothpicks.
NOTES:
*There is a new reading log in your child's bag. Please make sure it is filled out each evening. I check these at the end of each week and if it is completely filled out the student gets a sticker for their album.
*1st Grade Math: You should continue to play the game that was sent home last week. I will send home the survey next Monday and a new game a week from tomorrow.
*If you are going to be away the week of Thanksgiving and will be missing our parent conference, could you please let me know this week. I have already heard from one family and just want to know about any others.
*I will be traveling on the 21st and 22nd of November. I will be headed to South Carolina to see my siblings and parents. My brother Kenny just got back from Afghanistan and we are gathering as a family.
*Remember there is an Early Release Day on Wednesday.
*Please send back your Winter Sports Form. I am missing 5.
Have a great week!
Peace,
Tommy
November 1, 2013
Good Morning,
We had a great trip to the Flynn and the performance was well worth the trip. I think the students enjoyed the level of engagement the dancers asked of each of them. Many of the kids were talking about the dance moves they learned throughout the day. On the way home, I "suggested" that each kid may want to get in a nap in order to be fully ready for trick or treating.
Today we met with our 5/6 grade learning buddies and worked with toothpicks and marshmallows on a design tech challenge.
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy this week's video.
Peace,
Tom
October 30, 2013
October 30, 2013
Good Morning,
Yesterday we completed our write ups on how our two town librarians, Joy and Lisa, make a difference in our community. The second graders and a couple of 1st graders were asked to use our class brainstorm to write their own paragraph using details and elaboration. I led the rest of the 1st graders through a guided whole class write of the same assignment.
Tomorrow we will head to the Flynn Theater. We will be leaving around 8:45 and will return sometime around 12:15. We will eat a snack before we leave and lunch once we get back. Since we will not be having Reader's workshop tomorrow. I will ask that the students continue reading their chapter books or reread the decodable books that they have in their homework bag.
Notes:
*Please remember to leave all Halloween Candy at home.
*I still need the Flynn money from two more students. Could you please send it in.
*Jersey Friday!
I hope everyone has a great day and a safe Halloween.
Peace,
Tom
October 25, 2013
Above is this weeks video. I hope you enjoy it. Today we read the book It Looks Like Spilt Milk and used the book concept to create our own writing pieces. We also finished our conversation about the day and night sky. Afterwards, I read the book What Makes Day and Night. I used this book to teach the concept of the Earth's rotation and where the sun is during day and night time.
I still need Flynn money from the following students: Bella, Miles, Juno, and Riley.
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tom
October 23, 2013
October 23, 2013
Good Morning,
What a change a week can make. With this in mind, it is time to start thinking about cold weather attire and appropriate footwear. Please make sure your child has a jacket for recess and boots on rainy and snowy days. If you would like to have your child leave a pair of sneakers at school, feel free to do so.
On Monday, we continued to work on our pen pal letters. The students were asked to write a letter that had four sentences about themselves, 1 sentence about something they like, and 2 questions for their pen pal. I am asking the 2nd graders to use elaboration and detail within their writing.
Yesterday, we went to the town library. The students learned about all of the interesting events the library offers as well as all of the children's books that the library offers. Lisa and Joy (the two librarians) talked to the students about obtaining library cards and the digital download (for e books) option that is available through their website. The students all brought home sign up sheet to get their own library card. If you fill it out and return it, I will walk the kids down on a Wednesday afternoon to turn it in, or you can bring it in yourselves.
Notes:
*I have decided to not have my class attend the High Fives assembly on Thursday. Kaiya asked us to preview the movie (that will be shown) and decide if it was grade appropriate. After viewing it, I have decided that it is a bit to "scary" for 1st and 2nd graders. Although the message of wearing a helmet is an important one, I feel the intended audience is 3-6 graders. We will discuss the importance of ski and snowboarding helmets prior to the start of our Winter Sports Program.
*Please send in the $3 for the Flynn trip. The trip is October 31st.
*Halloween: We will not be having a halloween party. As excited as the students are about this special day, I feel they all have plenty of opportunities outside of school to reveal in the Halloween spirit and festivities.
*First Grade Math: Yesterday each first grader brought home another set of flash cards. Please add these to your child's current set and practice them. This is extra and will not have to be written up in a survey. However, your child is on the 2nd week of their math game. I will send home the game survey on Monday, October 28th. A new game will be sent home on the 29th.
That is all for now. Have a great day!
