The sense of feeling using texture vocabulary

Last week we dove head first into our science unit on magnets. In order to properly investigate as scientist, we had to explore a little about the scientific process. After discovering that scientist begin with a question, they make a prediction (or hypothesis) and then test to discover an answer. One thing we focused on was how we describe our findings (or observations) to others. We really need to use our five senses in order to properly describe our observations. A key element we need is vocabulary. Ms. Wilker came in to help us build some of our vocabulary around the sense of feeling. We learned all about different textures and words we can use to explain those textures to others.

We started with a little game where someone reached into a box and had to describe what they felt:

Once we completed this activity, and had added many texture words to our vocabulary, everyone got to create their very own hand with different items on each finger and texture words to describe those items: 

While working on this lesson we made some awesome connections to our reading on Louise Braille and Helen Keller. We shared about how people who are blind use their sense of feeling to explore the world. Many people who cannot see must have awesome texture vocabulary and the ability to picture people and things around them with their sense of touch. Therefore, this was also a great lesson to prepare us for our field trip to Dorina Nowill. 

Measurement

In math last week, we spent a couple of days exploring the world of measurement. We discovered that clocks and calendars allow us to measure time. Everyone also knew that people need to measure how long things are to make them fit. We discussed the difference between standard and non-standard measurement, and we discussed why measuring with standard measurement is so important. Turns out, when you measure with non-standard items the measurements are often unequal. We recognized that when you measure a carpet with dominoes versus when you measure it with blocks, you get two very different answers. It sure would be hard for Ms. England to buy a new rug with a measurement of 54 dominoes by 34 dominoes (especially since we also found out that not even all the dominoes were the same length)!

Kindness and Understanding lesson with Mrs. Neubern

Sitting quietly back to back, if you concentrate and focus you can really feel your partner's breathing. If you both close your eyes and feel each other's breath, you can breathe in sync. It is very challenging, yet rewarding. Our class really enjoyed this activity!

Ms. Keane's Field Trip Fun

On Tuesday students had a great time at the Dorina Nowill Institute. They listened to a story read from brail and wrote their first letter of their name in brail. They also got to take some fun pictures. It was a great experience and will lead to our community service project, the first grade walk-a-thon, to raise money for the institute. Check out some pictures below.

Curriculum Update: What's Going on in First Grade?

Literacy: Students have begun readers and writers workshop. Our focus during writer's workshop is small moment. Students are practicing sight words and have been introduced spelling. During reading they are currently working on picking just right books so please make sure to read with your child at home.

Math: Students have completed unit one on routines and review of number sense. Students practiced counting, skip counting, and using tally marks.

Science: We will soon begin our unit on Magnets. Students will learn how magnets can attract and repel. They will have opportunities to explore and experiment during a Magnet Fair. In a few more weeks, students will visit our maker space and have the opportunity to build a toy or invention that uses the properties of magnets.

Social Studies: Students are learning about How We Get Along in School? We share, talk, listen, and take turns. Students are also learning how to solve conflicts. They are also learning Why Do We Have Rules and the Eagle Way.

Portuguese: 

Nas últimas aulas, além de conversarmos sobre a Independência do Brasil e a comemoração dos 100 anos do Samba, finalizamos a produção do nosso primeiro livro, chamado "Eu", em que cada aluno falou sobre si e suas preferências. Para publicar o livro, criamos uma editora e escolhemos um nome para ela. Neste processo, falamos sobre como funciona uma editora e o trabalho do autor e do ilustrador.

First Grade Walk-a-thon

First Grade Walk-a-thon

Pledge sheets for our Walk-a-thon were sent home in your child's folder today!

On Friday Sept. 29th, all first graders will complete as many laps as they can on the track  to raise money for Fundacao Dorina Nowill, a foundation that helps the blind by publishing and distributing books in braille.

( https://www.fundacaodorina.org.br/)

Before the walk-a-thon begins, students need to get pledges from friends and family members who will sponsor them for a certain amount of money per lap. (Most students should complete between 5 to 10 laps.)  All money raised will go towards supporting Fundacao Dorina Nowill.  Please help your child get pledges.  Every first grader will participate even if they are unable to get pledges.  Parents are invited to come and cheer us on or walk along with us on Sept 29th at 9:15 am on the track.

Please let us know if you have any questions.  Pledge forms are due on or before the morning of Sept 29th.  Then they will be tallied and returned to the students that day so they can immediately start collecting their pledges.  Students will have a week to collect and bring in the money.

Thank you for your support,

The first grade team

Lower School Update - September 18, 2017

Learning Community Assemblies

Learning Community B will have their first assembly on Friday starting at 8:15 am in the auditorium. We hope you can join us!

The Eagle Way

Our students are proud of themselves and how they are learning The Eagle Way!  In fact, they are so excited about it that our 3rd graders decided to share it last week on their field trip in Liberdade.  Click these links to see just a bit of their enthusiasm.   Video #1  Video #2

Room Parents

Our room parents (volunteer parent representatives from each class) met last week to plan for the year ahead. In the coming weeks, all parents will receive communication from the room parents with more information about volunteering in the classroom, communicating with each other, and special events at school.

Book Drive

The Do Something Club, a High School service learning club, is launching a book drive this week. They have partnered with Caritas, which supports children aged 3-14 years old from favelas around São Paulo. Boxes will be set up in front of the libraries for families to donate books. While all books are gladly accepted, books with beginner level English or beginner-intermediate level Portuguese are in high demand.

A Note from the Nurses
Thank you to all the families who have returned the required health form sent on Aug. 11, 2017. If you have not yet returned it we want to remind you, after October 2nd, 2017, the Graded Nurse's Office will not be allowed to administer any medication, prescription or over the counter, to students who do not have a form filled out and stamped by a Brazilian doctor. Please send the original form (must be original and not scanned or emailed) to the Graded Nurse's Office by October 2, 2017. Thank you for your cooperation.

Upcoming Important Dates

September 19	PTA Coffee: Positive Discipline 8:15 am (Auditorium) 1st Grade Field Trip - Fundaçao Dorina Nowill (Ms. Keane & Ms. Heineberg)
September 22	Community B Assembly 8:15 am (Auditorium) 1st Grade Field Trip - Fundaçao Dorina Nowill (Ms. Burnquist & Ms. England)
September 29	Community C Assembly 8:15 am (Auditorium) 1st Grade Walk-a-Thon 9:15 am (Field) LS Family Movie Night (Field)
October 3	PTA Board Meeting 1:00 pm (Room E12)
October 6	Community D Assembly 8:15 am (Auditorium)
October 9-11	PTA Teacher Appreciation Week
October 12 & 13	Nossa Senhora Aparecida Holiday (no school for all students)

Around the Lower School