Place Value Continues

The students are grasping the concepts of place value! It is fun to see them making connections to what they already know about numbers and math skills and applying these new concepts! These continue to be our intended outcomes from this unit:

-solve one-step word problems with the unknown in any position.
-represent a problem in multiple ways including objects, drawings and equations.
-count to 120 starting at any given number less than 120.
-read and write numerals from 0 to 120.
-represent the amount of objects (0-120) in a group with a written number.
-bundle ten ones to make a ten.
-identify the amount of tens and ones in a given number.
-compare two two-digit numbers based on place value meanings.
-use symbols (>, =, <) to record the comparison of two two-digit numbers.
-explain a comparison of two two-digit numbers.

Student Updates

We still have several weeks before we get to have face to face conferences once again! Progress reports are about 4 weeks out (give or take) so I feel it's a good time to just touch base with you and give you a snap shot of your child's progress! It's also a good time for me to share if there is anything your child should be working on in the coming weeks. Some of you have already heard from me. If you have not, do not fret!

Writing

We started our poetry/song unit this week! This is a *new* unit for first grade and I am SUPER excited for it! Already on day one the students were anxious to jump right in and start writing poems and songs! I told them this would be a learning experience for myself as well!

Across this unit children will learn to experiment with powerful language, to use line breaks, metaphor, and comparison to convey feeling. By the end of the unit writers will enjoy using both precise and extravagant language to capture what they see and feel. To begin this unit we are beginning to immerse the students in the rhythm, sounds, and ideas of poetry. Students are already noticing how poetry is different than the text they're used to reading and from the writing they typically do. Poets use white space and line breaks to tell how the poems should be read. Students were surprised to learn that not all poems rhyme. Some tell stories, others are lists. We will also sing a number of simple songs (i.e. twinkle, twinkle, happy birthday, the wheels on the bus, etc.), so that they have tunes in their heads that they can rely upon as they venture into song writing.

SOUP-er Bowl - Canned Food Drive

Second grade is sponsoring an all school canned SOUP drive. If your child has any to donate, you can send them in this week! :0)

Dates

January 29 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Soup Drive BEGINS
January 30 - PTO Meeting in Library - Internet Safety (9:15am)
February 2 - Yearbook Orders DUE
February 2 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Soup Drive ENDS
February 3 - Annual Pancake Breakfast (9-11am -- Cafeteria)
February 5 - Science Fair Celebration Projects DUE (8:30-9am)
February 7 - Late Start Day (11:05) (Drop off Begins at 10:45)
February 8 - Science Fair Celebration Event (6:30-7:15pm)
February 10 - SVE Trivia Night at CBC (Doors Open at 6pm)
February 12 - Project Parkway @ Central High (6:30-8pm)
February 13 - Spirit of Excellence @UMSL (6:30-7:30pm)
February 15 - End of Trimester
February 16 - NO SCHOOL - Records Day
February 19 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day
February 20 - Safe Surf Presentation in Library (7-8pm)
February 22 - Parkway Science Fair Registration DUE
February 23 - 5th Grade Field Trip
February 27 - 5th Gr Music, Strings, Honors Orch Concert (6:30pm)

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Mon = A) (Tues = B) (Wed = C) (Thurs = D) (Fri = E)

Dates

January 22 - California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser (11am-9pm)
January 23 - Kindergarten Registration Day (7:30am-6pm)
January 24 - Operations Staff Job Fair @Central Middle (4:30-6:30pm)
January 26 - 5th gr Middle School Registration Forms DUE
January 26 - Honors Orchestra Performs at Tan-Tar-A
January 27 - Parkway Alumni Assoc Annual Trivia Night
January 29 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Food Drive BEGINS
January 30 - PTO Meeting in Library (9:15am)
February 2 - Yearbook Orders DUE
February 2 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Food Drive ENDS
February 3 - Annual Pancake Breakfast (9-11am -- Cafeteria)
February 5 - Science Fair Celebration Projects DUE (8:30-9am)
February 7 - Late Start Day (11:05) (Drop off Begins at 10:45)
February 8 - Science Fair Celebration Event (6:30-7:30pm)
February 10 - SVE Trivia Night at CBC
February 12 - Project Parkway @ Central High (6:30-8pm)
February 13 - Spirit of Excellence @UMSL (6:30-7:30pm)
February 15 - End of Trimester
February 16 - NO SCHOOL - Records Day
February 19 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Mon = A) (Tues = B) (Wed = C) (Thurs = D) (Fri = E)

Balance and Weighing

In this unit, students expand their understanding of the relationship between balance and weight as they explore activities in balancing, comparing, and weighing.

After our studies, students will be able to:

Place objects in order according to mass
Use an equal arm balance and various objects to illustrate arrangements in which the beam is balanced
Measure and compare the mass of objects (more/less)
Measure mass using a balance and non-standard measurements (unifix cubes)
Compare amounts/measurements
Make observations using simple tools and equipment

Essential Questions Update

Essential Questions for upcoming Reading and Writing units:

Writing: Music in our hearts (poetry)

1. How can I study published songs and poems in order to notice what other writers do? How can I try some of those things in my own writing?
2. How can I write lots of songs and poems—writing about things that matter to me?
3. How can I show my thoughts and feelings in my poems?
4.How can I make my songs and poems longer and then get them ready for publication?

