Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Today was such a magical day in first grade. I truly enjoy spending the holidays with the children. I love seeing and hearing their excitement. It brings me so much joy. I truly am blessed to be doing what I love where I love it. 

We began our day by reading Where Jesus Slept, a story about that first Christmas so long ago. After a quick Math Meeting, we wrote in our elf journals one last time. Today, Jingles left us stickers. We really did enjoy having Jingles in our classroom this year. 

Then it was time for Christmas fun. Each student was given a math problem to solve. After solving it, they got to punch out a cup to get a prize. They really enjoyed this. After that we watched Charlie Brown Christmas. 

I am truly overwhelmed tonight be your generosity. I was taken back by all the gifts that I received today. Thank you just doesn't seem enough. I am blessed to be working with such wonderful parents and children. Thank you for thinking about me this Christmas. 

May you and your family have a Merry Christmas. I hope everyone finds something special under the Christmas tree, eats lots of good food, laughs with family, and finds time to relax. I'll see you 2020! God Bless! 

Happy Friday!

Greetings! Happy Friday! This week has been one busy and tiring week. Even Jingles is happy that today is Friday! 

We began our day with Mass. Today Fr. Kelt talked to the children about how God made each one of us special and how he loves each and every one of us. 

With Library and an afternoon concert, our morning was very short. For Language Arts today we read one of my favorite books, The Polar Express. After reading the story, we sequenced the events in it. 

After Language Arts, we jumped right to Art class. Today we made a Santa Claus. They look so adorable. I hope you are able to find a spot to hang it up for the holidays! 

This afternoon we headed back over to church to listen to the choir perform their Christmas Eve program. The singing was just beautiful. It really got us more excited for Christmas. 

Just a reminder that Monday is a jean day. It will also be a noon dismissal. Have a great weekend! 

Christmas Fun!

Greetings on this chilly day. I know it is December but boy is it cold outside. To me, it felt like January today. Anyways, we did not let the cold weather stop us from having Christmas fun! 

In Religion class today, the students created their own Nativity scene. I just love seeing their creativity as they color and arrange everyone. They all looked so nice: 

This morning in Language Arts, we read Mooseltoe. After reading the story, we wrote the problem and solution from the story. We then added that to a moose craft. The students used sequins (along with messy glue) to decorate Moose's mustache. Needless to say, they all had fun. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we wrote about being an elf. They wrote about what job they would have and what their favorite part would be. Again, their creativity was awesome to see. 

In Math class today, we practiced solving addition problems. The problems centered around the doubles plus 1 facts. The students used linking cubes, number lines, drew pictures, or just counted up to solve the problems. 

In Social Studies today we talked about cities, suburbs, and towns. 

Finally, Jingles is really enjoying the students. Today he left them a book. 

Have a great night! 

Santa's Stuck!

Greetings on this blustery night! I hope everyone made it home safely. The snow squall sure came at a bad time. 

Today was another fun-filled Christmas theme day in first grade! 

We began our day with Religion. Today we read the Christmas story. We talked about how we can do something special for others this Christmas season. 

We began Language Arts class by finishing up our Grinch activities from yesterday. The students wrote about how they would make the Grinch grin. We then worked in our literacy centers. Finally, we read Santa's Stuck, one of my favorite Christmas stories about Santa getting stuck in the chimney. After reading the story we wrote about what we would do if Santa got stuck in our chimney. We added that to a craft. Have a look: 

We ended our morning with Math class. Today we practiced adding a two digit number and a one digit number. We said that we could count on to find the answer or break the two digit number into tens and ones and add from there. After working with both strategies, the students picked their favorite one to solve problems. 

This afternoon we were treated to our annual Handbell concert. The students in 4-8 grade performed Christmas songs for us to enjoy and did a beautiful job. After the concert, we returned to school and watched the end of the movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas. 

Stay warm! 

Grinch Day Fun!

Greetings! Happy Grinch Day! The students had so much fun today. I just enjoyed watching them have fun. Thank you for helping make this day special. 

The day was even more fun since we had a two hour delay. We did work in the morning and Grinch activities in the afternoon. 

This morning we had Math class. Today we practiced adding by making 10. We did this by using number bonds. The students did very well with this strategy. 

