Our Last Day!

 Greetings! Today was our last full day of first grade. It is hard to believe that the year is almost over. 

We began our day by wrapping up a few things. We finished our talk about how we honor Mary and the saints in Religion. We also finished up our memory book. 

Then it was time to clean. We put away things in our Math bags and cleaned out our cubby drawer and desk. 

After that, we watched The Lego Movie. The students really enjoyed it! 

This afternoon we had our Awards Ceremony where the students were honored for all of their hard work. They were so excited with their certificates. 

I want to thank all of you for everything this year. It was definitely a year to remember. The success of this year would not have been possible without your help. I truly enjoyed working with the children and watching them grow. I am going to miss them. 

I hope everyone has a great, relaxing summer. See you in August! 

~Miss Chalich 

Watermelon Day!

 Greetings! Happy Watermelon Day! It was another exciting day in first grade. 

In Religion class today, we talked about ways that we can honor the saints. We created a saint spinner. The students are encouraged to use it as a way to honor the saints. 

In Language Arts today, we completed 2 more pages in our memory book. We also had our show and tell event. The students loved sharing their items with their friends. 

In Math class today we practiced adding to find the total cost of two items. We also practiced subtracting to find out how much change we would receive. 

We also had a special Art class today. The students created an ocean scene using pictures and Cheerios. They turned out great. Have a look: 

Then, it was time for Watermelon Day! We learned about the life cycle of watermelon. We also labeled a diagram of a watermelon. After lunch, we sampled different melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon. We graphed our favorite and answered questions about it. After that, we sorted watermelon-related words based on whether they were a noun, verb, or adjective. Finally, we spelled as many words as we could using the letters in 'watermelon seed'. We had tons of fun today! Here are pictures from our day: 

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a dress down day. Students may wear shorts and sandals to school. Have a great night. 

Lemonade Day!

 Greetings! Happy Lemonade Day! After working hard this morning, it was time to cool off, enjoy some lemonade, and have fun this afternoon. 

In Religion class today, we talked about who the saints are. We said that these are people the church recognizes because they lived their lives as God wants us to. We also talked about how we are called to be saints. 

For Language Arts today, we worked in our small reading groups for the final time. Next, we completed pages in our memory book. Finally, we created an iPod. We wrote about what we are looking forward to learning in second grade. Here is some of our work: 

In Math class today, we continued to practice counting quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. We also practiced showing various amounts using these coins. 

After our music class today, it was time for our Lemonade Day activities. We began by drinking both a glass of regular lemonade and a glass of pink lemonade. 

The students then colored a lemon showing which one they liked better. We took the pictures to make a graph and answer questions about our graph. Here it is: 

After that, we compared and contrasted the two lemonades. Finally, we wrote the steps in how to make lemonade and turned it into a book. We had tons of fun this afternoon! 

Just a reminder that the tablets and chargers will be collected tomorrow. We will also have our show and tell event tomorrow. Have a great night! 

Bubble Day!

 Greetings! Welcome to the final week of first grade. This week we will wrap up our learning for the year and celebrate all that we have did. 

In Religion class today, we talked about how the church honors Mary. We looked at the many titles the church has given her, the feast days where we honor Mary, and prayers that we pray to Mary. 

In Language Arts class, we began our First Grade Memory Book. We will be looking back on the year and writing down some of our favorite memories. 

We also wrote about what we can't wait to do this summer. We added our writing to a flip flop craft. Have a look: 

In Math class today, we practiced counting quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. The key for us is to identify each coin. Once we do that, we have no problems counting. 

This afternoon was Bubble Day fun; it centered all around bubbles. We went outside where we blew bubbles. As we did that, we counted the number of bubbles we blew, noted their shape, and had fun trying to catch them. 

Back inside, we watched a short video about the science behind bubbles. We learned what bubbles are made of, how they are always round, and why they pop. After our video, we created our own science book on bubbles. Following that, we wrote about what bubbles can do, what bubbles have, and what bubbles are. Finally, we played a bubble theme game that involved adding and subtracting. It was a fun afternoon in first grade. 

Have a great night! 

Hawk Walk Day!

 Greetings! Happy Hawk Walk Day! Today was a great day to celebrate our school year and give thanks to all who have supported us the last six months. We are so grateful for everyone! 

We began our day with Mass. Today, Fr. Brian reminded us to give thanks to God for this day and all who help make it possible. 

Before our walk, we did some work and played games in the classroom. We took our final spelling test of the year. We also reviewed the parts of plants and the needs of plants. In addition, we did a small Art project. Today, we made a shark using newspaper. Here are some of our creations:

After Art, we played some games. We played an adding game using dice. We also played basketball. The students were given cups and a pom-pom ball. They had to get the pom-pom ball into each cup. 

Then it was time for our Hawk Walk. We had a nice walk around the neighborhood. When we returned to school, we were able to play games outside. From there, it was time for lunch. 

This afternoon we relaxed and watched How To Train Your Dragon. We enjoyed the movie.

Again, thank you for helping make today possible. Have a great weekend! 

