TECHNOLOGY THURSDAYS

On Thursdays the children will be able to explore websites for math and reading on the computers in the high school computer lab. I will post sites each week that you may check out at home with your child. Today will be our first visit to the computer lab. The children will learn how to access the Happy Hive Website. I have posted 2 phonics games and 2 math games. The children will enjoy coloring the 100 Number Chart using color patterns. Number sequence is another great review. Letter sound review games provide practice in using consonant sounds. Clifford makes everything fun....try the Phonics Sound game. Here are the links to the sites that we will work with this week. Click on the link to go to the games!

MATH:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math/games/100-number-chart-one.html
http://www.kidport.com/Grade1/Math/NumberSense/G1-M-NS-Sequencing.htm

READING:
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/flash/phonics/index.htm

HOMEWORK TIPS

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I will be sending home a page of homework for the students to complete. Mondays will focus on phonics, Wednesdays are grammar days, and Fridays are math review. Points will be taken as to accuracy and if work is completed on time. As the curriculum picks up it is so important that your child review and practice skills they are learning. I also want my students to learn a life skill of being responsible and accountable. Here is a link to an awesome webpage that gives helpful hints with how to help your child with homework. The road to success requires a team working together to ensure the best for your child. Thank you for being part of the team and playing your part in your child's learning adventure!
http://www.wchuskies.com/ParentTip.htm

WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

The children enjoyed our bear hunt so much that they ask over and over to do it again! I'm posting the story that I used so that they may watch it at home. This summer Coach Seirer and I encountered a real bear while hiking in the Grand Teton Mountains! It was a frightening experience and I did just what you are NOT to do....I RAN! Yes, I'm afraid of bears!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzIcu6tbEko

PICTURE DAY

Wednesday, August 29 is PICTURE DAY! Remind your child to wear their SMILE to school. Please return the picture packet with the background color selection of your choice. Pictures begin around 8:20. We are 5th on the schedule to have our pictures taken.

THE KISSING HAND

Today we heard the story of the Kissing Hand. A beautiful story of how a mother shares her love with her little one. It's time for school and little Chester is not sure he wants to leave his mother. Giving your child a kiss in their hand and reminding them that you'll always love them gives comfort in times of separation. Little Chester puts his palm against his cheek and feels his mother's love. Enjoy this beautiful story by Audrey Penn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsaPm5p4Iu4

CHESTER THE RACCOON

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FIRST GRADE BUSY BEES

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WELCOME BACK

Welcome to the Hive! At this site you can read about our exciting news. I will be posting several times a week...so please check back in often! Click to follow our blog and this way you should be receiving updates. We have 24 new little bumbles joining our hive. 11 girls and 13 boys!

I've been busy making lists and organizing materials for the new year. We will be using the Core Curriculum in Reading and Math. Which means the children will explore deeper into the skills taught until mastery is met. Our students in Grade One will be receiving letter grades in the subject areas of Reading, Math, Spelling and Language Arts. The first progress report will be sent on September 26th. Conferences are on the calendar for the evenings of November 5th and 6th. There will also be a Book Fair in the Library.

I will send home a packet for parents on our first day of school. Please look over the letters and return any documents that need to be filled out. I'll be looking for parents to help with parties this year! Your child should have received a letter from me inviting them to my Open Class time on Friday, August 24 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Hope you can stop in and help your child put their supplies away. This sure makes our first day go smoothly. Looking forward to getting to know everyone. For some, I've taught your parents and perhaps brothers or sisters in your family! For others, this is your first child in Grade One! WELCOME TO THE FIRST GRADE HIVE! We're going to have a fantastic year!

SUMMER FUN

Hello to all my first graders and former students! I hope your summer has been just as exciting as mine has been! Coach Seirer and I just returned from a trip to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Colorado! We enjoy exploring new places and have hiked and experienced the sights and sounds of the beautiful mountains! I look forward to sharing pictures of the wildlife we saw and places we visited. It will be fun to hear where all you have visited this summer.

The first day of school will be here soon! Are you ready to begin a new year? The school supplies are out in the stores and they get me all excited about the new year! I'm just like you and buy new crayons and pencils for my desk. If your parents have questions about the supply list, please get in touch with me and I'll help out. I'm looking forward to meeting you and starting our year together! Enjoy your last days of summer vacation!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

FIRST GRADE SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

2 Box of 24 Crayons
1 Small School Box with Closure
2 pkg. Pencils
1 Pocket Folder
2 Large Erasers
1 Container Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
2 - 8 oz. Bottles of Elmer’s Glue
1 Box of 100 Sandwich Size Ziplock Bags
Watercolors (Prang preferred)
1 Large Box of Tissues
1 Rounded Tip Scissors (Crayon or Fiskar preferred)
Gym Shoes (white soles & Y ties or Velcro)
1 Spiral Notebook – Wide Ruled