Thursday, May 3

Agenda Message: Read Blog. Star Wars tomorrows (wear Star Wars clothing tomorrow as it is May 4 - May the force be with you ) COMPLETELY OPTIONAL - PLEASE NO STAR WARS WEAPONS SUCH AS LIGHT SABERS OR GUNS. 

IMPORTANT DATES: 
May 7 - Music Monday (all students enjoy various musicians in Gym (take in a comfortable pillow to sit on in gym) - ALL PARENTS ARE INVITED TO HEAR THE MUSICIANS
May 8 - Grandparent/Artifact Project Presentation (2:00 - 3:20) ALL FAMILY MEMBERS INVITED)
May 16 - Volunteer Tea
May 18 & 21 - NO SCHOOL
May 22 - Scholastic Book Order DUE
May 23 - Children's Festival (all day - walking field trip - Grade 1 and 2)
May 24 - Courtyard Mural Presentation and Spring Dance
June 7 - Zoo Field Trip (all day - Grade 1 and 2)
June 28 - Last Day of School (Report Cards Go Home)


WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL!! CAN YOU HELP US OUT?
PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU CAN VOLUNTEER ON MAY, 23. 

Science: We created our name or initials in Braille today. Check out the alphabet and make your name out of braille at home. 

Here are a few: 

Next Sense - Sense of Smell. Here the video we reviewed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzOSzX_HXE4

Math: Today we had a quick assessment to see how children use 'mental math' to add numbers. Here are a few examples from the test. The test was timed for 10 minutes. 

8 + 2 = 

2 + 1 = 

5 + 5 = 

6 + 6 = 

All students should be confident with sums up to 5. As well, they should have confident with using friendly numbers (7 and 3 equals ten). As well, students should have confidence with doubles (such as 2+2) up to 5 + 5 but be able to add (up to ) 9 + 9 with using manipulatives, if necessary. 

In regards to mental math, students should be using the knowledge and understanding they know, such as trying to figure out what is the sum of 2 + 3? If they know the double, 2 + 2, then you can figure out that 4 plus 1 more is five. 

We are going to review over the next month. At home, please make sure your child is confident in: 

 - addition up to a product of 5

- friendly numbers (3 and 7 equals 10)

- doubles (2 + 2)

... as well, 10 plus a single digit number (10 + 7)

During the assessment, I saw a lot of children using their fingers to add. This is a strategy but students should be able to decrease the dependency on this strategy with increased practice and review. 

Buddies: Our Buddy class demonstrated their rollercoasters today. They used a multitude of skills and abilities from math to writing to problem solving to compromising. A great example for our Grade 1 students.