Weekly Update ~ 4/1/12

We had a fabulously fun week in first grade!

Language Arts

- In Language Arts, we read Animal Teams, a nonfiction selection about animals that team up to help one another.  Animals can be very different from one another, but they often work on the same team so they can both have better lives.  The children enjoyed reading about how a Goby Fish helps a Blind Shrimp, how ants help caterpillars, and learning about more interesting animal teams that help each other.  Ask your child which animal team was their favorite and why? 

Extending the Learning in Language Arts For additional practice, check out the following sites: Vocabulary:  http://www.mhschool.com/vocab_games/mmh_games/content/Grade1/Unit4/w5v1/index.html Retelling:  http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/media/repository/protected_content/COMPOUND/50000020/31/63/comprehension_launch.html?defaultSkill=11&stateCode=PA&defaultGrade=1 National Geographic Kids: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Spelling

-In Spelling, the students were introduced to long e words, spelled with letter -y.  The students took part in many spelling activities throughout the week to practice their new words and sentences.  Please be sure that your child completes his/her nightly spelling homework neatly!  Also, the children should be using proper letter formation in their daily writing. 

Extending the Learning in Spelling For additional practice, click on the following links: Word Play:  http://www.mhschool.com/mmh_games/content/reading/gr1/unit04/week5/s1/index.html Long e with Y:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VsLn1cDYA Electric Company: http://pbskids.org/go/video/?category=The%20Electric%20Company&pid=RKnV5iOIYnEFHhRx_aWErVpSxvFS5sUZ

Grammar

-Our Grammar lessons focused on identifying and using adverbs that tell when.  The children are reminded to read the sentence first, and then ask the question, When? This should help with identifying the adverb.  We also reviewed contractions.  The children are able to identify contractions in sentences, and write contractions for given words.

Can you identify the adverbs and contraction in each sentence?
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1.      I’m happy today! 2.     Yesterday, you didn’t lock the front door. 3.     I couldn’t go to the park early. 4.    We’re happy to see you now! 5.     Later we’ll go to the movie theater.

Practice writing contractions for the following words:

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can not
did not
do not
will not
should not

Extending the Learning in Grammar For more practice, check out the following links: Adverbs:  http://www.ezschool.com/Games/Adverbs.html Contractions:  http://pbskids.org/go/video/?category=The%20Electric%20Company&pid=RKnV5iOIYnEFHhRx_aWErVpSxvFS5sUZ Comma Chameleon:   http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/punctuation.htm

Math

-In Math, we have been having a blast working on Chapter 21, Fractions.  The students are able to identify fractions as equal parts of a whole.  We have been working with halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths.  The children were challenged as they concentrated on creating symmetrical halves while they sketched the missing half of their school portrait.  Can you recognize these kids? 

Symmetrical Halves

Pizza Fractions

 We also had a delectable time cooking up our own fraction pizzas while making halves and fourths.  During snack time, the students had a sweet time dividing Hershey's chocolate bars, Kit-Kat bars, and Whoppers into fractional pieces as well.  Finally, we worked in small groups to test our knowledge about fractions while recording the fractions of pizza toppings on various pizzas.  We all enjoyed these scrumptious activities!  Check out some of the highlights from our fun fraction week:

Extending the Learning in Math For additional math practice, check out the following sites: Fractions: http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/cross_the_river/ http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/halves-thirds-fourths http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/equal-parts http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/what-fraction-does-the-shape-show http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm#fractions Family Math Games:  http://www.mrsgoldsclass.com/MathGames.htm

Whale Done

-McCormick Elementary School had a Whale Done school-wide assembly this week.  Special guests from the Moon Area High School golf team were present, as well as a Whale!  Mrs. Moore reviewed the Whale Done wave, praised students for their wonderful work, and recognized students and staff members for a Job Whale Done!  After the award presentation, primary students took part in a team-building bingo game!  Congratulations to all of my first grade students for your Whale Done work! I am so proud of your efforts in school each day! Keep up the outstanding work!