1st and 2nd Grade Weekly Update!
May 17, 2013
In Math the First graders are worked on congruent and symmetrical figures.
The Second graders have been working on triple digit addition and subtraction with regrouping. Wow!
Our Idiom of the week this week was: Needle in a Haystack
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the groups read their books out loud with partners to practice fluency. We also worked on all of the end of the year reading assessments.
In phonics we reviewed syllables. The second graders had to break the words into syllables and the first graders had to tell how many syllables a word had. Next week we will work with –y endings and contractions.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we introduced our end of year biography project. Thank you for all of the interview homework! All of the kids did great! Next week we will write them into reports
The second graders took home their biography books. Great job reading! We will write reports next week!
When we finish our reports, we will plan a day for families to come in to the class so we can present them!
SCIENCE
In Science we have been talking all about Matter. Next we will move onto energy, electricity, and magnets.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about next year. The students all had to write down three things they were excited about, nervous about, and curious about. We read them as a class and talked about it. We also said how you can feel all of those emotions at once. We talked about how teachers and parents are also nervous and excited. We will continue this conversation in the upcoming weeks.
REMINDERS
Please let me know when you are available for spring conferences.
Please also send your child with a water bottle every day.
Please check out the Tobin Times for other important dates!
Wednesday May 22 is Fancy Day at Tobin dress Tobin!
Thursday May 23 is an early release day
Monday May 27 there is no school!
Please remember to layer your children appropriately as it gets hotter in the afternoon.
Have a great weekend,
Meghan
1st and 2nd Grade Weekly Update!
May 10, 2013
Happy Mother’s Day!
In Math the First graders are working on a chapter on geometry. We learned all about symmetry this week and will have some more fun with it next week. Later we will work on time and fractions!
The Second graders are reviewing and expanding fractions. Next they will work with triple digit addition and subtraction.
Our Idiom of the week this week was: Early Bird Catches the Worm
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the groups all were able to read to peers and into the ipad. This helped to check for fluency. Each child was also assessed on their sight words for the end of the year and they all did fabulous!
In phonics we have been working on different kinds of poetry. We worked on writing and revising our own poetry. Next week we will type them so that they can be on display! We also worked on syllable review and double consonant spelling words.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we introduced our end of year biography project. The first graders took home their “research” yesterday. They are to choose a member of their family to interview. They will complete the interview at home and we will put it into a biography together at school. I would like the students to read and write and independently as they can. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. Papers can be returned on or before May 17.
The second graders took home their biography books. They will be reading books on famous people in history. They have each chosen a different person and will practice reading over the weekend. They have a list of questions that they have to answer in school as well. Please have children reading the book as best as they can but make sure it comes back to school each day so we can work on it. Please let me know if there are any questions or problems.
When we finish our reports, we will plan a day for families to come in to the class so we can present them!
SCIENCE
In Science we have been talking all about Matter. We did an awesome experiment when placed a dry paper towel in a plastic cup. We dunked the plastic cup into a glass bowl and the paper towel stayed dry. This is because the air matter pushed the water out of the way and kept the paper towel dry. Ask your kids about it! Next week we will finish up matter and start learning about electricity and energy!
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about trusting students to do what we are telling them to do independently. For example if they ask to go to the bathroom, we trust that they will go to the bathroom and come back.
We had a great trip to Decordova! The students all had a great time seeing all of the sculptures!
REMINDERS
Please let me know when you are available for spring conferences.
Please also send your child with a water bottle every day.
Please check out the Tobin Times for other important dates!
Please remember to layer your children appropriately as it gets hotter in the afternoon.
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
May 3, 2013
I love this beautiful weather! Happy May! Please send in any special sunscreen or bug spray! Also we ask that you layer your children appropriately as it gets hotter in the afternoon. Thank you!
In Math the First graders finished their chapter on addition and subtractions with numbers through 100. We will begin Geometry next week.
The Second graders are reviewing fraction concepts.
Our Idiom of the week this week was: Losing my Marbles!
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the groups worked on comprehension questions for their respective books.
In phonics we have been working on different kinds of poetry. This week we learned about haikus and by extension syllables.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we practiced being biographers by interviewing fellow classmates. Next week we will have to interview a family member as part of our homework. We will turn those interviews into biographies. We have also been reading one short biography a day. So far we have done Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and the Wright Brothers! Ask us about them!
SCIENCE
In Science we have been talking all about Matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. We have learned that matter can be a solid, liquid, or a gas. Ask us about Matter!
