Here is a link for some nice school related printables and other fun things.
http://familyfun.go.com/back-to-school/back-to-school-printables/
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Peek at the Week of 9/27/10
Superkids: In class we are working on unit 2. We are reading and spelling question words. We have had fun practicing memory words by using play dough! During the week I will be meeting with each student. I will be assessing them on skills we have worked on thus far. It is always such a pleasure to hear the children read aloud. They are so proud of themselves! In addition to our reading and language work we are loving songs and poems. We are even making a big book of the poem "Apple Happy" to give to Mrs. Dalbec's class. This year we will be making many big books for all three of the kindergarten classes.
Math: In math we are having our first assessment on skills that we have worked on thus far. We are also starting word problems. We will be talking about having "Some, some more" and "Some, some went away" for addition and subtraction. We are sorting by one attribute such as color, size, number of sides, and angles.
Social Studies: We will be spending another week on the same skills as last week. From now on we will work on science for two weeks and follow with social studies for two weeks.
Religion: We are continuing to learn about the Mass. We will be practicing responses and be creating our own class Blessings Prayer. Last week we had a wonderful time as we had a chance to look closely at our church.We drew pictures of things that we thought were important. The children really enjoyed getting a close look at the altar. I am so happy to report that while we were exploring and drawing the children showed great respect and self control in this sacred space.
This and That
Please be sure that you child brings a water bottle to school each day to reduce the spread of germs.
Also, be sure that your child has a school sweater in their back pack each day. The temperature fluctuates throughout the building. Sweatshirts and other types of sweaters are not to be worn with the school uniform in the building.
Please be certain to label your child's lunchbox and all of their sweaters and clothing!
Next week we will have a special guest from the Northboro Fire Department to teach us about Fire Safety.
As we approach the half way point of the first quarter I am so happy to tell you that the children are really getting into good routines and enjoying first grade. The days are flying by and as you can imagine, there is never a dull moment!
Have a great week! Pray for sunshine!
sunshine +outdoor recess= happy kids and teachers :)
Math: In math we are having our first assessment on skills that we have worked on thus far. We are also starting word problems. We will be talking about having "Some, some more" and "Some, some went away" for addition and subtraction. We are sorting by one attribute such as color, size, number of sides, and angles.
Social Studies: We will be spending another week on the same skills as last week. From now on we will work on science for two weeks and follow with social studies for two weeks.
Religion: We are continuing to learn about the Mass. We will be practicing responses and be creating our own class Blessings Prayer. Last week we had a wonderful time as we had a chance to look closely at our church.We drew pictures of things that we thought were important. The children really enjoyed getting a close look at the altar. I am so happy to report that while we were exploring and drawing the children showed great respect and self control in this sacred space.
This and That
Please be sure that you child brings a water bottle to school each day to reduce the spread of germs.
Also, be sure that your child has a school sweater in their back pack each day. The temperature fluctuates throughout the building. Sweatshirts and other types of sweaters are not to be worn with the school uniform in the building.
Please be certain to label your child's lunchbox and all of their sweaters and clothing!
Next week we will have a special guest from the Northboro Fire Department to teach us about Fire Safety.
As we approach the half way point of the first quarter I am so happy to tell you that the children are really getting into good routines and enjoying first grade. The days are flying by and as you can imagine, there is never a dull moment!
Have a great week! Pray for sunshine!
sunshine +outdoor recess= happy kids and teachers :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Fun Fall Food
From cranberries to pumpkins, celebrate the abundance of the harvest season with these kid-friendly recipes.
By Sally Jo O'Brien
Glorious colors; crisp, fragrant air; an energized bounce in your step. At this time of year, fall's magic is everywhere. As you and your child savor the season, you can soak up the learning, too. When you visit a farmers' market or pumpkin patch, check out the names of the pumpkin and squash varieties. (Baby Boo, spaghetti, and Sweet Mama are sure to win a chuckle!) See how many different kinds of vegetables you and your child can identify. Try to taste the difference among apple varieties. Ask your child to help weigh your picks on the hanging scale. When you return home, showcase your delicious bounty with these easy recipes.
Baked Apples with Gingersnaps
What you need:
•4 large apples
•½ cup crumbled gingersnaps (about 8 small cookies; to crumble with no mess, place cookies into a zip-sealed plastic bag and carefully crush with a rolling pin.)
•¼ cup brown sugar
•¼ cup raisins
•¼ teaspoon cinnamon
•1 fresh lemon, halved
•2 tablespoons honey
•1 cup apple cider
•1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (if desired)
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel apples halfway down from top. Remove core, leaving the bottom intact. Place in a shallow 1- to 1½-quart baking dish large enough to hold apples without touching.
2. In a small bowl, combine gingersnaps, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and juice from one-half lemon. Fill apples with mixture. Pour cider into baking dish. Squeeze remaining lemon over apples, dot with butter (if desired), drizzle honey over each, and cover tightly with foil.
