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| Captain's Chorus singing "Santa's in the House" |
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| Always a packed house! |
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Holiday Sing
Friday, December 16 was Captain's annual Holiday Sing. All the students and many, many parents, grandparents and community members get together in the cafeteria and sing holiday songs. Captain's Chorus leads the songs while each grade has a special song to perform. Thanks to all who were able to come and enjoy!
Gingerbread Man
"Run, Run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!"
This past week we read about the folktale, The Gingerbread Man. We read many different versions looking for similarities and differences. The children ate gingerbread cookies on Friday and commented that the cookies were NOT their favorite!
This past week we read about the folktale, The Gingerbread Man. We read many different versions looking for similarities and differences. The children ate gingerbread cookies on Friday and commented that the cookies were NOT their favorite!
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| by Karen Schmidt |
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| by Jan Brett |
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| by Jan Brett |
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| by Lisa Campbell Ernst |
Thursday, December 1, 2016
November Newsletter
Reading:
We started a New Unit: Readers have Big Jobs to Do. This unit focuses on 4 strategies: First, stop as soon as they encounter difficulty. Second, try a strategy, Third, check to see if they got it right, (does it look right?, does it sound right? does it make sense?) Fourth, practice fluency or read it so it sounds smooth. In order to grow as readers the students read to read, read, read. Make sure they are bringing books home to read that are "just-right" and they are reading every night for about 20 minutes.
Writing: We finished writing nonfiction reports. The students were able to write all about a topic and include many features of nonfiction books. They included captions on pictures, a table of contents and a glossary. Students then shared their writing with their partner to make sure it was readable. Our next unit is Persuasive writing. The students will bring in collections and will learn to explain why their collections are the best. (more info. will be forthcoming) We have been working on spelling words that are "no-excuses". This list is on the back of your child's red writing folder. The students will get a new list after winter break.
We continue to learn about spelling patterns and how words work. We have finished the short vowels and are working on digraphs: sh, th, ch, wh.
Math: We Started Ch. 8- Addition and Subtraction to 20. We will many strategies to add to 20. They include:
1. putting the two numbers together. 7+5= 12
2. Making a 10 and then adding. 9+4 is the same as 10+3
3. Adding on starting with the bigger number. 12 +3. Say 12 and count on 3 more to get 15.
4. Knowing Doubles, 3+3
5. Knowing Neighbors, since 3+3 = 6 then 3+4 = 7
These are just strategies to help them know their math facts fluently. The goal is be able to add and subtract up to 20 in their head. Being able to see the numbers in their head and manipulate them to get the answer they need will help them later with word problems. Computer math sites that we are using in our classroom are:
www.mathgames.com, grade 1
www.abcya.com, grade 1
www.gregtangmath.com
Social Studies: We spent time before Thanksgiving learning about the Pilgrims. We learned that 100 Pilgrims came to America, but only 40 survived the winter. Most of these were children. We talked about why people immigrate to another country like the Pilgrims. Many of our activities focused on how hard the Pilgrims had coming to this country and we tied it to how hard immigrants have coming to a new place. Next, we will start Rules and Laws. To launch this unit, we played checkers to learn how important it is to play by the rules.
Looking Ahead:
Early Release: Friday, December 2nd
Winter Holiday Sing: Friday, December 16 at 2 p.m.
Captain Barnes and Noble Book Fair: Sunday, December 4th, So no Book Orders this Month.
Winter Holiday Party: December 21, Wednesday starting at 9:30
Kids wear PJs to school, bring a blanket and pillow.
We serve hot coco and cookies. All school Read-in. starting at 9:30 a.m
Winter Break- No School- Dec 22 through January 3rd. School Resumes January 4th.
We started a New Unit: Readers have Big Jobs to Do. This unit focuses on 4 strategies: First, stop as soon as they encounter difficulty. Second, try a strategy, Third, check to see if they got it right, (does it look right?, does it sound right? does it make sense?) Fourth, practice fluency or read it so it sounds smooth. In order to grow as readers the students read to read, read, read. Make sure they are bringing books home to read that are "just-right" and they are reading every night for about 20 minutes.
Writing: We finished writing nonfiction reports. The students were able to write all about a topic and include many features of nonfiction books. They included captions on pictures, a table of contents and a glossary. Students then shared their writing with their partner to make sure it was readable. Our next unit is Persuasive writing. The students will bring in collections and will learn to explain why their collections are the best. (more info. will be forthcoming) We have been working on spelling words that are "no-excuses". This list is on the back of your child's red writing folder. The students will get a new list after winter break.
We continue to learn about spelling patterns and how words work. We have finished the short vowels and are working on digraphs: sh, th, ch, wh.