We ended our morning by taking our Spelling test. 

Then the fun began after lunch. The students rotated between the classrooms on the primary floor to participate in various Grinch related activities. They found hidden Grinch words hidden around a classroom, measured hearts using different objects, reviewed story details while completing an interactive quiz on the computer, and made a Grinch headband. We ended our activities by beginning to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas; we will finish it tomorrow. As the students enjoyed the movie, they also enjoyed a cup of popcorn. 

Just a reminder that we will not have Gym class tomorrow because of the Handbell concert. Have a great night! 

A Week Before Christmas!

Greetings! Today was a fun day in first grade. The Christmas excitement is in the air. We are all looking forward to next week. And to top of that excitement today, Santa came to visit. Each student was able to tell Santa one thing he/she would like for Christmas. 

And now for the learning part of our day: 

We began our day with Religion. Today we wrapped up our chapter on the Easter story. We will revisit this story closer to the holiday. 

We began Language Arts class by working in our centers. Then we wrapped up another week of learning. We used our oral vocabulary words in sentences, read soft c and soft g words, spelled and read words with the inflectional endings when the final e is dropped, and wrote sentences using our sight words. We ended the morning by partner reading a story in our decodable reader booklets. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we partner read The Gingerbread Man. We also idenitfied rhyming words as we read Mother goose poems and completed pages in our close reading companion. Finally, we took our weekly assessment and identified past and future tense verbs. 

In Penmanship class this week, we will practice writing Q and q. 

In Spanish class today, we learned two more greetings: buenos tardes (good afternoon) and por favor (please). 

We began a new Math chapter today which will focus on addition and subtraction strategies for the numbers to 20. Today we focused on addition. We practiced making 10 and then counting on. We began by using our linking cubes and then switched to pictures. Hopefully the homework went well tonight. 

And now for some pictures. Here is what Jingles got into over the weekend: 

 And here is our Art project from Friday: 

Tomorrow is our Grinch Day. If we do not have school, then we will have Grinch Day on Wednesday. Please let me know if you have any questions. Stay warm! 

Gingerbread Man Fun!

Greetings! Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a great day to end their week. We had a busy day in first grade to end ours. 

We began our day with Mass. Today, Brother Matthew talked to us about always being ready for Jesus to come. 

In Language Arts class we focused on reading -dge words; to do this, we read a decodable reader. After a visit to the library, our focus switched to Grammar. We sorted verbs based on their tense (past, present, and future). We also reviewed adding commas in a series. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we did some creative writing. The students wrote the steps they would take to catch the Gingerbread Man. We then added our writing to a gingerbread man craft. Have a look: 

In Math class today we took a test on the numbers to 20. Next week we will learn addition strategies. 

In Science class today we wrapped up our chapter on matter. We reviewed the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and how objects can change states. 

Finally it was time for Art class. Today we made Christmas ornaments. The students used pom-pom ball stampers to create theirs. I'll post pictures on Monday once all of the paint has dried. 

I leave you this week with a picture of Jingles, our classroom elf. Today he left the students pencils. They were so excited to pick one! Have a great weekend! 

People of Integrity!

Greetings! I hope everyone had a fantastic day! We sure did in first grade! 

We began our day by meeting with our Faith Families. Today we focused on the word integrity. With their Faith Families students learned about St. Juan Diego and about what it means to be a person of integrity. 

We began Language Arts class by reviewing our oral vocabulary words. Then we practiced reading soft c and soft g words as well as spelling words with inflectional endings when the final e is dropped. After that we practiced our sight words. Our focus then switched to reading. We partner read a story in our decodable reader booklets. Next we read The Gingerbread Man. After reading that story we completed pages in our close reading companion to help build our comprehension. 

In Math class today we reviewed concepts related to the numbers to 20. The students did very well with this. We will be taking our test tomorrow. 

We ended our day with Social Studies. Today we talked about the seasons and the different activities we do in each season. 

Tomorrow will be a busy, fun day to end the week. We will begin with a faith family Mass; students can wear their red Christ is RICH in me shirt to school. We also have Library, Art, and much more! 

A Christmas Concert!

