Happy Holidays!

This week in first grade had a little bit of everything!

In word study, we've been learning about silent e.  Students have been spelling silent e words, sorting silent e words, and noticing silent e words in their reading.

We have started studying the traditions and holidays happening this time of year that focus on light.  On Wednesday, we were lucky enough to get a visit from Linnaea's mom, Kristin.  She shared the tradition her family takes part in each year on the winter solstice.  They make a bonfire and each family member throws an object into the fire that symbolizes something he or she would like to let go of in the new year.  Kristin made us a 'fire' so that we could try out this ritual as well!

We learned about Snowflake Bentley and then made our own snowflakes to decorate our classroom windows!

On Friday, Rowe School participated in the Hour Of Code.  Students had an introduction to computer science and used the app Kodable to practice basic programming.

*Finally, a reminder that next Friday 12/19 is PJ Day at Rowe School!  Please remember: stuffies, blankies, and other special items stay at home on this day.*

Welcome December (and chilly weather)!

We've been measuring EVERYTHING we can get our hands on this week!  Students have been using 12 inch rulers, 6 inch rulers, and tape measures to practice accurately measuring objects and body parts.  We've even done some estimating of object lengths to the nearest inch using terminology such as  about, almost, and between _____ and _____ inches.

In reading we are focusing on marking the pages in our books where we notice character feelings changing.  We're also beginning to work on reading fluency: sounding more like a storyteller and less like a robot when we read!

Our science and social studies unit on the Winter Solstice also began this week!  We've been reading lots of science books about the Earth's tilt, rotation, and orbit and doing some experiments with our bodies to better understand these complex concepts!

In writers' workshop we've started the publishing process for our realistic fiction unit.  Next week, we will celebrate the unit by sharing our published books with other first grade classrooms!

Out on the playground, students are having a blast playing in the snow.  Please remember that your child needs ALL winter gear in order to play in the snow:

BOOTS
SNOWPANTS
WINTER COAT
HAT
GLOVES

Please consider sending a pair of 'inside' shoes to leave here at school during the winter months.  Extra socks are also a good idea!