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about private conversations. Some personal information needs to be discussed in private (ie bathroom questions or embarrassing moments) We talked about where, when, and how to have these discussions.
We had a great trip to the MFA! The students all had a great time in the Art of the Americas Wing. Helpful tip: The MFA is free to Bank of America customers on the first Saturday of every month. I for sure will be there this Saturday
We had a great performance festival. All of our students participated in some way and there is a video coming soon!
Bailey read a poem.
Jack did a magic trick
Christopher Sang a song
Liam read an original poem
Brendan video taped the whole thing
Dimitry read an original poem
Michael and Sammy told jokes!
I was so proud!
REMINDERS
Please let me know when you are available for spring conferences.
Please also send your child with a water bottle every day.
Monday May 6 will be our Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Wednesday May 8, 2013 we will be going to the Decordova Sculpture Park. Please send another disposable lunch!
**We have been super sick in ½. Please remember the policy at the Tobin School is to keep your child out of school until they are 24 hours fever free. I would also ask that you make us very aware of any symptoms they may have. I understand the difficulty involved and will be happy to offer any assistance.
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
April 26, 2013
Congratulations to the Abdilmasih Family as they welcomed baby Tony Peter on April 19, 2013 at 7:45 pm!
In Math the First graders are working on addition and subtraction through 100!
The Second graders are finishing up multi-digit subtraction and are reviewing previous skills to prepare for year end.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading we started reading our new books and began working on fluency practice as well as comprehension questions.
In phonics we have been working on different kinds of poetry. This week we learned about similies and cinquains.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we started our unit on Biographies
SCIENCE
In Science we started our unit on the physical world. We will be working with Matter first.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about getting ready for our next grade level.
REMINDERS
Please let me know when you are available for spring conferences.
Please watch the weather and send your child to school in layers for those warmer afternoons. Please also send your child with a water bottle every day.
Wednesday May 1, 2013 we will be going to the MFA. We are still in need of chaperones. Please send your child to school with a disposable lunch on that day
Wednesday May 8, 2013 we will be going to the Decordova Sculpture Park.
**We have been super sick in ½. Please remember the policy at the Tobin School is to keep your child out of school until they are 24 hours fever free. I would also ask that you make us very aware of any symptoms they may have. I understand the difficulty involved and will be happy to offer any assistance.
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
April 12,2013
We want to Wish Ms. A good luck as she goes on maternity leave! We will keep everyone posted as the baby news comes in! Don’t worry though, Ms. Leblanc and I will hold down the fort.
In Math the First graders finished their chapter on subtraction. They all did a great job on their tests.
The Second graders started three digit subtraction with regrouping!
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading we introduced our new books!
In phonics the second graders worked on the long I spelling rule (igh, ie, and y). The first graders worked on ee and oo vowel teams. All of the started a unit on poetry and idioms. Our idiom of the week was “Hit the Sack”
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we finished working on our state projects
SCIENCE
In Science we began our moon final projects.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about getting ready for our next grade level.
REMINDERS
April Break is Monday April 1-= Friday April 19.
I would love to try to schedule some spring conferences. Please sign up with me if you have a chanceJ
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
April 5, 2013
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AMAZING APPRECIATION! WE REALLY FEEL APPRECIATED EVERY DAY BUT THIS WAS ABOVE AND BEYONDJ
In Math the First graders continued working on fact families. We will work more with subtraction word problems as the chapter continues.
The Second graders have finished up working on time and will start inequalities.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the students worked on book reports and practiced recording themselves reading to check for fluency.
In phonics the students worked on dictation with three consonant blend words. We also worked on reviewing sight words to again clear off our board.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we are working on our final Massachusetts projects.
SCIENCE
In Science we are working on Moon facts and how the Moon affects the tides.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked about different phrases we can use instead of “I can’t” or “I don’t know” some of them include: Can you help me? I will try my best. I will read the directions again. I don’t understand. This is a little hard for me.
REMINDERS
Tuesday April 9, 2013 is an early release day!
Monday April 15- Friday April 19 is April Vacation!
I would love to try to schedule some spring conferences. Please sign up with me if you have a chanceJ
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
March 21, 2013
Fingers crossed for no more snow!!!
MATH
In Math the First graders began their next chapter about subtraction and started working on fact families.
The Second graders have been working on telling time to the minute. They have been getting so great at it!
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the students all worked in small groups reading aloud and with expression. We worked primarily on vocabulary and fluency this week. We will finish the books next week and start our book reports.
