Update December 16th

*Last week, our class filled our Pom Pom Jar another time!  Students earned pom poms individually or by displaying whole class expected behaviors.  The class voted on a prize for filling the jar and have decided to have another "Bring Your Stuffed Animal to School Day" this Tuesday, December 18th.  They should bring one stuffed animal from home and it should be small enough to fit in their backpack.  I hope they'll bring a different stuffed animals than the last time.  

*Last week I sent home a holiday tradition homework sheet.  I'd like to use this  homework to help the students write a story about their family's favorite holiday tradition on Thursday.  Here is another copy of the assignment if your student did not complete it. I can also send a hard copy home tomorrow if needed.  It would be great if everyone could send it back in by Thursday to help with writing ideas.  Thanks. 

*Friday will be pajama day at Robinson.  Students (and winter party volunteers) are welcome to wear their pajamas to school.  Students can bring slippers to wear in class, but must have regular shoes for recess and to get to and from school.  We will also have a school wide holiday sing-along in the morning.

*On Friday, we will have our Winter Party.  Thank you for all the volunteers and donations of food and beverages.  The party is from 12:45-1:30.  Volunteers should arrive around 12:30 and donations can be dropped off anytime before 12:30.  Thanks!

*In Math, we will finish up Unit 4 and the students will have a math assessment on Tuesday.

*We will have spelling homework this week and a check-in on Friday.  The week after holiday break we will not have spelling since it is a short week.

*We will learn about holiday traditions celebrated around the week this week.  Students will learn about Las Posadas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa and Christmas.

Looking Ahead-

Holiday Break- No School December 24th-January 1st- We will return to school on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Monday, January 21st and Tuesday, January 22nd- No School- MLK Day and Professional Development Day

Update December 9th

*This week we will finish Unit 4 of Everyday Math.  Our focus is on making combinations of 10 (addition facts) and adding 3 numbers.  Last week we learned to play Fishing for 10.  This game can be played at home with a regular deck of cards by taking out the Jacks, Queens and Kings.

*Mr. Middlemiss will come in on Wednesday to read our next Care To Read book called, Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll.

*Savanah will be our Star of the Week this Friday.  We can't wait to learn more about her!

*We will finally finish our Non-Fiction All About Me books!  I hope to send them home this week.

Update December 2nd

*On Tuesday morning, we have School Store for first grade.  This might be a good opportunity for your child to pick up a small gift for a sibling, cousin or friend at school store for the holidays.

*This Thursday, December 6th is an 12:20pm Early Dismissal Day.  We will have snack in the morning.  Please send a note if your child's dismissal plans are changed for the day.

*We will travel to Crisafulli on Friday from 9:45-11:00 to visit our 4th Grade Book Buddies!  Please dress students for the weather, boots are probably best for the trail.

*Please continue to spend in water bottles to school with your child.  We take frequent water breaks to refuel our body and mind for learning.

*The Turkey Trot on Thursday was a great success!  The students enjoyed running, walking and dancing throughout the course.

*Last week, the students did a great job creating goods to sell at the businesses.  They are all anxious to now sell what they've made.  On Wednesday, the students will take turns "buying" from their classmates businesses.  They do not need to bring money from home, we will use play money to "buy" our goods.

*In Math, we will focus on collecting data, using tally charts and bar graphs.  We will also practice addition facts.

*In reading groups, we will focus on character's feelings.  Students will write about how the character is feeling in their reading response journal.

*In Writing, our focus is using transition words and "fancy" words in our writing.

*Our Winter Party is scheduled for Friday, December 21st from 12:45-1:30.  I will send out an email shortly to check in with donations and parent volunteers.  Thanks!

Update November 25th

*I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  It was nice to meet with all of you last week to discuss your child's progress in first grade.  Thank you for taking the time to come in and meet with me!  We picked out a Christmas tree this weekend with our extended family, a tradition of ours each Thanksgiving weekend. 

*On Thursday morning, we will have our Turkey Trot.  Thank you for sending in donations to support our school and our students.

*Over the next several weeks, we will begin to learn about Fall/Winter holidays. The holidays we will focus on throughout our time are:

Diwali

Hanukkah

Las Posadas

Kwanzaa

Christmas
If there is a winter holiday your family celebrates that's not on this list please let me know.  I would love to add a holiday your family celebrates to our list to learn about!

*In Math, we will begin Unit 4.  Unit 4's focus is on measurement.  We will make estimates and measure objects with standard and non-standard units of measurement.

