Starting Unit 8 - Double Digit Addition

Yankee Doodle with Lyrics

When we recently added a phonics poem the tune was to Yankee Doodle Dandy, which most of the students had never heard of.  We had to remedy this in order for the class to sing the poem, so we listened to the Yankee Doodle Song.  They were FASCINATED by the fact that the tune was actually used a MARCHING SONG for troops during the AMERICAN REVOLUTION (parent fun fact-it seems as if the tune was originally an English marching tune and Americans changed the words also to upset the English soldiers).  So many of the kids love to sing our patriotic songs like Grand Old Frag and the Star Spangled Banner, so I really wasn't surprised at how much they enjoyed listening to this oldie, but goody too!

Respecting others and the 4-H Schoolhouse Chick Program begins!!

The kickoff of the of the 4-H Schoolhouse Chick Program for the whole First Grade and Mrs. Miller will be visiting our classroom for a lesson on friendships, making friends and keeping them.  We've explored a few books already recently that have dealt with this topic, If It's Not a Big Deal, Don't Squeal! and Have You Filled Your Bucket Today?.  The real origami bucket's from Sara's talented mom Patti, were completed as a class activity to go along with the last book.  The first book was to help students understand when they should problem solve on their own and when something is important enough to get an adult's help.  Tattling can take up a lot of unnecessary instructional time and most of it occurs because students think they need an adult's help when they often don't.  

Children at this age are still learning social skills, such as how to negotiate, take turns, make choices and problem solve independently.  Discussing how friendships can involve give and take such as taking turns where playdates occur and taking turns choosing activities or games would be helpful whether it's in the car while running errands or talking about examples from your childhood.  There are tons of great picture books that address all of these topics as well. 

Students are also expected to be independence in various life skills, like being able to keep their desk organized, put away papers in their folders without help, place notes in the notes baskets without reminders, and tie shoes and zip up jackets in a timely manner.  

           

Regarding the Schoolhouse Chick Program, Mrs. Karen Zimmerman, the 4-H Volunteer, will be delivering fertilized eggs for the whole first grade as well as having a discussion with classes about their life cycles, different kinds of chickens, how to tell the difference between a hen and rooster and even how to tell the color of the egg that a hen will lay.  We will be starting our economics unit and integrating what goods farmers provide as well as addressing topics such as wants and needs, good vs. services, communities, money and making choices, community helpers and other occupations.  

Please make sure Thursday your child brings a water bottle to school and wears sneakers as they will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart during their specials time.

Have a FANTASTIC week!

Krista

Black History Month

We will continue through February reading and learning about some other African Americans who helped shape our great country. There are many on pebblego.com if you would like to explore some such as Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks.  

GW Carver Biography channel video clip - 4 min

George Washington Carver inventions

National Geographic Interactive Underground Railroad
Let Harriet Tubman start your journey to Freedom!

Family Fun Famous African American Slide Show

February Fun!

Hello Parents!

We have been very busy in room 222.  Wednesday morning we went on our second field trip to the Earth Space and Science Lab (ESSL).  The class had an exciting time learning about weather and organisms.  Check out the pics below from our trip!  The ESSL has great programs.  Explore the link to check out the planetarium programs.   Tickets usually have to be reserved.  

FCPS ESSL Planetarium Upcoming Events

100 Acts of Kindness

The pink hearts in your child’s folder are for them to write in after they complete an act of kindness.  If we all do 5 heart, as a class we will have completed over 100 acts of kindness by the 100^th day on Tuesday.   I instructed them that any regular chores can’t be included as an act of kindness. J  Please have them return all the hearts on Tuesday and we will display them out in the hallway above the lockers. 

We’ve really enjoyed learning about the past and present.  Below are some events in Frederick County, your child might be interested in attending and learning about life in the olden days.   The Taney House is free admission on April 6^th!

I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday for our Valentine’s Day Party!! Check out the google calendar for other upcoming events.

January Book It participants with their certificates.

43rd Annual Maple Syrup-making Demonstration


March 9-10, 2013 & March 16-17, 2013 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn about the process of making sap into syrup! The Maple Syrup event will be held in the William Houck (Lake) Area and feature continuous working demonstrations of the traditional maple syrup-making process. Kids can enjoy free games, stories, crafts, and live music in large heated tents. For an additional charge (cash only) a delicious hot pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (or until sold out). Maryland-made maple syrup and maple candy will be available for sale. A $2 minimum per person donation is requested. Youth groups are asked to contribute $1 per person. Proceeds benefit the ‘Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.’ Park gates open at 9:00a.m. and close at sunset. A sign language interpreter will be stationed at the maple syrup demonstration site on both Sundays. Pets are not permitted inside buildings or tents. For more information, please contact the park office at 301-271-7574.

 Frederick County Historical Society

Isabelle with photo of her Great Grandmother's wedding day.

Treasured Heirloom Event
Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick 
Join us for the region’s biggest and best antiques and collectibles evaluation event! About a dozen experts in a variety of fields from toys to furniture, jewelry to fine art, will be on hand to provide information and verbal estimations of value for your family keepsakes and yard sale finds. What’s in YOUR attic? Find out at this annual fundraising event! For ticket information, experts’ bios, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and images from last year, click here after February 1. Information also  is available at 301-663-1188 x108 or ddoxzen@frederickhistory.org.

Bell & History Day
Saturday, April 6, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Museum of Frederick County History & Roger Brooke Taney House
The Historical Society will be participating in the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium’s annual Bell and History Day activities. The Museum of Frederick County History and the Roger B. Taney House will offer tours, family activities, and take-home crafts for kids throughout the day. A new exhibition featuring Roger B. Taney’s early life and career in Frederick County will open at the Taney House on Bell & History Day. Admission to both museums is FREE during the event. HSFC tour guides will be providing downtown walking tours highlighting the Civil War in 1863 beginning at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Museum of Frederick County History.

 ESSL Field Trip!

Thanks to the volunteers who helped Mr. Grills by assisting with the organisms!

Valentine's Day Party!

Thanks to the many volunteers who made it happen!