 |
Here we are by our Fall Tree, late in September! Here are some of our scientific observations: The summer season changed quickly to Fall. We feel a warm breeze. It's still perfect weather to play outside. The ground is a little wet. The tree has yellow leaves. Some leaves have fallen from our tree and are on the ground. We can see the bark of the tree better now. There is a different smell in the air - definitely like trees or leaves or something. We still hear crickets. We still feel great! |
Monday, October 3, 2011
OUR SEASON TREE
OCTOBER MCMONTHLY NEWS
October has begun with some exciting new responsibilities around the corner - Spelling, homework, small-group reading, and independent activities. The children are excited about taking these new challenges seriously. We already had our first Activity Afternoon (It was actually Apple Tasting in the morning), 3 birthday celebrations, and our first Super Citizen Pep Rally with all of the first graders! We will continue those efforts as we begin even more grown-up first grade regular activities, such as Literacy Centers, Mystery Guest, Computers, and more! We will also consume apples and pumpkins in our major subject areas as we anxiously await Halloween.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our reading and writing programs are taking us through many letters, sounds, word patterns, and print concepts. We have enjoyed investigating the shape, the syllables ("beats"), and vowels in each other's names. We have jumped right into our balanced literacy program, are learning to choose "just-right" books, and are working hard on our very difficult writing responsibilities.
MATH
We are beginning to review how to add and subtract numbers to 10 and focus on the parts (the numbers) that make up the total. We will continue to use literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem-solving.
SPECIAL NOTES
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our reading and writing programs are taking us through many letters, sounds, word patterns, and print concepts. We have enjoyed investigating the shape, the syllables ("beats"), and vowels in each other's names. We have jumped right into our balanced literacy program, are learning to choose "just-right" books, and are working hard on our very difficult writing responsibilities.
MATH
We are beginning to review how to add and subtract numbers to 10 and focus on the parts (the numbers) that make up the total. We will continue to use literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem-solving.
BIRTHDAY
There are no October birthdays.
REMINDERS
Fri., Oct. 7: Scholastic Orders Due
Mon. Oct. 10: No School/Columbus Day/Staff Dev.
Fri., Oct. 14: Yearbook orders due
Fri., Oct. 21: Boo-Grams due (approx. date, details coming)
Mon., Oct. 31: Halloween Celebration (wear Halloween colors)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tues., Nov. 1: Nature Walk at school, weather permitting
(wear outdoor clothing)
(wear outdoor clothing)
Tues., Nov. 8: No School/Election Day/Staff Dev.
Nov. 7 - 9: Book Fair (Mon. - Wed.)
SPECIAL NOTES
- Thank you for helping to make the first month of your child's first grade a success! It was nice to meet those of you who were able to attend Open House.
- A special Thank You goes out to our Room Moms, Allison Melich and Missy Almy, for coordinating our Volunteer schedule. A special thanks goes out to the rest of you too! The children and I are excited to have all of you help us in the class (or help out at home too!) Your time is most appreciated!
- A special thank you to all of you who made our Apple Tasting Day such a success! We enjoyed some tasty creations and experimenting time. Apples have 20 to 25 percent more air in them than most fruits, so we're glad to know why our apples floated.
- Thank you for helping your child choose his/her favorite book to share with the class last month. We enjoyed investigating the selections!
- It's often hard to think of end-of-the-year school yearbooks in the Fall, but if you wish to order a yearbook, please send in your $$ now.
- Box Tops will be collected once again this year. More info coming!
SEPTEMBER WORDS
Anna
Annie
Ashley
Axel
Brendan
Isaac
Jack
James
James
Kelcie
Lily
Matteo
Owen
Paige
Remy
Richie
Ryan
Shafay
Turner
Sunday, October 2, 2011
SECOND STEPS PROGRAM
Our Second Steps Program helps us to concentrate on Social Skills and Citizenship.
This past month we have been concentrating on Skills for Good Listening.
One way we practice these skills is by:
Ears Listening
Eyes Watching
Voice Quiet
Body Still
We have also practiced self-talking where we repeat directions to help us remember what to do.
Self-talking and trying the game called "Think, Turn, and Tell" has also been quite helpful when we learn new information from our friends, parents, and teachers too! We really try to focus on what we hear.
