Week of February 11th

    We have gotten off to a great start to our new unit:  Pop Technology!  One of my favorite moments this week happened during our Math challenge.  Before mad minutes, we do a Math challenge for our "warm up".  The students get into two lines and compete against one another to answer subtraction facts.  The first person to touch their nose and give a correct answer wins the round.  We do this until there is only one person standing.  Well, I noticed this week that the students began fussing about the order of the line.  No one wanted to go against Sam W.  He is our "Math Whiz"!   He knows his Math facts like the back of his hand.  Sam W. also has another talent.  He can touch his nose at the speed of light!!  I have just been so amazed with how well he has been doing.  So...I decided to do an experiment.  One day in class, I paired Sam W. with Mrs. Kate!!  Believe it or not, Sam W. beat Mrs. Kate 2 out of 3 times!!!  I would like to also add that Mrs. Kate was not easy on him.  This is just one story of how our First Grade class is excelling in academics.  Each and every child has amazing strengths!  I cannot tell you how many times I have to remind myself that they are JUST first graders.  I am so proud of each and everyone.

Here are a few reminders for this week:

-  NO SCHOOL MONDAY AND TUESDAY!!!

-  Please bring shoe boxes on Wednesday.

-  Valentines Day party Thursday at 2:15.

-  Please make sure your child is charging their Ipad every night.
-  Don't forget about your piggy bank for Purposeful Pony!

Here is a sneak peek at our week:

Research Project:  Because our week has been cut short, our normal activities will be changed.  The students will not be required to learn any spelling or vocabulary words this week.  In class, I will be teaching the students how to use the internet to research our artist and composer.  We will be creating poster for each.

Math:  We will continue our geometry lessons this week.  The kids are LOVING learning about solid figures.

Craft:  On Wednesday, we will be creating a Valentine's Robot.  The robot will hold all of the Valentine's that will be passed out on Thursday.  We will be creating our robots on Wednesday.  Each child will need to bring a shoebox.  I will also need some parents to volunteer to bring several rolls of wrapping paper (to cover boxes with) and Valentine Day stickers.

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!