Greetings on this chilly night! It is hard to believe that only two days ago it was 50 degrees outside. This up and down weather is quite strange. 

In Religion class today we talked about how Jesus died and rose to new life. Yes, we know that it is almost Christmas, so it is strange to be talking about the Easter story this time of year. However, it fits perfectly into our Religion curriculum. 

In Language Arts class, we reviewed the oral vocabulary words we learned on Monday and then learned three new words (eventually, timid, and foolish). Next, we worked on making predictions as we read a folktale about a foolish rabbit. Following that we practiced segmenting words into sounds by using our sound boxes. Then we used our letter tiles to spell and read soft c and soft g words. After that we learned how to spell words with inflectional endings when the final e is dropped. Finally, we practiced using our sight words in sentences. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we reread The Nice Mitten and wrote cause and effect examples from the story. We did the same thing as we read our decodable reader. 

In Math class today we used our critical thinking skills to solve problems. 

This afternoon was spent enjoying beautiful Christmas music performed by our very own Holy Name School band. We were then entertained by a wonderful play presented by the Intermediate department. Job well done to everyone involved! It was excellent! 

Tomorrow is now a jean day. Students may wear jeans, sneakers, and an appropriate shirt to school! 

Decorating a Christmas Tree!

Greetings! Happy Tuesday! It was another dark, rainy day today. All I kept thinking about is that I am glad this wasn't snow. Hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow (sorry for the pun). 

Our day started off a little funny. Jingles, our classroom elf, decided to use the tissue box as a bed. He does look comfortable, doesn't he?

In Religion class today we talked about how Jesus taught in the Temple in Jerusalem. 

We began Language Arts class by working in our literacy centers. We then picked up where we left off yesterday. We practiced reading soft c and g words. Next, we sorted words based on their g sound. After that we learned how to blend and read words with -dge. Following that we learned our new sight words. Finally, we read the folktale The Nice Mitten. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we learned about past and future tense verbs; we practiced writing verbs in past and future tense. Next, we wrote the final steps in how to decorate a tree. 

In Math class today we put numbers in order from least to greatest and from greatest to least. We also identified one more, two more, one less, and two less of a given number. 

After working hard all day, it was time to have some Christmas fun. Today, the students got to decorate our classroom tree. I gave them the ornaments and they all got to put them on. We also added the star and manger. Doesn't it look pretty? 

And, as promised, here is a picture of the Christmas trees we made in Art class on Friday. 

Have a great night! 

A Rainy Monday!

Greetings on this dark, rainy Monday. I will admit that the weather affected us in first grade today. It took us longer than usual to wake up and get going today. It was a great day to stay in bed a little longer. However, once we got the juices following we were off and running. 

In Religion class we talked about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We talked about how the people waved Palm branches and shouted "Hosanna" as he rode into the city. 

We began Language Arts class by working in our literacy centers. Then we began a new week of learning. Due to the Christmas programs and difficult concepts this week, we will be stretching this week into next week. We learned two new oral vocabulary words (hero and tale). We then worked on making predictions as we read Interrupting Chicken. After that we learned how to blend and read words where the c says s and the g says j (also known as soft c and g words). After reading many words, we then completed a word sort where we sorted words based on their c sound. We ended the morning by reading a decodable reader. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we wrote the first two steps in decorating a Christmas tree. 

In Penmanship class this week we will be practicing J and j. 

In Spanish class today we learned that Spanish words for thank you (gracias), you're welcome (de nada) and good morning (buenos dias). 

In Math class today we worked with number patterns. We identified the missing numbers in a pattern. 

Have a dry night! 

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Greetings! Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a fantastic Friday! We had a busy, awesome day in first grade. We kept going from one thing to the next. Before you knew it, it was time to go home. 

Jingles was quite kind today. Inspired by St. Nicholas, he brought the students candy canes. Needless to say, the students were very excited. Many of them thanked him! 

At Mass this morning, Fr. Brian reminded us that the greatest gift we ever received was Jesus. He reminded us to always be kind and helpful. 

We wrapped up another week of learning in Language Arts. We used our oral vocabulary words in sentences, read long i words and plurals, and wrote sentences using our sight words. We ended our morning by taking our weekly assessment. 