Peace,
Tommy
What a change a week can make. With this in mind, it is time to start thinking about cold weather attire and appropriate footwear. Please make sure your child has a jacket for recess and boots on rainy and snowy days. If you would like to have your child leave a pair of sneakers at school, feel free to do so.
On Monday, we continued to work on our pen pal letters. The students were asked to write a letter that had four sentences about themselves, 1 sentence about something they like, and 2 questions for their pen pal. I am asking the 2nd graders to use elaboration and detail within their writing.
Yesterday, we went to the town library. The students learned about all of the interesting events the library offers as well as all of the children's books that the library offers. Lisa and Joy (the two librarians) talked to the students about obtaining library cards and the digital download (for e books) option that is available through their website. The students all brought home sign up sheet to get their own library card. If you fill it out and return it, I will walk the kids down on a Wednesday afternoon to turn it in, or you can bring it in yourselves.
Notes:
*I have decided to not have my class attend the High Fives assembly on Thursday. Kaiya asked us to preview the movie (that will be shown) and decide if it was grade appropriate. After viewing it, I have decided that it is a bit to "scary" for 1st and 2nd graders. Although the message of wearing a helmet is an important one, I feel the intended audience is 3-6 graders. We will discuss the importance of ski and snowboarding helmets prior to the start of our Winter Sports Program.
*Please send in the $3 for the Flynn trip. The trip is October 31st.
*Halloween: We will not be having a halloween party. As excited as the students are about this special day, I feel they all have plenty of opportunities outside of school to reveal in the Halloween spirit and festivities.
*First Grade Math: Yesterday each first grader brought home another set of flash cards. Please add these to your child's current set and practice them. This is extra and will not have to be written up in a survey. However, your child is on the 2nd week of their math game. I will send home the game survey on Monday, October 28th. A new game will be sent home on the 29th.
That is all for now. Have a great day!
Peace,
Tommy
October 21, 2013
October 21, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope you had a great weekend. My wife and I were able to have a quick retreat to Cumberland, Maine. It was a beautiful drive and a great time with friends. This morning we had two more published author's read their books at Morning Meeting. Congratulations to Anna and Emma.
A few reminders for this week:
*Flynn trip money is due. Again, the show is on October 31st and the cost is $3. I have 5 of my 15 students that have paid.
*We are walking to the Waitsfield Town Library tomorrow at 10:30. Please let me know if your child has a library card already.
*Picture retake day is tomorrow. We will have our class photo redone. The first attempt was labeled as a third grade class and we had to send it back.
*There is an assembly on Thursday. THe High Fives group will be presenting. Assembly starts at 7:50.
That is all for now.
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope you had a great weekend. My wife and I were able to have a quick retreat to Cumberland, Maine. It was a beautiful drive and a great time with friends. This morning we had two more published author's read their books at Morning Meeting. Congratulations to Anna and Emma.
A few reminders for this week:
*Flynn trip money is due. Again, the show is on October 31st and the cost is $3. I have 5 of my 15 students that have paid.
*We are walking to the Waitsfield Town Library tomorrow at 10:30. Please let me know if your child has a library card already.
*Picture retake day is tomorrow. We will have our class photo redone. The first attempt was labeled as a third grade class and we had to send it back.
*There is an assembly on Thursday. THe High Fives group will be presenting. Assembly starts at 7:50.
That is all for now.
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
October 18, 2013
October 18, 2013
Good Morning.
Today we talked about our pen pals that we will write to this year. Our pen pals ore 1st and 2nd graders from Waterbury. The idea will be that we write back and forth a few times during the year and then meet up in the spring. I am hoping to to a Skype session with our pen pals too.
On Tuesday of next week, we will be walking to the Waitsfield Library at 10:30. This trip will serve two purposes. First I want the students to obtain a library card, if they don't have one. I want the children to see what a valuable resource the library is. Secondly, I have asked Joy (the librarian) to speak to our class on how she makes a difference for the town of Waitsfield. As a reminder, this is part of our Social Studies curriculum this year. If your child has a library card already, would you please let me know.
There will be a film crew in my classroom on Thursday, October 24th. The crew will come during lunch and film my math class. This is one of five recordings that will happen this year.
Notes:
*Please send in the $3 for the Flynn trip.
*Your child has his/her Weekly News Journal in his/her backpack. Please sign it and send it in on Monday.
*First Grade Math: Remember you will play the game (you received this week) all of next week and receive a game survey on Monday, October 28th.
