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

Summer Greetings

Hi everyone! I have missed you, and have enjoyed the chance encounters I have had so far this summer running into students when we are out and about. Even though it's summer, I have been working hard attending meetings and doing staff development. We will be moving to a new classroom this fall, and right now it is a mess! Soon I will be posting supply lists and class information. I may even be able to show you what our new classroom looks like. I hope you are all having fun and playing outside a lot. Remember to read and I will see you soon!