I wish it was possible to describe the incredibly magical moments that happen in the classroom. Last week the students were introduced to The Scientific Method. This is bit of an obscure topic for 6 and 7 year-olds. During our lunch on Thursday, the other first grade teachers and I decided to use picture symbols to help the scholars make the connection between the steps of The Scientific Method and their understanding of it. Truth be told, I really had no idea what symbols to use. So, at the beginning of the lesson, I told the class we were going to come up with symbols for the 5 Scientific Method steps but that I really didn't know what symbols to use and I needed their help. What happened after that request was truly magical. These young 6 and 7 year-olds ended up taking part in an informal Socratic discussion as they talked with each other about what symbol would work best. I did very little other than to help clarify their ideas. The symbols they came up with went far beyond my expectations. Their symbols:
1. Make observations (eyeball) 2. Ask questions and form a hypothesis (a question mark and a period) 3. Create/do an experiment ("science bottle") 4. Collect results (journal) 5. Draw a conclusion (pencil or crayon) THANK YOU: Thank you to those you sent in the red pencils and clear tape for book repairs. We appreciate the donations! IMPORTANT MATH SKILL: We spend a lot of time practicing "Making 10." (Example 9 and 1 make 10, 8 and 2 make 10, etc.) When students know how to "make 10" (3 and 7 make 10) it will be easier for them to "make the next 10" (13 and 7 makes 20. 3 and 17 make 20). PHONOGRAMS: This week we are introducing a few new phonograms: #46-51: aw, au, or, ck, wh, & ed. Please feel free to add them to your child’s phonogram practice. SPALDING WORDS: This week we are also introducing several new rules: Rule 5- y may say “i" at the end of a syllable (ex. my) Rule 6- we use y instead of i because English words don’t end in I (ex. my) Rule 17- we often double the /l/ at the end of a one-syllable base word, after a one-letter vowel (ex. Will) We are also introducing the Silent E Jobs: Job 1 – the E lets the “___” (a,e,I,o,u) say “___” (a,e,I,o,u) (ex. time) Job 2 – English words don’t end in U or V. (“V, U, job 2”) (ex. have, blue) Job 3 – The E lets the C say /s/. (ex. chance) The E lets the G say /j/. (“C,G, job 3”) (ex. charge) Job 4 – Every syllable must have a vowel. (ex. lit tle) Job 5 – No job E. (ex. are) BLUE FRIDAY FOLDERS: Every Friday blue folders are sent home with your scholar's classwork. Please go through the work with your child. It does not need to be returned to school. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - Students will learn 7 words on Monday, 6 words on Tuesday, and 4 new words on Wednesday. The review of the 17 words is on Thursday and the spelling test is on Friday. Math - The addition equation, addition number bonds, methods of addition *Note - A "Friendly Notes" information page will be sent home in your scholar's red homework folder on Tuesday. Please keep it at home and use it as a reference with helping your child with homework. History - Ancient Mesopotamia Literature - Fairy Tales *Note - A Fairy Tale study guide will be sent home in your scholar's red homework folder on Tuesday. There will be a Fairy Tale quiz at the end of the week. Grammar - Nouns, Titles of Respect Poetry - "Hearts Are Like Doors" *Note - Poetry recitations of the poem will start on next week. UPCOMING DATES: Monday, September 6 - No School: Labor Day Thursday, September 9 - PSO Family Night at Portillo's Avondale Monday, September 13 - No School: Great Hearts Faculty In-service ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I have two cats - Splat and Grease. When I grade papers Splat will sit with me. Sometimes he "helps" me. This weekend he helped me by sitting on the papers I was grading. When I moved the papers, he moved himself... right back on the papers! Grease was very "helpful" too. I had graded and non-graded papers in organized piles on the floor. I had to leave the room for a few minutes. During the few minutes that I was gone, Grease rearranged the piles for me. :-P My dear sweet cats. It was so nice of them to make my grading easier. ;-) NAME THE GOOD: - I have two (usually) adorable cats. - Our picture time on Friday was scheduled for earlier in the morning before recess so the students still looked nice and neat for their pictures. - We were able to do a class picture this year!! Have an adorable week! ;-)
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Sometimes you can actually see students learning. I don't mean see them in their seats, writing their names, nodding their head, answering questing. I mean sometimes you can practically see the thoughts turning in their minds. You can see the their eyes go from blank to understanding to a beautiful glow when they realize that they know something they didn't know just moments before.