In phonics the first graders finished working with their oa vowel team. They will learn a new vowel team next week. The second graders worked with vocabulary and expanding their writing. WE are really pushing handwriting. Please stay tuned for an opportunity from CTA!
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we continued learning about state symbols, facts, and folk heros.
SCIENCE
In Science, the first graders made flip books about the changing moon while the second graders worked on writing in journals about the different phases.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we talked all about thinking for yourself and working on not copying other friends. It has been a growing issue in class and we really want to encourage our students not to copy.
REMINDERS
Please continue to send in snow clothes if there is still snow on the ground. Please also remember to always send sneakers AND boots.
Please keep reading with your kids at home!
Have a great weekend!
1st and 2nd Grade Weekly Update
March 15, 2013
Happy St. Patrick's Day! We had a great week this week but were teased by a little nice weather! Hopefully it comes back soon!
In Language Arts this week we moved through the books we are reading in guided reading. The students worked with new vocabulary and comprehension questions this week. We also worked on some great writing centers and made submissions to the Tobin Literary Magazine.
In Phonics this week, the first graders worked with the "oa says o" vowel team while the second graders worked with the spelling rules for three letter initial consonant blends.
The first graders all did great on their math test and they are excited to start the next chapter. The second graders are learning all about telling time and are learning what to do if digital clocks are not available :)
In History this week we learned all about some state symbols for Massachusetts. Ask us how the ladybug became our state insect!!!
We started learning about the moon this week in science. We are starting with moon phases but will dig deeper and deeper into the science and history of the moon! Please check it out at night with your child!
Thank you all again for your contributions to Ms. A's baby shower! She was so excited!
Social Secret of the week- Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!!
Have a great weekend!
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
March 1, 2013
Happy March!! We had a busy week back from Vacation. We hope you had a great time.
MATH
In Math the First graders worked on plus and minus 10 facts and relationships in the hundreds chart. We also played a game with money for the 100thday of school “Who can get to 100 fastest?” We are also finishing up our chapter and will be taking a test next week.
The Second graders have finished up their chapter on fractions and mixed numbers. They will start a unit on time next week!
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Guided Reading the students all just began their new books. We all read chapter 1 of our books and answered comprehension questions. Next week we will work with vocabulary for our new books.
In phonics the first graders are working on vowel teams and the second graders are working on editing texts and self editing.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
In History we are finishing up our unit on Ancient Rome by writing narrative reports from different perspectives. We are also building a 3D model of the Colosseum.
As we finish up our Rome unit we are starting a new unit on Massachusetts. We will learn all about our state including its symbols, facts, and famous people.
SCIENCE
We finished our unit on Nutrition! The kids did a great job with their final projects building a balanced meal. We will start our next unit on phases of the moon next week.
THINK SOCIAL
This week we worked on setting goals for our life. We took a tone from Dr. Seuss and talked about all of the lessons in his books. We also learned that it took him 28 publishers before he published his first book but he never gave up. We will post pictures of our awesome goal project next week.
REMINDERS
Thank you for remembering snow clothes! The snow is sticking around.
Please sign up to meet for a conference if you have not yet done so!
Please keep reading with your kids at home!
Have a great weekend!
February 15, 2012
What a crazy week! With the snow we had to squeeze in all of our Valentine's lesson, President's Day lessons, Nutrition project, and Ancient Rome Projects. We had to make up a spelling test and get ready for the 100th Day of School. It has been a short week but definitely a busy one. We had so much fun with the Taco and Pizza lunches and we loved handing out all of our Valentines! Thank you so much for following the rules :)
Have a wonderful and safe vacation! See you on the 100th Day!
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
February 1, 2013
Happy February!
MATH
In Math the First graders started working on doubles addition facts and adding 10s and 9s.
The Second graders have been working on fractions. They have already studied sixths, eights, thirds, and fourths. Next week we will work more on fractions.
LANGUAGE ARTS
We have been working on making inferences and fluency with both groups in guided reading. We worked to have the students independently read stories and write the answers to comprehension questions based on them. We used a comprehension app on the ipads and we wrote winter stories using word banks.
In phonics we have been working on some sight word recognition games. All of the students can recognize and read sight words but we are working to help them spell them correctly in their writing.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
We took a trip to Ancient Rome and started learning about the Collessum. We talked all about its structure and the events that happened there.
SCIENCE
We are continuing to learn about nutrition. The students learned all about how to read food labels.
