Oct. 17 - 21, 2022

 Hello, Grade 1 families!

Learning Intention: I can combine ideas in a logical sequence to create sentences. I can add images to written messages. I can print letters and words in appropriate size and spacing. I can write consonant sounds in the beginning, middle, and ending of words using the letters that represent them. I can apply capital letters when writing the first word of a sentence. I can identify and use end punctuation in sentences.

We have begun writing in our journals. These notebooks have blank space at the top of the page and lines at the bottom. During our journal writing time, we write the date (we can find this on the calendar in the classroom!), copy a sentence starter from the SmartBoard, complete the sentence, and add a picture that matches the sentence. I am very impressed with how students are experimenting with their invented spelling and using their knowledge of letter sounds. 

On the first day of the week, we complete the journal prompt: "On my weekend I...". Students are encouraged to stretch out words and write down the sounds they hear. In our reading groups, we do this by saying the word and tapping down our arm for each sound we hear before we blend the word together. Ask your child to show this to you. During the rest of the week, we used prompts related to our social and science topics. 

After completing a few journal entries this week, we worked as a class to create a rubric. I have attached a photo for you to see the things we discussed.  We will use the target to guide our feedback and allow students to see their next steps. 

Oct. 10 - 14, 2022

 Hello, Grade 1 families!

Learning Intention: I can identify colours in various natural and manufactured objects. I can predict and describe changes in colour resulting from mixing primary colours.

In science, we have been learning about creating colour as our first topic this year. We have explored the colours we see in summer and fall. Students completed a couple of experiments where they predicted what would happen if we mixed two primary colours. We have explored this learning through food colouring and through paint on leaves. As we continue through this learning, we will see what happens when you add white or black to primary colours. Students will be creating their own Mix It Up! book to make these predictions. Leaf art came home on Friday. Ask your child how they made each of the colours on their page. 

We had an exciting trip to the Fire Hall on Friday. We got to learn all about smoke detectors and then we looked at the truck. While we were looking at the truck and turning on the lights and sirens, the firefighters had a real emergency and we had to leave. It was neat to see them doing their job to keep our community safe. We hope everyone in the emergency is ok!