PHONOGRAM PRACTICE TIPS: - There are numbers in the corner on the back of each phonogram card. Sometimes the homework log will list specific numbers. That usually happens more at the beginning of the year when we are introducing/reviewing specific phonograms. - Most of the time the directions will be to "practice phonograms." Based on which ones you scholar needs more practice, pick at least 10 (no more than 15) to focus on. - Try to keep phonogram practice to no more than 5 minutes. If it is taking longer, e-mail me. We can schedule a meeting and I will demonstrate a phonogram homework session with your scholar while you are watching. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - We are starting spelling words this week. Students need their pink notebooks for the spelling lessons. Students will learn 10 words on Monday, 9 on Tuesday, and 8 words on Wednesday. The in-class review is on Thursday and the spelling test is on Friday. *Note - Spelling homework directions are on the homework log that is placed in your scholar's red homework folder. If, at any time this year, you would like me to demonstrate a Spalding homework session with your scholar please e-mail me to schedule a meeting . Math - Number bonds, identifying the whole and parts in a number bond, identifying the missing part in a number bond, introduction to addition *Note - Students need to bring their math workbooks back to school every day. Science - Introduction to the Scientific Method *Note - A Scientific Method study guide will be placed in your child's red homework folder on Tuesday (24th.) Literature - Fairy Tales Grammar - Common nouns and proper nouns in names, places and dates Poetry - "The Mighty Oak" *Note - Poetry recitations of the poem will start on Wednesday. UPCOMING DATES: Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents, 6-7 PM Friday, August 27 - School Picture Day - Students must wear uniform Monday, September 6 - No School: Labor Day Monday, September 13 - No School: Great Hearts Faculty In-service Please see the Athenian Echo that is e-mailed each Friday afternoon for more information about upcoming dates and school events. ON A PERSONAL NOTE: So I experienced a rather scary moment while directing traffic on Friday. During the beginning of the year, there is the occasional person who accidently tries to make our one lane entrance into the parking lot pick-up loop into two lanes. (I totally understand and sometimes the school pick-up loops get a bit confusing. Especially if you are not familiar with them. I still get a bit confused if I have to pick up my son during a busy time at Trivium Prep because I don't do it very often and am not used to the flow.) Anyway, on Friday that happen only it wasn't a slow driver. The car was going fast, past the cars that were waiting, and rapidly approaching right where I was standing. I put my hand out and yelled , "Whoa!!!!!!" I thought for sure I was going to be hit. It usually takes me a lot to get frazzled. That did it. I was jittery and nervous for the rest of my duty time. Thankfully it happened toward the end so I didn't have to be out for too long because it really scared me! I have an appointment today (Monday) so won't be out with the traffic duty but I will be ready and jitter-less for tomorrow!!!! :-) NAME THE GOOD! - There is already improvement in the students' handwriting and it has only been 3 weeks! - We got to start using our pink notebook today. Yay!!!!!!! - My TA, Mrs. Garza is so organized. I have learned so much from her! *Note - Naming the good is so important and I try to include it in every blog post. I have an invitation for you. If there is every anything you want to celebrate feel free to e-mail Mrs. Garza and I and "Name the Good!" Have a GOOD week. ;-) 7 days in. On Friday my class and I had a discussion about how much they had learned in just seven days!