THINK SOCIAL
This week in Think Social we discussed the “T.H.I.N.K” acronym. Before you speak: THINk
T-Is this true
H-Is this helful
I-Is this important
N-Is this necessary now
K-Is this Kind
REMINDERS
Thank you for remembering snow clothes! It is so helpful! Especially with the ever changing weather.
Please sign up to meet for a conference if you have not yet done so!
Please keep reading with your kids at home!
Have a great weekend!
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
January 25, 2012
Burr!!!! It has been tough being stuck inside all week but we definitely kept busy!
MATH
In Math the First graders started working with doubles and the addition tables.
The Second graders began working on fractions!
LANGUAGE ARTS
We have been working on making inferences and fluency with the first grade groups in guided reading. We practiced with a poem this week and the students were able to relate to it and have fun with it. The second graders working on tall tales and matching the descriptions of the characters to pictures of them!
In phonics we have been working with the “ph” sound in first grade. We even made pamphlets for the Tobin School. The second graders have been working with ar-ir-or –er and –ur. They have also been working with graphic organizers to compose more detailed stories.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
We took a trip to Ancient Rome looking at pictures of all of the art and architecture that can still be seen today. We hunted for aqueducts and arches (through Mrs. McInnes’s honeymoon pictures). We also learned about Michelangelo and painted our own versions of the Sistene Chapel . Pcitures to come soon!
SCIENCE
We are continuing to learn about nutrition. The students learned all about fats and sugars and how they can keep their bodies and their teeth healthy.
THINK SOCIAL
This week in Think Social we discussed how to properly share the ipads. Even if the game being played was not our favorite.
REMINDERS
Thank you for remembering snow clothes! It is so helpful!
Please sign up to meet for a conference if you have not yet done so!
Please keep reading with your kids at home!
Thanks for coming out to the read-a-thon!!
Have a great weekend!
1st and 2ndGrade Weekly Update!
January 18, 2013
What a busy week!
MATH
In Math the First graders have been working with inequalities and function machines. We had a lot of fun making our own machines and solving the equations that go with them.
The Second graders are finishing their chapter subtraction. They will start fractions next week!
LANGUAGE ARTS
We have been working on making inferences during guided reading. All of the students were responsible for reading texts and answering questions based on the clues. They did a great job and it is a skill we are going to continue working on.
In phonics we have been practicing sight word centers and working on ed endings with the second graders and ph and gh sounds with the first graders. We will continue both skills next week.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
We took a break this week from Ancient Rome to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
SCIENCE
We are continuing to learn about nutrition using the my plate format. We talked all about proteins and dairy this week. Next week we will learn all about fats.
THINK SOCIAL
This week in Think Social we discussed how to accept “no” as the answer. Sometimes even if we don’t like it no means no.
REMINDERS
Thank you for remembering snow clothes! It is so helpful!
Please sign up to meet for a conference if you have not yet done so!
Please keep reading with your kids at home!
Next week – January 23, 2013 is the read a thon- Please let me know if you are going to attend so we can plan accordingly
Have a great weekend!
I am so sorry for being out this week! I really came down with a bad case of strep! Please please make sure your children are getting a good night's rest, covering their coughs and staying home if they are sick. I would hate for any of the students to miss school like I had to :(
In Math this week the first graders worked with inequalities while the second graders
are working on word problems
In guided reading this week we worked on inferencing.
I phonics we worked on decoding in first grade and vowel teams in second grade.
In Science we worked on Nutrition.
In History we worked on Ancient Rome.
Have a great weekend and stay healthy!
Happy New Year! Welcome back. I hope everyone had a safe and fun vacation!
In Math this week the second graders continued their work with borrowing. The first graders worked on word problems and money games.
In Science we started our unit on Nutrition.
In History we started our unit on Ancient Rome.
In Phonics we continued working on punctuation and answering questions with a complete sentence.
I will be sending out a conference online sign up form. Please feel free to sign up for one, or if a time would be better for you please let me know. Thanks so much!
Meghan
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU IN 2013! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY!
December 14,2012
Happy Hanukkah!
This week we learned all about Hanukkah traditions. Thank you to the Rosenfeld and Stolper families for sharing some of their traditions with us.
In Math the first graders worked on Money while the second graders finished up double digit addition.
In phonics we worked on sentence structure (begins with a capital letter ends with punctuation)
In Guided Read we worked on recording our voices to check for fluency.
In Science we learned all about the digestive system.
