We had so many mystery words to edit in our morning message -- word wall words from the past few months to review! We also learned a fun game, "I Have, Who Has" to help us practice sight words. We learned a new poem about Santa Claus, "Somebody's Coming," and practiced reading it with expression (vs. robot voice). After recess the grade ones had a superstorm to learn about Chanukah and its traditions. I shared the menorah I got from my Zaida (grandfather) and we learned how to play Dreidel. After dancing up a storm in phys ed, we played Ten Buddies Memory Match with the ten frame cards we made to practice 'make ten' facts as well as subitizing. THANK GOODNESS it was finally decent enough to bundle up and enjoy recess outdoors! Whole school caroling was a lovely way to start our afternoon, then the grade ones got together to create cheerful cards for homeless people through the Make It Merry project. We learned how to use markers and chalk pastel to draw Christmas lights that look like they are really glowing! We finished the day celebrating our friend's birthday.
Sight Words (We are working with these in our weekly poem)
We are reviewing previous word wall words in this week's poem:
of with and little up can you
Mail Pockets
- No new mail went home today
- Please return yellow poetry duotangs for tomorrow if they are still at home :)
- Home Reading/Sight Word Rings (please keep it in the backpack to return each day, even if not done with the current books)
Pajama and Reading Day
On Thursday, December 15, grade one will be having a reading, pajama and stuffie day. Each student is asked to dress in their PJ's and bring their favourite stuffed animal. They are also welcome to bring in some of their favourite books from home. We will be suprising the students with some very special guest readers on that day-their parents! If you are able to come in and read one of your favourite holiday stories to the class please email me at [email protected] to let me know. We will set up times throughout the day for different parents to come by. The more the merrier but I completely understand if you can't make it in during this very busy season! Please don't tell your children who the guest readers will be because we would like it to be a special surprise!
Grade One Celebration -- 8:30 to 10:30
On the last morning of school before the break (Friday, December 16), grade ones will enjoy a Family Traditions potluck brunch to celebrate the season! Part of our social studies curriculum is understanding and appreciating traditions that shape our identities and communities. Students are encouraged to bring a dish that is a tradition for their family, along with a small explanation or artifact (story, photo, etc.) that helps tell about the tradition. It can be a dish special to Christmas, unique to your cultural heritage, or simply a family favourite. Family members are welcome to join us for the brunch, which will be followed by a Christmas sing-along with Paulo. We will enjoy a cozy morning of sharing, traditions, and seasonal songs!
Hi, It’s the GIVE power hour.
The charity we have chosen this month is the Calgary Drop-in center. We will be participating in “fill a sock, fill a need”. We will help bring joy to homeless Calgarians this holiday season. With your help 1200 men and woman will wake up to a stocking by their bedside on Christmas morning. Grade 1 is in charge of bringing lip balms. Please bring them Mrs. McKay’s room by Wednesday December 14th.
Thanks for helping to make a difference this holiday season.
Please and Thank You
-Thank you so much to our fantastic home reading and sight word volunteers for your help! The extra one-on-one time is so beneficial for the students.
Canstruction Food Bank Donations
Canstruction Club is looking for non-perishable donations to build our structure next Thursday. It is called the 'Green Cantern’ based on the superhero the Green Lantern. We’re collecting green items such as cans and boxes for this! Please drop off any items to the Idea Lab.
Thanks for your support with this. All items will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank after we build our structure. Wish us luck with our contest!
Upcoming Dates
Dec. 14 – Fun Lunch – Boston Pizza
Dec. 15 - P.J. and stuffies day!
Dec. 16 - last day of classes; Grade One Family Traditions Brunch (8:30 - 10:30)
Dec. 19 – Jan 2 – Winter Break
Jan. 3 – First day back after Winter Break
Daily Challenge
It was so fun to have our first Christmas caroling session as a school! Such a great tradition! What is your favourite carol to sing and why?