Counting on a Calculator, Non-Fiction Features, Long and Short Vowels, Report Writing, and Growing11/13/2015 The grade 1s have been working really hard using frames and arrows to follow math rules (ex. add 5 each time, count back by 2s, etc.). Today they learned that they can use a calculator to help them count/follow a rule. As a class we worked together to type in the number we wanted to start at (for example 25) then punched in the rule (-2). We used the '=' equals button to continue counting. Every time we pressed the 'equals' button again, it told us what came next. We talked about how it is important to be able to use a number of strategies to solve problems, and using a calculator is just one strategy we can use. In Language Arts we have been focusing on recognizing and using non-fiction features. We have learned about photographs, labels, and the table of contents. We learned that we do not need to read a fiction book in order, and that we can use the table of contents to find the information we are looking for. We are going to be writing our own non-fiction texts about animals, or insects shortly, and learning about these features will help us become better writers. When you are reading non-fiction books on kidsa-z ask your child to help you find features like captions, labels, headings, contents, index, glossary, photos, maps, charts, timelines, etc. In ELL time, we have been working on long and short vowels. The first graders spent the last two days playing different board games, learning vocabulary, and isolating long and short vowel sounds. It was a lot of fun. During our UOI time, we have been working on filling in a graphic organizer all about bees. Students are learning the words appearance, habitat, diet and facts. These are the headings they will be using when they complete their own research paper. The vocabulary building that is happening in our class amazes me daily. Your children are sponges for using new words. I LOVE it! We have also been tending to our garden. I have posted some pictures below of the growth we have seen over time, we have beans, peas, pumpkins, corn, watermelon, sunflowers, pineapple, and some 'mystery plants' growing. Soa and I are so proud of the responsibility and pride that the students are taking in their garden. They water, weed, and care so well for their plants. We are looking forward to eating the 'fruits of our labour.'
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ASA First GradersWe are caring, balanced , reflective, openminded, risk-taking, knowledgeable, principled, thinkers, communicators, inquirers, explorers and learners. Mr. Mason McCormickI am: a husband, teacher, friend, researcher, grad student, mulitliteracies specialist, designer, social media fanatic, lover of all things tech, creative, and progressive. I am an energetic, life-loving, no-nonsense person; passionate about respectful, rigorous, and relevant teaching and learning in the 21st century.
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