Hare is this weeks video.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
Today we talked about our pen pals that we will write to this year. Our pen pals ore 1st and 2nd graders from Waterbury. The idea will be that we write back and forth a few times during the year and then meet up in the spring. I am hoping to to a Skype session with our pen pals too.
On Tuesday of next week, we will be walking to the Waitsfield Library at 10:30. This trip will serve two purposes. First I want the students to obtain a library card, if they don't have one. I want the children to see what a valuable resource the library is. Secondly, I have asked Joy (the librarian) to speak to our class on how she makes a difference for the town of Waitsfield. As a reminder, this is part of our Social Studies curriculum this year. If your child has a library card already, would you please let me know.
There will be a film crew in my classroom on Thursday, October 24th. The crew will come during lunch and film my math class. This is one of five recordings that will happen this year.
Notes:
*Please send in the $3 for the Flynn trip.
*Your child has his/her Weekly News Journal in his/her backpack. Please sign it and send it in on Monday.
*First Grade Math: Remember you will play the game (you received this week) all of next week and receive a game survey on Monday, October 28th.
Hare is this weeks video.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Good Morning,
Yesterday during science we discussed why the moon seems to change in the sky. I used a website that has a visual of the moon cycle and we had a discussion about the Sun, Moon, and Earth. I am hoping the children walked away with the understanding that the sun is always shining on the moon (the moon doesn't create its own light) and the moon changes in the sky because we can only see parts the the face that is being illuminated by the sun. Please keep checking the moon phases with your child. We will use these observations later in the unit.
NOTES:
*Friday is Jersey Day!
*We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Thursday, October 31st. We will be treated to a show called Step AFRIKA! Step Afrika is a rhythmic, exuberant, and electrifying! It is the world’s first professional company devoted to stepping, a unique art form born at African American fraternities in the early 1900s, with roots in African dance and military traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments, creating intricate patterns of kicks, stomps, claps, and chants that pound the floor and fill the air. This high-energy performance includes traditional Zulu and gumboot dances, originally developed in the mines of South Africa. The PTA covers the transportation and some of the ticket cost. However, I will still need to collect $3.00 from each student. Please send in the payment by 10/28/13. Checks should be made out to Waitsfield Elementary School. As always, please let me know if assistance with the fee is needed. We will be eating lunch at the school upon our return from Burlington.
Here is a You Tube clip of the group:
That is all for now. I hope you have a great day.
Peace,
Tommy
Yesterday during science we discussed why the moon seems to change in the sky. I used a website that has a visual of the moon cycle and we had a discussion about the Sun, Moon, and Earth. I am hoping the children walked away with the understanding that the sun is always shining on the moon (the moon doesn't create its own light) and the moon changes in the sky because we can only see parts the the face that is being illuminated by the sun. Please keep checking the moon phases with your child. We will use these observations later in the unit.
NOTES:
*Friday is Jersey Day!
*We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Thursday, October 31st. We will be treated to a show called Step AFRIKA! Step Afrika is a rhythmic, exuberant, and electrifying! It is the world’s first professional company devoted to stepping, a unique art form born at African American fraternities in the early 1900s, with roots in African dance and military traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments, creating intricate patterns of kicks, stomps, claps, and chants that pound the floor and fill the air. This high-energy performance includes traditional Zulu and gumboot dances, originally developed in the mines of South Africa. The PTA covers the transportation and some of the ticket cost. However, I will still need to collect $3.00 from each student. Please send in the payment by 10/28/13. Checks should be made out to Waitsfield Elementary School. As always, please let me know if assistance with the fee is needed. We will be eating lunch at the school upon our return from Burlington.
Here is a You Tube clip of the group:
That is all for now. I hope you have a great day.
Peace,
Tommy
October 11, 2013
October 11, 2013
Good Morning,
Over the last few days, we have been looking at repetitive line books during Writer's Workshop. The students have been identifying how author's use this structure in their writing. We have read a variety of picture books as models of this writing.
During Reader's Workshop, we have been working on the idea of what good readers do when they are reading. We have been working on the concept of thinking about your reading in the sense does it make sense and do I understand what am I reading?
Yesterday, we had library in our classroom because of students taking the NECAP test in the library area. Today, we will start a year long photography project. Mr. Mongeon and I will be teaching the kids how to use a digital camera. The final project will be a part of an exhibit at the end of the year.
NOTES:
*The 1st Grade math Survey will be sent home today. It is due on Tuesday. New math homework will be sent home on Tuesday.
*The moon journals do not have to be filled in nightly. I ask that you observe on or around the key dates that I outlined in Wednesday's blog post. If your child wishes to do more, then feel free to have at it!
