Happy Thanksgiving week. Although it is a short week I wanted to check in because it has been a while since I have been in touch. Also, we have so much coming up that we are in need of an update, so please read on to find out all that is coming up for the rest of our semester. Let's start with our academics...
Math: This week we wrapped up our first module when we concluded our unit on decomposition strategies for subtraction. When we return from our break we will begin module 2 which begins with adding three addends, making a ten to add 3 addends, and making a ten when one addend is 9. We will also start adding sums greater than 10 by making a ten. These are very fun units and we start getting into some really cool ways of problem solving that look a little something like this...
and 
9 + 1 = 10 9 + 1 = 10
10 + 2 = 12, so 9 + 3 = 12 10 + 1 = 11, so 9 + 2 = 11
I know it looks like a lot, but I will make sure to teach it in the steps it takes to make sense to the students. Trust me, they do well seeing the patterns and grasping this method to solve addition problems pretty quickly.
ELA: These 2 days before break we will be reading about turkeys to learn about turkey facts. We will be using our turkey stories to focus on concepts such as main idea and details, finding information in text, and using text to answer questions. When we return from break we will begin unit 4 of our NatGeo series, which focuses on animal lifecycles. Our spelling sound will be long a words. There will be no homework for this short week.
Social Studies: When we return from Thanksgiving we will spend the next 3 weeks with our holiday unit. Week 1 we will learn about Kwanzaa, week 2 will be all about Christmas, and week 3 we will learn about Hanukkah. During these weeks we will be learning all about who celebrates each holiday, they celebrate, and why- the importance behind that particular holiday. We will end each week with a celebration that coincides with the holiday being studied. December 6th we will have a mini Kwanzaa feast to celebrate the harvest, December 13th we will have our annual Christmas craft morning where we will be making our parent gifts and gingerbread houses, and December 20th we will be making latkes and playing the dreidel game in honor of Hanukkah. We will need your help with supplies in order to make these celebrations happen, and I will also need volunteers on the 13th and 20th. You can sign up to help with all our festivities by clicking on the sign up genius link here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4FA4A72CA0FF2-cultural1. On Monday I will send home a paper version with the names of our online sign up added, for those who prefer to sign up the old fashioned way. Thank you all for your contributions to making these special educational moments happen for our kiddos. These Friday's in December are so amazing, and they really make these units magical!
Bundle Up: The winter weather is definitely upon us. We go outside as much as we can during the winter months. Which means we need to make sure our students are dressed appropriately for outdoor play. Please make sure that your child has a heavy winter jacket, winter boots, and gloves or mittens to keep dry and warm. A hat and snow pants will help if possible. Feel free to pack a change of dry clothes, especially socks and dry shoes, in your child's backpack. They are suppose to stay out of the mud and water puddles, buuutttt....sometimes we first graders "forget." Please help us "remind" your child by talking to them about avoiding the swampy areas that engulf our playground much of the winter. Thank you for your cooperation.
Record Illnesses: Marshall has been hit hard by a record number of sick children in the days leading up to break. Please remind your students it is very important to wash their hands with soap and water when we take our bathroom breaks (and at home). Also, if your child is ill, please keep them home. The FUSD guidelines state they must be 24 hours fever free OFF of meds. Please do not give your child fever medication and send them to school. They are contagious and it is no fun for them to try to learn when they are sick. They need to be home where they can rest and get well. They must also be 24 hours vomit and diarrhea free as well. We had half a class both days before break, which is more than what some classes had. Principal Reasor had our rooms professionally cleaned and has been greeting the students with hand sanitizer. We need you to make sure your sick child stays home until they are well so we can make sure everyone can get and stay well! Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation in this very important matter!
Special Early Release: I have been told that Thursday, December 12th is a special early release for report elementary card prep. School will let out at 12:25, same as Friday release. I have not seen this on any of the calendars, but have it from good authority that it is happening. For now we will plan for it, but if it is not happening I will let you know ASAP.
PTO Craft Night: Want a night of free family fun? Then join us for our PTO Craft Night on Wednesday, December 18th from 5-6:30. This night has always been a huge hit, with cocoa, crafts, and fun. The kids love this night, and it's free!
Winter Break: School will be closed from Monday, December 23rd-Friday, January 3rd. Enjoy your winter break!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday. Every year I tell what about my class I am thankful for. I have to tell you, this has been such a unique bunch. As I look back on almost a semester together I am surprised by how much this group has taught me. They have changed my teaching and my approach to things more than any other group. They have been a group that has needed so much love, and that gives so much love. Yes, they have softened me. There have been so much hugs and I love you's, because they need that before I can give them a math or science lesson. We have learned our balance together, and it works. I am thankful for their progress, and their lovingness, and their hugs and I love you's. I am thankful for their craziness that make for the best stories. I am thankful for their efforts when first grade is hard, because they have learned the expectations. I am thankful for that you have entrusted me with the education and care of your precious babies. They have certainly taken residence inside my heart. Hope everyone stays warm and safe and healthy the rest of this holiday weekend! - Ms. Shaw
Happy October, is it just me or is this month flying by? Thank you all who attended conferences, it was so great to meet with each of eve...
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