Thanks for all the interview forms. I think I've created a schedule that works for everyone. I'm just checking with your other children's teachers, and then I'll send home a confirmation. If you can't make your time, please let me know or call the school office ASAP. Thanks!
Now, in grade 1 there isn't normally any homework beyond working on reading, however, I didn't think you'd mind helping out with a bit of a science "research" project. Yesterday we were talking about how people use clothing to prepare for the four seasons. We did a sorting activity, placing various clothing items and accessories into hula hoops representing the seasons as a way to discuss how we change the way we dress to suit the weather and the activities we do at different times of year. Another way that people protect themselves from the elements is shelter, our homes. I've asked the scientists to investigate their home to discover features that help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They already mentioned a few ideas - blankets, the air conditioner and the door. Other things you might hint at are windows, the insulation in the walls, the heater, fans and maybe a fireplace. I have marked the page in everyone's science duotang and the scientists should be able to explain what they need to do. They need to, at least, draw pictures of 3 or 4 things for each box. If you want to go a bit further and look up the French words, they can write them on the lines as well. My favourite online dictionary is linked to this blog, but you don't have to go nuts, we can do the vocab part at school. The main thing is for the kids to do their exploring and get their ideas drawn.
The next time we will need our science duotangs at school is Tuesday. Hopefully this gives everyone enough time to complete the activity. It shouldn't take too much time, and the scientists can bring it back as soon as it's done, but please by Tuesday at the latest so that we can talk about their findings!
Thank you for helping out!
You may remember that in the first day newsletter, I mentioned listening to reading as part of our routine. Well today we started using our listening centre and computer centre for the first time. We now have calendars for these centres, and children will get a turn at each around once a month. When it is their turn, listening to reading at their centre will replace their independent reading time.
At the computer, I am teaching students how to navigate to the Centre Soleil (under Language Links). There, they select one of 3 animated stories that Carmen reads aloud while the words light up so that they can follow along. They can also work on the vocabulary in the story, and if they have time, do other fun activities in Centre Soleil.
At the listening centre, students listen to a story on CD while they follow along in the book. We listened to one together today, learning how to turn the pages at the cue, and especially how to use and carefully put away the materials.
The students who had their first turn today did an excellent job using their centres, and the rest of the class did a great job focusing on their own books, without becoming distracted by the computers.
Ask your student about these 2 centres and keep checking to see if they've had their first turn!
Finally, we just finished reading a pretty hilarious book about an owl named Hulul. In each chapter, Hulul has some kind of funny problem, and he usually comes up with an equally crazy solution. I think the kids enjoyed the book as much as I did. Please ask them about Hulul and what kinds of silly problems he had!
Have a great weekend!