Ms. Perino

Hi Again!
   When I titled this blog "First Grade Losers" I didn't really mean to imply we are all a bunch of losers.  I just wanted to let you know that recently our class has been losing quite a few things....

We are losing:
Our teeth (Avery, Maggie, Grace, and soon-to-be Ben have all been losing teeth like crazy!)
Our hair (Faith, Andrew, Maggie and Alayna have all gotten major haircuts recently...and they look fabulous!)
Our immaturity (No tattletaling here!)
Our pants (I have seen a lot more shorts and skirts with the warmer weather!)
Our picture books (So many kids are wanting to read/hear chapter books!)
Our focus (Just a little...come on, it's spring!)
And on many days Ms. Perino has been losing her mind...please let me know if you find this!

Have a super week!!!
Ms. Perino

Hello All!
   Well spring break was very successful and the kids have adjusted back to school life after having just a taste of what summer vacation would be like.  Happily, the teacher has also adjusted back to school after having a taste of what summer vacation will be like.    With the MCA's taking place, our schedule has been affected a bit...we have specials in the morning which makes for a loooonnnnnggggg afternoon.  So we take some breaks and play outside for a little bit and get back to learning.  The kiddos have been super troopers.
     We are working on poetry in writing and I am extremely impressed with poems they have created.  Who knew writing about a pair of scissors could be so thought-provoking?!?!?  I hope to have a celebration full of parents and families to come and enjoy the writings of our students.
    In math we are wrapping up unit 7.  We have worked hard on telling time to the hour and to the half hour.  We have hit circle, picture and table graphs hard.  In unit 8 we will tackle double digit problems.  Wish me luck!
    Reading is coming along as usual.  Our goal is to have our children at a level 16 by the end of first grade...we don't have much time left in first grade so the more they read, the better!  Make sure you are reading the books that come home in their book bags every night.  If your child isn't bringing home books, just let me know.

    We are planning some fun field trips right now so look for permission slips and volunteer slips soon!  Thanks again for all you do!
Smiles!
Ms. Perino

Hello Again,
   I know you most of you have just seen me (and have probably have had enough of me ) but I just wanted to extend a formal "thank you" for coming to conferences!  It is so wonderful to have just a few minutes to catch up with you and tell you all the wonderful things about your child.  I am truly lucky to have such a great class with such amazing parents--stop by, call, or write anytime! 
    The weather is so much nicer and everything gets a little bit easier when the weather is nicer, don't you think?  It is nice to go home when the sun is still shining!  Does anyone have any fun spring break plans?  I have heard some kiddos are going to Chicago, Florida, all kinds of fun things.  What am I doing you ask?  Well, nothing formal, but fingers crossed -I hope to get some sort of tax refund to go and recklessly spend $25 on a pedicure!  I know what you're thinking, whoa big spender but just a little time off is good enough for me!
   Well that is all from this first grade teacher...hope to see/talk to you soon!
XOXO,
Ms. Perino
PS Anyone watching American Idol?  Any favorite picks?!?!?!?

Greetings!!!!
    Things are busier than ever in first grade and I barely have to catch up!  So many things have happened so here is a snapshot of things to know (forgive me if you know already!)

• *** Mrs. Gibb finally had her baby.  Cooper Montgomery Gibb was born on Friday, February 19.  I have seen him and this boy is cute!
• *** We have wrapped up our non-fiction reading and writing units.  We are going to start "writing for readers" in Writing Workshop (just basically how to write so it is easier for readers to read our writing) and how "readers are brave and resourceful" in Reading Workshop.
• *** We are onto Unit 6 in math--graphing and we are loving it!  Ask them about data and you will be surprised what they have to say!
• *** Conferences are coming up next week on Wednesday & Thursday nights as well on during the day on Friday.  Just call, email or stop by if you need to know your time.  Can't wait to see everyone!
• *** The class is obsessed with Charlie and Lola books!  The author is Lauren Child.  Yes, there is a cartoon but we love the books more!  Check them out at a library near by and listen to your child talk in an English accent!

I think that may be all my brain can think of for now!  As always, feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or comments!  See you at conferences!!!
XOXO, Ms. Perino

Hola! 
      It is about time I am back to blogging...no I wasn't somewhere tropical on vacation, just lazy!!!  I did a little bit of reorganizing of the list to the left.  The other blog was getting a bit long so I decided to add another page.  Also instead of taking the pictures of the kids down, I would add more pages to keep the pictures up! I have really cute pictures to add but the site wasn't letting me upload right now so I will try again later...stay tuned!
     I have been formally testing a few kids little by little and I am so impressed with their reading levels...just to remind you what the levels mean, here is a quick refresher--
Winter score:  level 12
End of First grade:  level 16
Fall of 2nd grade: level 16-18
Winter 2nd grade:  level 24
End of 2nd grade: 28
    We are a partnership in the success of your children...I know you are working hard and diligently with your kids and the hard work is paying off!  I can't believe the books they are into!  Keep on working!
    This Friday we are having a little "Valentine" celebration by dressing up as our favorite book character...yes I said book character!  Not their favorite crime fighter, not their favorite cartoon character, not their favorite actor/actress...they are to dress up as a book character!  If you need help feel free to contact me.
    So much fun is had in our room so please let me know if you ever want to stop by!

Funny/Cute Quotes of the week:
 
"You know, sometimes I wish I had two brains." --Matthew (trying to remember everything he is reading)

"Adam, what is your favorite part of having such beautiful tiger eyes?"  "I get all the girls...(big smile on his face)"--Adam loving his gorgeous eyes

Gracie, Avery, and Antonio officially love talking in an English accent.  The bloody chaps are hilarious!

That's all for now!!!!
Ms. Perino