3. Bake 30 minutes, uncover, and baste with syrupy pan juices. Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes more or until tender (but still intact) when pierced with a knife. Serve with vanilla ice cream and warm pan juices.
Your child can help by:
•crushing cookies
•squeezing lemon
•drizzling honey
•filling apples and pouring cider
Acorn Squash Canoes
What you need:
•2 medium acorn squash
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•Salt and pepper to taste
•2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if desired)
•½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
•½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
•2 tablespoons butter, cut into 8 cubes
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with foil.
2. With a large, sharp knife, cut squash in quarters through the stem or "blossom" end to resemble a canoe shape and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side up for 20 minutes.
3. Combine cranberries, maple syrup or brown sugar, and walnuts. Set aside.
4. Remove squash from oven and fill each quarter with cranberry mixture. Dot with butter and roast 15-20 minutes longer or until squash is tender when pierced with a knife. (To save time by microwaving.: Place squash in one layer in a dish. Fill with cranberry mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; cook on high 8-12 minutes.)
5. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, if desired, and serve.
Your child can help by:
•removing squash seeds
•lining pan with foil
•brushing with oil and seasoning
•combining cranberry mixture
•spooning mixture into squash
Pumpkin Tartlets
What you need:
•12 mini graham cracker pie shells
•1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
•½ cup packed brown sugar
•2 teaspoons cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
•2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened
•Whipped cream, toffee candy bits, and fresh mint (optional)
What to do:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Blend in softened ice cream. If mixture is too soft to mound, refreeze until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. Pour ice cream mixture into each pie shell and freeze until firm. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped cream, toffee bits, and fresh mint or cinnamon, if desired.
Crazy-for-Cranberry Cream Cheese
What you need:
•1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
•zest of one orange
•2 tablespoons orange juice
•¼ cup vanilla yogurt
•½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
•¼ cup finely chopped dry cranberries (coat the blades of your knife or food processor with a bit of oil for easy clean-up)
What to do:
1. In an electric mixer or food processor, combine the cream cheese, zest, juice, yogurt, and cranberry sauce until smooth. Add more orange juice if you prefer a looser consistency.
2. Fold in dried cranberries and zest. Chill well before serving. Serve up a side of this creamy pink spread with veggies and apple slices or try it on a turkey wrap or sandwich.
By Sally Jo O'Brien
Glorious colors; crisp, fragrant air; an energized bounce in your step. At this time of year, fall's magic is everywhere. As you and your child savor the season, you can soak up the learning, too. When you visit a farmers' market or pumpkin patch, check out the names of the pumpkin and squash varieties. (Baby Boo, spaghetti, and Sweet Mama are sure to win a chuckle!) See how many different kinds of vegetables you and your child can identify. Try to taste the difference among apple varieties. Ask your child to help weigh your picks on the hanging scale. When you return home, showcase your delicious bounty with these easy recipes.
Baked Apples with Gingersnaps
What you need:
•4 large apples
•½ cup crumbled gingersnaps (about 8 small cookies; to crumble with no mess, place cookies into a zip-sealed plastic bag and carefully crush with a rolling pin.)
•¼ cup brown sugar
•¼ cup raisins
•¼ teaspoon cinnamon
•1 fresh lemon, halved
•2 tablespoons honey
•1 cup apple cider
•1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (if desired)
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel apples halfway down from top. Remove core, leaving the bottom intact. Place in a shallow 1- to 1½-quart baking dish large enough to hold apples without touching.
2. In a small bowl, combine gingersnaps, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and juice from one-half lemon. Fill apples with mixture. Pour cider into baking dish. Squeeze remaining lemon over apples, dot with butter (if desired), drizzle honey over each, and cover tightly with foil.
3. Bake 30 minutes, uncover, and baste with syrupy pan juices. Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes more or until tender (but still intact) when pierced with a knife. Serve with vanilla ice cream and warm pan juices.
Your child can help by:
•crushing cookies
•squeezing lemon
•drizzling honey
•filling apples and pouring cider
Acorn Squash Canoes
What you need:
•2 medium acorn squash
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•Salt and pepper to taste
•2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if desired)
•½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
•½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
•2 tablespoons butter, cut into 8 cubes
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with foil.
2. With a large, sharp knife, cut squash in quarters through the stem or "blossom" end to resemble a canoe shape and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side up for 20 minutes.
3. Combine cranberries, maple syrup or brown sugar, and walnuts. Set aside.
4. Remove squash from oven and fill each quarter with cranberry mixture. Dot with butter and roast 15-20 minutes longer or until squash is tender when pierced with a knife. (To save time by microwaving.: Place squash in one layer in a dish. Fill with cranberry mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; cook on high 8-12 minutes.)
5. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, if desired, and serve.
Your child can help by:
•removing squash seeds
•lining pan with foil
•brushing with oil and seasoning
•combining cranberry mixture
•spooning mixture into squash
Pumpkin Tartlets
What you need:
•12 mini graham cracker pie shells
•1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
•½ cup packed brown sugar
•2 teaspoons cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
•2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened
•Whipped cream, toffee candy bits, and fresh mint (optional)
What to do:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Blend in softened ice cream. If mixture is too soft to mound, refreeze until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. Pour ice cream mixture into each pie shell and freeze until firm. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped cream, toffee bits, and fresh mint or cinnamon, if desired.
Crazy-for-Cranberry Cream Cheese
What you need:
•1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
•zest of one orange
•2 tablespoons orange juice
•¼ cup vanilla yogurt
•½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
•¼ cup finely chopped dry cranberries (coat the blades of your knife or food processor with a bit of oil for easy clean-up)
What to do:
1. In an electric mixer or food processor, combine the cream cheese, zest, juice, yogurt, and cranberry sauce until smooth. Add more orange juice if you prefer a looser consistency.
2. Fold in dried cranberries and zest. Chill well before serving. Serve up a side of this creamy pink spread with veggies and apple slices or try it on a turkey wrap or sandwich.
A Peek at the Week of 9/20/10
This week will be working on...
In SUPERKIDS we are beginning Unit 2.In this unit we will be focusing on the new sounds of /th/ and /wh/ when reading and spelling. We will be working with the following Memory Words: where, what, why, when, which, who. We will be understanding characters, question words, and story vocabulary. We will also continue to work on reading with expression when we pay close attention to punctuation marks.
In MATH we will continue to practice writing numbers correctly. We are learning about pictographs and creating our own in class. We are reviewing left and right. Our class is also going to be working on addition facts which will begin with the doubles.
In RELIGION we have begun working in our very special books! The first unit is Our Church Community. We are now working on the chapter review for chapter one. We are focusing on vocabulary and the Sign of the Cross.
In SOCIAL STUDIES this week we are starting Unit One: Looking at Our Neighborhood. Important words for this unit are social studies, community, citizens, atlas, maps, globes. This week we will use our great hands on materials and learn how to care for them. We will also have a fun time with an Atlas Scavenger Hunt.
Important Dates:
Thursday, 9/23 Fall for a Good Book activity due.
Friday, 9/24 Early release day for students at noon.
Have a wonderful week!
In SUPERKIDS we are beginning Unit 2.In this unit we will be focusing on the new sounds of /th/ and /wh/ when reading and spelling. We will be working with the following Memory Words: where, what, why, when, which, who. We will be understanding characters, question words, and story vocabulary. We will also continue to work on reading with expression when we pay close attention to punctuation marks.
In MATH we will continue to practice writing numbers correctly. We are learning about pictographs and creating our own in class. We are reviewing left and right. Our class is also going to be working on addition facts which will begin with the doubles.
In RELIGION we have begun working in our very special books! The first unit is Our Church Community. We are now working on the chapter review for chapter one. We are focusing on vocabulary and the Sign of the Cross.
In SOCIAL STUDIES this week we are starting Unit One: Looking at Our Neighborhood. Important words for this unit are social studies, community, citizens, atlas, maps, globes. This week we will use our great hands on materials and learn how to care for them. We will also have a fun time with an Atlas Scavenger Hunt.
Important Dates:
Thursday, 9/23 Fall for a Good Book activity due.
Friday, 9/24 Early release day for students at noon.
Have a wonderful week!
Friday, September 17, 2010
6 Hands on Activities for Reluctant Readers
Got a reluctant reader? Rather than battling over books, try a few of these activities together to make reading less of a chore.
By Amanda Farah
•Word searches. Improve recognition by hunting for words in a jumble. For an added challenge, have him define each of the words in the word bank.
•Word of the day. Teach your child a new word every day. Define the word and encourage her to use it in a sentence throughout the day.
•Listen to audio books. Reading may not appeal, but chances are your child still enjoys a story. Find one that will appeal to your child and is above his reading level. Discuss plot and characters to test comprehension.
•Make flashcards. This is an opportunity to play to your child’s strengths while playing a game. Make up flashcards using different vocabulary words. If your child is artistic, she can draw what’s written on the card. If she’s dramatic, she can act it out. A memory game can also be made to match a word on the card to a definition written on another card.
•Mad Libs. A perfect opportunity for you child to get creative and silly while thinking about sentence structure and how to tell a complete story.
•Scavenger hunts. Kids can burn off energy looking for clues, but will have to read the descriptions first.
Scholastic.com
By Amanda Farah
•Word searches. Improve recognition by hunting for words in a jumble. For an added challenge, have him define each of the words in the word bank.