*In Spelling this week, we will continue to practice writing words with and King-ed at the end. 

*In Writing, we will work on our end of unit Writing Prompt.   I will look for students to use all of the elements of writing we've talked about since the beginning of the year.  Students will be expected to: 

*Use best handwriting- with spaces between words

*Capital letters at beginning of sentences and for names

*Periods or exclamation points at end of sentences

*At least 3 sentences

*Lots of details

*Outside and Inside Feelings

*In Social Studies, we will finally begin to make our products for our businesses.  Thank you for sending in donations!

*We will finish our Non-Fiction Features book this week.  

Looking Ahead:

December 4th- School Store
December 6th- 12:20pm Early Release
December 7th-Book Buddies @ Crisafulli

Update November 9th

*There is no school on Monday, November 12th in observance of Veteran's Day.  Thank you to all of those who have served in the military to keep us protected!

*The last day to sign up for conferences online is Tuesday, November 13th by 3:30pm.  You can follow the link to sign up: http://signup.com/go/UqvJGAv

*I will be out on Wednesday at Jury Duty.  Please remind students of using expected behavior at school!

*On Thursday, students will have the chance to go to the Book Fair.  They will be able to shop or create a wishlist for parents.  A flyer with more information about Book Fair went home yesterday.

*On Friday, we will welcome author and illustrator, Emilie Boon to our school.  Each first grade will meet with Emilie individually and learn about the process she takes to make a book.  Students will also practice Emilie's technique for her illustrations by creating their own book.  I am need of one parent volunteer for this event.  I will need someone that can help set up, stay for the presentation and help Emilie clean up at the end.  The total time needed is from 12:15-1:45 on Friday, November 16th.  Please send me an email if you're able to help!

*On Friday, we will walk the Robifulli trail to Crisafulli to visit with our 4th grade Book Buddies. We will be out of our building from 9:45-11:00.  Please dress students for the weather!

*In Math, we will finish up our Unit 3 Assessment and begin Unit 4.  The focus for Unit 4 in math is standard and non-standard units of measurement.

*In Writing, we are working on adding transition words (next, last, after that) and fancy words to our writing.

*We will not be sending home a spelling list for the next two weeks.  We will focus on reviewing the words already taught, especially king-ed words and students will work to write the power words we've learned so far.

*We hope to begin creating goods for our classroom businesses on Tuesday afternoon.  Please send in any donations of business materials to school by Tuesday. Thank you!


Looking Ahead:
November 11th- No School (Veteran's Day observed)
November 13th- Last Day for Conference Sign Up Online

November 14th- Mrs. Conway has Jury Duty

November 16th- Author Visit- Emile Boon

November 19th- No School, Afternoon Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 20th- 2 Hour Delay- Morning Parent/Teacher Conferences 

November 21st- Turkey Trot
12:20pm Early Release

November 22 & 23- No School

Update November 2nd

 *To sign up for Parent/Teacher conferences, please use the online conference sign-up.  The link for sign-up will be available here http://signup.com/go/UqvJGAv
starting Tuesday, November 6th at 3:30pm until Tuesday, November 13th at 3:30pm.  

*On Tuesday, it will be School Store for first grade.  We suggest that you send in no more than $2 for students to spend at School Store.

*On Wednesday, we will welcome Author and Illustrator, Salina Yoon to our school.  Salina will be visiting from California.  She is the author of such books as "Found," Be A Friend" and the Penguin series books.  We've enjoyed reading her books as a class and getting to know her characters.

*We will continue writing our Non-Fiction books "All About Me."  This week, the students will illustrate a picture of their home and find the Robinson School on a map.

*This week in Spelling, we will focus on words that end with e.  We call these words King Ed words.  King Ed sits at the end of the word telling the vowel before him to "say your name."  For Example kit becomes kite with King Ed at the end.

*In Math, we will learn about frames and arrows, which will help us practice addition and subtraction facts. We will also practice using a calculator to help with skip counting.

*In Economics, students will work creating a business.  They will work in teams to decide on a business they can create (paper fans, jewelry, holiday decorations, etc.)  Once students create a business plan with their team, I will send home a list of items we're asking to be donated to help build our businesses.  Students will then work on their products over the next few weeks.  Finally, we'll sell our items to the other "businesses" in our classroom.

*In handwriting, we will continue to work on our lowercase letters.  I'm encouraging students to begin using lowercase letters when appropriate.

*The class once again filled the pom pom jar from showing expected behavior in our classroom.   They voted today and ask to see one of my world famous headstands!  