For Daily 3 students are learning 3 ways to read a book. Those 3 ways are: Read the pictures Read the words Retail the story XTRAMATH: Xtramath flyers were sent home in your scholar's red homework folder last week. It is a math facts program to help support memorizing math facts. Arizona State standards explains that first graders should be able to accurately answer 30 math facts (addition and subtraction) within 60 seconds by the end of first grade. Xtramath is a program that allows students to practice timed math facts and build a memory bank of math facts that can be used when doing more challenging math operations. Xtramath can be challenging for students at first. We understand that students are learning the math facts, and the pressure of being timed can throw them off. We understand that using a device or computer can be challenging for little fingers, and they must develop muscle memory. Please know that if you are noticing challenges it is OK and is expected in the beginning. We encourage consistency and perseverance. The majority of each student’s grade will be based on participation in the program; we will not grade based on score until the end of the quarter, so there is time to merely practice the skill. Xtramath tips: - Sit right next to your child while they are doing their practice sessions, race the teacher, and quizzes to help encourage focus. -Encourage effort and perseverance. *Important note - When signing up your child for Xtramath you must type in the name EXACTLY how it is typed on the flyer. (That includes the period after the initial.) If the name is not entered the exact same way the teacher account will not see your scholar's progress. E-MAIL COMMUNICATION: If you need to contact us you can write a note on your child's homework log that is in the red folder but the best way to contact us is through e-mail. 1.) Since it is early in the year, Mrs. Garza and I are still learning the connections between our students and the parents. When e-mailing us please be sure to include a quick note of whose parent you are. For example, "I am Mary Smith's mom." or "Mary Smith is my granddaughter." 2.) Please be sure to include Mrs. Garza in all e-mail communication! [email protected] AND [email protected] Thanks!!! MATH WORKBOOKS: We use our math workbooks in class every day. Please make sure your scholar brings his/her math workbook back to school each day. RED HOMEWORK FOLDERS AND BLUE FRIDAY FOLDERS: Red homework folders go home with your scholar Monday - Thursday every week. Starting this week Blue Friday Folders will be sent home every Friday. The Friday folders will have completed and/or graded work. Be sure to empty the blue folder and go through the work with your child. SUPPLIES NEEDED: I have had several parents ask that I let them know if the classroom is in need of any specific school supplies. As supplies are needed, I will be sure to list them in the blog. Right now our classroom is in need of Red Ticonderoga pencils. We use them almost every day for Spalding. If you are able to donate a few or a package to the class it is appreciated!!!! Another item is clear packing tape. The books in our classroom library are well loved and in constant need of repair. I often go through several roles each year. Thank you!!! BASED ON QUESTIONS PARENTS HAVE HAD IN THE PAST HERE ARE NOTES ABOUT FIRST GRADE HISTORY, SCIENCE, AND LITERATURE UNIT TESTS: - A study guide is sent home at least 2 days prior to the unit tests. - The study guides are very full. - We always review the day before a unit test and right before a unit test. - The tests are not as difficult as the study guides. - We read the tests to the students. - In first grade we spend just as much time (if not more) learning how to take a test as we do taking the test itself. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - By the end of this week the first 45 phonograms will be introduced/reviewed. - Identifying consonants and vowels - Identifying induvial sounds of words by spelling words on our fingers. Note: Tips on practicing phonograms coming in future blog posts. Math - Numbers Bonds through 10 Note: A "Friendly Notes" information page will be sent home in your scholars red homework folder today. Please keep it at home and use it as a reference when helping your scholar with homework. History - Last week and this week students learned about continents, oceans, and where we live. *Note - Geography unit test is on Wednesday. A study guide is in your students red homework folders. Science - What is science? Literature - Fairy Tales Grammar and Composition - Common nouns, Proper nouns, correct capitalization of words UPCOMING DATES: Tuesday, August 17 - PSO Family Night at Peter Piper Pizza (Dysart/I-10), 4-8 PM Peter Piper Pizza Night is a huge fundraiser night for the PSO. The class that has the most students attend wins a classroom pizza party. 