Musical Math

We have continued our learning of addition and subtraction strategies for math. Today we practiced counting on and counting back again, using some instruments. Students had fun using them to count each number that was added or subtracted. A bonus was that they couldn't use their fingers, something I had not thought of when I planned the lesson. They truly had to think and try to hold the numbers in their heads, even though the music was helping.

Doubles Painting

In math we are continuing to explore addition and subtraction. Today we worked on adding a doubles fact. A double is the same number added together, like 5+5 or 7+7. Students then used that knowledge when they were painting and predicted the answer before folding their papers. Each side was covered by the same picture and the students wrote an equation to match the painting.

Attribute Shapes

We have been learning about how things are the same and how they are different. Students have been comparing the attribute shapes by color, size, shape, and thickness. They are trying to decide how many shapes there really are, and I noticed that the triangles are confusing them. There are more than one type of triangle, and they are in different sizes. The discussion today revolved around the students trying to convince each other on how many unique triangles existed in the set.

Math

In math we have started some groupings and while some children remain with me in our classroom, other students go to one of the other Primary STRETCh classrooms for their daily math instruction. In our classroom, the children are learning about computation and learning their addition and subtraction math facts. One way to help the children learn their facts is to let them really explore and work with the numbers. We try to be very hands-on and let the students understand the "whys" behind the learning instead of just memorizing facts.

Today we read the book All the Colors of the Earth. We continued our talk about how people and things are alike and different. This book focused on skin color and hair and described them in such rich beautiful language. Students used the skin tone paint to create their personal skin color and then we compared them. We wrote about ourselves and shared our similarities and differences regarding talents, appearance, likes, and dislikes.

First Day of School

We had a wonderful first day of school. The first day is always filled with procedures and rules, but I tried to add some other fun little activities in also. We read a story about another first day of school called, Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books, and talked about what made the book a fiction book. I was impressed at the students’ predicting and inferencing skills throughout the story.

We did not get to play on the playground for recess, but we still went outside and played in the yard outside the classroom. Students had fun playing tag, catching bugs, and writing on the sidewalk with chalk. Afterwards we met as a Primary STRETCH team in Mrs. Merchant’s room and discussed with the children how we will rotate for math. This will not start until next week however.

Students reviewed Mary Castle Expectations and procedures for Related Arts today. Tomorrow they will begin with Spanish. This afternoon students will have a chance to play a math game and practice Reading Workshop. I will begin assessing their reading levels later this week.

For homework tonight, please have your child practice and memorize the lunch code. Your child will use this every day, either in the café or on the computer to log on. It helps the lunch line move more smoothly when everyone is prepared.

There was some confusion with the supply list this year. We had hoped to use the Primary STRETCH list for grades 1-3, but some families used the general school list. Please review the Primary list and see if there is anything you may still need to purchase. I apologize for this inconvenience.

I will see everyone tomorrow.

New Classroom

I have been working hard on getting our classroom ready for this school year. I found out Friday night that we will be in a new classroom, and not the science lab like anticipated. We are now located in pod 3, room 304. This weekend was spent moving all of the materials into the new space and making it nice for all of you. The exciting news about this classroom is that we have a smartboard. I can't wait to start using it with the students.

Meet Us on Monday is tomorrow, Monday the 16th from 4pm-6pm. You are welcome to bring your school supplies with you and leave them in the classroom. I can't wait to see you all, and am looking forward to meeting your family. See you soon!

School Supply List

Here is a copy of the supply list for Primary STRETCH. That includes grades 1-3.

1- clear view (front pocket) 1 in. binder

1- ream white copy paper

1- sturdy plastic pocket folders (green, red, blue)

1- composition notebook*

1- spiral notebook/wide ruled (with pockets)*

1- 8” x 5” plastic art box *

1- set of Prang watercolor paints*

2- boxes of 24 crayons

1- set of 8 washable classic colored markers

1- set of colored pencils

4- boxes #2 pencils (sharpen 1 box if possible)

2- pink erasers

4- glue sticks

1- bottle of rubber cement

1- 12 in. wood ruler (in./cm.)*

1- pair of Fiskars scissors*

1- box of facial tissues

* Please write name with permanent marker