Weekly Update

Math 

This week we have reviewed lines, rays, angles, polygons, types of triangles, and quadrilaterals.  In the activity rotation, we worked on a project called, "Geometry Town."  This project is due on Monday and is worth 40 points.  Also, we started MAP words of the week!  Our Math MAP word(s) of the week were area and perimeter!  In the games rotation, we practiced finding the area and perimeter of different coordinates in "Island Conquer."  We also found the area of squares and rectangles using Cheez-Its!  Finally, some of us had extra time to find the area and perimeter of our names!  Check out pictures from this week in Math:

Reading
Our Reading MAP word of the week was sequence!  We practiced sequencing with a recipe in reading groups, and "how to" sequence strips in small groups.  As a reminder, book clubs meet on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Students should read the assigned pages and complete their book club role sheet before meeting in group.  They do receive a grade for this assignment each Wednesday and Friday, and they are allowed to complete their assignment during reading time in class.  Many groups have just finished their book, or will be nearing the end very soon.  Students will then start a new book club book!  

Writing/Spelling
In writing, we continued in our informational books in drafting Chapter 3, which is a diary entry or a letter from the perspective of a person involved in our topic (ex. marine biologist, soldier, pioneer).  We reviewed perspective this week in writing our entries.  In addition, we used a picture of our setting to help us in visualizing and adding details.  Students did a good job of putting themselves in someone else's shoes and writing from their point of view.  Next week we will move on to Chapter 4, the conclusion.  We will answer the question, "Why is this topic important?"  In Spelling, students received their new sorts.  Their test is next Friday.

Science

This week we continued current electricity in building our own circuit boards!  We put 11 states on one side of the board, and scrambled their corresponding 11 capitals on the other.  When we match the correct state and it's capital with wires, a light will light up!  These will come home on Monday.  Don't forget- students can click here or go to kz.com to log on to the online science website to complete activities and earn extra credit.  

Library

This week we review timelines in library.  It was perfect timing because students can use the website that Mrs. Justus showed us in making their own timeline for their informational book!  

Buddies

We also met with our first grade buddies this week to review Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then be Understood.  We watched a video of two people that didn't use good communication skills, and then acted out great and poor communication skills.  The good communication skills included: Listen with your eyes, heart, and ears; Stand in the person's shoes; and Mirroring.  

Important Info.

Friday Homework this week is Math (Standardized Test Prep. Chs. 1-12).   Spring conferences will be held on Thursday, March 6th.  Spring conferences are optional, so make sure that you have signed up if a conference was requested.  March 6th is also Principals' Day!  :)  Friday, March 7th is a half day, with dismissal at 11:50.  Lunch will not be served.  Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home.