Weekly Update ~ 4/15/12

We had a Rootin’ Tootin’ Fun Time in First Grade this week!

SAT-10 Test Prep

-As we returned from Spring Break, we quickly got back into the swing of things in our classroom. We worked in small groups and played some review games covering many math and Language Skills. We began our Stanford Achievement Test –Tenth Edition (SAT-10) Practice Test, which covered various skills in Reading, Language, Spelling, Math, Problem Solving, and Environment. The Practice Test was not graded, and was a great opportunity to review and discuss testing procedures. The students practiced filling in test bubbles properly, using the process of elimination, and taking an educated guess.  We will begin our SAT-10 tests on Monday, April 16^th. Please be sure that your child gets a good night sleep throughout the week, and arrives to school on time. Also, please be sure your child eats breakfast, and brings 2 healthy snacks each day this week. Thank you for your cooperation!

Science Fair & Electricity Projects

-The McCormick Elementary Science Fair was held on Thursday, April 12^th. Our first graders sure had a blast checking out all of the interesting science fair projects. We even had 2 students from our class participating in the event! Check out Sophia’s fantastic fruitricty project, which shows how an electrical current can be generated using fruit. The citrus acid in these fruits are strong enough to power a small light bulb!

Fruitricity

Kaveri worked with potatoes to create electricity! Using potatoes, nails, and cooper wire, she was able to create a potato battery, which conducts enough electricity to run a small digital clock! Check out Kaveri's cool creation!

Potato Clock

Checking out the Super Science Fair Projects!

-Mrs. Cronin’s class also had science on the mind, as they created electricity projects in 4^thgrade. As part of their science unit, groups of students worked together to create a project with 3 working circuits. They graciously invited our first graders in to check them out! From a rock concert at a stadium, to a campfire at the beach, the projects were quite impressive! The pictures are kind of blurry because my camera doesn’t have a flash and the lights were off…but you’ll get a good idea of how much the first graders enjoyed these creative projects! J

Hand washing Demonstration

-Sewickley Valley nursing students visited our classroom to teach our students about the importance of staying healthy by washing our hands.  First, they demonstrated how our lungs work.  The students plugged their noses and blew into straws to demonstrate how our lungs work.  Then, they blew bubbles to show germs spreading through the air when they are not covered properly.  Yuck!  Finally, the students put pretend germs (glow germ lotion) on their hands, and placed them under a black light to show germs.  After a hand washing demonstration, the students practiced washing their hands properly.  The students then returned to the black light to see the germs disappear!  Special thanks to Miss Tawnya and Miss Christina for a fun, interactive, and healthy lesson! 

Western Day!

-YEE-HAW! On Friday, McCormick Elementary Students Participated in another fun special dress day!  Of course we couldn't celebrate the day without Mrs. Swisher tying in a good book!  We read a wonderfully cute book about friendship, called "Every Cowgirl Needs Dancin Boots," by Rebecca Janni. 

We had a rootin’ tootin’ great day!

Yee-haw!  My Rootin' Tootin' Adorable First Grade Cowgirls and Cowboys!

I didn't make into our class photo, but here's a picture of me and my own little cowgirl!

Weekly Update ~ 4/6/12

Who knew we could squeeze so much learning and so much fun into one short week?!

Lunch with Mrs. Swisher!

Language Arts

- In Language Arts, we read several nonfiction books on various animals, such as sheep, deer, chickens, and puppies.  The students selected an animal of their choice in which to read and report upon.  The students were excited to share facts and details about their animal.  We used the 4-Square graphic organizer to plan our animal report, which includes information about where the animal lives, what kind of food the animal eats, and other interesting facts.  Next, the students began to write the first draft of their animal report. 

