The grade one students all had substitute teachers for the first hour and a half, as the grade one team had professional development task planning time around using our new Idea Lab! We are excited for what's to come! The students played our new math game, Ten Buddies Match, and had some "ketchup/must-do" time. After snack the students got to play 4 corners and practice their Christmas song in French. We enjoyed a poetry party, reading and singing all of our favourites, before ending the day with a dance party. The grade threes joined us and it was a blast!
Mail Pockets
- Report cards and IPPs went home with students. Please return only the envelope on, or before, conferences (Jan. 21-22) to reuse.
Please and Thank You / Volunteer Opportunities
- Please consider volunteering for next week's Winter Ridge Walk. We will be leaving the school at 2:00 on Thursday the 17th, returning by 3:00. We are hoping to have at least 3 more volunteers.
- We would love to have morning reading volunteers to share books with students one-on-one, from 8:30-9:30 any day that it works for you!
Seasonal Celebrations
- Holiday Headgear spirit day is next Thursday, December 17th. Feel free to wear your favourite holiday or winter hat/hair decoration!
- Whole school Christmas caroling will take place next week. If you would prefer your child not partake, please let me know so I can make an alternate arrangement for them at these times. I will update the blog with caroling times once confirmed, if families want to come join.
- Please consider contributing a healthy snack for our Christmas celebration next Friday, December 18th. Healthy snacks include: fruit, veggies, cheese / meat / pickles, crackers, and one treat would be okay! Please email Tara if you are interested in sending a snack. Thank you!
Traditions
Please feel free to bring an artifact (including photos) to share a seasonal family tradition that is special to you for Tuesday, December 15. It can be related to a holiday, or just winter in general. Part of our social studies curriculum is understanding and appreciating traditions from our own and other families and communities.
Gum as a Tool
I am planning to introduce sugar-free chewing gum as a tool to help students focus during writing this week. Chewing gum is recommended by occupational therapists for classroom use because it is heavy work for the jaw, with aids with concentration during sustained writing tasks. We will only use our "thinking gum" during sustained writing times. If you would prefer your child not have gum, please email me. Thank you!
Upcoming Dates
- Dec. 16 – Fun Lunch – Boston Pizza
- Dec. 17 – Field Trip – Ridge Walk (winter)
- Spirit Day: Holiday Headgear
– PoWer Hour Showcase 4:00 - 6:00 (Open House Format) - Come and check out your child's PoWer Hour and some of the others!
- Dec. 18 - Last day of classes before winter break
- Jan. 4 - First day back to class!
Daily Challenge
You have worked very hard in grade one, and you should be seriously proud of how much you have grown in just over 3 months! What are you most proud of in grade one so far?