Pilgrims and Indians

 It was so nice to be back on Monday after missing two days last week. I'm happy to say that we had no one sick this week! This week we were able to talk a lot about the first Thanksgiving during social studies and some writing time. 

On Monday we compared what the the first Thanksgiving was like, to how our Thanksgivings are today. Though their are many differences like how we dress and cook, there are also many similarities like eating with loved ones and praising God. Tuesday we talked more about Pilgrims and their journey to America. The students made step-by-step drawings of Pilgrims. 

Wednesday, the first graders made a colorful chain to help them remember the story of the first Thanksgiving. On Thursday, we talked about how God used Squanto to help the pilgrims, and then made some Indian vests.

The first graders are Friday showed their thankfulness by preparing treat bags for some special people in the school who they want to thank. I won't say anymore in case they read this blog!

In phonics, the Kindergartners learned about "m" and "o", and read some word families with them. They also worked on early writing skills by writing about what they were thankful for. First grade is getting use to long vowel sounds, by practicing the rule "when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking". Be sure to ask them to sing you the song! They also have been working on a writing project. It's about a time that made them happy. 

Math has also been busy with both grades. Kindergartners are learning their "30s", while first graders have been counting coin and reading thermometers. 

Next week is a short week with Thanksgiving. Tuesday is the feast, and the students are welcomed to dress up like Pilgrims or Indians that day! Hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Up Up and Away!

We had another great week in Kindergarten/First Grade! Thank you everyone who participated in any way at the auction! Every year we just feel so blessed! The students did a great job showing the blanket and car up on stage, and made a quite a bit of donations!

On Monday this week, we tested out the paper airplanes that the students had made over the weekend! I have a confession...I do not know how to make a paper airplane. Multiple students have taught me over the years...and I still can't! So, I was super impressed by some of the designs! We did three test flights, and had three different winners. 

To further the sky theme this week, we also did two science experiments involving rain and wind. The first one showed how clouds hold rain, until it rains. It was fun anticipating the color to go through the cloud until it fell to the bottom of the jar. In the second experiment we made a tornado in a jar, and watched debris (aka glitter) fly around the jar. 

In reading, the Kindergarteners are sounding out more and more words everyday! We introduced "a" recently, and have been working on all the "a" word families to go with it. On Thursday we played the favorite game "Stinky Feet" to help review some word families. It was a close game, with even the first graders cheering from the sidelines! Who needs baseball ;)

First Graders also have exciting news in reading, as they started their third reader book! We have also introduced long vowels this week, working closely with silent "e". 

Clocks has been the new thing for both grades during math time. We've been making times, telling times, sequencing times in the day, and sorting day/night activities. First graders are also beginning to count by twos. 

Next week we plan to finish off our sky theme, along with discuss what a president is on election day. Have a great weekend!