Message from Mrs. Bevan
The Smarties News


Classroom Happenings...
As of December 1st
 

Math-We have been working on solving addition problems using different strategies.  We have used counting on, counting dots in our heads, using a number line.  We will continue working on addition facts.  We will also memorize doubles and doubles plus one.  If your student does not have addition and subtraction flash cards at home now would be a good time to get some and practice them.  Starting in January we will have timed addition worksheets.  Students will be challenged to complete the addition problems in under a minute.
   

Science/Social Studies-We have been working on a science unit on living and non-living.  We have a new class pet-fish!

Holidays Around The World-1st graders will be getting a "passport" and "traveling" around the world to study how other cultures celebrate the holidays this time of year.  The countries we will visit include; Holland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Mexico and Russia.  We will also learn about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.    

Specials-Check the Specials Schedule daily and know when to wear sneakers for PE.  Remember to bring Library books on Library Day!!  Our Day 5 schedule is still Health until December.  We will be switching to Art.


BOOKFISH-Extra fish are available in school next to the BookFish tank. 


Writer's Workshop-We had our first publishing party last week.  Everyone published a book and read it to the class.  It was a very exciting day.  We celebrated with juice and cookies.  We have started on a new unit of study.  For the next few weeks we will be writing "small moment" stories.  The goal of this unit is to teach students to retell a sequence of events with precise detail, and to write in such a way that a reader could follow those events.  During this unit of study we will be using several books as our guides.  A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams and The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats are two of my favorite books I refer to often.  If you are looking to add books to your library at home I would recommend getting one of these books.  


Scholastic Book Orders-December book order are here!  The orders are due back to me by December 9th.  Books make a great holiday gift. 

Classroom Needs-We are good!