•Word of the day. Teach your child a new word every day. Define the word and encourage her to use it in a sentence throughout the day.
•Listen to audio books. Reading may not appeal, but chances are your child still enjoys a story. Find one that will appeal to your child and is above his reading level. Discuss plot and characters to test comprehension.
•Make flashcards. This is an opportunity to play to your child’s strengths while playing a game. Make up flashcards using different vocabulary words. If your child is artistic, she can draw what’s written on the card. If she’s dramatic, she can act it out. A memory game can also be made to match a word on the card to a definition written on another card.
•Mad Libs. A perfect opportunity for you child to get creative and silly while thinking about sentence structure and how to tell a complete story.
•Scavenger hunts. Kids can burn off energy looking for clues, but will have to read the descriptions first.
Scholastic.com
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Peek at the Week 9/13/10
This week will be working on...
In SUPERKIDS we will be finishing up unit one. We will be reading a poem and a story. The skills which we will be working on are problem/ solution, oral comprehension, synonyms, pronouns, and guided reading in small groups. We will practice reading aloud with rhythm and be writing our very own poems. We will continue to work on reading and writing words with ch, tch, and sh.
In MATH we will be reviewing writing 0-9 correctly. We will be ordering numbers, comparing numbers, reviewing sides and angles, and starting work on graph skills.
In RELIGION will begin working in our very special books! The first unit is Our Church Community. We will be learning about the following concepts: Jesus' Church is like a family. We show that we belong to God's family with the Sign of the Cross. We will create a fun project that will remind us that Jesus is a good shepherd and He calls us all by name.
In SCIENCE this week we will continue our new unit all about Life Stages of People. We will be working in our new lab booklets and learning about what scientists do. Important words for our unit are: infant, toddler, adolescent, child, adult, elderly adult, and developmental.
We have also started with our very first "Apple of My Eye"! The Apple of My Eye is a special person of the week! I am sure that you will be hearing all about this big honor at home! Every child will have a chance to be the "Apple"!
Scholastic Book club orders will be sent home this week. If you wish to order please be sure to complete the form and include a check made payable to Scholastic Book Club. Orders are due Tuesday, September 20th! The books purchased allow me to earn free books for our class. There is no obligation to buy.
In SUPERKIDS we will be finishing up unit one. We will be reading a poem and a story. The skills which we will be working on are problem/ solution, oral comprehension, synonyms, pronouns, and guided reading in small groups. We will practice reading aloud with rhythm and be writing our very own poems. We will continue to work on reading and writing words with ch, tch, and sh.
In MATH we will be reviewing writing 0-9 correctly. We will be ordering numbers, comparing numbers, reviewing sides and angles, and starting work on graph skills.
In RELIGION will begin working in our very special books! The first unit is Our Church Community. We will be learning about the following concepts: Jesus' Church is like a family. We show that we belong to God's family with the Sign of the Cross. We will create a fun project that will remind us that Jesus is a good shepherd and He calls us all by name.
In SCIENCE this week we will continue our new unit all about Life Stages of People. We will be working in our new lab booklets and learning about what scientists do. Important words for our unit are: infant, toddler, adolescent, child, adult, elderly adult, and developmental.
We have also started with our very first "Apple of My Eye"! The Apple of My Eye is a special person of the week! I am sure that you will be hearing all about this big honor at home! Every child will have a chance to be the "Apple"!
Scholastic Book club orders will be sent home this week. If you wish to order please be sure to complete the form and include a check made payable to Scholastic Book Club. Orders are due Tuesday, September 20th! The books purchased allow me to earn free books for our class. There is no obligation to buy.
A HUGE thanks to all who have sent in donations for our classroom. It is so appreciated! :)
Have a wonderful week!
Have a wonderful week!
Hello!
Here we go! It's the first full week of school for everyone! Yippeee!
I was so happy with the turnout for Back to School Night. I am proud to tell you all that it was my first Back to School Night in 14 years that every single child was represented by a grown up in my class! That is impressive! I would certainly say that is a good indicator or a productive school year.
Each week I will be posting the weekly spelling words in the list on the right. We will be having quizzes every Friday!
I will also be posting my "Peek at the Week" where I will fill you in on what we will be learning about this coming week and classroom news.
As I mentioned at Back to School Night please be sure to bookmark this blog, or even better subscribe to receive updates automatically through email.
I was so happy with the turnout for Back to School Night. I am proud to tell you all that it was my first Back to School Night in 14 years that every single child was represented by a grown up in my class! That is impressive! I would certainly say that is a good indicator or a productive school year.
Each week I will be posting the weekly spelling words in the list on the right. We will be having quizzes every Friday!
I will also be posting my "Peek at the Week" where I will fill you in on what we will be learning about this coming week and classroom news.
As I mentioned at Back to School Night please be sure to bookmark this blog, or even better subscribe to receive updates automatically through email.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