In History we worked on our final projects wrapping up our unit on the Pilgrims
Next week we will talk about holiday traditions! We will also watch a movie toward the end of the week. Details to comeJ
Have a great weekend!
Meghan
December 7, 2012
Happy December! Here's a look at what is going on in 1/2
In Math, the first graders finished unit 1 and took their first test! Next week we will start our second unit and deal with money and time!
The second graders have been continuing with 2 digit addition with regrouping. Next week we will be adding and subtracting money.
In Phonics the first graders have been working on consonant diagraphs th, ch, sh, and wh. We will continue this next week adding also ph.
The second graders are working on bossy r or r controlled vowel pairs (-ir-er-or-ur-ar). This is a particulary difficult spelling rule but we are working on recognizing it everywhere!
In Guided reading, the students are all moving up an instructional level. You can find their current levels on raz-kids. Please see me if you need assistance with this. Time on Raz-kids reading can also be noted on the homework logs.
In science this week we talked all about the lungs and the respiratory system. We will continue our human body unit next week learning about the digestive system.
In history, the students learned all about what life would be like for a pilgrim child and had to compare and contrast that experience with their own life.
In social thinking this week we have been talking about catching teachers being kind to eachother for the first phase of our kindness counts holiday campaign. There is a snowman in the kitchen where we are writing all of our good deeds. Next week the teachers have to catch the students being kind to each other and the following week the students have to catch other students doing kind things.
We also got to learn all about Dimitry for star student week! We cannot wait to learn all about Michael next week!
In writing we introduced a writing rubric so students could see what their work should look like. This deals with neatness and adding detail to stories or sentences. A lot of times students will write "This is my toy." We would like to especially see the second graders write in more detail example: " This is my toy yoda. I got it for my birthday a few years ago from my grandmom. I love it"
Please encourage your child to write neatly, slowly, and using the most detail they can especially when doing homework. We are trying to teach them to have pride in their work! After the holiday we will introduce a wall of fame for some of the great work we catch.
Donations:
This week we are asking for gluten free, dairy free, nut free gingerbread mix and Mason Jars so we can make some snowglobes! We will also take anything related to holiday, stickers, books, or special tales of your family traditions! Thank you so much for your help!
Next week
Tuesday December 11- Dress Down Day :)
Thursday December 13- Early Release Day
Friday December 14-Family Breakfast 8-9:30 (Please keep your child's allergies in consideration. I am happy to do whatever I can to make this fun for all the children)
Have a great weekend and Happy Hanukkah!
November 30, 2012
Today is the last day of November and the last day of our first full week of school. Between hurricanes, holidays, and half days er finally got a week in!
In Math this week the first graders added, subtracted, and worked on word problems! They are doing a great job using number lines to add and subtract numbers through 20.
The second graders worked on regrouping with base ten blocks and adding two digit numbers from right to left. They had a lot of fun with these higher numbers!
In Guided reading this week all the groups worked on reading a text and answering comprehension questions based on the text. While the students all had different levels of material, we all worked on the same skill. The students did a great job and we are going to continue practicing this all important skill. We used highlighters to isolate important information in the text.
In phonics the first graders worked on the hard and soft "th" digraph while the second graders were introduced to "r" controlled vowels (-er, -ir, -ur).
In History and Geogrpahy we took a virtual field trip to Plimoth Plantation. We were able to see and hear first hand what life would have been like for the Mayflower travelers.
In Science we talked all about blood and the circulatory system. We learned about how blood travels to and from the heart through the veins and arteries.
**Please check your child's folder for their Raz-kids log in. They can practice using this reading tool on your home computer.
**We put some picutres into your child's folder. These are doubles and they are for you to keep:)
**Tobin is excited about our upcoming parent projects. We will be sponsoring a yearbook and a children's literary magazine! Any parents who wish to be a part of these exciting activites please contact Karen Ketterer.
Lastly, December is the month of Holidays! If you or your family celebrate the holidays in a way you'd like to share (ie pictures, photos, food, symbols such as a dreidle) Please feel free to send them in so we can share and learn about all of the exciting traditions.
Have a great weekend!
November 21, 2012
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday! We had a great week. Here are some of the things that we are thankful for!
I am Thankful for....
My school- Sammy
My brother- Bailey
My parents- Brendan
My family- Christopher
My teachers- Nathan
My cousins- Jack
My Friends- Dimitry
My Brain- Michael
Holidays- Liam
My family in NJ and MA- Mrs. McInnes
My Husband- Ms A
Spending the holidays with my family- Ms. LeBlanc
...and the list could go on! We have a lot to be thankful for in 1st and 2nd grade. I am so thankful to have such a hardworking, rewarding, and entertaining class!