*Remember there is no school on Monday.
Here is this weeks video:
Peace,
Tommy
Over the last few days, we have been looking at repetitive line books during Writer's Workshop. The students have been identifying how author's use this structure in their writing. We have read a variety of picture books as models of this writing.
During Reader's Workshop, we have been working on the idea of what good readers do when they are reading. We have been working on the concept of thinking about your reading in the sense does it make sense and do I understand what am I reading?
Yesterday, we had library in our classroom because of students taking the NECAP test in the library area. Today, we will start a year long photography project. Mr. Mongeon and I will be teaching the kids how to use a digital camera. The final project will be a part of an exhibit at the end of the year.
NOTES:
*The 1st Grade math Survey will be sent home today. It is due on Tuesday. New math homework will be sent home on Tuesday.
*The moon journals do not have to be filled in nightly. I ask that you observe on or around the key dates that I outlined in Wednesday's blog post. If your child wishes to do more, then feel free to have at it!
*Remember there is no school on Monday.
Here is this weeks video:
Peace,
Tommy
October 9, 2013
Good Morning,
This week we started a science unit in the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Today your child will be bringing home their science notebook. It will be in their homework bag. Over the next 4 weeks, I would like your child to observe the moon and draw what they see in their journal. If need be, take a digital picture and have them do it during an earlier time the next day. The idea is that they will see a few distinct phases of the moon and notice that the moon appears to change. Below are the dates of major phases during this time period:
10/19 Crescent
10/12 1st Quarter
10/13 Half Moon
10/18 Full Moon
10/26 Last Quarter
10/20 Crescent
Here is a video explanation as well.
*Please keep your child's science notebook in their homework bag. We will need them for class during this time period as well.
I hope you have a great day.
Peace,
Tom
This week we started a science unit in the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Today your child will be bringing home their science notebook. It will be in their homework bag. Over the next 4 weeks, I would like your child to observe the moon and draw what they see in their journal. If need be, take a digital picture and have them do it during an earlier time the next day. The idea is that they will see a few distinct phases of the moon and notice that the moon appears to change. Below are the dates of major phases during this time period:
10/19 Crescent
10/12 1st Quarter
10/13 Half Moon
10/18 Full Moon
10/26 Last Quarter
10/20 Crescent
Here is a video explanation as well.
*Please keep your child's science notebook in their homework bag. We will need them for class during this time period as well.
I hope you have a great day.
Peace,
Tom
October 6, 2013
October 7, 2013
Howdy Folks,
I am actually writing this Sunday afternoon from school. Tomorrow all of the 1st grade math teachers from the district will be at a math data meeting. This is a required meeting and I will be out all day. Tonight, your children will bring home a reading log as part of their homework, please watch the video for an explanation on this. If you have any questions, please let me know. The reading log should be filled out all week and sent back on Fridays.
Spelling groups will start today. I have used the students assessments to create 5 different spelling groups. This is parr of their Word Work for our Daily 5 time. Barb Morrison will be leading three of these groups. She and I meet once a week to plan out the activities and everything is overseen by me. Again, please let me know if you have any questions.
**1st Grade Math Homework: Continue working on the flash cards for the 2nd week. I will send the survey home on Friday and it will be due on Tuesday of next week.**
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tom
I am actually writing this Sunday afternoon from school. Tomorrow all of the 1st grade math teachers from the district will be at a math data meeting. This is a required meeting and I will be out all day. Tonight, your children will bring home a reading log as part of their homework, please watch the video for an explanation on this. If you have any questions, please let me know. The reading log should be filled out all week and sent back on Fridays.
Spelling groups will start today. I have used the students assessments to create 5 different spelling groups. This is parr of their Word Work for our Daily 5 time. Barb Morrison will be leading three of these groups. She and I meet once a week to plan out the activities and everything is overseen by me. Again, please let me know if you have any questions.
**1st Grade Math Homework: Continue working on the flash cards for the 2nd week. I will send the survey home on Friday and it will be due on Tuesday of next week.**
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tom
October 4, 2013
October 4, 2013
Good Morning,
Yesterday we had our school wide celebration for reaching our ROCK goal. The students were treated to a variety of Fall themed activities. You can see some of them in this week's video. This week marked the start of many things in our classroom (Full Daily 5 implementation, 1st grade math homework, and sight words). Next week will mark the start of spelling groups.