Looking Ahead:
November 6th- Conference Sign Up Online

November 6th- School Store

November 7th- Author Visit- Salina Yoon

November 11th- No School (Veteran's Day observed)

November 14th- Mrs. Conway has Jury Duty

November 16th- Author Visit- Emile Boon

November 19th- No School, 2-8pm Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 20th- 2 Hour Delay- 8:30-10:45 Parent/Teacher Conferences 

November 21st- 12:20pm Early Release

November 22 & 23- No School

Update October 26th

*This Wednesday, October 31st at 11:45am, is our Harvest Party.  Thank you to the parent volunteers and parents that have signed up to donate items for the party! Students may wear costumes in school only during the Harvest Party.  The costumes should be brought to school in a bag with your child's name on it.  No face paint, masks or weapons will be allowed.  

*In Math, we will practice counting on the number line, counting to add/subtract and skip counting.

*In Social Studies, we will begin our Economics unit.  Our focus will be on businesses that provide goods and services.  Businesses that provide goods sell items that are made or grown.  Businesses that supply services provide work that someone does for someone else.  This person is usually specially trained.  

*In comprehension, we will continue to learn about Non-Fiction features.  Students will begin writing their own Non-Fiction book: All About Me. 

*In Spelling, we will work on pattern words that rhyme with -all, -ill and -ell.  I will continue to send home spelling lists.  The activities are optional assignments.

*Star of the Week: I will be the first Star of the Week in our class.  On Friday, I will share personal photos, collections and some of my favorite things with the class.  Each Friday we will choose a new Star of the Week.  Every student will have a chance to share.  When your child is chosen, you will receive a letter with information and a poster for your child to fill out.  My hope is for everyone to have their own special time to share a little bit about themselves.

Looking Ahead

October 31st at 11:45- Harvest Party

November 7th- Author Visit- Salina Yoon

November 11th- No School (Veteran's Day observed)

November 14th- Mrs. Conway has Jury Duty

November 16th- Author Visit- Emile Boon

November 19th- No School, 2-8pm Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 20th- 2 Hour Delay- 8:30-10:45 Parent/Teacher Conferences 

November 21st- 12:20pm Early Release

November 22 & 23- No School

Update October 19th

*Thank you for sending in donations for the Westford Food Pantry.  We will continue to collect donations through the end of the week.  On October 30th, two other first grade classes will deliver the canned goods to the pantry and stock the shelves.

*Thank you for sending in donations for our three school parties.  I will go out this weekend to get supplies for our first party, the Harvest Party!

*In Math, we will finish Unit 2 and begin Unit 3.  Our focus this week is finding the parts of a number story and their totals.  We will also play domino top it.  Domino Top It is a game you could play at home if you have a set of dominoes.

*Domino Top-It*

1.    Place all of the dominoes on the table face down.

2.    Each player turns over one domino and counts the dots on each end of the domino.

3.    In turn, players say the number model corresponding to their domino; i.e., 4 + 7 =11 (for 4 dots on one end and 7 dots on the other).

4.    The player with the largest sum takes all of the dominoes from that round.

5.    Play continues until all dominoes are gone.

6.    The player with the most dominoes at the end of the game is the winner.

*Reading Groups are going really well.  Some of you have noticed students coming home with reading response journals in their reading bags.  Most of the time I send these home just so you can see what we're working on in reading group.  If I'm expecting the students to do any work in them at home, I will mark that on the reading log.  If you're child hasn't come home with a response journal yet, they will be soon.

*Mr. LaCoste will come to our room this week to read our next Care to Read book called, All Are Welcome.

*We will begin to learn about Non-Fiction features this week.  We will find features in a read aloud book and then students will explore other non-fiction books from our classroom library to find features.  

*In Writing, we will learn about what an "inside story" is.  When writing a story, the outside story is what happened (what everyone could see.)  The inside story is how you felt about what you were doing (i.e. I had a great time or It was boring.)  Students will make sure they use inside stories in their writing.  We will also practice using a writing checklist.

Looking Ahead

October 31st at 11:45- Harvest Party

November 7th- Author Visit- Salina Yoon

November 11th- No School (Veteran's Day observed)

November 14th- Mrs. Conway has Jury Duty

November 16th- Author Visit- Emile Boon

November 19th- No School, 2-8pm Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 20th- 2 Hour Delay- 8:30-10:45 Parent/Teacher Conferences 

November 21st- 12:20pm Early Release

November 22 & 23- No School

Update October 14th

*Last Tuesday, we had a full day Professional Development Day about the new Homework Policy.  The first grade team has decided to try not sending home the weekly Spelling homework this week. We will continue to practice the words in school during whiteboard spelling and work on words times. We will assess students on the weekly words on Friday like usual.  We're trying to assess whether students need the extra practice at home or if they learn and retain the words just from school practice.  We'll let you know what we find out from this week and whether we will reinstate spelling homework the following week.  Thanks for working with us as we make decisions about our new homework policy.

