Gratitude

As I reflect on 2015, I am so grateful for my CREW this year.  They are kind, creative and curious.  We cannot thank you enough for your help with our Pajama Project.  We collected and counted 203 pairs of pajamas that were given to Douglas County Health and Human Services.  Scholastic Book Clubs donated a book per pair of pajamas.  Thank you for your help with our compassion project.  I hope you enjoyed the December Compassion Calendar and the Conversation Bucket over the holidays.  I look forward to a learning filled 2016! 

First Grade Holiday Gifts

Here are a few of my favorite holiday gifts for first graders.

Reading Materials

*magazines - Sports Illustrated for Kids, Ranger Rick, Zoobooks

*book series - Frog and Toad, Amelia Bedelia, Francis, Henry and Mudge, Mr. Putter and Tabby, Little Critter

Games
 

*Number games such as UNO, Skip-Bo, Rack-o

*Puzzle Games such as Q-Bitz or Blokus

Toys and Such

~scarves, blocks and art supplies lead to great imagination and creativity

Have a great 2 weeks off.  I hope your time is filled with lots of family, stories, conversation and imagination.  See you January 4.

It's Pajama Time

First Grade is hosting an all school Scholastic Pajama Drive for those in need in Douglas County.  We will be collecting pajamas until Wednesday, December 16.  For every pair of new pajamas sized newborn to adult that we collect, Scholastic Books will donate one free book to go with the pajamas.  The students are so excited to show compassion to our community by contributing pajamas.  Our school wide goal is 200 pairs.

We will be having our classroom holiday party on December 17 from 9-10 am.  We will wear our pajamas on Thursday, December 17, to celebrate our donation and to watch "The Polar Express" that afternoon to celebrate the holidays.  Thank you for your support!

Celebration of Learning

Our Celebration of Learning is Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm.  All first graders need to come to the classroom at 5:45 pm dressed up.  Please make sure to not over dress your child on this evening.  The rooms tend to get warm and sharing their learning can make first graders feel a little nervous.  

Parents, family and guests will go to the gym for our performance to start at 6 pm.  After our performance, please come to the first and second grade classrooms to learn all about our expedition "Everybody Has a Story".  I encourage you to visit your student along with 4 other first graders.  They have been working so hard! 

Celebration of Learning (COL) Visitor Targets:

 I can visit at least 4 student presentations during the COL.

 I can visit more than one grade level during the evening.

 I can provide positive presentation feedback to students to celebrate their learning.
Here are some questions to ask throughout the night:

1. Where did you really have to persevere?
2. Explain how you made sure your work was high quality.
3. What part of the expedition did you enjoy most? Why?