Math: We Started Ch. 8- Addition and Subtraction to 20. We will many strategies to add to 20. They include:
1. putting the two numbers together. 7+5= 12
2. Making a 10 and then adding. 9+4 is the same as 10+3
3. Adding on starting with the bigger number. 12 +3. Say 12 and count on 3 more to get 15.
4. Knowing Doubles, 3+3
5. Knowing Neighbors, since 3+3 = 6 then 3+4 = 7
These are just strategies to help them know their math facts fluently. The goal is be able to add and subtract up to 20 in their head. Being able to see the numbers in their head and manipulate them to get the answer they need will help them later with word problems. Computer math sites that we are using in our classroom are:
www.mathgames.com, grade 1
www.abcya.com, grade 1
www.gregtangmath.com
Social Studies: We spent time before Thanksgiving learning about the Pilgrims. We learned that 100 Pilgrims came to America, but only 40 survived the winter. Most of these were children. We talked about why people immigrate to another country like the Pilgrims. Many of our activities focused on how hard the Pilgrims had coming to this country and we tied it to how hard immigrants have coming to a new place. Next, we will start Rules and Laws. To launch this unit, we played checkers to learn how important it is to play by the rules.
Looking Ahead:
Early Release: Friday, December 2nd
Winter Holiday Sing: Friday, December 16 at 2 p.m.
Captain Barnes and Noble Book Fair: Sunday, December 4th, So no Book Orders this Month.
Winter Holiday Party: December 21, Wednesday starting at 9:30
Kids wear PJs to school, bring a blanket and pillow.
We serve hot coco and cookies. All school Read-in. starting at 9:30 a.m
Winter Break- No School- Dec 22 through January 3rd. School Resumes January 4th.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Hour of Code
On Tuesday, November 22 the first grade students had an hour of coding on the ipads. We used the apps: Kodable and Lightbotjr. The kids loved working out the challenges!
Monday, November 21, 2016
Day of Choirs
We had the Middle School 8th Grade Choir and the High School Show Choir perform at our school. Mr. Mayer included our Captain's Chorus in the day, too!
It was wonderful to hear all the hard work from the students pay off!
Did you know....Your child can join Captain's Chorus starting in 3rd grade. They practice two mornings a week before school. These students sing in the annual Captain Holiday sing along in December and Black History Night performance in February.
It was wonderful to hear all the hard work from the students pay off!
Did you know....Your child can join Captain's Chorus starting in 3rd grade. They practice two mornings a week before school. These students sing in the annual Captain Holiday sing along in December and Black History Night performance in February.
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| Captain's Chorus, 3rd through 5th grade |
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| 8th grade Chorus |
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| Clayton High School Show Choir |
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| Clayton High School Show Choir |
Monday, November 7, 2016
Kids Voting
Today we spent the day learning about elections and how important it is to vote in America.
We learned that not all people could vote long ago. Women and African Americans were not always allowed to vote. We learned that the colors of the two parties are red(Republican) and blue(Democrat). Also, we learned that voting is by secret ballot. There are dividers between the voting stations, and we do not have to tell anyone for whom we voted. At the computer lab the class participated in Kids Voting and got to cast a "vote" for their choice of president.
We read several books and the students got to vote for Duck or Farmer Brown for President.-
Duck WON!
We learned that not all people could vote long ago. Women and African Americans were not always allowed to vote. We learned that the colors of the two parties are red(Republican) and blue(Democrat). Also, we learned that voting is by secret ballot. There are dividers between the voting stations, and we do not have to tell anyone for whom we voted. At the computer lab the class participated in Kids Voting and got to cast a "vote" for their choice of president.
We read several books and the students got to vote for Duck or Farmer Brown for President.-
Duck WON!
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| Duck doesn't like his chores on the farm. He decides to run for Top Farmer. When that job is too much work, he decides to run for Governor and then President. |
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| We learned that not all people could vote long ago. |
Monday, October 31, 2016
Halloween Parade and Party.
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| Students are ready for the Parade to begin. |
Thanks to all the help today. We had such a wonderful parade and party. The students were thrilled with the treats!
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| Here comes Fifth Grade with the DRUMS! |
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| Mrs. Carter was an ice cream and I am a witch. |
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| Fifth grade dancing to Thriller and Electric Slide. |
Pumpkin Fun.
This Halloween we met with our Fourth Grade buddies to measure, weigh and count pumpkin seeds. It was really messy and FUN!
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| Starting our pumpkin carving. |
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| Measuring circumference. |
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| Counting the number of lines on the outside. |
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| Scoping seeds into groups of 10s. |
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| The pulp was wet, slimy and smelly. |
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| "All Hands on Deck!" |
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| How tall is this pumpkin? |
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| I'll scoop and you count. |
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| Getting just a little more seeds. |
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| We worked in Mrs. Sample's Fourth grade classroom. |
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| We charted our work. |
Sunday, October 30, 2016
October Newsletter
Reading:
We are almost finished our Nonfiction unit and will read to our fourth grade buddies. We practiced reading our books smoothly and sharing our knowledge of the information. We learned many features about nonfiction books. Ask you child about: the table of contents, glossary, index and structure of nonfiction books. The children learned they do not have to start at the beginning to read a nonfiction book. Many children are growing as readers. Make sure they are bringing books home to read that are "just-right."