Finally, this past week, we learned how to be assertive when we need to ask for help. We learned these "big-kid" words: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Passive is being really quiet and not confident. Aggressive is being wild and demanding.
When we are stuck and need to ask for help, asking for help in a respectful, calm way is doing it assertively.
Here are some scenarios to help us ask a grown-up for help in an assertive way:
What are some other ways you might need to ask for help?
This past month we have been concentrating on Skills for Good Listening.
One way we practice these skills is by:
Ears Listening
Eyes Watching
Voice Quiet
Body Still
We have also practiced self-talking where we repeat directions to help us remember what to do.
Self-talking and trying the game called "Think, Turn, and Tell" has also been quite helpful when we learn new information from our friends, parents, and teachers too! We really try to focus on what we hear.
Finally, this past week, we learned how to be assertive when we need to ask for help. We learned these "big-kid" words: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Passive is being really quiet and not confident. Aggressive is being wild and demanding.
When we are stuck and need to ask for help, asking for help in a respectful, calm way is doing it assertively.
Here are some scenarios to help us ask a grown-up for help in an assertive way:
- The first grade ball rolled down the hill during recess.
- You can't find a dinosaur book in the library.
- You don't understand the new Word Study work you have to do.
- You fell on the playground and scraped your hands.
What are some other ways you might need to ask for help?
OUR SEASON TREE
 |
| Here we are by our Summer Tree, early in September! Here are some of our scientific observations: We hear birds singing. We see bird nests. We feel a warm breeze. Our clothes are perfect for warm weather. We hear children playing outside in Gym class. The tree has green leaves. We smell flowers. We hear crickets. We feel great about first grade! |
Friday, September 2, 2011
FIRST GRADE MCMONTHLY NEWS
Congratulations to the first graders!
We had a great first two days of school!
THEME
We will be incorporating all major subjects into our main units of study revolving around apples and manners. We are also getting to know one another in our class "team" and are starting to become experts at all the routines. Please encourage your child to accept their new first grade responsibilities. The "Golden Rules" attached to the hard copy of the monthly news will help them keep up the good work!
LANGUAGE ARTS
We are excited to have a balanced literacy program in the classroom which targets a wide variety of learners through guided, shared, and independent reading, and our Words Their Way phonics program. We will also begin to develop writing skills revolving around the "Writing Workshop" model and our class themes.
MATH
Our Growing With Mathematics program begins by reviewing grouping, patterns, and numbers through 12. We will be using literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem solving.
REMINDERS
Mon., Sept. 5: No School, Labor Day
Fri., Sept. 9: Scholastic Orders Due
(orders to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Mon., Sept. 12: Favorite Book Due
(note to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Tues., Sept. 13: 1st Grade Parent Coffee, 9:30-10:15
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Thurs., Sept. 15: School Photos
Sun., Sept. 18: Family Picnic, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 22: Open House, 7:00-7:25, Parents Only
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Fri., Sept. 23: Get Acquainted Page Due
Thurs., Sept. 29: No School, Rosh Hashanah
BIRTHDAYS
Sat., Sept. 17: Remy Sufrin
Tues., Sept. 27: Isaac McMullin
Fri., Sept. 30: James Caliendo
(I will send home a birthday note a few weeks before your child's special day so you can join in the birthday celebration.)
SPECIAL NOTES
Thank you all for sending in supplies and paperwork!
All Ox Ridge students have been asked to have a bus-time book or magazine available to help maintain peace (and promote reading!) in our hallways. Please have your child bring a small book for that time.
Ox Ridge Snack: The children have the opportunity to order an afternoon snack from our cafeteria. I have encouraged the children to talk to their families about how often, and if, they can buy this extra snack. The snack money will be deducted from the students' lunch accounts.
If you still have your child's summer reading journal, please send it in to class this coming week, so we can send along the good reading news to the Library!
Please note that when you receive the Photo Day sign-up form, you may choose your background color. Please send your response back to the classroom before 9/15.
Sharing will occur when a child is Superstar of the Week (details to come). If they have something they wish to share and simply can't wait for their Superstar week, they can bring it in on Mondays. If time permits, we will have a brief sharing time that afternoon.