Today we will wrap up our initial look at the needs of living things. We will pick up this science unit again in the spring (focusing on plants). We will start our Earth, Moon and Sky science unit next week.
Notes:
*Weekly News Journals are in your child's backpack.
*Please make an concerted effort to complete the reading homework each night (M-Th). Next week your child will have a reading log in their homework bag. I explained this log in a previous blog.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
Yesterday we had our school wide celebration for reaching our ROCK goal. The students were treated to a variety of Fall themed activities. You can see some of them in this week's video. This week marked the start of many things in our classroom (Full Daily 5 implementation, 1st grade math homework, and sight words). Next week will mark the start of spelling groups.
Today we will wrap up our initial look at the needs of living things. We will pick up this science unit again in the spring (focusing on plants). We will start our Earth, Moon and Sky science unit next week.
Notes:
*Weekly News Journals are in your child's backpack.
*Please make an concerted effort to complete the reading homework each night (M-Th). Next week your child will have a reading log in their homework bag. I explained this log in a previous blog.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
October 2, 2013
October 2, 2013
Good Morning Friends,
Yesterday marked the first day of a full Reader's Workshop. The students had four rotations through the Daily 5 activities and I met with a Reading Group and individuals about their reading. Reading homework will be sent home Monday-Thursday (with a few exceptions). Starting next week, the students will also have a reading log to fill out (each night). Second graders should be filling out their own log (with a little if needed). First graders can fill it out themselves or have a parent do it for them. Please make sure this gets done each night.
Upon arrival to the classroom, the students take care of their homework bag, sign up for meeting, and then get right to work on their sight words. This gives them 40-50 minutes a week to work on spelling sight words. IT is a very important part of each child's development as a writer and reader. The students have a variety of choices on how they practice these words. However, if your child arrives late, he/she misses out on this opportunity. In that regard, I need your help. I will do my best to make sure your child hits their potential this year, but I need them at school on time. Even being 5 minutes late each day adds up to 25 minutes a week. I truly appreciate everyone's effort to make this happen. Below is an example of one of the sight word activities.
Tomorrow, the whole school will take part in our 1st PBIS celebration. We will head outside at 1:30 and be engaged in a variety of Fall themed activities. I heard a rumor of Gourd Bocce. It should be a fun time for the students.
1st Grade Math: The cards sent home yesterday were meant to be flashcards. Cut them out and practice with your child whenever you have a chance. Five minutes a day will go a very long way!
**There is a PTA sponsored potluck at the school tonight. The idea was to have an avenue for new families to meet the other families of the Waitsfield School. I will not be attending tonight. As many of you are experiencing, kids schedules are quite busy and I need to be available for my family tonight. After being here last Tuesday for Open House, I couldn't ask my wife to try to go solo again this week. I apologize for my absence and hope you enjoy the event.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Peace,
Tom
Yesterday marked the first day of a full Reader's Workshop. The students had four rotations through the Daily 5 activities and I met with a Reading Group and individuals about their reading. Reading homework will be sent home Monday-Thursday (with a few exceptions). Starting next week, the students will also have a reading log to fill out (each night). Second graders should be filling out their own log (with a little if needed). First graders can fill it out themselves or have a parent do it for them. Please make sure this gets done each night.
Upon arrival to the classroom, the students take care of their homework bag, sign up for meeting, and then get right to work on their sight words. This gives them 40-50 minutes a week to work on spelling sight words. IT is a very important part of each child's development as a writer and reader. The students have a variety of choices on how they practice these words. However, if your child arrives late, he/she misses out on this opportunity. In that regard, I need your help. I will do my best to make sure your child hits their potential this year, but I need them at school on time. Even being 5 minutes late each day adds up to 25 minutes a week. I truly appreciate everyone's effort to make this happen. Below is an example of one of the sight word activities.
Tomorrow, the whole school will take part in our 1st PBIS celebration. We will head outside at 1:30 and be engaged in a variety of Fall themed activities. I heard a rumor of Gourd Bocce. It should be a fun time for the students.
1st Grade Math: The cards sent home yesterday were meant to be flashcards. Cut them out and practice with your child whenever you have a chance. Five minutes a day will go a very long way!
**There is a PTA sponsored potluck at the school tonight. The idea was to have an avenue for new families to meet the other families of the Waitsfield School. I will not be attending tonight. As many of you are experiencing, kids schedules are quite busy and I need to be available for my family tonight. After being here last Tuesday for Open House, I couldn't ask my wife to try to go solo again this week. I apologize for my absence and hope you enjoy the event.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Peace,
Tom
September 30, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope you had a great weekend. Below is the volunteer schedule for this year. It will start on Tuesday, October 17th. If you would still like to sign up, take a look at the schedule and let me know.