Have a great holiday,
Meghan
November 16, 2012
We have definitely made a lot out of another short week! We have been very busy preparing for Thanksgiving and Special Friends Day. Please let us know who your child's special friend will be ASAP!
**Special Shout out**We have been getting a lot of packages from Amazon.com. THANK YOU SO MUCH! We have loved getting the stickers, erasers, and various classroom supplies! It was such a nice surprise and very much appreciated!!!!
In math this week the second graders have learned about all different kinds of graphs!
The first graders have started adding and subtracting. Watch out for those signs!
In phonics the second graders practiced their blends and endings. Next week they will review digraphs and begin vowel teams with the R sound.
The first graders finsished up magic e and will begin blends and parts of speech.
In guided reading this week we worked on poems centering on our sight words and with repetative patterns to practice fluency. We have also been quickly reading our new texts and practicing fluency and inflection!
In History we talked all about the Mayflower and how and why the Pilgrims traveled to the new world. Next week we will talk about what happened when they got there.
In Science we discussed the brain! We learned all about this amazing body part and how it is always working even when we are asleep. We will learn about the heart next week!
In social thinking this week we reviewed tone and using a too shy, too rough, or just right voice.
Next weekWednesday will be an early release day and Special Friends Day. ****Please let me know who your special friend will be ASAP so that we can make sure that everyone has someone****
Have a great weekend!!!
Meghan
November 9, 2012
The Results are in! The students have loved learning about the election and are a little sad that its over. No matter which side won it was fun to learn about!
In Math this week the second graders have been learning about measurement to the inch and centimeter.
The first graders have been working with addition!
In Phonics this week we have done a lot of sight word and magic e review with the first graders.
The second graders finished learning about ff, ll and ss. The practiced their sight words and writing with capital letters and correct punctuation.
In Guided reading, all groups have transitioned to their new books. We are working with the students on writing, reading, sight word, and spelling skills during guided reading centers. We are starting to save some of their awesome work for their portfolios.
In Science we started learning about the human body.
In History we started learning about life in Plymouth county.
In social thinking we worked on our friend files. We learned all about our friends likes and dislikes!
Tobin will be closed Monday the 12th for Veteran's Day.
There will be a Parent coffee on Tuesday November 13 at 7:45-8:30 with Lori and Marybeth.
Friday November 16 is Wear your Favorite Color to School Day!
Our wishlist has been updated to include manual pencil sharpeners so all of the students can have their own!
**Please let me know who your child will be bringing for Special Friend's Day on Wednesday November 21 as soon as you can**
Have a great Long weekend!
Meghan
le we have only been here three days we have been very busy!
On Halloween we had a lot of fun! We read some Halloween books, had Had Halloween Pizza, and even carved a Pumpkin. We had a great time on the Parade!
On Thursday we finished up some Pumpkin activities in Science. The first graders finished up their magic e packets in Phonics and the second graders learned spelling rules for -ff, -ss, -ll.
On Friday we had a great time at the Library and we also got to check out some real race cars! The first graders worked on some more graphing in math and the second graders began measurement. We continued to talk more about the election in history and geography. We talked about campagining and next week we will register to vote!
We hope to see everyone at the Volunteer Fair on Saturday. We will be talking all about volunteering in Social Thinking today!
On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and concern about my family in New Jersey. Everyone is safe and sound thankfully and beginning the rebuilding process. Some of you have asked how to donate. I have some information about some towns that have relief centers set up already and I will continue to track that information. During the holiday season I am going to start a volunteer project with the kids and focus on New Jersey Relief. More information to come! Thanks again!
Have a great weekend!
Meghan
October 26, 2012
Happy Friday! Here is a look at what we did this week!
In Math, the first graders have been graphing up a storm! We went all around the school to find out what the favorite halloween candy was. We practiced gathering information and presenting it in different graphs!
The second graders took their chaper three math test mastering subtraction!
In Phonics the first graders have been working on Magic E! We learned all about those tricky words and how magic e makes vowels say their names. For example cub becomes cube:). We created magic e wands and had a lot of fun with centers this week.
The second graders continued working on syllables and comparing them to compound words. We had a lot of fun with sight word centers especially playing a game called "ZapIt" Next week we will work on -ff, -ll, -ss words
In Science the students wrapped up their unit on Massachusetts wildlife and will begin a mini unit on pumpkins and bats before we start a longer unit on the body.
