April showers bring May flowers

In a land far away .... the hearts of some SPEDS first graders were a flutter as the students heard what Fairytale they would be reading and illustrating.   From Frog Prince to The Princess and the Pea we will learn from each other the moral of each fairytale, the magic in each and all the other elements of a fairytale.  There are many.  We have just begun talking about wonderful tales that we have loved for years. 

 

We have had an opportunity during Integrated Language to introduce our skill of "le" endings on words.  We learned some great syllabic ways to look at words with "le" and a trick with "stick letters" before the ending ...or "tail letters" before the ending.
Bravo!  To the world's best readers!!!  This class faithfully turns in their books in a bag.  There was a day MRs. W. forgot to check  half the class.  We love to hear about the book.  We are impressed that this work gets done.  As parents, we know the business of the days--evenings.  What you are giving your child is irreplaceable, a gift far bigger than any other.  I hear from the students that they wait until their mom or dad can snuggle and read to and with them.


 

Mrs. W met with groups reading books on Summer, fractions, and Pablo's Tree.  My personal favorite of the week was Pablo's Tree.  I wish I had thought to do something like this with my kids.  Pablo loves his bday.  His grandpa bought a tree when he was born and planted it in his yard.  Every bday Pablo adds something musical or whimsical to the tree.  When Pablo turns 6 he can hardly wait to go to the grandpa's house to see if he remembered to add something to the tree.  Sure enough the tree had small bird cages added to it.  Pablo and his grandpa's favorite place to sit is under the tree and listen to the sounds as the breeze blows the ornaments.  

 

Some of our tic tac toe shows our review of "ir" "or" and "ur" words.  Cards to Van for his little procedure on Friday.  We sent him with cards to make him laugh.  We also started the Gingerbread Man fairytale, the Ugly Duckling and the folktale Paul Bunyan.

The biggest news of the week is that Hudson's going to be welcoming a baby Brother in September!!!


Math fraction fish, dogs, reptiles, flowers, and peacocks helped us illustrate our knowledge of fractions.  We also climbed around the room measuring with our rulers and learning how to write 'inches."  Reviewing these concepts helps with retention.

Thank you to Keira and Reaghan who celebrated their bdays.  I've told Keira all year there was someone in the other room who looked like her!  Viola!  It was her twin...double the fun!  We loved the cookie cake girls.

Spelling words for next week:

 

quiet

quart

quit

quick

quack

wheel

whale

white

whiz

while

 

Challenge Words:

whatever, question, magical, happily

IN Hands-on Science the children planted their very own beanstalk as they listened to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. They discussed living things/plants and what makes them grow. This hands-on activity will be coming home soon.

In computer the children played a game of logical reasoning when they visited www.braingle.com 
In this game the students help Jack plant and grow his beanstalk. First, they dig the hole with a shovel, plant the bean, add fertilizer and water.You have to go in order and each level gets harder and harder. This is always a favorite. You may have to visit this site at home.Once you are there, click on games and then beanstalk on the left side in a blue column!

 

We will be going to the Discovery Center on April 16th. Please read the message below for more information. It's important that everyone remember to bring a lunch and dress accordingly.

We look forward to your Discovery Center field trip Tuesday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We have 44, first grade students scheduled for:

10:30 a.m. – noon	12:00 -12:30	12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Becoming Bears	Lunch	Becoming Bears
Outdoor Sensations		Outdoor Sensations

Reply to this email with the following information:

· Students with any unique special needs and/or mobility considerations.

· Provide the teacher(s) name for each of your assigned groups.

For Becoming Bear, students will be outside for one and a half hours.
For Outdoor Sensations, students will be outside for one and a half hours.

Students will be outside, so please let students and parents know so they can dress according to the weather forecast. If it is raining or snowing, we will still take students outside for nature study and investigation. During severe weather such as lightning or temperatures below 25 degrees or above 100 degrees, we will have alternative inside activities. Please have students dress for the weather with appropriate clothing, outdoor footwear (no sandals or flip-flops), sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.

Nametags are required.

We are excited you are participating in our new programs. They are closely aligned with Missouri’s grade level expectations and we are highlighting activities you cannot easily replicate in the classroom.

In addition to your Discovery Center field trip, Missouri Department of Conservation offers Discover Nature Schools curriculum. This is science/conservation education at its best. K-12 units help students get outside to experience hands-on learning in nature, close to home. Our Discover Nature Schools program gives teachers the tools to inspire students through exciting, full-color instructional unit which meet Missouri grade-level expectations and includes a teacher guide. Because starting a new classroom program can be a challenge, we also include teacher training and grant funding for materials and equipment. To get additional information, find your local Education Consultant at www.MissouriConservation.org/15642.

Have a happily ever after weekend....

Kathleen and Carey