Please feel free to call me at school with any questions or concerns (203-655-2579, ext. 1142). You can also email me at cmcgettigan@darienps.org. I will respond as quickly as possible, but sometimes, due to our class schedule, duties, or meetings, I might not be able to respond until the end of the day.
I hope to see you all at the Open House evening when I will explain in more detail about our schedule, curriculum, homework, and class routines. Please bring your calendars, as I will have our Conference sign-up sheet available that evening.
Thank you so much! I look forward to working with your children in first grade!
Cathy McGettigan
We had a great first two days of school!
THEME
We will be incorporating all major subjects into our main units of study revolving around apples and manners. We are also getting to know one another in our class "team" and are starting to become experts at all the routines. Please encourage your child to accept their new first grade responsibilities. The "Golden Rules" attached to the hard copy of the monthly news will help them keep up the good work!
LANGUAGE ARTS
We are excited to have a balanced literacy program in the classroom which targets a wide variety of learners through guided, shared, and independent reading, and our Words Their Way phonics program. We will also begin to develop writing skills revolving around the "Writing Workshop" model and our class themes.
MATH
Our Growing With Mathematics program begins by reviewing grouping, patterns, and numbers through 12. We will be using literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem solving.
REMINDERS
Mon., Sept. 5: No School, Labor Day
Fri., Sept. 9: Scholastic Orders Due
(orders to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Mon., Sept. 12: Favorite Book Due
(note to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Tues., Sept. 13: 1st Grade Parent Coffee, 9:30-10:15
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Thurs., Sept. 15: School Photos
Sun., Sept. 18: Family Picnic, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 22: Open House, 7:00-7:25, Parents Only
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Fri., Sept. 23: Get Acquainted Page Due
Thurs., Sept. 29: No School, Rosh Hashanah
BIRTHDAYS
Sat., Sept. 17: Remy Sufrin
Tues., Sept. 27: Isaac McMullin
Fri., Sept. 30: James Caliendo
(I will send home a birthday note a few weeks before your child's special day so you can join in the birthday celebration.)
SPECIAL NOTES
Thank you all for sending in supplies and paperwork!
All Ox Ridge students have been asked to have a bus-time book or magazine available to help maintain peace (and promote reading!) in our hallways. Please have your child bring a small book for that time.
Ox Ridge Snack: The children have the opportunity to order an afternoon snack from our cafeteria. I have encouraged the children to talk to their families about how often, and if, they can buy this extra snack. The snack money will be deducted from the students' lunch accounts.
If you still have your child's summer reading journal, please send it in to class this coming week, so we can send along the good reading news to the Library!
Please note that when you receive the Photo Day sign-up form, you may choose your background color. Please send your response back to the classroom before 9/15.
Sharing will occur when a child is Superstar of the Week (details to come). If they have something they wish to share and simply can't wait for their Superstar week, they can bring it in on Mondays. If time permits, we will have a brief sharing time that afternoon.
Please feel free to call me at school with any questions or concerns (203-655-2579, ext. 1142). You can also email me at cmcgettigan@darienps.org. I will respond as quickly as possible, but sometimes, due to our class schedule, duties, or meetings, I might not be able to respond until the end of the day.
I hope to see you all at the Open House evening when I will explain in more detail about our schedule, curriculum, homework, and class routines. Please bring your calendars, as I will have our Conference sign-up sheet available that evening.
Thank you so much! I look forward to working with your children in first grade!
Cathy McGettigan
Thursday, September 1, 2011
WELCOME!
Welcome to Mrs. McGettigan's First Grade!
The first day of school was Thursday, September 1, 2011.
I hope you had a fantastic summer!
Our first grade year is filled with lots of exciting activities!
Please check our first day letter which includes information about our classroom routines and paperwork.
Be on the lookout Friday or next week for our September newsletter to learn about many upcoming events.
Here's hoping that all families are almost back to normal after Hurricane Irene breezed through.
The first day of school was Thursday, September 1, 2011.
I hope you had a fantastic summer!
Our first grade year is filled with lots of exciting activities!
Please check our first day letter which includes information about our classroom routines and paperwork.
Be on the lookout Friday or next week for our September newsletter to learn about many upcoming events.
Here's hoping that all families are almost back to normal after Hurricane Irene breezed through.
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