Miss Murray

We are off to such a great start! As Dr. Seuss says, “Oh, the places we will go….” First grade is such an amazing year for your children. They are ripe and eager for learning. They have demonstrated this to me in so many ways. First of all, I would like to thank you for the support you have already shown me. I received some lovely notes of support and Papa Jake brought me a loaf of homemade bread! Thank you all for everything. I love your children, and we are having so-o-o much fun in class. Our Language Arts program is in full swing. The children are reading, practicing handwriting, spelling, and some are writing in journals. They will each start at their own pace. Our circle time as a group has been a great success.

Math is getting off to a slower start but coming along. We are using lots of manipulatives to demonstrate and get them ready for more abstract math. There is a large range of abilities in the classroom in this area. They are all working in a way consistent with their abilities. We have two field trips set up for November and May. We are going to see plays put on by Pandemonium Productions. I already have a parent who is going with us. It is so nice that our small class will fit so nicely in the van this year. Remember when it comes time, if you wish for your child to sit in a car seat, be sure to drop it off at morning drop-off. Another field trip is in the making. We will go to the Natural History Museum before our study of dinosaurs is completed. I would like to see if there is any interest in the whole school in going to McCall’s pumpkin patch this year. We did it last year, and it was so much fun. All the children can bring back a pumpkin. Please let me know if you are interested. The children are really enjoying the dinosaur unit. We made fossils one afternoon, we’ve read many, many books about
dinosaurs, and we have done some art projects as well. The children seem very enthused.

Our circle time in the morning is very important. It sets the tone for the day. The children should be ready at 8:30 to come to circle. Getting ready involves a few things. They should put on their indoor shoes, empty their book bags, get a new book for home, and come sit in circle. This could take 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the child. It is so helpful if you can have your child arrive at school by 8:20. We begin our circle with a hand shake greeting that goes all the way around the circle. Then we read a message I have written. If there are any announcements or special events the children have participated in, this is usually the time to share that information. We move immediately into our math board circle. One child each week has the job of updating the math board. They eagerly await their week to do this. If they are not at school on time they will unfortunately miss their turn. I feel sad when that has to happen because they are so disappointed, however, I cannot hold up the entire class. So-o-o please, please have your child at school on time. Also, this year, three tardies are written up as an unexcused absence. To help motivate the children I am giving out Friday stickers for those arriving in circle on time. This is an area could use your help.

I asked the kids to bring place mats for their snacks and lunch. Only a couple of kids have done this. It makes our lives easier if they have one. If they eat on a place mat the table is ready for work after eating. If not, we have to stop to clean tables. We do that at the end of every day, but it is time consuming to stop and do that twice during the day. The place mats can stay at school during the week and come home on Fridays.

The weather is very changeable now. Please remember to send the children in layers. When we hit our first snow storm they will need to have snow pants, snow boots, hats and gloves at school every day. We go outside in almost every kind of weather. They may keep these at school.

E1 Spanish:

We will review colors and then practice using them as adjectives. Students will be introduced to noun/adjective agreement and learn a special Calabaza (pumpkin) halloween song. New units of study will be clothing and family members. E1 Art: Students are finishing up recycled-art sculptures. We will make necklaces with clay pendants and trees with fall colors. An after school program with clay begins in November. I’m offering a camp on the teacher in-service days, October 31st and November 1st. Sign-up is on the Art room door.