Coins, stars, and pizza!

Ready to move on to second grade!

It may have been the last full week of school, but it was a busy one! We have been immersed in identifying the names and values of coins, learning about stars and constellations, and having a fun break with a pizza party. Thank you to everyone who sent in boxtops - we won! The pizza from Brick House was great, and everyone loved eating together in class.

Thank you!

Yum

Great lunch

Just like a restaurant

Bring on the pizza!

Using money to sort, play games with, and count has been a big focus this week. Involving your kids in counting coins and in telling time to the hour and half hour would be great every day experiences for them to keep up the new concepts they are learning.

Add coins to win a ride on the ferris wheel

I'm almost to the ferris wheel

You tube coin chants

Working with coins

          

Perfect opportunity to bring in a quarter collection!

Graphing coins

Reading a coin book

I hope everyone gets a chance to stay up late once in a while this summer so they can look up at the night sky. The kids feel pretty confident that they can identify the Big Dipper, and then follow an imaginary line to see the North Star. They also could get a chance to see the moon in different phases.

Making the Big Dipper appear!

I see it!

More Big Dipper projects

Reader's Theater continued with our talented actors and actresses.

This week they performed Puss In Boots, Little Red Cap,

 and The Ugly Duckling.

Puss In Boots

The Ugly Duckling

Little Red Cap

I read a chapter book to the class over a couple of days, and I was so impressed at how rapt their attention was for a book with very few pictures. It is a Newbury Award winner written a long time ago and is called, My Father's Dragon.

Exciting and whimsical story

As the year comes to a close, we are writing a keepsake writing sample to attach to one they did in September, along with a self portrait from September and June. It is truly amazing to see the growth that occurred this year. That will come home on Tuesday. Here they are writing:

Showing off my progress!

Wait til you see my writing!

Of course reading skills have also blossomed this year. The kids were excited to be the 'scientist' and read aloud selections about the moon, sun, and stars. Then questions would be asked of the audience with a sticker reward. Great reading and great comprehension!

Scientist lesson!

Who knows the answer?!

Listen up everybody!

let me teach you...

Everyone read along with me!

Listen to the scientist!

I know all about space!

We have had a few fashion statements with friends surprising themselves when they walk in the door with the same cute outfit. Here's one now.

Pretty as a picture!

I'd like to take this chance to thank the other teachers in our room that have been part of your kid's lives this year. Mrs. Cappiello and Mrs. Mosher always have looked out for everyone, lent a helping hand, a listening ear, and a kind welcome. Many hands make light work, and I appreciate all they contributed to helping the classroom run smoothly and for sharing their skill and love with the kids. As they say, ' Couldn't have done it without you!' Thank you!

It's crazy busy but also fun. We have the Moving Up Day on Tuesday when the kids will visit their second grade classroom. I will add a few Last Day photos and friendship pictures next week to wrap up. In the meantime, enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Dagley