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Math

-In Math, we completed Chapter 21, Fractions.  The students are able to identify fractions as equal parts of a whole.  They can identify halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths.  We also practiced using rulers to measure in inches and centimeters.  As an extension of our Animal Reporting, the students were asked to bring in a special stuffed animal to use for some measuring activities.  The students traced their stuffed animal onto poster board, then made some cuddly calibrations, measuring the length of their animals’ head, body, arms, legs, and more! 

Finally, we practiced addition and subtraction strategies, counting mixed coins, and sharpened our number sense as we participated in some interactive spring center activities! 

Special Agent Easter Egg Hunt

-The students had a splendid time participating in a Special Agent Easter Egg Hunt, which was thoughtfully planned by the first grade homeroom parents!  The students were first given their special agent badges with their secret code name and fingerprint, and had to find their special agent team members by following a secret code on their badge.  Once the teams were established, each team received their assignment, a map of the schoolyard, and clues to find their special agent bags.  Once the special agent bags were found, the children geared up for the egg hunt, with glasses on and magnifying glasses ready!  After lots of smiles and laughter, and some egg-cellent teamwork, the mission was accomplished!  The children all enjoyed this special event.  Thank you to our wonderful first grade parent volunteers for organizing an eggs-traordinary activity for our first graders! 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful spring break! 

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!

Weekly Update ~ 3/26/12

We had another super week in first grade!

Language Arts

-In Language Arts, we read The Kite, a chapter from the beloved book, Days with Frog and Toad, written by Arnold Lobel. The children enjoyed reading about Frog and Toad and their efforts to fly a kite. We learned a very important lesson, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again!” Throughout our lessons, we practiced visualizing, or painting a picture of the story in our heads. We also practiced retelling the main idea of the story. 

Extending the Learning in Language Arts For additional practice, check out the following sites: Frog and Toad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSGFZbQTX28 Broadhollow’s educational presentation of The Kite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTLpiHIQLQc Activity #1: http://activities.macmillanmh.com/OralLanguageActivities/main1.php?activityID=392 Activity #2:  http://activities.macmillanmh.com/OralLanguageActivities/main1.php?activityID=393 Vocabulary:  http://www.mhschool.com/mmh_games/content/reading/gr1/unit05/week2/v1/index.html

Spelling

-In Spelling, the students were introduced to long i, spelled with letters -i, -y, and -igh.  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/unit05/week2/s1/index.html Electric Company:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm7kBp6eqpo&list=PL364167D7D07DF76E&index=2&feature=plpp_video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7_8yz11Pqc&list=PL364167D7D07DF76E&index=1&feature=plpp_video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE0_c1-Y-Pg

Grammar

-Our Grammar lessons focused on accurately using the verb see, sees, and saw to complete sentences.  We also practiced correctly using commas in the date, after a city, and in a greeting and closing of a letter. 

Extending the Learning in Grammar For more practice, check out the following links: Verb Balloons: http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/grammar/verb/balloon_game/ Verbs in Space:  http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/verbs.htm Comma Chameleon:   http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/punctuation.htm

Math

-In Math, we completed Chapter 14, Practicing Addition and Subtraction.  The students practiced using strategies to solve both addition and subtraction problems.  We reviewed fact families, related facts, and practiced finding the missing number in addition and subtraction sentences.

Extending the Learning in Math For additional math practice, check out the following sites: Missing Numbers:  http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/busy_bees/index.html Related Addition Facts:  http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/related-addition-facts Related Subtraction Facts:  http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/related-subtraction-facts Family Math Games:  http://www.mrsgoldsclass.com/MathGames.htm

Computer Class

-Your first grader is beginning to learn keyboarding skills!  Below, Mrs. Iannessa introduces computer keys with the Keyboard Town Pals.  The children were introduced to left hand friends Amy, Sam, Dora, Frank, and George.  They loved practicing typing skills with this interactive program! 

 

Feathered Friends

-The PTC hosted another wonderful assembly for the staffand students.  Feathered friends from the Aviary visited McCormick, and the children were thrilled!  Here are some highlights: