Notes for Winter

When we return to school on Monday, we will begin our informative writing instruction. In past experience it would be a good idea for you to know in what topic/subject your child feels they are an expert. Some examples from past projects include:

• Weather
• Theater Arts
• Tigers
• Football

Our first step of the writing process will include:

1. Brainstorming possible topics for writing
2. Choosing and charting information regarding the topic
3. Organizing the information into chapters

Also when we return to school we will practice locating continents, oceans, and Los Angeles on a world map. Everyone will take home a map on which to practice for the test as mentioned at Back-to-School Night.

FYI: A book was read about Santa Mouse (a treasury from childhood) to the children. A child asked (as is always the case) after the second story was finished, 'Are you sure that's true?' Hmm....So the legend goes, that if you should happen to find a small (tiny) gift tucked somewhere in your tree, perhaps tied with a yellow bow, then you will know that Santa Mouse has been to your house. *Shrugs* I don't know, it's just what I've heard. Who knows how these stories get started? But maybe all first graders should check the branches of their trees on Christmas morning just to make sure.

Chapter 3 Test

Of the 23 students taking the test, 20 passed with a score of 13 or better. Three students achieved a score of 20 and 4 students achieved 19.

Sixty-Seventh Day of School

In Health, we learned about the dangers of tobacco.

In Reading we learn how to use pictures and text features to guide us in a retell of a non-fiction selection.

We will likely have a Math test on Friday.

The first graders will be wearing black pants or skirt with a white top for the winter program on the last day before winter break. They may also wear a holiday hat. We will also have our winter celebration on that day.