Math Races & Groundhog Day

We had great fun in class this week!

 

I tried something new.....we practiced math skills with a little friendly competition.  The students LOVED it, and I was amazed at their good sportsmanship (& math skills)!

 

My SUPERSTAR students rock at addition and subtraction word problems!

 

 

We spent a bit learning about Punxsutawney Phil and made predictions on whether or not he would see his shadow. 

 

If their predictions are correct ----- spring will be here sooner rather than later!
I can't wait!
 (I had 3 students absent....BOO....and one star (vote) is missing.  I wonder how that happened?)

The students also decorated the groundhog's burrow and wrote their prediction. 

 

 

I'm still convinced I have the BEST 1st grade class at GES. 
I would be willing to bet I have THE best class at GES.....period!

Enjoy your weekend,
Love, Mrs. Lair

Second Week Completed

We have completed the 2nd week since Christmas break.  

Time has FLOWN by! 

 

I enjoyed visiting with many of you at Parent's Night. 

I know schedules are hectic; I appreciate you taking the time to come to this important event!

 

Reading:  I know I am repeating myself.....please, please, please encourage your child to read.  Reading is one of the most important skills - in life.  In order to be successful in any other subject, they must be able to read.  Remember - reading well isn't (just) about "sounding" good, but comprehension must also be in place.  Ask your child to retell the story in their own words.  Ask your child who the characters were, where the setting was, and why or when something happened.  These types of questions will encourage your child to think about what they are reading. 

 

Math:  Practice math skills by incorporating real world connections.  "I just ate 2 red M&M's, there are 3 red M&M's left.  I wonder how many red M&M's there were all together?"  With a bit of thought almost all situations can be turned into a math problem. 

 

Enjoy the long weekend!  I will be excited to see my children on Tuesday!  Please make sure they are getting enough rest every night, because I plan to strengthen their brains by tiring them out!

Thank you - as always - for sharing your children with me,
Mrs. Lair

Goldfish, Penquins, and Tally Marks...OH MY!

We all survived the first week! 

I had so much fun with my new children this week. 

They accepted me with open arms, and I have fallen in love. 

I know things are different - new teacher and all - but each student rolled with the flow and did exceptional with the change. 

The first week is the hardest.

 

Here are a few pictures from our week:

Visiting the "new" classroom library.  It has been a big hit.

Morning Math Warm-up.

 

I can't wait for you to see the writing craft they are working on for Parent's Night!

 

Who says learning can't be fun?

The weather has not allowed outside recess....so I combined tally mark practice with a bit of exercise!

I have also introduced BRAIN GYM......ask your child to tell you about our days in the classroom.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

The EARLY RELEASE time has been CHANGED.

Thursday, January 16th and Friday, January 17th will be an early release day.  

Students will be released at 12 NOON.

Coming Up....

A few upcoming events:

 

THIS Thursday, January 9th is College Day.  Dress your child in your/their favorite college attire (not required, of course)! 

I will be sporting purple for SFA!

 

NEXT Tuesday, January 14th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. is Parent Night. 

I look forward to seeing all of you!

 

Thursday, January 16th and Friday, January 17th will be early release days. 

Students will be released at 12:30. 

 

Monday, January 20th - NO SCHOOL!

WE Survived....

Today was almost like the first day of school for me and my children.  We reviewed procedures (that are no doubt different than before), read, wrote, did math, and talked about the similarities and differences of our New Year's traditions versus China's New Year traditions.  It was a good day! 

 

I took pictures of each child, and I can't wait to hang them on my SUPERSTAR board! 
I plan to have them hanging by Monday.

I received some sweet treats - they made my day:

 

The treats really came in handy during lunchtime.  After warming my lunch (before opening the container) and opening the bowl to devour the meal - I realized I had picked up the WRONG container from the refrigerator:(  I was "lunchless" and HUNGRY!  I ate donut holes and brownies for lunch. 

Very nutritious!

 

I can't wait for tomorrow!  I hope all my children come back.....I hope I didn't scare them off!

 

Happy Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Classroom is Ready!

I feel like I spent every waking moment in my classroom over the break.....AND, I have LOVED every second of my time spent in the classroom.  I had help:  my husband, my sons, my mom, my dad....I am blessed to have supportive people surrounding me as I venture forth.

 

Speaking of my family:

I've written about them, but now you can "see" them!  Logan (age 12, 6th grade), Me (Old, 1st grade), Darin (Older!), and Jackson (age 12, 7th grade).

Here are some pictures of the "new" classroom:

 

 

I am going to take pictures of all the students and put their picture on my board of SUPERSTARS!

I rearranged the "Word Corner" area. 

I really want to encourage reading for fun, and I thought a nice reading nook would be inviting. 

 I plan to add bean bags in the near future.

 

 

I need to add the words to the word wall, but this is the general concept.

 

I cleaned out everyone's desk and removed all textbooks. 

I believe this will give them more room in their desks. 

We are fortunate to have such large and clean classrooms!

 

The only thing missing is children!