October

Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing Autumn, seasonal change and continuing our study of the Harvest.

(that "r" in October has been inserted in the classroom copy :)

Words of the Week:

Grade 1
us
is
of
the
and
BONUS WORD: brown (Ms. Brown)

Grade 2
down
brown
town
gown
crown
BONUS WORD: October

(some of our Grade 1 words may be repeats throughout the year... many of us are still working on them)
Bonus words are a bit harder words that we use frequently, so we should know how to read and spell them.

Math Monday - Patterning

Remember:

We find patterns in nature, art, music, and literature. We also find them in numbers. Patterns are at the very heart of math. The ability to recognize patterns helps us to make predictions based on our observations. Understanding patterns helps prepare children for the study of algebra in later grades.

To try at home:

• Create patterns using your body. Clap and stomp your foot in a particular sequence (clap, clap, stomp), have your child repeat the same sequence, then create variations of the pattern together. Teach your child simple dances that include repeated steps and movements.

Thankksgiving Delights

Words of the Week! We are working with Word Families this week:

Grade 1 Words:
all
ball
hall
wall
fall

Grade 2 Words:
look
took
book
cook
hook

Math Monday - Patterning

This is from the Ontario Government's Early Math Strategy:

Tips to help your child learn math:

Be positive about math!

• Let your child know that everyone can learn math.
• Let your child know that you think math is important and fun.
• Point out the ways in which different family members use math in their jobs.
• Be positive about your own math abilities. Try to avoid saying "I was never good at math" or "I never liked math".
• Encourage your child to be persistent if a problem seems difficult.
• Praise your child when he or she makes an effort, and share in the excitement when he or she solves a problem or understands something for the first time.

To try at home:

We find patterns in nature, art, music, and literature. We also find them in numbers. Patterns are at the very heart of math. The ability to recognize patterns helps us to make predictions based on our observations. Understanding patterns helps prepare children for the study of algebra in later grades.

• Look for patterns in storybooks and songs. Many children's books and songs repeat lines or passages in predictable ways, allowing children to recognize and predict the patterns.

For Example in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See (by Eric Carle) , there is the same pattern of words over and over as well as the repeating rhyming words "see" and "me" at the end of each line.

Terry Fox, Our Hero

Today we walked for Terry Fox.

Last Friday we watched a short video about him and his Marathon of Hope. Then we talked about his life and why he was important. Then we made some posters advertising our walk.


We talked about the features of a good poster. I think that they understand about leaving some white space so you can see the important parts!









(click on the above pictures to see them a bit larger -- they are wonderful!)

My Promise

This week's poem does have some difficult words for the 1s to read -- but it does have lots of familiar words!

Grade 1 Words:
do
my
I (it has to be upper case!!)
on
and

Grade 2 Words:
less
mess
test
best
neat

Table Groups

One of our tasks last week was to name our table groups. I left it up to the group members to decide on their name, and then they made a sign with their group. Some groups decided quickly -- and one group took all day! But it was up to them to reach a consensus -- a name that they could all agree upon.
The groups are always "fluid". The group that you are in this week might now be the group that you are in next week.... but you might be in that same group for the whole year! (not very likely with all of the same group members though).

These are our groups! (I didn't give any input on making the sign... we'll use these signs when we talk about the criteria for a good poster, but they will understand that these are perfect first attempts! I was amazed at how well each group worked together. I am so proud of all of the students in Room 15!

Super Spy Kids!


Super Tigers!

Kung Fu Geckos!


Magic Wands!

Ninja Dogs!

It's really fun to call out the names. "Okay, the Kung Fu Geckos may return to their seats!" "The Ninja Dogs can line up for home time!"