Today I introduced the 4th Daily 5 activity of Listen to Reading. We established the routine and what it would look and sound like. The purpose of this activity is to allow students to hear stories read to them and then test their comprehensions strategies. I will be using the RAZ Kids web program for this activity. There will be a note coming home about this in the coming weeks.
1st Grade Math Students and Parents, please check the video below about homework.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope you had a great weekend. Below is the volunteer schedule for this year. It will start on Tuesday, October 17th. If you would still like to sign up, take a look at the schedule and let me know.
Parent Volunteer Schedule: 2013-2014
I want to thank everyone that was able to sign up to
volunteer in the classroom. Below is the
schedule. We will start Tuesday, October
17th (no school on the 16th).
Mondays: Marya Dungan
(1st, 3rd, & 5th Monday of each month)
10:30-11:25
Kelvey Wilson (2nd & 4th Monday of each month)
10:30-11:25
Rachel Rosenbloom (9:15-10:30)
Rachel Rosenbloom (9:15-10:30)
Tuesdays: Your name
could be here!
Wednesdays: Sheila Fiaschetti (1st, 3rd,
& 5th Wednesday of each month) 9:00-10:30
Sheila will start in mid November.
Thursdays: Your name
could be here!
Fridays: Lindsay
Jernigan (1st, 3rd, & 5th Friday of each
month) 8:30-9:00
Sara
Arman (2nd & 4th Friday of each month) 8:30-9:00
Leslie Badger (every other week)
8:30-9:00
This
will allow us to reach a lot of kids (for editing) in a short period of
time.
The following parents will be typing stories from home:
*Leslie Badger
*Sharon Parks
*Carla Ryley
*Barclay Rappeport
I will send home a folder with the stories in them and
directions on what to do. You can just type them in word or email and then
email the story to me. I will print htem
at school.
Today I introduced the 4th Daily 5 activity of Listen to Reading. We established the routine and what it would look and sound like. The purpose of this activity is to allow students to hear stories read to them and then test their comprehensions strategies. I will be using the RAZ Kids web program for this activity. There will be a note coming home about this in the coming weeks.
1st Grade Math Students and Parents, please check the video below about homework.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
September 27, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope everyone has had a great week. As I had mentioned, I have spent the last two days testing 1st grade math students on their number and operations skills. I decided to stay in the classroom while I did this. I wanted to see how well the class did with the substitute. I was very pleased with the group and how well it went. I was also extremely happy to see my second graders stepping up and being leaders in the classroom. Each of them did a fantastic job and were a great resource for the sub.
I will be sending home the volunteer schedule on Monday. We will start with our volunteers on Monday, October 7th. I am delighted to have 4 parents who are willing to type stories this year (from home). This is a valuable resource and I appreciate your help.
Below is this weeks video. I realized at Open House, how many of the kids really enjoy these each week. I had set the computers up to help parents sign up for the blog. However, the kids kind of pulled up the videos and went with it. Pretty cool to see.
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope everyone has had a great week. As I had mentioned, I have spent the last two days testing 1st grade math students on their number and operations skills. I decided to stay in the classroom while I did this. I wanted to see how well the class did with the substitute. I was very pleased with the group and how well it went. I was also extremely happy to see my second graders stepping up and being leaders in the classroom. Each of them did a fantastic job and were a great resource for the sub.
I will be sending home the volunteer schedule on Monday. We will start with our volunteers on Monday, October 7th. I am delighted to have 4 parents who are willing to type stories this year (from home). This is a valuable resource and I appreciate your help.
Below is this weeks video. I realized at Open House, how many of the kids really enjoy these each week. I had set the computers up to help parents sign up for the blog. However, the kids kind of pulled up the videos and went with it. Pretty cool to see.
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
September 25, 2013
September 25, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope everyone enjoyed the Open House last night. I always love to see the excitement that the students exhibit on evenings like that of Open House. As you can see, there is a lot going on int he classroom and the children have been exposed to quite a bit of information in a short amount of time.
Today, I led a discussion of students using their words when problems come up. I also talked about the responsibility of the 2nd person in the conversation. I am encouraging students to try to use their words to solve problems (that are not major or safety related) before telling a teacher. Going to the teacher would be used if the 1st attempt with words was unsuccessful.
