Thankful for Kind Friends

Kind interactions and positive relationships are valued in our first grade learning community. Student behaviors were rewarded this week with Brownie/Brown Bear Day.  This is our second "bucket filler" celebration so far! 

School is much more fun when you are able to share it with a stuffed animal you love.  Students used this special day to show their "buddies" what a day in first grade is like. 

Who knew? Scooby Doo has a heart on his back!

Of course there was a brownie snack!

Students used sensory bags to bring the story "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen to life.  The bags were filled with obstacles the family faced while on their hunt for a bear.  After feeling the grass, river water, mud, forest twigs, and snow, students worked together in small groups to correctly sequence the events of the story.

This week during math, students created one-step addition story problems.  The problem solving process is enhanced when students  create their own story problems and  model word problems, using manipulatives, representations, or number sentences.  Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Brevard modeled the thought process of a story problem by using a graphic organizer and thinking aloud.  Students divided into small groups to create their own story problems.

Our social sciences theme was "Me on a Map".  Students explored maps, globes, and online tools to zoom in on our location on Earth.  Students were especially eager to create a map of their bedroom and show the exact place they call home!

At Check Elementary, we are especially thankful for our dedicated cafeteria staff.  They worked very hard to prepare and serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal for our students, staff, and community guests Thursday.

This coming week we will be mindful of things we are grateful for.  As Thanksgiving is upon us, I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with your children.  Thank you for sharing your most precious blessings with me.  Have a safe and wonderful break!

Thank You, Veterans!

Thank you for being brave.

Thank you for trying your best.

Thank you for making hard choices.

Thank you for keeping us free.

For Veterans Day, students from various grade levels created artwork to salute the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Students were "mapping out" their place in the world by locating the seven continents, the United States, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Richmond on maps and globes this week.

Students used the interactive board to watch a quick video about the armed forces and complete a skills assessment focused on Veterans Day. We are very thankful for the men and women who have served our country.  Students focused on the following thankful statements:

Thank you for being brave.

Thank you for trying your best.

Thank you for making hard choices.

Thank you for keeping us free.

Students used "mix and fix" as a sight word warm-up before reading a new book.

During guided reading, some students used noise cancelling headphones to help keep focus.  We have a class full of hard working readers!

Students are in their second week of bringing home Book Buddy Bags.  They have been very excited to help pick out books to share with you at home.  Set aside a special time for your child to read with their favorite buddy- YOU!

If your child is struggling with a word, encourage them by:

*Looking at pictures (to help predict or confirm the text).

*Prompting “What would make sense?" or "Does that make sense?"

*Going back and re-reading. When students successfully struggle through a word, they can finish the sentence, then go back and re-read it more fluently.

* Often encouraging a child to “try it” does the trick.  J  (Unfortunately many young readers are fearful of taking risks and need to build confidence- this only occurs when they try it on their own!) This is one reason you will reread the books several nights.  

By the second or third night, your reader will be reading with less effort and will be sounding great! 

Looking forward to more awesome adventures next week!  Happy Reading!