Sunday, September 27, 2015

Week in Review: September 21st - 25th


We had another wonderful week in Lower Elementary! It is hard to believe that the end of the first quarter is upon us. We have so enjoyed working with your students and watching them grow as learners.

For language jobs this week, first grade students worked with synonyms, matched animals to their homes, and classified words by putting them into the correct group. Second graders edited a text for capitalization of common and proper nouns, worked with past tense irregular verbs, reviewed the different types of sentences, and practiced matching prefixes to the correct root word.  Third grade students edited a text for capitalization of common and proper nouns, reviewed pronouns, reviewed the different types of sentences, and practiced matching prefixes to the correct root word.

For math jobs this week, first grade students practiced large addition or multiplication problems, counted sets of dimes, wrote number words for 41-50, build quadrilaterals with the stick box, found the missing variable in addition equations, identified fractions, and were introduced to tally charts. Second graders worked on large addition or multiplication facts, used the stick box to built plane shapes, wrote numbers in expanded notation, and used tally charts. Third grade students worked with all math operations, were introduced to coordinate grids, used tally charts, and found lines of symmetry in plane figures.

For cultural lessons, students completed research on an animal found on the Timeline of Life. Students were introduced to the parts of a mountain in a history lesson. In science, students discussed and viewed different types of fossils.

Reminders 
Personal Timelines- In conjunction with our study of the Timeline of Life, we invite all students to create a personal timeline. Students should select one photo from each year of his or her life and include a brief description (one to two sentences). Any size paper may be used to create these timelines. They will be displayed in the hallway for all to enjoy! Please turn in the timelines by Monday, September 28th.  

Homework- Homework is given out each Friday and should be returned the following Friday. We will return the grey student composition notebooks on Mondays to allow time for us to read the student's writing prompts.

Open House - Thursday, October 1st from 6:00-7:30 

Children's Theater- Lower Elementary students will be visiting the Children's Theater on Wednesday, October 7th for one group and Thursday, October 8th for another group. Please look for a permission form coming home soon!

Halloween Parade - JBMA Halloween Parade is one of our annual traditions where students have an opportunity to dress up as a character and learn from each other. This year the Lower Elementary students are looking forward to the Halloween Parade on Friday, October 30th .   
Students are invited to dress up only as a character from a book, a historical figure, or cultural representatives.  We aim to keep Halloween light-hearted and fun for everyone, and therefore will not allow weapons, blood, or anything scary.  Our costume parade brings all ages together and we need to respect the needs of the younger children. 
As it gets closer to the event, a writing prompt about their character will be assigned to the students which they will share with the class after the parade.    

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Week in Review: September 7th - 11th

We had another fantastic week in Lower Elementary! Students were very busy this week, despite the fact it was only four days! It is a true privilege to work and learn alongside them!

For language jobs, first grade students had continued work with antonyms, nouns, and sight words. Second graders reviewed synonyms and antonyms, worked with past tense verbs, and reviewed grade level sight words. Third graders worked with adverbs and reviewed synonyms and antonyms.

For math jobs, first grade students continued work with adding large addition problems, practiced addition facts, counted pennies, and wrote number words for 21-30. Second graders solved large addition or multiplication problems, wrote number words, and practiced addition or multiplication facts. Third graders worked with all math operations, solved addition word problems, and wrote numbers in expanded notation.

For cultural jobs, students began a unit on rocks and minerals in science. In history, students continued their study of time by looking at a calendar year and it's parts. In geography, students worked in land and water forms such as island, lake, isthmus, strait, cape, and bay.

Reminders 
Personal Timelines- In conjunction with our study of the Timeline of Life, we invite all students to create a personal timeline. Students should select one photo from each year of his or her life and include a brief description (one to two sentences). Any size paper may be used to create these timelines. They will be displayed in the hallway for all to enjoy! Please turn in the timelines by Monday, September 28th.  

Homework- Homework is given out each Friday and should be returned the following Friday. We will return the grey student composition notebooks on Mondays to allow time for us to read the student's writing prompts. 



Monday, September 7, 2015

Week in Review: August 31- September 4th

We had a wonderful week in Lower Elementary! It is hard to believe that it is already September!

For language jobs, first graders spelled color words, were introduced to antonyms, and practiced spelling sight words with the moveable alphabet. Second graders wrote sentences with sight words, worked with verb tenses ( past, present, future), and had further work with antonyms and synonyms. Third graders located synonyms and antonyms in a thesaurus and had further work with adverbs.

For math jobs, first graders solved large addition problems, spelled number words, worked with fractions, and compared numbers up to the thousands place. Second graders practiced solving large addition and multiplication problems, read number words, found equivalent fractions, compared numbers, and practiced counting coins. Third graders found equivalent fractions,  practiced all math operations, read number words, compared numbers, and solved addition word problems involving sums of money.

For cultural lessons, students explored clocks, calendars, and the concept of time in History. In Geography, students discussed and then labeled the layers of the Earth. In science, students took a trip to the Middle School science lab for a lesson on microscopes.

Next week, students will practice will all math operations, synonyms/antonyms, grammar symbols, and counting coins. We look forward to our first Peace Ceremony on Friday, September 11th.

Reminders

- Reading Logs are to be recorded each night after your child has read for 20 to 30 minutes. Please write down the title of the book and initial the log.

-Speech and Hearing Screenings will take place on Wednesday, September 9th for those children who have signed up to be screened.

- Our first Peace Ceremony is Friday, September 11th. Lower Elementary is hosting this first ceremony of the year!