First Grade B

Dear Families:                                                                                    19 March 2010

We begin the week bedazzled!  Balloons, crepe paper, student letters, drawings and sparkling jewels lift our spirits every day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  We feel appreciated.  While it is time spent with your children we find most rewarding, this added touch of recognition and appreciation is heartwarming and meaningful.  Thank you, again.

Ms. Carmichael adds to our study of the Great Lakes with more information via a classification game that sorts Great Lakes facts into categories – flora/fauna, hydropower, water, transportation, etc.  In addition, Ms. Carmichael guides us to the shores of our very own Lake Michigan.  First graders use their senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing and share observations on a visit to Lighthouse Beach.  Breaking down into three groups, first graders explore their surroundings and bring back small artifacts for inspiration.

On Wednesday, muralists put images of Tuesday’s walk to Lake Michigan to paper.  Come see our most recent installation above our windows ….

Author’s Chair showcases remarkable development of writing skills.  “I got that from ‘mad as a bear with a bee in his ear!’

First graders savor the taste of warmer weather and later in the week we concede to play outside without jackets!  We anticipate transitions that entail long drinks of water in place of the snowpants and boot exchange!  Fans of the monkey bars and rings get a head start on blisters and callouses and share them like badges of honor.

Friday’s All-School Morning Assembly (every other week) generates great community spirit.  4^th and 5^th grade basketball season comes to a close.  We applaud a great season and a record breaking number of participants!   We commend all for MSND.  We celebrate 7^th grade sponsored raffle winners (proceeds to go to a school in Liberia) – Ari of 7^th grade buddy and most recently MSND fame won the coveted giant stuffed bear.  (As as class we discussed in great detail the construct of a raffle.  We purchased one ‘CHANCE to win’ per student in the HOPES of winning and discussed the LIKELY vs. UNLIKELY as well as the FORTUNATELY vs. UNFORTUNATELY nature of the beast.   It was truly heartwarming to see our first graders share in Ari’ s delight in winning.

First graders managed themselves safely and sensibly throughout our Practice Tornado Drill.  First graders walked swiftly and silently down the stairs and crouched along the wall in the Girls’ Locker Room along with 1A and seventh graders.

Smile at the coming snow, as it will be fleeting ….

Aya Borchers                                Erika Chacon                                Lizzy Carmichael

P.S.  Make sure your child has INDOOR gym shoes for use in the gym!!!  Gym shoes worn to school and outdoors will NOT be allowed in the gym.  Students will have to sit out of gym which is unacceptable on so many levels ….

Dear Families:                                                                                               12 March 2010

First Grade Faeries enchant all at each and every performance of the Baker Middle School production of Midsummer Night’s Dream.  It is truly remarkable to witness first graders processing the experience from beginning to end.  (That is not to undermine the magnificence of MSND in its entirety.  The performers, whether once Baker first graders (even younger) at one time or ones that joined our community later, personify what Baker is and can be for so many students…)

Reflections shared after each rehearsal and performance so far reveal changed impressions, realizations and surprises: “…a real audience makes me feel more comfortable and makes me smile…” “I saw my brother and it made me feel proud…” “…I was sad we didn’t get to wear headbands and bow ties but I was okay.  I hope they find them before our next show…” “…I noticed we forgot to bow!”  Time spent with Middle School students and observing their efforts, trials, tribulations and focus on taking roles so seriously leave lasting impressions on our first graders.

First graders demonstrate flexibility and maturity as MSND poses schedule changes, many unexpected, and problem-solving on many levels (class cancellations, delays, recess before lunch, lunch in the classroom, etc.) particularly as we near final performance dates.  Special thanks to Senora Margarita and Mr. Dunafin for their patience, support and understanding throughout the MSND endeavor.  Kudos to all.

Reading groups and discussion of read alouds and poetry reveal heightened awareness and elevated thinking.  Students infer Hopi cultural traditions based on hairstyle; recognize the use of expressions, ‘black as a raven’s wing’ (“ … I’ve heard that expression before …”) and connect the black hair of Native Americans and their respect for animals and nature; comment on the connection between poet Valerie Worth’s name and her use of the word ‘worth’ in her poem, Coins; question the use of capitalization per line in poetry; challenge yet support the inclusion of Keelboat Annie in our collection of Tall Tales based on the absence of ‘explaining the creation of something American’ and its sad ending…. We teachers fall out of our chairs daily.

