Weekly Update

Math 
We took the Unit 3 Test on Wednesday, and we have been moving along in Chapter 10.  Students are using their basic facts knowledge to help them in solving 1-digit by 2-digit multiplication problems!  They are doing great!  We also reviewed rounding and graphs this week!  

Alex is working on the graphing activity.  What is the mystery picture?

Lola's finished product!

Reading 
In reading groups, we are working towards finishing our rocks books.  Our webs are full of information about rocks, minerals, and mining!   

Writing/Spelling
Right now in our essays, we are editing and publishing.  This week we especially addressed run-on sentences.  We fixed them with commas and conjunction words, or we broke the run-on sentence into smaller sentences.  These essays are really looking great!  Today we took our spelling tests.  Next week, we will have the classroom spelling bee. 

Science 
This week in Science, we got to investigate a rock to determine if it was an igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock!  We looked at the color, luster, texture, shape, and many other characteristics of the rock.  Some were flat, some were smooth, some had crystals, some were light-weight, some had layers, some were flaky, and some were very shiny.  We even got to test the streak of our rock and others using a streak plate!  Also this week, we talked about weathering, erosion, and the three different layers of soil.  Students took home a soil scroll project.  It is due on Tuesday of next week, 12/17.  Most students only have to color and add the plants and animals to their scroll.  Our Chapter 5 Rocks Test is Thursday, 12/19.  Don't forget- students can earn extra credit from completing the online rock activities!  Click on our textbook below to be directed to the online resources, or go to kz.com.

Raph investigating his rock

Can you see the streak that Katherine's rock left?

We found that Graphite is used in pencils!  

Gianna and Miles are studying their rocks

Alex and Spencer are investigating other types of rocks

Ava found a fossil of a worm in one sedimentary rock!  

John is working hard on his soil scroll!

Macey is halfway through with her scroll

Important Info.
In Tuesday's Flyer Folder, students brought home the Six Flags Read to Succeed Reading Log.  Stapled to the front of the reading log is a parent information letter.  In class we discussed that students can not count their homework reading minutes towards the program.  These minutes have to be additional minutes that are not related to a homework assignment.  The reading logs are due February 20th.  Students who participate will earn a free Six Flags ticket!  Students took home a reading Friday Homework passage this week titled, "Christmas in Hawaii."  Boys' letters and Friday Homework will be due next week on Thursday the 19th instead of Friday the 20th.  On Friday the 20th, we will have our Winter Party.  It will start at 2:00.  Also, as a reminder, students will participate in our classroom spelling bee next week.  They have their word list and the Great American Spell Check newspaper to help them study this weekend.

Finally, below are some pictures of our buddy activity this week!  We reviewed Habit 3, Put first things first.  After watching a really neat video that explains this habit, we got to act as teachers for our first grade buddies.  We prompted them to come up with different ways that they can put first things first.  For example: "I will feed my cat.  Then, I will play with my friends."  Below the pictures is the video we watched.  It's a great video if you would like to check it out!

7 Habits

We are integrating more of the 7 Habits in everything we say and do!  At this point in the school year, we have read all of "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids" stories.  We have also done an activity with each of the habits, and created a hallway display to show all that we have learned!  On early release days, we meet with our buddy class to further discuss these habits. Now, starting this week, students who are caught showing one of the 7 habits will get a "Leadership Loop!"  

Make sure to ask your child what they received the Leadership Loop for if you see them wearing one!  I gave out two loops today for students who Put First Things First.  I am keeping my eyes and ears open to catch many other students!

Take a look at our 7 Habits hallway!  You can click on the pictures to get a better view of our awesome explanations and examples for each habit!

Habit 1: Be Proactive.  We can be proactive in many different ways.  Being proactive means, "I am in charge of me!"  We chose our actions, attitudes, and moods.  Being proactive is being responsible and showing integrity.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind.  We actually started with habit 2.  In the first week of school, we created goals.  Beginning with the end in mind is planning and setting goals for yourself.

Habit 3: Put First Things First.  Putting first things first means, "Work first, then play."  This also means that we spend our time on the most important things.  We set priorities, make a schedule, and follow a plan.  Habit 4: Think Win-Win.  This means that everyone can win by balancing what we want and what others want.  We look for solutions to possible problems.  We know that we can all be happy!

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood.  This means that we listen before we talk.  We listen to others' ideas and feelings without interrupting.  We try to see other points of view that may be different from our own.  Then, we share our feelings and ideas with confidence. 

Habit 6: Synergize.  Synergize means, "Together is better!"  We can get along with our friends and classmates, even if they are different from us.  We can work well in groups to share our strengths and learn from others.  We know that working in a team can help us to do great things!

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw.  Sharpen the Saw means, "Balance feels best!"  We can take care of ourselves by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.  We don't just focus on one thing because we need to take care of our body, heart, mind, and soul.  We want a sharp saw, not a dull one!  

All of these habits are so important!  In fact, they are even helping me this year!  Sometimes when I feel down, I remind myself to be proactive because I am in charge of my mood and my feelings.  Also, I have to remember to Sharpen the Saw and balance my home and work life!  Plus, Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood is always a good reminder to listen carefully when others are talking!

Our Second Day!

We had another great day today!  After music class, we started talking about "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids" as part of our character and community building activities this week. Students had an awesome discussion about the meaning of a habit, and they gave great examples of good and not so good habits.  This year we will focus on 7 good habits using the book below.

Today we were introduced to the characters in this book that will help to teach us the 7 habits.  We also listened to this song to help us understand the 7 habits a little better:

Our goal is to remake this song as our own once we know more about these habits.  We will focus on one habit at a time.  

In between discussing a few other class routines and expectations as well as taking a math and spelling pre-test, students had a great time decorating and personalizing their writer's notebooks.  They look fabulous!

  

      

Parents, next week we will be getting into the curriculum and more routine.  It will be important to make Curriculum Night this coming Thursday the 22nd.  There you will learn more about these routines and you will receive a copy of our class handbook, which will also be posted on our class website.  Unless students have not returned signed forms in the manila folder, they do not have homework this weekend!  The assignment notebooks will be another main form of communication between home and school this year.  Next week, students will be utilizing all sections of the assignment notebook, including the Reading Log and Behavior sections.  I would also like parents to start signing the assignment notebook.  Also, next week I may not be posting to the blog on a daily basis.  However, on Fridays I will recap important events from the week and provide reminders for upcoming events, in addition to posting other valuable information.  Finally, students will have P.E. on Monday, so make sure they dress accordingly.  

Students, if you have not done so already, comment below on something you learned this week or describe your favorite part of our first week of school!

The students are very sweet, and I enjoy getting to know them all!  Have a great weekend!