*Last week, I noticed many students were writing "It was fun" at the end of their writing.  We brainstormed a list of other ways to say "it was fun."  I hope many students will choose exciting endings for their stories this week.  We will also brainstorm ways to say "It was NOT fun" this week during writing.

*In Math, we will finish Unit 2 of Everyday Math.  Our focus will be on number stories, using addition and subtraction.  In math games, we are practicing adding numbers together using dice.  I've been encouraging students to find the higher number on dice, putting that number in their head and counting on to find the total. 

*We will finish our Science unit about plants and animals this week.  We'll finish up with finding the ways that parents care for their offspring.

*On Friday, our 4th grade book buddies from Crisafulli will come and visit our classroom.  The first graders will have a chance to read to their book buddies.

*Students are doing great in reading groups!  I'm constantly changing reading groups around as students make gains.  Some students have begun writing about the books they are reading, particularly writing about their favorite parts of the books.

*I had a few students ask for the login information for Dreambox (Math) and RazKids (Reading.)  These are two apps that students can use at home, but are not expected to.  We use both apps throughout the week in school.

Here is the login information for Dreambox.  Students should know their passwords.

To Access DreamBox on a Browser Your student can access DreamBox Learning from any computer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection. If you’re using a browser, use this link: https://play.dreambox.com/login/3aaq/p3wa 

To Access DreamBox on an iPad To download the DreamBox Learning Math app, go to https://www.dreambox.com/ipad, or search for "DreamBox Learning Math" in the App Store. If you already have the app installed, you’ll want to make sure the latest version of the app has been installed so your student receives the most current experience and lessons. When prompted in the app, enter this school code: 3aaq/p3wa

Here is the login information for RazKids. Students should know their passwords.

Kids A-Z Login Instructions Step 1: Go to www.kidsa-z.com Step 2: Enter or choose the teacher's username, cconway2

Update October 5th

*No School Monday, October 8th for Columbus Day

*No School Tuesday, October 9th for Professional Development

*This week we will not have a spelling list since we have a short week.  Students will receive math homework on Thursday only.

*Last week, the students welcomed a new fish into our classroom.  They voted to name him Frank.  His full name is Frank Gummy Bear Rex Denisavich.  Students are taking turns feeding Frank and reading to him during Read to Someone.

*Yet again, the class filled up the pom pom jar by showing expected behavior.  They voted to pick a prize from my prize box.  Today they will come home with a sticker, pencil or eraser.

*In Math, we will practice using a calculator and work on change to more number stories.

**In Writing, we are writing "small moment" stories.  Small moment stories are taking a big story like going on a trip and picking one small moment from the trip to write about.  For example, the plane ride or your favorite ride at Disney.  

*In Science, we will observe the seeds we planted a couple of weeks ago.  Students will be observing leaves this week.  We will also talk about what body parts help different animals to survive.  We will observe our new fish, Frank.

*On Friday, we will have an all school community meeting to discuss the items the Food Pantry needs.  A list of items for donations will be sent home next week.

Update September 30th

*On Friday, we practiced our first ALICE Drill.  During our first drill, we evacuated and the second drill, the students barricading the door and were ready to counter.  I was incredibly proud of all of the students.  Everyone remained calm, worked together and showed great leadership.  You should all be very proud of your kiddos!

*Last week, the class filled up our classroom "expected behavior" pom pom jar for the 2nd TIME!  The class voted to get a class fish.  I was able to fund a fish, tank and all of the accessories through a grant from "Pets in the Classroom." Our class fish will spend its first day in Room 3 tomorrow.  We will vote on the fish' name as a class tomorrow!

*On Monday, the first graders will meet to learn more about our upcoming service learning project to the Westford Food Pantry.  Students will learn about the problem and find out their roles in helping collect food for the pantry.

*On Tuesday, we will visit the Westford Food Pantry with Mrs. Mannone and Miss Dean's classes.  We will survey the shelves and make list of items the food pantry needs.  We will bring the list of items back to our school community and ask all students to join us in collecting food items.  In a few weeks, Mrs. Capobianco and Mrs. Carvalho's classes will go to the food pantry to stock the shelves!

