Hello Families,   

I hope everyone has enjoyed the weekend! I am enjoying the cooler weather in the mornings. This past week flew by, and we had great fun doing our apple science experiments! We used our observation skills to describe and color images of our apples. We then weighed and measured them, too. This week, we will be graphing our favorite kinds of apples. We will also make applesauce. Thank you to those who donated the apples! With these activities, I point out the importance of using math and writing in our science curriculum. There is nothing like using a life skill like cooking to show them why we read and measure accurately!In math, we worked on telling time to an hour and a half an hour. We used the clocks given to us by the Jenkins family a few years ago and had fun learning our rhyme to tell time:

The long hand is long and strong,

It ticks the minutes on and on.

The small hand has all the power,

That is why it points to the hour!   

Even if they remember one part, it gives them help to tell time.

In reading, we are reading nonfiction passages about apples, bats, and pumpkins. One of the activities they particularly enjoy during reading time is our weekly ‘Book Shopping.’ On Mondays, they get to visit me at a table with books spread out for their choosing. This activity not only fosters their love for reading but also helps them develop their reading skills. There are books with themes that the students have strong interests in and are great fits for what they are learning about reading during our group times.

During reading groups, one section is ‘Independent Reading’. During this time they grab their book bags, a reading pad, and sit where they choose to enjoy their books. Often we do partner reading too, where they share the book choices they made with a partner.     

  This week, we have a special Friday planned! Our Oktoberfest will be from noon-2pm.  The form for purchasing a wristband, raffle tickets, and Kona Ice is below if you have not submitted it yet. The form is due tomorrow as it is a presale event. There will be game booths, and a sweets walk, as well as raffle prizes, and the Kona Ice truck too. It is a new event at our school. We are grateful for your support and hope you can join us for this exciting day.      

Volunteers needed for Primary Centers for Friday, October 25th! Please email me if you can volunteer. As a reminder, you sign up to volunteer in first grade from 10-11:40. You stay in our room to help pass out items needed to students, encourage their creativity, and help clean up. Please let me know if you can join us.

Have a wonderful week– Trudi Driscoll