American Symbols!

 Greetings! Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is doing well.

In Religion class today we talked about how Mary taught Jesus many things and how Jesus wants us to love Mary. 

We wrapped up our final week of learning in Language Arts today. We used our oral vocabulary words in sentences, read r-controlled words, wrote sentences using our sight words, and took our weekly assessment. In addition we worked on our fluency as we read a story in our decodable reader. We also worked on our comprehension as we read a nonfiction piece about the 13 colonies. Finally, we practiced finding adverbs that tell how in sentences. 

In Math class today, we focused on the quarter. We identified its value and used our coins to show various ways to make 25 cents. Next week, we will work on counting all of the coins together. 

In Social Studies class today, we learned about some American symbols. We watched a video about them and then created a booklet highlighting 6 of them. My favorite quote of the day came when we were talking about the Liberty Bell. One student said that even duct tape couldn't fix it. 

We ended our day outside for Gym class. The children loved being outside running around with friends. 

Tomorrow is our Hawk Walk. Please be sure to wear the Hawk Walk t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers to school tomorrow. Have a great night! 

Loving Money!

 Greetings! Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone had a great day! 

In Religion class today we wrapped up our chapter on God's call to love and serve others. We reviewed all the ways that we can love and serve our families and neighbors. 

In Language Arts class, we reviewed our oral vocabulary words, read r-controlled words, and practiced our sight words. In addition to working on our decoding skills, we worked on our fluency and comprehension skills as well. We partner read a story in our decodable reader. We also read a nonfiction story titled Happy Birthday USA. After reading that story, we completed pages in our close reading that focused on finding details in the story. We ended class by reviewing how to write abbreviations. 

In Math class today we practiced counting various amounts using our dimes, nickels, and pennies. We also practiced showing the coins for various money amounts. The students are very good at counting coins. 

In Spanish class today we reviewed the words associated with clothing. The students drew a picture of themselves and labeled each clothing item. 

We ended our day by watching our virtual May Crowning. It was beautifully led by our second grade. 

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a jean day! Have a great night! 

Fun With Money!

 Greetings! Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone is doing well. 

We began our day by going to Adoration. We spent some quiet time with Jesus talking and listening to him. 

After Adoration, we headed to the Book Fair. The students were very excited to pick out some books for summer reading. Just a reminder, that the Open House to the Book Fair is next Wednesday if you would like to swing by and pick up more books for summer reading. 

After the Book Fair, we jumped back into our learning beginning with Language Arts. Today, we answered questions using our oral vocabulary words. We then used our letter tiles to spell and read r-controlled -air, -are, and -ear words. Following that, we learned how to blend and read r-controlled syllable words, words like burning and barely. After that we practiced using our sight words and vocabulary words into sentences. We ended our morning focused on comprehension; this week we are focusing on author's purpose. We reread Share the Harvest and Give Thanks and our decodable reader. After each story we talked about the reason the author wrote the story. 

This afternoon we practiced using adverbs that tell how in sentences. We also wrote our narrative paragraph about a trip we took. 

In Math class today we began our chapter on money. The students were very excited to receive cups of fake dimes, nickels, and pennies. We practiced counting each coin individually and then mixed together. The key for us is to tell the difference between dimes and nickels. 

Have a great night! 

Amazing Students!

 Greetings! Happy Monday! It is hard to believe that we are beginning the final two weeks of school. We had a great start to the week in first grade. 

In Religion class today we talked about how we can share God's love with others. We gave numerous examples such as helping with the dishes, cleaning up our toys, making cards for those who are sick, and donating to the poor. 

We began Language Arts by working in our small reading groups. We then began our final week of learning in Language Arts; this week we will be reading about holidays we celebrate. We began by learning our five oral vocabulary words (display, pride, represent, design, purpose). After that we worked on rereading as we read a nonfiction piece about the flag. From there, we learned how to blend and read r-controlled words spelled -air, -are, and -ear. After that we learned and practiced our new sight words and vocabulary words. We ended our morning by reading Share the Harvest and Give Thanks, a nonfiction piece about Thanksgiving and other harvest festivals. 

This afternoon in Language Arts, we identified adverbs that tell how in sentences. We also illustrated the beginning, middle, and end for our narrative paragraph on a trip we took. 

In Math class today we took a test on adding and subtracting with and without regrouping. Tomorrow we will begin to learn how to count money. 

As promised, here are pictures for Friday's art class! 

Just a reminder that tomorrow we will be going to the book fair. Please remember to send in a check with your child or set up an eWallet. This will be the only time we visit the book fair! 

Have a great night! 

Confetti Egg Fun!

 Greetings! Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a great day to end the week. 

In Religion class this morning, we talked about how God wants us to love our families. When we listen, help, take care of our things, and forgive we show our love to our families. 

We wrapped up another week of learning in Language Arts. We used our oral vocabulary words in sentences, read words with three letter blends, spelled and read words with inflectional endings, wrote sentences using our sight words, and took our weekly assessment. We also partner read Lissy's Friends, the story we read on Wednesday. 

