Brrr...it's fitting we are learning /ch/ this week because it was CHilly with a capital CH today! As per CBE policy when it is below -20 with windchill, we had indoor recesses. That did not get our spirits down, though. The grade ones did a wonderful job writing about November memories. We are getting much better at consistently writing our ideas in full sentences! During our guided reading / literacy centers, we began working with /ch/ and the -un word family. In the afternoon our grade 1 Mindful Monday superstorm involved a 5 senses reflection to help us imagine our family Christmas traditions. The grade ones did such a beautiful job of showing and labeling some of their favourite traditions in their visual journals. We watched and discussed some video clips to learn about different Christmas traditions around the world! We finished our day with math, practicing subitizing and efficiency to build "chunks" of 5 with snap cubes. We then used the cubes to play Bubblegum Bump, which is quickly becoming a favourite.
The next two weeks we will be learning about seasonal holidays from other cultures and their traditions, in addition to Christmas. This will include Diwali, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa. In grade one social studies we develop an appreciation for our own traditions and the traditions of others. Please email me if you have any concerns.
Sight Words (We are working with these in our weekly poems)
We are focusing on the /ch/ digraph this week:
cheer children each such much of (not a /ch/ word, but time to be spelling it correctly!)
Mail Pockets
- Mail did not go home today
- Please return your yellow poetry and songs duotangs for tomorrow if you have not already
- Home Reading/Sight Word Rings (please keep it in the backpack to return each day, even if not done with the current books)
Book Talk Tomorrow!
We have the opportunity to hear Tyler Enfield, an award-winning author, speak tomorrow. His children's novel series (volumes 1 and 2) includes Wrush: The Secret Worlds of Tabetha Bright and Wrush: Tabetha's Last Task. They are about an eight year old girl in a wheelchair who uses creativity and a magic pen to overcome obstacles. If you are interested in purchasing a copy for your child, please send payment by cash or cheque with them tomorrow, specifying which volume(s) you would like. Volumes are available separately for $12 each, or $20 for both.
Sharing a Tradition
As part of the social studies curriculum, grade ones are exploring family and cultural traditions. We would love for students to bring in their own family seasonal traditions to share. This might take the form of a photograph, decoration, story, or book, just to name a few ideas, or a special person that is part of your family traditions. Please bring your tradition to share and explain for Thursday, December 8.
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. You can help by bringing the following items:
Socks grades 5/6, tooth brush /tooth paste from grade 3/4, grade 2 will from be collecting deodorant, grade 1 will be collecting lip balm /lip gloss and kindergarten will be collecting hand sanitizer. Please bring all items to 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!
Grade One Celebration
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!
Upcoming Dates
Dec. 8 - Christmas Traditions sharing in class
Dec. 14 – Fun Lunch – Boston Pizza
Dec. 16 - last day of classes; Grade One Family Traditions Brunch
Dec. 19 – Jan 2 – Winter Break
Jan. 3 – First day back after Winter Break
Daily Challenge
Last week we focused on the /sh/ digraph. Can you create your own /sh/ tongue twister? What sentence can you make up that has as many /sh/ words as possible? (Bonus points if you have some words with /sh/ at the beginning, some in the middle, and some at the end!)