Writing: We are writing Nonfiction Reports. The students are able to write all about a topic and include many features of nonfiction books. They include captions on pictures, a table of contents and/or a glossary. Students are sharing their writing with their partner to make sure it is readable. We have been working on spelling words that are "no-excuses". These are words must be spelled correctly. We continue to learn about spelling patterns and how words work. We will finish the short vowels and will start working on digraphs: sh, th, ch, wh.
Math: We finished our Math Geometry Unit and will start the Math Chapter on Ordinal Numbers and Position Words. Many children struggle with these vocabulary words and could use extra practice at home. Words that tend to be tricky for some students are: before, after, under, between, greater then, fewer then, next, to the left of, to the right of, and how many more, how many fewer/less. This is a short unit and we will start the Math Chapter on Numbers to 20 after it is finished.
Science: We are finishing our study of the plant life cycle. We are measuring, observing and journaling about our Fast Plants and lima Bean plants. We have learned that all plants go through a life cycle. Also, we learned the parts of a plant and their functions: roots, stem, leaves, flowers, seeds. This week we will learn about pumpkins. We will be estimating, weighing and craving pumpkins with our Fourth Grade Buddies.
Social Studies: We will start Map and Globe skills next followed by Rules and Laws. We will take time to talk about elections in a free society. Before Thanksgiving we will learn why people immigrate to another country like the Pilgrims.
Looking Ahead:
No School Election Day: Tuesday November 8th.
No School thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd - Friday, Nov. 25
As always you may order from Scholastic.
Scholastic Book Orders will be coming home. Orders are due: Thursday, November 10th.
If you order, there are 2 ways to pay:
A) Return order sheet and a check made out to Scholastic.
B) Online order with your credit card.
1. go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
2. use my class activation code: fmr3g
3. shop and pay.
We are almost finished our Nonfiction unit and will read to our fourth grade buddies. We practiced reading our books smoothly and sharing our knowledge of the information. We learned many features about nonfiction books. Ask you child about: the table of contents, glossary, index and structure of nonfiction books. The children learned they do not have to start at the beginning to read a nonfiction book. Many children are growing as readers. Make sure they are bringing books home to read that are "just-right."
Writing: We are writing Nonfiction Reports. The students are able to write all about a topic and include many features of nonfiction books. They include captions on pictures, a table of contents and/or a glossary. Students are sharing their writing with their partner to make sure it is readable. We have been working on spelling words that are "no-excuses". These are words must be spelled correctly. We continue to learn about spelling patterns and how words work. We will finish the short vowels and will start working on digraphs: sh, th, ch, wh.
Math: We finished our Math Geometry Unit and will start the Math Chapter on Ordinal Numbers and Position Words. Many children struggle with these vocabulary words and could use extra practice at home. Words that tend to be tricky for some students are: before, after, under, between, greater then, fewer then, next, to the left of, to the right of, and how many more, how many fewer/less. This is a short unit and we will start the Math Chapter on Numbers to 20 after it is finished.
Science: We are finishing our study of the plant life cycle. We are measuring, observing and journaling about our Fast Plants and lima Bean plants. We have learned that all plants go through a life cycle. Also, we learned the parts of a plant and their functions: roots, stem, leaves, flowers, seeds. This week we will learn about pumpkins. We will be estimating, weighing and craving pumpkins with our Fourth Grade Buddies.
Social Studies: We will start Map and Globe skills next followed by Rules and Laws. We will take time to talk about elections in a free society. Before Thanksgiving we will learn why people immigrate to another country like the Pilgrims.
Looking Ahead:
No School Election Day: Tuesday November 8th.
No School thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd - Friday, Nov. 25
As always you may order from Scholastic.
Scholastic Book Orders will be coming home. Orders are due: Thursday, November 10th.
If you order, there are 2 ways to pay:
A) Return order sheet and a check made out to Scholastic.
B) Online order with your credit card.
1. go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
2. use my class activation code: fmr3g
3. shop and pay.
Second Grade Patriotic Program
Every year the all the second grade students puts on a patriotic program. The first grade students loved seeing what they will get to do next year.
Team Simi
Our school raised over $7600 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If the Captain Community met it fundraising goal of $3000, Simeon's teacher, Amanda Ketzer, promised to shave her head in support of all that Simeon is going through this year. The students and I were so excited that our school exceeded the goal. Many gave all they had. For example, one child put all his money from his piggy bank into the fundraiser and another child put all her tooth fairy money into the goal. Way to go first grade students and the Captain community!
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| Starting our Assembly. Fifth grade sang the song Proud! |
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| Presenting the check of $7600 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. |
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| Mrs. Ketzer shaving her head. |
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| Simeon with his family and teacher. |
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Patterns, Patterns, Everywhere
Students made patterns out of solid shapes and plane shapes this week as part of our Math Chapter on Geometry.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin
We are continuing our science unit by studying the life cycle of plants. We planted Brassica seeds and Lima Beans. We look at them and chart the progress every day.
We have read several books on the life cycle of pumpkins. Many students connect to the pumpkins and talk about having Halloween pumpkins for their house.
We have read several books on the life cycle of pumpkins. Many students connect to the pumpkins and talk about having Halloween pumpkins for their house.
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We have read many books on pumpkins. |
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