This afternoon, Language Arts class was devoted to writing. We wrote about what we can give Jesus this Christmas. 

In Math class today, we continued to talk about greater and less numbers in a set. We were able to complete workbook pages with ease! 

In Science class today we talked about how water is a liquid but can change to a solid and a gas. We learned that water evaporates when it becomes a gas. 

After working hard all day, it was time for Art class. Today we made Christmas trees. The students stamped out a tree and then used special stampers to decorate it. I'll post pictures on Monday once everything has dried. 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Our Advent Prayer!

Greetings! Happy Thursday! I hope everyone made it to work safely this morning. I will admit that it took me longer than I expected today. I was praying really hard this morning! 

We began our day with Religion. Today we watched a video on the life of St. Nicholas. After watching it, we talked about why we remember him and why he is one of the more popular saints. 

Also, in Religion class this week, we have been looking at the Corporal Works of Mercy which is correlating to our Advent theme. Each day we take a work of mercy and talk about what we can do to live it. When we a finished talking, we color a page in our coloring books to help us remember it. 

We began Language Arts class by reviewing our oral vocabulary words. After that we practiced spelling and reading long i words and plurals. Following that we partner read a story in our decodable reader booklets along with the play we read yesterday. Then we read a nonfiction piece about plants growing and completed pages in our close reading companion. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we practiced using present tense verbs in sentences. We also wrote the final two steps in how to plant a seed. 

In Math class today, we identified the greater and least numbers in a given set. We also practiced ordering them from greatest to least or from least to greatest. 

We ended our day with Social Studies. Today we learned that natural resources are things we use that are found in nature. 

Tomorrow will be a busy day to end our week. We have Mass, Library, and Art! Get some rest! 

Shopping Fun!

Greetings! Happy Wednesday! Today was an exciting day in first grade. We got to buy presents for our families at the Secret Santa shop. The students had tons of fun picking out items and helping wrap them. I do hope that everything made it home in one piece! 

In Religion class today we learned that Jesus is called the Good Shepherd. We talked about how he takes care of us and loves us just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. 

In Language Arts class, we reviewed our oral vocabulary words. We also practiced reading long i words and plurals. In addition we used our sound boxes to segment words into their sounds. Finally, we partner read a story in our decodable reader booklet. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we reviewed our sight words. We also read and discussed the play The Big Yuca Plant. After reading the story we sequenced the events in it. Finally, we wrote the first two steps in planting a seed. 

No surprise, we had fun in Gym class today. We played a game where students ran to hula hoops spread across the gym floor. 

In Math class today we practiced identifying how many more are in one group compared to another. We used our linking cubes to help us do this. 

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a $1.00 jean day. If students wear jeans please send in your donation to school. Stay warm! 

Hello, December!

Greetings! Happy December! It is hard to believe that the final month of 2019 is here. This month is always one of my favorites. I love celebrating all of the holidays with the children. 

We were greeted in our classroom today by our classroom elf. His name is Jingles. Each day he will report to Santa on how everyone did and whether or not everyone was a good listener. I'll have to remember to post pictures of Jingles each week too. 

We began our day by going to Adoration. We spent some quiet time in prayer asking God to help those who are sick and those who are in need of special prayers. 

After Adoration, we stopped at the Secret Santa shop. We were able to preview the items and make a list of the things we would like to buy tomorrow. If you wish for your child to purchase gifts, please return their shopping list along with money to school tomorrow. 

We picked up in Language Arts were we left off last week. We reviewed the oral vocabulary words we learned last week before learning three new words (assist, grasped, and spied). After that we worked on making predictions as we read a folktale about a giant turnip. Following that we used our letter tiles to spell and read long i words. Then we learned how to make "magic e" words plural by adding an s. Finally, we practiced using our sight words in sentences. 

This afternoon we reread Time to Plant and sequenced the events in the story. We also sequenced the events in our decodable reader after reading it. Finally, we practiced using present tense verbs in sentences. 

In Penmanship this week we will be practicing writing G and g. 

In Math class today we focused on place value. The students used place value blocks to show the numbers to 20. They found this to be very easy! 

Have a great night!