1B HAS WON FOUR YEARS IN A ROW!!!!!! (1B is just that awsome!!!!!!) Friday, August 20 - Half Day Dismissal, 12 PM, *Trivium Spirit Day* (No lunch is served. Please send a healthy snack for your child to eat during recess if they choose.) Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents, 6-7 PM Friday, August 27 - School Picture Day - Students must wear uniform ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I am really glad that my son David still likes to go to Peter Piper Pizza night with me. I know it is just a matter of time when he will be way too cool to go to Peter Piper with his mom. ;-) See you at Peter Piper on Tuesday night!! Okay! We are starting our first full week of the 2021 - 2022 school year. Cool! Mmmm... welllll.... not so cool temperature wise, especially when standing out in a parking lot during the afternoon, but very cool as far as school. The full week will be perfect to aid in getting everyone back into a school routine. :-)
ALL ABOUT ME PAPERS: The "All About Me" papers that the scholars filled out are hanging on our bulletin board. It is fun seeing all the things they want to be when they grow up. They have enjoyed pointing out their pictures to the their classmates! XTRA MATH - Xtramath flyers will be sent home in your scholar's red homework folder sometime at the beginning of this week. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES (AND STUFF): Much of the first days of school are spent learning and practicing classroom procedures. I have a few to share with you. Recess snacks - Students are allowed to have a healthy snack at recess. (Examples - pretzels, crackers, fruit such as apple slices, etc. veggies such as carrots, celery etc. cheese sticks). If they bring cookies, candy, cake they are kindly asked to choose something different. *Important notes - If you choose to send a snack please place it in your child's front pocket of the backpack. - Please make sure it is small snack. Recess is short and scholars need to have time to play. Uniforms - As Great Hearts Academies schools do have a strict uniform policy we frequently do uniform checks and will send uniform reminders home either on the homework logs or via e-mail. This is the link to the family handbook: https://archwaytriviumeast.greatheartsamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/06/2021-2022-Archway-Trivium-East-Handbook.pdf You will have to copy and paste it into your browser and type in page 39 to go straight to uniform policies. You can also access it through the school website. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Math - Math group procedures, Unit 1 - Review Numbers to 10 *Note - Starting on Wednesday, students will be bring their math workbooks home almost every day. Please make sure your scholar brings the workbook back to school each morning as we also use them in the classroom. Spalding - Introduction and review of phonograms, pencil grip and handwriting practice, identifying individual sounds in words. *Note - This is a link to how to say and write the phonograms: http://archwaytriviumeast.greatheartsacademies.org/academics/curriculum/ You will have to copy and paste it into your browser bar but will be easy to get to once it is bookmarked. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. When you click on the phonogram you will be able to hear and see how to say/write them. This is an amazing resource for parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! History - Maps Composition - Introduction to copy work and sentences Literature - Fairy Tales UPCOMING DATES: Wednesday, August 11 - First Early-Wednesday Release, 7:50 AM - 1:00 PM Reminder: EVERY Wednesday is Early-Release and includes a lunch period. Friday, August 13 - Deadline to Read and E-sign the Family Handbook Tuesday, August 17 - PSO Family Night at Peter Piper Pizza (Dysart/I-10), 4-8 PM Friday, August 20 - Half Day Dismissal, 12 PM *Trivium Spirit Day* Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you!!!!!! Last week I stepped out in the parking lot armed with a hat, a fan around my neck, a water bottle, (on Friday I added spray bottle) and a very good sense of humor. I want to say thank you to all of you who have been giving me waves, friendly smiles, and a "hang in there!" Also thank you to those who were offering water bottles. Everything was appreciated!!!!!!!! Have a nice "cool" week! HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I really enjoy writing and I enjoy updating my blog. Unless there is a technology issue or I am absent, my blog will be updated by Monday evening. I actually debated whether to just wait and start this year's blog on Monday, but decided that there were a few things that were important enough to write early. This one is going to be a bit longer then most so get a nice healthy snack, plop down in a comfy chair and read away... MEET-THE-TEACHER-NIGHT: Fun!!! Fun!! Meet-the-teacher night is crazy, busy, and just plain fun. We only had the opportunity to chat with parents for a few short minutes because there were so many people coming through. If