NOTES:
*Friday is Jersey/Uniform Day. Let's beat Mr. Greenleaf's Class
*Friday will also be Annaliesa's last day. We are sad to see her go but know that she will have a wonderful experience in her new school.
Have a great day.
Peace,
Mr. Young
I hope everyone enjoyed the Open House last night. I always love to see the excitement that the students exhibit on evenings like that of Open House. As you can see, there is a lot going on int he classroom and the children have been exposed to quite a bit of information in a short amount of time.
Today, I led a discussion of students using their words when problems come up. I also talked about the responsibility of the 2nd person in the conversation. I am encouraging students to try to use their words to solve problems (that are not major or safety related) before telling a teacher. Going to the teacher would be used if the 1st attempt with words was unsuccessful.
NOTES:
*Friday is Jersey/Uniform Day. Let's beat Mr. Greenleaf's Class
*Friday will also be Annaliesa's last day. We are sad to see her go but know that she will have a wonderful experience in her new school.
Have a great day.
Peace,
Mr. Young
September 23, 2013
September 23, 2013
Good Morning,
I hope you had a great weekend. I found myself staring at the many colors that are now starting to appear on the mountainsides. What a beautiful place we live in! Today, we continued to work on the three Daily 5 routines that have been introduced. We will aim to start our normal reading group schedule next week.
This year, one of our Social Studies themes is People Making A Difference. I will be inviting people in to talk to the class about how they make a difference. Our first guest will be visiting on Tuesday. He is Armando Vilaseca, the Secretary of Education for the State of Vermont. He is someone I traveled with last summer and am excited that he can visit our classroom. After his presentation, the students will learn how to do a write up about the presentation. This is the model that I will be using throughout the year. Mr. Mongeon (our librarian) has also agreed to read about (throughout the year) some famous Americans that have made a difference. It will be a nice way to integrate our curriculum into other areas of learning.
NOTES:
*There will be a substitute in my room on Thursday and Friday. I will be in and out of the classroom those two days. I have to do one to one math testing with each 1st grade child. This is a district wide assessment that gives me great information about your child's number and operation skills and allows me to differentiate both their classroom instruction and homework.
*Book Orders are due tomorrow.
*Please, please make sure to send your child's homework bag back each day and Weekly News Journals on Monday's. I don't usually send the homework bags home over the weekend.
*Math Homework will start next week (for 1st Grade).
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope you had a great weekend. I found myself staring at the many colors that are now starting to appear on the mountainsides. What a beautiful place we live in! Today, we continued to work on the three Daily 5 routines that have been introduced. We will aim to start our normal reading group schedule next week.
This year, one of our Social Studies themes is People Making A Difference. I will be inviting people in to talk to the class about how they make a difference. Our first guest will be visiting on Tuesday. He is Armando Vilaseca, the Secretary of Education for the State of Vermont. He is someone I traveled with last summer and am excited that he can visit our classroom. After his presentation, the students will learn how to do a write up about the presentation. This is the model that I will be using throughout the year. Mr. Mongeon (our librarian) has also agreed to read about (throughout the year) some famous Americans that have made a difference. It will be a nice way to integrate our curriculum into other areas of learning.
NOTES:
*There will be a substitute in my room on Thursday and Friday. I will be in and out of the classroom those two days. I have to do one to one math testing with each 1st grade child. This is a district wide assessment that gives me great information about your child's number and operation skills and allows me to differentiate both their classroom instruction and homework.
*Book Orders are due tomorrow.
*Please, please make sure to send your child's homework bag back each day and Weekly News Journals on Monday's. I don't usually send the homework bags home over the weekend.
*Math Homework will start next week (for 1st Grade).
Have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
September 19, 2013
September 20, 2013
Happy Friday! This morning Mary Hong (Washington County Mental Health) presented about Autism and different aspects of how students with Autism learn. I thought it would be good to hear some facts and allow the students to ask questions about one of their classmates and what we can do to help the child be fully integrated into the classroom.
Over the past few days we have continued working in our science notebooks. The children are learning to create diagrams, write "I notice" statements, and label their drawings. We have also worked on fully implementing the third piece of the Daily 5, Read with Someone.
Here is this week's movie trailer recap. I hope you enjoy!
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
Over the past few days we have continued working in our science notebooks. The children are learning to create diagrams, write "I notice" statements, and label their drawings. We have also worked on fully implementing the third piece of the Daily 5, Read with Someone.
Here is this week's movie trailer recap. I hope you enjoy!
