Math pics

Just to keep you all in the loop…we started our math program today with learning about patterns.  Apparently you folks have been feeding your children patterns for breakfast because they ALL had it in the bag with some even creating super complex patterns.  Wow!

And FYI, the K math program is more manipulative-based while the Grade 1s are using a math workbook combined with manipulatives.

Enjoy!

Communication Folders

Laminated folders came home today (although, several were involved in an accident with the laminator and are being redone).  These are meant to travel back and forth between home and school.  They will protect and organize any papers that parents need to see and anything you would like to return to me.  This is also just another level of responsibility for the children who must put their papers inside, get it into their backpacks and back to school.  Each morning that they are returning the folder, it should go into the white basket inside the classroom.  I will check the inside of the folders before the end of the day to collect anything inside.  There is no need for THEM to empty the folder and bring the contents to me…things can get dropped and lost in the shuffle on busy days.

They may need some reminders early on but this should become part of their routine soon.

If there are no papers to come home, the folder will stay at school but please immediately return the folder to school once it comes home.

Thanks

Some first "normal" day pics

Hallelujah!  Beginnings of routine today.  Happy faces all around!

Weather and Clothes

Clearly, the wet weather is upon us!  Please ensure that your child brings or wears proper rain gear to school on such days.

Also, each child should have a change of clothes that can be left at school.  This comes in handy quite often.  This is typically sent to school in a plastic bag of sorts and left hanging on their assigned hook until needed.

Thanks!

Morning Routine and Schedule

*Subject to minor changes as I tinker with juggling K/1 curriculum/needs.

Music with Ms. Dunkley is on Mondays from 10:40-11:10 and Thursdays from 9:50-10:20
Library with Ms. Lee is on Wednesdays from 1:20-2:00
Gym - Tuesday, 1:30-2:00 and Thursday, 1:40-2:00
Guided Reading Gr 1s from 9:35-10:15 every day except Thursday (beginning Oct. 6)
Choosing in Open Area with all primaries for Gr 1s from 2:20-2:50 every day except Wednesday
Early Dismissal Wednesdays at 2:00
iPads - Thursday and Friday, 11:30-12:00

The daily routine is starting to take shape.  We are slowly implementing new routines into our days.  Eventually all of the following will be part of the regular routine (some we have not started yet).

Upon arrival:

• children take their name from the sign in board and move it from "absent" to "present."
• say good morning to the teacher with eye contact
• take care of their belongings - notices and things being returned to the teacher go into the white basket
• choose a book and sit on the carpet to read with friends and check in with each other
• teacher checks in with students, organizes returned notices and does attendance

After book time/morning:

• Calendar (lots of math) will be teacher led until some point in October.  From that point on, calendar is led by a special helper each day (information specific to special helper still to come)
• Lesson of the day (story, letter of the week, art activity, writing activity, etc.) Extension for Grade 1s
• Work centres
• Choosing time in the classroom at learning centers
• Guided Reading for Gr 1s
• Cleanup, hand washing, bathroom, snack until recess

After recess

• Numeracy activities - mainly using manipulatives, whole group, small group, pairs.
• Daily Physical Activity/body movement
• Art/Curriculum Grade 1s
• Choosing time in classroom at learning centres
• Cleanup, hand washing, bathroom, 1/2 lunch eaten

After lunch

• Quiet as a Mouse time (lights out, classical music plays, no talking, option to look at books, draw in Quiet as a Mouse books, or just relax.  This is their time to be in their own space, enjoy some peace and quiet, self direct, and reflect.  We all LOVE it!  
• Sharing for the special helper (not yet - information about sharing is to follow)
• Science/Health and Career/Social Studies (depending on the day)
• Adventure time outside, weather permitting
• Choosing time in Open Area for Grade 1s
• Wash hands for final snack time of the day - *please note that on 2:00 dismissal days we may or may not have time for this snack as this normally occurs at 2:30.  Some days are busier than others.  These snacks are usually not perishable but if it is it could go to waste - perhaps consider only sending non perishables for that snack.
• Packing up for home time - it is their job to stack their chair and pack their bags, put boots on, jackets zipped, etc.  I tell them that a "hands free student is a well organized student" and they will be reciting this soon enough.

Welcome to Div. 14!

This site is a work in progress but once it is up and running, it will be the primary way that I communicate with the parent group as a whole.  Please do "follow by email" so that you stay up to date on field trips, class news, curriculum information, and pictures of what's going on.

More to come soon...