In History and Geography we are working on a mini unit about the election. We have already learned so much about how to become president and the history of the presidency. Today we will talk about symbols and landmarks in the US and next week we will focus on voting and what the president should do for our country. After the mini-unit we will start a longer unit on the pilgrims and the life in Plymouth county.
In Language Arts we are finishing up our first guided reading book. When we finish a book it means the students have mastered fluency and comprehension. While the books may appear easier, please be aware that there are several skills we are working on.
In Writing we worked on topics. Your stories or sentences should make sense meaning they should all focus on the same topic. We will continue working on topics and how to make topics more interesting to the reader.
In Social thinking this week we discussed trick or treating manners and safety.
Next Wednesday we will have our halloween celebration. Please send the costumes in to school with your child. No Weapons please. We will also have a pizza lunch on this day. We will be making pizza as a class and having a pizza halloween party before the parade. Feel free to send in your favorite pizza toppings.
Several parents have asked about a wishlist. Please refer to the wishlist on the website as I have added items to it:) Thank you!
Please see me if you have not set up a conference! I have loved meeting with all of you!
Have a great weekend. Hopefully we can stay dry:)
October 19, 2012
Happy Friday! Thanks to everyone who came to the performance festival. We certainly had many unique acts and the students had a lot of fun!
In Phonics the second graders learned all about syllables and reviewed sight words for the test. The first graders worked on long vowel sounds and will review magic e words next week.
In Guided reading we worked to read and re read our selections and are almsot ready to move to the next books!
In Math the first graders worked on graphing and the second graders worked on subtraction in word problems.
In History the students finished learning about the continents and oceans wrapping up our math unit. We started a mini unit on the election and the students already know so much!
in Science the students will finish up their final projects about wild animals. Next we will have a mini unit on spiders, bats, and of course pumpkins!
In Social Thinking we talked all about the quality of our work. We introduced a coloring and writing rubric and the students really took the lesson to heart!
Next Wednesday is an Early Release Day
The students earned a cooking project next week so we will make gluten free pizza for lunch on Friday. I will send more information home next week :)
Thank you to those of you who have come in for conferences. It has been wonderful meeting with you all. If you have not come in yet please get in touch with me soon :)
Thank you and Have a great weekend!
Meghan
October 12, 2012
Happy Friday! Take a quick look at what we did this week!
In phonics we talked about "ck" with the second graders and short vowels with the first graders
In Math, the second graders took a chapter test and the first graders begain graphing.
In Science the students looked at leaves up close and learned about the diet of a bear
In History the students completed their final project about their place on the Map. Definitely something to check out. The went from their room to their house to their street to their town to their state to their country to their continent to their planet!
In social thinking we talked all about how to use your example to be a good friend and stand up to people who are not being good friends. We read the book "One" and will continue talking about these very important priciples.
We had a great time at the Apple Picking Field trip and the Library this week!
Next Tuesday October 16 is Pajama Day! Please send shoes to play outside in :)
Next Wednesday October 17 is the Performance festival. Please talk to your child about it and help them decide whether or not they want to participate. We will talk about it in school as well.
Have a great Weekend!
October 5, 2012
We hope everyone is feeling better! We have had a lot of illness this week and we are hoping the long weekend can cure it!
In Math this week the first graders have raced into chapter two. We are going to be moving to graphing next week!
The second graders are already finished another chapter. They are racing through the review and are ready to move on to more complicated concepts.
In Phonics, the first graders are reviewing consonants, vowels, and diagraphs. The second graders are working with blend review and the rules for "cl" "Ck" can only follow a short vowel when spelling. The students did a great job on their spelling tests! They are really getting the hang of things!
In guided reading, we split into three groups beginning three different books. As soon as we do our first full read through we will send the books we are working on home.
In Science we have been talking about leaves. We talked about the life cylce of a leaf and different uses for leaves out in the wild.
In History we talked all about Columbus this week. We discussed how he helped to make more accurate maps of the world.
In social thinking we talked about our voice meter. We also talked all about tone of voice. Not only do we have to watch our volume but we have to make sure if our words are too shy, too rough, or just right.
Next Wednesday is our apple picking trip. Please send in the new permission form if you have not yet done so. Students can dress down. Please wear comfortable clothes and a hat!
We will have a conference schedule completed by next week. Please let me know your availability if you have not done so already!