*Wednesday is Picture Day!  It is recommended that students avoid wearing green, as they will stand in front of a green screen for photos!  We don't want any floating heads!

*Looking Ahead: Monday, October 8th (Columbus Day) and Tuesday, October 9th (Professional Development) there is NO SCHOOL.

*Reading Groups are now in full swing!  Students will come home with books to read a couple times a week.  Please read at home, sign off on the reading log and return the next day.

*In spelling this week, we will focus on words with short a, o and u.

*In Math, we will focus on subtraction number models, tally marks, combinations of 10 and addition.

*In Science, we will learn more about the differences in animal and human senses.  Last week, we were able to observe roots growing on seeds and students planted their seeds in soil.

*In Writing, we are learning about the importance of using periods at the end of sentences.  At this point, we're expecting to see students experimenting with periods. 

Update September 24th

*Happy Fall!*

*Starting this week is Spelling Homework.  On Monday, students will receive their spelling list as well as a Spelling Tic Tac Toe.  Students will have activities to choose from to practice their words two nights this week.  New activities are shared each week to work on spelling words.  If you find an activity that works well for your child but isn't on that week's list, please do it!! We will also practice these words in class this week.  On Friday, we will have a spelling check-in.  

*In math we will finish up Unit 1.  We will check student's learning with a math assessment on Monday.  Unit 2 will start on Tuesday.  Our focuses this week are:
*counting on (starting at 5 to count up 3 more)
*turn around facts (1+2=3 so 2+1=3)
*2 Fisted Penny Addition (combos of 10)

*In Daily Five, we continue to practice Read to Self, Read to Someone and Work on Writing.  We will introduce Work on Words this week.  Students will learn strategies to practice their spelling words at school.  We will begin reading groups this week during Read to Self. 


*We will travel to the Cameron Senior Center on Tuesday, October 2nd (11:30-12:30) to visit the Westford Food Pantry. Our class will join Mrs. Mannone & Miss Dean's classes to survey the food pantry shelves.  Students will write list of food and supplies the food pantry needs.  A master list will be used to ask our school community to donate food and supplies.  Please return permission slips to school.  I will be in touch if you are chosen to chaperone the trip.

Looking Ahead:
October 8th- No School, Columbus Day
October 9th- No School, Professional Development for Teachers & Staff

Update September 15th

*On Monday, we will travel by bus to the Day School to visit the Living Lab.  We will leave at 9:20am and return just after 11:00am.  Our focus at Living Lab will be how living things use their body parts and the comparing plants.  Please dress for the outside weather as we will explore the Reed Brook during our visit.

*I hope to see many of you on Monday night (September 17th) from 6-6:45pm for Back to School Night.  We will quickly chat about curriculum and spend time learning about important information for all parents to know.  Please note, this session is for parents/guardians only (no students) in order to discuss what to expect in first grade.

*Starting this week, students will be taking books out of the Library during their weekly visits.  Please be sure to send books back to school each Monday so your child can take out another book.

*On Friday, we will be walking through the Robifulli trail to Crisafulli to meet our 4th grade Book Buddies from Mrs. Boyle's class.  Each month, we will visit our Book Buddies.  We will get to know them and enjoy reading activities together.  Again, please dress student's for the weather.  We will be a Crisafulli from 10-11am.

*September 21st is International Day of Peace.  We hope you enjoy our display of peaceful pinwheels outside when you arrive for Curriculum Night on Monday.

*Students will have a writing ideas homework assignment this week that will be due back to school on Friday.  The paperwork and information about this will go home on Monday.  We will be using these ideas for writing throughout the school year.  Please continue to send it sticky notes on Mondays to help students remember what they did over the weekend. Every Monday, we will write about our weekend and share with our classmates.  Some students get stuck on what to write about and having a reminder from home will be helpful.

*Our Focus in Math This Week:

*data collection

*counting by 1s and 5s

*exploring math materials

*solving simple number stories

*counting larger numbers

*In Science this week, we will explore how animal's body parts help them.  Students will see how animals use their fur, blubber or feathers to keep them stay warm.  

*We will continue building the components of the Daily 5.  Students are building their stamina in Read to Self and Work on Writing.  We will introduce Read to Someone and Work on Words this week.

*In Writing, we will discuss what to do when you think you're done with a piece of writing and how to continue a story.  We will also explore how you can use known words to spell tricky words.