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Tommy
September 18, 2013
September 18, 2013
Good Morning,
Yesterday, we created our science notebooks. I led a discussion about how scientist use the skill of observation to record what they learn and/or notice. The students broke up into teams and spent 10 minutes observing apples. Their goal was to record what they saw. We then gathered back, as a class, and shared the different strategies used to record observations. I created a poster (for future reference) of the different techniques used. I then gave the students each a hand lens and allowed them to add to their observations. There was a lot of excitement for science and one girl even said, "I have never done science before, it was awesome!"
Notes:
*Assembly at 7:45 tomorrow.
*Please make sure your child wears some kind of jacket or sweatshirt to school. THe playground temperature has been a little cool for some.
*I forgot to send home the book orders on Monday. I will send them today. They will be due next Tuesday, September 24th.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Peace,
Tommy
Yesterday, we created our science notebooks. I led a discussion about how scientist use the skill of observation to record what they learn and/or notice. The students broke up into teams and spent 10 minutes observing apples. Their goal was to record what they saw. We then gathered back, as a class, and shared the different strategies used to record observations. I created a poster (for future reference) of the different techniques used. I then gave the students each a hand lens and allowed them to add to their observations. There was a lot of excitement for science and one girl even said, "I have never done science before, it was awesome!"
Notes:
*Assembly at 7:45 tomorrow.
*Please make sure your child wears some kind of jacket or sweatshirt to school. THe playground temperature has been a little cool for some.
*I forgot to send home the book orders on Monday. I will send them today. They will be due next Tuesday, September 24th.
That is all for now. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Peace,
Tommy
September 16, 2013
September 16, 2013
Good Morning Friends,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I don't know about all of you, but I am always amazed how booked the weekends get. This weekend, my oldest daughter, turned 12. We had 12, 6th grade girls spend the night on Saturday. Needless to say I am glad to be back at work!
This week we will continue to introduce the components of Writer's Workshop, and the 3rd Daily 5 routine of Reading With Someone. I will also finish up the remaining Language Arts Assessments that I wanted to complete.
We will have an assembly on Thursday. The assemblies have been moved to Thursdays this year. If you are able to join us, they start at 7:45.
Notes:
*Book order forms will be sent home today. If you would like to order any books, please send it back by next Monday
*Fridays are Jersey Day! Mr. Geenleaf and I are huge sports fans. We would love to have Fridays be Jersey/t-shirt day. You child can wear a jersey or shirt of their favorite sports team or their own sports teams (soccer, dance). I am convinced I can get my whole class to wear them before Mr. Greenleaf does. I will also have a few extra basketball t-shirts at school, if someone needs one.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I don't know about all of you, but I am always amazed how booked the weekends get. This weekend, my oldest daughter, turned 12. We had 12, 6th grade girls spend the night on Saturday. Needless to say I am glad to be back at work!
This week we will continue to introduce the components of Writer's Workshop, and the 3rd Daily 5 routine of Reading With Someone. I will also finish up the remaining Language Arts Assessments that I wanted to complete.
We will have an assembly on Thursday. The assemblies have been moved to Thursdays this year. If you are able to join us, they start at 7:45.
Notes:
*Book order forms will be sent home today. If you would like to order any books, please send it back by next Monday
*Fridays are Jersey Day! Mr. Geenleaf and I are huge sports fans. We would love to have Fridays be Jersey/t-shirt day. You child can wear a jersey or shirt of their favorite sports team or their own sports teams (soccer, dance). I am convinced I can get my whole class to wear them before Mr. Greenleaf does. I will also have a few extra basketball t-shirts at school, if someone needs one.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace,
Tommy
September 13, 2013
September 13, 2013
Nothing like the first full week of school ending on a Friday the 13th! Thankfully, there are no horror stories to report. We have had a fantastic week. I have finished up most of the beginning of the year Language Arts assessments. I will use these to customize each child's reading and spelling activities. I will have to take two days near the end of September ( I didn't want to be out of the room before then), to test all of the 1st Graders on the Primary Number and Observation Assessment. This is a 1:1 test and it takes about 30 minutes per kid. Our entire district uses this test (K-2 grade) and the information allows me to identify specific number and operation skills to work on with your child. The results also allow me to customize the math homework. This homework will start in October.
This week's video focuses a bit more on the specials (music, PE, library etc.). I was not able to get Art or French in this time. I hope you enjoy it.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tom
This week's video focuses a bit more on the specials (music, PE, library etc.). I was not able to get Art or French in this time. I hope you enjoy it.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Tom
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