Thank you for the shoe box donations, Please continue to send them in! We are also in need of tissues :)
Thank you all for coming to curriculum night! It was great to spend that time with you and I think we all already have so much to be proud of!
Have a great holiday weekend!!
September 28, 2012
It was definitely sad that we had to miss our apple picking field trip but we made the most of it and had a great end to our week. We made apple pancakes and cinnamon apples. We talked about the life cycle of an apple and painted apples. We even did some reading and comprehension with apple poetry.
This week we finished our assessments and broke into guided reading groups. We are so excited to start our program and are excited to see the results.
In math, the first graders reviewed for a test they will take next week. The second graders took their test and moved on to the next chapter.
We had our first spelling quiz this week and had a great time breaking into phonics groups.
We talked more about wild animals this week focusing on animals that live in the oceans near Massachusetts.
We talked about map grids and symbols in History and geography. Next week we will find out where we are on the map!
We talked all about expected and unexpected behaviors in social thinking as well as how to deal with disappointment.
Next week will we continue with guided reading, learn about leaves, and learn about the voice meter.
We will also begin our star student of the week next week and I will be the first up! We will talk about it at curriculum night!
Reminders:
Picture Days are Next Wednesday and Thursdays
Curriculum Night is Next Wednesday October 3 at 7pm
Conference Sign ups will be up next week
We will visit the library on Friday
Thank you and try to enjoy this rainy weekend!
September 24, 2012
Last week was a busy week in first and second grade. We only had three days but we managed to get a lot done. We also celebrated the first day of fall and took a trip to the Library!
We had a lot of fun learning how to dometicate animals in science. We worked to learn about map legends, scales, keys, and symbols in history and geography.
The second graders took a math test and the first graders are preparing for one of their own.
We are just about finished with reading assessments and will begin guided reading groups very soon!
WE will be going on our Apple Picking Field trip this Friday. All students need to be at school by 7:50 am to leave the school by 8:15. Students should dress comfortably wearing layers and sneakers. Hats are also a great idea. If you have any questions please let me know.
September 14, 2012
Happy Friday Everyone! We have had a very busy week this week! We are doing a great job learning the routines of school and academics and specials are in full swing. As we get into the year we are learning more about the students how they learn and what their strenghts and barriers are. Please continue your patience as we are leveling them into reading and math groups. I am sure the work being sent home seems too easy but we are working to individualize their education and you are sure to see the work changing and adapting to meet the needs of your child.
In Math this week the first graders tore through the first chapter of their math books as part of our review. We worked on counting, number formation, patterns, and one to one corrospondence. We will continue to send homework that practices number formation regardless of the skills we are working on in school. More practice never hurts!
The second graders have been working with Ms. A on even and odd numbers and basic addition and subtraction review. They are also flying through this review and will be moving onward and upward soon.
In Language arts we have been itroducing centers that will go along with our guided reading lessons. While I teach guided reading to a small group, the other students will be working independently on centers that focus on writing, spelling, reading, comprehension, and phonics skills. The students are doing a great job!
In Phonics we are working to introduce sight words and phonics centers. While I work with the first grade, The second grade will be working on independent centers. These centers will focus on sight words and phonics rules. We are starting off slow until the students get a hang of it!
In Science, the students are working with Ms. A. to learn about wildlife in Massachusetts!
In History and Geography I am working with the students on map skills before we learn more about continents and our place in this great big globe!
In Social Thinking we have been reviewing all of the school rules. We are talking about what is expected and unexpected and what fills our buckets. We also discussed that everyone learns differently so different strategies work for different friends. This is a great social secret and life lesson!
Please see our class wishlist page!
Have a wonderful weekend!
September 7, 2012
Congratulations! We made it through the first week of school! We have had a great time getting to know your children. They have made a lot of great friendships and already seem very comfortable here! We cannot wait to keep the year going at this awesome pace.
This week we really tried to practice the routines and rules at Tobin. Ask your child all about what is expected and unexpected at school. Its important to remind them that when they show expected behaviors they are happy, their friends are happy and their teachers are happy!
We have loved our first PE and Music classes and are so excited for Art and Animal Science to begin next week!
We are beginning to do some benchmark reading and math assessments so that we can group the students and begin classwork. They couldn't be more excited to check out their workbooks and get started.
Next week we will send homework home on Monday to be turned in by Friday. More information will follow when it is sent home!
Please make sure to check your child's folder every night :)
Thank you all so much for your support and cooperation throughout this busy time! We really appreciate it and all of our work has definitely paid off!!
Have a great weekend!