Happy Valentine's Day!

We sure did have a FUN week this week in First grade!!!  Teddy Bear Day was a hit and they all enjoyed having their special friends here on Tues.  I kept some of my special bears here so your children could read to them during DEAR time.  So precious!

This week, we had our all important Destiny lesson from the media specialist, Ms. Megin Robinson.  I wrote your child's username and password on the form sent home.  Also, I attached a Reading Level sheet to it, so you could figure out what books your child could possibly read.  Use the chart with the Big arrow above it for the level.  Just look on the report card you received in Jan. to see what letter your child is on and then you can use the chart to figure out his/her level...I'd always put a range on the Destiny search.  For example, 1.3-2.3 or something like that.  You can always email or call Ms. Robinson in the Library if you have any questions.  I love the fact that you can look up the over due books on it, so you will always know what to send back every WEDNESDAY!

The Six Flags Reading logs are due back at the end of the month. Please have your children continue reading and return the sheet back to me by then.

Valentine's Day is Tuesday, February 14th. Please remember to return the decorated shoe boxes (or some type of box) back by Monday the 13th and have your cards ready on Tues. for the kids to deliver to each friend in the class.  Refer to the letter sent home last week if you have any questions.  Rylan's mom has volunteered to bring in a special Valentine treat for the kids to have at the end of lunch! Thank you!

We've had a great time learning all about Teddy Roosevelt. We painted a teddy bear and we will be writing down all the facts we've discovered about this special man. Then, we will start our study of George Washington Carver. He was an amazing man that found many different uses for the peanut.  

In math we have worked on fractions and have divided things into 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4. We will finish up with making fraction pizzas.  Next week we will start our chapter on time and using a calendar.

We will continue to read and study non-fiction stories next week.  Also, we are working on our informational writing and "How-To" books.  Try to practice adding details to stories and information to your child's writing at home too...a diary or journal would be a great idea.  Ask questions at the end of reading a story too.  A BIG thank you goes out to Sofia's mom for being our helper parent this week and to Maggie's dad for coming in and reading for our story parent.  The kids LOVED the story!!   Also, I'd like to Thank Rylan's mom and Alex's mom for coming in as our PVS substitutes last Thursday.  The kids always enjoy seeing you in our class.  Next week, we have Rylan's mom as our helper parent and Leila's dad as our story parent.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and I'd be happy to help! :) Did you know that I give each and every one of your kids several hugs a day???  I think it is important that they feel loved and safe at school every day!  It is the HET model that we have here at Sope Creek.  Yes, I expect a lot from my students and yes, I expect them to follow the rules for learning and safety for all...but I also Love everyone of your kids like he or she is my very own.  I spend many hours working for each individual, so if you ever feel like your child is not getting what they need, please let me know, because I expect the best for my own kids and that is what you should expect too.

P.S.  We have some sickness going around the classroom.  Remember to keep your child home if they have a fever or is throwing up for at least 24 hours before they come back.  A bad cough or runny nose that is green should be looked at too, so we can keep our classroom healthy.  Wash, wash, wash and as always, get lots of Rest!  Have a Great weekend!!