Week 8

Eric Carle Art

We have been reading many books written and illustrated by Eric Carle.  This week we learned the way he illustrates his books.  He makes his own paper to create his pictures.  We made orange, brown and green paper by mixing prime colors to make a pumpkin.  Look at our colorful and unique pumpkins!  I love them!!!!

Mystery Number Skype

We had fun getting together with Ms. Lirenman's grade one students from Canada via Skype again.  This time we worked on mystery number guesses.  We got to ask and answer some clue questions to guess the number. We asked:

• Is the number between ___ and ____?
• Is it bigger/greater than ____?
• Is it smaller/less than ____?

We are looking forward to doing Mystery Number Skype again!

Halloween Party

Our class would like to have a Halloween party on Thursday, October 31 from 1:40-2:30.  If you are interested in helping us celebrate, please e-mail me.  Thank you.

Water Helper

Jarred

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, October 23 --- 1:45 Dismissal

Week 7

Healthiest State Walk

On Wednesday our district spent 20 minutes walking the high school track.  We enjoyed our walk with the high school helpers:)

The Very Hungry Student

Ms. Lirenman's class in Canada and our class worked together to create books called "The Very Hungry Student" after reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle over the Skype call last week.  What an awesome job we all did!

Group One
Mrs. DeGroot's Class - Saige, Merek, Faith, Jarred
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Carlos, Mya, Yvonne, Brayden

Group Two
Mrs. DeGroot's Class - Isabella, Keegan, Keagan, Merek
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Keegan, Brenda, Jaslehna, Diego

Group Three
Mrs. DeGroot's Class - Ryker, Benson, Preston, Sam
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Camron, Natasha, Jessica, Amaan

Group Four
Mrs. DeGroot's Class -  Sicily, Torry, Addison, Blake
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Daniel, Karman, Arun, Karanvir

Group Five
Mrs. DeGroot's Class - Kloi, Karter, Abi, Alex
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Jadyn, Simar, Seth, Diego

Group Six
Mrs. DeGroot's Class - JD, Mason, Kiana, Nicky
Ms. Lirenman's Class - Grayson, Joban, Marcus, Adien

Sight Words

 In first grade we are working hard on our reading skills. Along with our reading we need to work on sight words or high frequency words. These are words that cannot be sounded out phonetically; but rather must be recognized at first sight. Research shows that 60-75% of words in children’s literature are these sight words or high frequency words.In order for your child to recognize these words automatically, they must practice them at home as well as at school. 

So...I am beginning a program for sight words. One day a week (Wednesday) I will have your child read the sight words on his/her list. I will move your child to the next level when he/she has mastered that level (within 45 seconds & with 96% or better accuracy = 1 or no mistake). Please find the first list of words in your child's Friday folder.

There are nine levels of words.  I have linked all the words under "sight words" on the right. I also posted some ideas for fun activities that you can do at home.

I realize this will take a few minutes of time every evening, but the effects will be phenomenal! Also, do not forget to read to your child and have them read to you regularly. This program will help them to develop a love for reading as they become more successful. Thank you for your cooperation!

Water Helper

Isabella

Week 6

News from Miss Blaser

On Monday we got to Skype with Ms. L’s class in Canada! It was very fun to “meet” our new first grade friends.  Our classes will be working together to make a book that follows the pattern of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  

This week we have also been learning about living and non-living things.  We discovered that all living things breathe, grow, and need food and water.  

On Thursday, we had some guests from Hyvee to teach us more about flowers and how to help them live longer.  We each got to bring home a bouquet and learned how to make homemade plant food! 

We had an exciting homecoming week! We hung posters in our classroom to show our school spirit.  Everyone was all smiles at the pep assembly Friday morning and had fun watching the parade Friday afternoon! 

Water Helper Calendar

Help Wanted!

Are you interested in volunteering in our classroom?  If you could dedicate your time weekly  to work with small groups or individual students, please e-mail me! Thank you!

Seed Day

Monday, October 7 is Seed Day.  The students have been asked to bring seeds to school. Please help your child with this homework! 

Places to look:

1. In a park or along the bike path

2. In your yard or garden

3. In your kitchen

**No peanuts or tree nuts, please! 

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 7 --- Seed Day

Wednesday, October 9 --- 1:45 Dismissal