you want more time to tell more about your child then e-mail us and we can schedule a meeting to do so. FORMAL INTRODUCTION (TAKE 2): Yes. I know. There was a brief introduction about Mrs. Garza and I in the letter that went out this past Monday about Meet-the-Teacher but here's a bit more... WELCOME TO MRS. SPENCER’S AND MRS. GARZA’S CLASS Hi everybody! Welcome to first grade in room 110. My name is Mrs. Spencer. I am originally from Iowa, but have lived in Arizona for the last 20 years. I taught school for several years then decided to stay home when my son David, now entering his second year at Trivium Prep as a 7th grader, was born. When David was in kindergarten I took a tour of Archway Trivium and was so impressed with what I saw that I knew I wanted him to be part of the Great Hearts education system. I was also impressed with each classroom having two teachers and I knew I wanted to be part of the Great Hearts education system as well. I have been at Archway Trivium East since its founding year in 2015. Besides teaching, there are many other things I enjoy doing. My favorite activities include playing games and reading, crafts, making gifts for my friends, country dancing, writing, and simply sitting still. I also enjoy taking classes at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. I am so excited for this year and I am also sincerely looking forward to getting to know each one of you throughout this school year.
THE INFORMATION PACKET: When you came for Meet-the-Teacher you picked up an information packet from your child's desk. If you have not yet, please take the time to read it as it contains a lot of information about the first grade classrooms and e-mail us if you have any questions. We will also be sending a copy home in your child's red homework folder tomorrow (Thursday.) BEST WAY TO CONTACT US: The best way to contact us is through e-mail. Please include both Mrs. Garza and I in all e-mail communication. Our e-mail addresses are: [email protected] [email protected] IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TOMORROW: Water Bottles - Please make sure your child brings a water bottle to school every day. Please make sure the water bottle has your child's name written clearly on the bottle. Extra Clothes - The first grade classrooms do not have restrooms and the restrooms are at the opposite end of the hallway from the classrooms. The first grade scholars are still very young. They love being in school, get caught up with what is going on in the classroom and will often forget to ask to use the restroom until the last minute. As a result accidents do happen. I encourage you to place extra clothes at the bottom of your scholar's backpack. Classroom Procedures - Our young scholars are going to be learning a lot about the classroom during the first several days. They are going to be learning and practicing a lot of classroom procedures. Sometimes the little ones hear things a bit differently than they are presented in class. For example: One year a parent e-mailed me and told me that her daughter came home and said that she was not allowed to go to the bathroom during the day. Another year a child told his parents he didn't need to bring a lunch to school. Yet another year a little girl thought there were going to be no more recesses. As an adult we can smile at the small misunderstandings but they are big things to a child. If your child comes home and shares something and you can tell he/she clearly misunderstood please e-mail us and let us know so that we can fix the misunderstanding. PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING STUDENT DISMISSAL: By the end of the school year the student dismissal/pick-up usually runs like a well-oiled machine. So well-oiled that we sometimes forget the first two weeks are not always as smooth. There are many new families who are learning the process, new faculty who are also learning the process, and students who are learning (or re-learning) how to get to the correct cones. Dismissal takes longer during the first days of school. ONE A PERSONAL NOTE: I am one of staff members assigned to directing traffic. I am the one who is standing right by the dentist's office and west parking lot when you turn in at the stoplight from McDowell. I have learned from experience that technology glitches usually happen on hot or rainy days. I get nervous when drivers try to form a second lane where cars are supposed to exit. I also get nervous when we have to stop traffic to let semi-trucks through. Overall I love it and have so much fun! Be on the look-out for me! I usually am wearing huge sun hats and this year I found a little fan I can hang around my neck to stay a bit cooler. Oh my goodness! I could easily write for several more hours but I won't. THAT would information overload. ;-) NAME THE GOOD: YAY! First day of school tomorrow!!!!! - Mrs. Spencer |
AuthorMs. Spencer Archives
May 2022
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