FEBRUARY 22ND-26TH
Sunshine Smiles
Reading
Workshop
Setting Goals and Reflecting
This week, the SUNSHINES
looked into their own learning
by reflecting through the
academic areas. The students
wrote about what they feel
are their strengths and
weaknesses. They also wrote
about what they are proud of
and how they learn best at
school. We can’t wait for you
to see these at conferences
Learning Reflections Across Academic Areas (or in your conference packet).
During Indoor recess, the students
at Eli Pinney have the options (on
certain days) to go to various
rooms that have movement,
creativity spaces, and construction.
Nonfiction Writing: “HOW TO”
Check out the
learning that is
radiating from
the SUNSHINE
room this week!
Themes of the
Week:
* Economics
* New Word
Wall Words
* Nonfiction
Texts
Using
Technology
to Research
for our
Nonfiction
Writings
* Telling Time
* Winter
Words of the Week:
explore, reading, more,
think, dream, hour,
question, equal, time,
Creating at Indoor Recess at the
Maker Space
1
always
Science/Social Studies/Health
Reading
* We continued to talk about the features of a
* In Social Studies throughout this week, the
NONFICTION text. We added to our features
chart as we noticed them in texts.
SUNSHINES learned about THE SUN and
ENERGY. We charted what we know about the
sun and what we would like to discover.
* We finished Toy Dance Party. The kids created
Math
a reading response based on their interest in
the book. They had the opportunity to write
about their favorite character/part, a
connection to another book or their lives, or
what they think the author’s message might
be.
* We began our unit on measurement this
week. The kids used all types of manipulative
from cubes to rulers to even their own feet!
Using these objects, we practiced measuring
items accurately. We read several
measurement books and had class discussions
Writing
on why it is important to measure things
* We finished writing our goals and self reflections to share
accurately.
with you at conferences (or in our conference packet).
* We continue to complete mini-math
assessments to check-in with skills from
throughout the year.
* We reviewed math vocabulary (sum,
difference, equal, etc.). We practiced making
the difference through a collaborative math
game.
* We began learning about the format of “HOW TO” writings.
The SUNSHINES tried this style of writing throughout the
week.
* We continued to talk about different types of NONFICTION
writings. The kids will have many opportunities to write
nonfiction. We generated a topic to write about and are
collaborating with our librarian to pick out books to use as
resources.
* We continue to work on perseverance and
using mathematical thinking to solve
problems in different ways. The kids are
getting really good a communicating their
Technology
thinking and strategies.
* New word wall words came home yesterday.
We will begin to publish
“HOW TO” writings soon!
Please practice these words at home. The words
are also on the first page of the newsletter. We
will be focusing on these words for the next 2
weeks.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND REMINDERS
* Conference packets are coming home today (if you do not have a formal conference). After looking
through the packet, please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. There are more
specific comments on Progress Book under each academic area about your child’s learning.
* Don’t forget about the Image of the Week and the February Reading Response on my website.
* There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 26th.
* Book Orders are due on Thursday, February 25th.
* February 29th-March 4th is READ ACROSS AMERICA Week. Look for more information to come
home soon about this fun week
* We are in need of plastic sleeves for our First Grade MEMORY BOOKS. If you would like to donate,
please send them in at anytime. Thank you in advance!
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