After all that work, it was time for our siesta. We wrote about a favorite birthday present, created our own tortilla (on paper of course), and cracked open confetti eggs. The students loved this and had so much fun. Thank you for helping make the confetti eggs. Here is what our floor looked like after all of the eggs were cracked open: 

In Math class today we reviewed adding and subtracting with and without regrouping. The children worked with a partner social distance style to solve the problems. I loved hearing them explain to one another how to do it. They really understand this topic and will do very well in second grade. 

In Science class, we learned about the different parts of the plant and their functions. We watched a short video that highlighted the jobs of the roots, stem, leaves, seeds, and flower. 

Then it was time for Art class. Today we made a bee using a paper plate, clothespins, and special paint stampers. I'll post pictures on Monday once everything has dried. 

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and grandmas. May you all have a wonderful weekend and know how much you truly are appreciated! 

Fun with Origami!

 Greetings! Happy Thursday! I don't know about you but this week is flying by!

In Religion class today we talked about how we grow closer to God when we pray. We talked about how God is our friend and wants to hear from us. It is important that we talk to him each day.

We began Language Arts class by working in our small reading groups. We then jumped back into our week of learning. We reviewed our oral vocabulary words, read words with three letter blends, and spelled words with inflectional endings added. Next, we played a game called 'Build the Flower'; it is very similar to Hangman. The goal was to guess the sight word before the flower was built. The kiddos really enjoyed it. Following that, we read a nonfiction piece about origami and completed pages in our close reading companion. We also read a story from our decodable reader booklets. Finally, we practiced using I and me in sentences. 

Since we read about origami, we decided to try and make a piece. So, we created a paper dog. The students were so proud of themselves. 

In Math class today we practiced subtracting with regrouping. The students did so well at remember when and how to regroup.

In Social Studies today, we talked about laws, who makes them, and why we have them. 

We ended our day with Gym class outside in the sunshine. 

Have a great night! 

Happy Wednesday!

 Greetings! Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone had a nice day. 

In Religion class today we talked about how Jesus called us to love and serve others. We generated a whole list of examples of how we can love and serve others. 

We began Language Arts class by working in our small reading groups. We then jumped back into our week of learning. We reviewed our oral vocabulary words, read words with three letter blends, spelled and read words with inflectional endings, and practiced our sight words and vocabulary words. Our focus then switched to fluency and comprehension. We partner read a story in our decodable reader booklets. Following that, we read and discussed Lissy's Friends, a fiction story about a girl who makes paper friends. After reading the story, we completed pages in our close reading companion. Finally, we reviewed using I and me in sentences. 

In Math class today, we switched our focus to subtraction. We practiced subtracting two two-digit numbers without regrouping. I am so proud of how much the students have remembered this week in math. 

In Spanish class, we reviewed the words we learned for clothing items. The most remembered word is pantalones, Spanish for pants. 

We ended our day working on our special presents for Mother's Day. The kids are so excited about them! 

Just a reminder, tomorrow is a jean day! 

May the Fourth Be With You!

 Greetings! Happy Tuesday! May the fourth be with you today! 

In Religion class today we wrapped up our chapter on the Mass. We reviewed the Mass, our sayings, and other things we do during the liturgy. 

In Language Arts class, we answered questions using our oral vocabulary words. We then worked on segmenting words into sounds. After that we used our letter tiles to spell and read words with three letter blends. Following that, we reviewed inflectional endings remembering when to drop the final e and when to double the final consonant. Next, we practiced using our sight words and vocabulary words in sentences. We ended our morning focusing on comprehension. This week we focus on theme, what we learn from the story. Today we reread A Spring Birthday along with our decodable reader and discussed the theme in each story. 

This afternoon in Language Arts we practiced using I and me in sentences. We also wrote a narrative paragraph. The kiddos did such a great job with writing this. I am so proud of them! 

In Math class today we practiced adding with regrouping. Just like yesterday, we did great as the students remember when to regroup. 

Here are picture's from Friday's art class. Enjoy! 

Have a great night! 

Reading About Traditions!

 Greetings! Welcome to May, our final month of first grade. These last weeks are just going to fly by! 

In Religion class today, we looked at the end of the Mass. We talked about how we pray the Our Father, share a sign of peace, receive the Eucharist, and are sent to share Jesus' message with others. 

We began a new week of learning in Language Arts today; this week we will be looking at different traditions. We learned our new oral vocabulary words (effort, tradition, ancient, drama, and movement). We then worked on visualizing as we read a story about different folk dances. From there, we learned how to blend and read words with three letter blends (scr, spl, spr, thr, shr). After that we learned our new sight words and vocabulary words. Finally, we put our skills to work as we read A Spring Birthday, a realistic fiction story focusing on traditional Spanish birthday customs. 

This afternoon we learned when to use I and me in sentences. We also began to write a personal narrative paragraph. We sketched the pictures for our story about recess. Tomorrow we will write our paragraph. 

In Math class today we combined something old with something new. We added two two-digit numbers without regrouping. This time the numbers stretched from 41-100. The students had no problems solving these problems. 

Have a great night!