Reading: Story Elements

1.What makes a story?

2.How do readers use story elements to stay engaged with the text?

3.How do changes in story elements influence the story?

New Science unit (beginning 1/17) Balance and Weighing

1.How does weight affect balance?
2.Are bigger things always heavier?
3.How can using a balance help place objects in order?

Current Math unit: Place Value
1.How can understanding place value help me solve problems?
2.How are addition and subtraction related to counting?
3.How can I communicate my math thinking?

Word Work

This week we are working on the "ing" chunk. This includes words like ding, sing, bring, but also the inflected ending ing such as digging, sipping, spinning, etc.

Accountable words: you, your

Dates to be aware of

January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO School
January 16 - Orchestra Concert at Central High (7pm)
January 17 - Board of Education Meeting at Central Middle (7pm)
January 18 - 5th Gr Central Middle Registration Visit (9:30-11:30)
January 18 - 5th Gr Parent Orientation Night at Central Middle (7pm)
January 22 - California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser (11am-9pm)
January 23 - Kindergarten Registration Day (7:30am-6pm)
January 24 - Operations Staff Job Fair @Central Middle (4:30-6:30pm)
January 26 - 5th gr Middle School Registration Forms DUE
January 26 - Honors Orchestra Performs at Tan-Tar-A
January 27 - Parkway Alumni Assoc Annual Trivia Night
January 29 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Food Drive BEGINS
January 30 - PTO Meeting in Library (9:15am)
February 2 - Yearbook Orders DUE
February 2 - Soup-er Bowl Canned Food Drive ENDS
February 5 - Science Fair Celebration Projects DUE (8:30-9am)

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Mon = No School) (Tues = B) (Wed = C) (Thurs = D) (Fri = E)

Online Flashcards

Many students are still struggling with automatic recall of basic math facts. We are using this site at school to practice on the chrome books : https://www.varsitytutors.com/aplusmath/flashcards. I like it because you can set addition or subtraction, level of difficulty, # of problems to complete, and choose between multiple choice or fill in the blank. Even 5-10 minutes per day would be beneficial!

Six Flags Read to Succeed

The Six Flags Read to Succeed forms are due at the end of this month. I've gotten a few in. Remember if you are participating, please get your child's form turned in before Feb. 1! If you need a new recording sheet, let me know!

Math Update

After winter break we started our unit on place value. Place value is imperative for the work your students will be doing in second grade and beyond. A deep foundation understanding of these concepts will be beneficial in the future!

This unit focuses on counting to 120 by tens and ones, reading and writing numbers to 120, and representing a number of objects with a written numeral for quantities to 120. Students’ understanding of the place value system is strengthened preparing them for 2-digit addition and subtraction.  The concept of tens and ones is developed, which is a key foundation of the base- 10 number system.  Students use their understanding of place value to compare 2-digit numbers.  A Big Idea that connects most of the work in this unit is that the base- 10 numeration system is a scheme for recording numbers using digits 0-9, groups of 10, and place value.

Dreambox link for home: Play Dreambox At Home

Writing Update

Students continue to produce some very informative non-fiction books which showcase the topics they know most about. Topics range from monkeys, gymnastics, soccer, reindeer, how to get super-powers and the list goes on! We are focusing on adding TEXT FEATURES such as a table of contents, captions, bold print (and glossaries), and headings to further enhance their books. It has worked out well to have a non-fiction reading unit at the same time. Students are really learning to apply what they learn in reading into their books!

Word Work - These are the word chunks we have learned up to this point:
-at -an -all -ad -ap -ack "sh" -ash -et -ell -ent -est -in -it -ill -ick -op -ot -ug -ump

There are the accountable words we have worked on:
all  had  back  the  no  she  get  tell  went  best  am  did  will  if  stop  got  he  big  up  him

Handwriting: We continue to work on handwriting as needed. The students' handwriting is REALLY looking great!

Upcoming Unit: Poetry : Music in our Hearts!

Science Fair Info

SVE Science Fair Info on our website: https://mo01931486.schoolwires.net/domain/237

SVE Science Fair Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrGEYsNGqY0EBFIiRgGBQt30NiDSdvKNRr4BRK7wKHg-atuQ/viewform?c=0&w=1



Click on the link below for the following documents:

Important Science Fair Dates

Science Fair Display Board Order Form

How To Do a Science Fair Project

Elementary Experiment Project Guide

Science Fair Safety Form

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XqxKuhMkNjOBoo6Wr750X8sAJElYFLz9

Feel free to contact our Science Fair Celebration Coordinators with any questions that you have.

Mrs. Mitchell  cmitchell@parkwayschools.net

Ms. Eufinger  meufinger@parkwayschools.net