Weather in Wilmette reveals multiple readings in the 40s and one reading in the high 50s!  How exciting to monitor and track the arrival of Spring via Ms. Carmichael’s i-phone!  First graders exhibit patience in taking turns documenting statistics and refine their skills in defining weather conditions.

Librarian Ms. Fisher introduces first graders to mushers and dogsled teams racing in the Iditarod!  First graders can tell you a bit about Balto and his heroic feat and the subsequent annual dogsled race.  At the moment, John Baker (no relation to our very own John Baker) is in second place!  (We also delight in hearing the daily temperatures in Alaska!)

Spring forward, and see you on Sunday at 12:30,

Aya Borchers                             Erika Chacon                                 Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                                     5 March 2010

This week, Northwestern students Ms. Chun, Ms. Barris, Ms. Faulkner and Ms. Puller joined us and led a two part science exploration on Solids and Liquids.  Solids liquified and liquids solidified before our eyes with the help of hair dryers, hot plates, ice baths and freezers!

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Tuesday March 2^nd we read Kathleen Krull’s, The Boy On Fairfield Street – How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss.  (He took his mother’s name Henrietta Seuss Geisel!)   Ted loved books AND animals like so many of our own first graders.  Ted lived “exactly three blocks from the public library … and six blocks from the zoo….”

First graders rehearsed daily this week for their appearance in the Middle School production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  We began the week with 15 minute stints on a barren stage and end with dramatic lighting, props and cast members.  We add magical fairy dust to our shirts/costumes and rehearse our ‘magical motions’ for the stage.  The excitement mounts.

Please know our appearance is BRIEF yet MEANINGFUL!  This truly is a Middle School effort.  First grade magical creatures (fairies, sprites, and others) set the stage for the forest scene.  First graders in 1B will be a part of two productions – Friday 3/12 at 1 pm and Sunday 3/14 at 1 pm.    Our class will watch the entire production/dress rehearsal (with 1A fairies)  and first graders in 1A will watch the same (with 1B fairies) during school days next week.

If possible we encourage you to PURCHASE TICKETS and BRING FAMILY AND FRIENDS to the Sunday, March 14 performance at 1 pm.   If you wish to attend with your child, then the Saturday March 13 performance at 7 pm or the Thursday March 11 performance at 7 pm are options.

We confine ourselves to work with small change:  pennies, nickels and dimes.  Your first grader can tell you just about anything about a penny, nickel and dime!

We add words to the Word Wall,  Fiction Folders to writing files and Reader Response Folders to Book Bags ….

Aya Borchers                                 Erika Chacon                               Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                         26 February 2010

Wow.  What a week!

First of all, first graders and all others were ‘flabbergasted’ or in their words ‘stunned, surprised, astonished and amazed’ at everyone’s participation and/or efforts, enthusiasm and support of this year’s SWIM-A-THON/WALK-A-THON!!!  Whether here in body or not, all took part in mind and spirit.  Thank you all for your support.

Ms. Carmichael and her family enjoyed seeing first graders and their families at this year’s Baker Pancake Breakfast.  Good food, good company and good times were had by all.  Again, thank you for you support.

We welcomed Early Childhood teachers from Crow Island on Monday and graduate students from National Louis University on Wednesday this week as they observed and interacted with students at Baker and experienced a day in the lives at Baker.

First graders get the feel for regional climates of the North and South in the USA.  From stories, picture sorts, family travels, personal accounts, etc. first graders get a sense of climates and lifestyles in different parts of the United States.

As a part of Baker’s Interdisciplinary Middle School Project: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, first graders have been floating on flying carpets out of Baker to Fairyland in Drama in preparation for their part in the production.  First graders get the opportunity to experience the makings of a theatrical production from the ground up.  (Comprehensive information provided in a letter from Ms. Lizanne Wilson, Drama Specialist).

Today we zoomed out of Baker … on a virtual adventure guided by Ms. Carmichael to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountain Range, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park and other destinations in the United States.  Thank you, thank you for ENO Boards at Baker!

In math, first graders demonstrate fine thinking and writing stamina as they share their observations and engage in tasks involving MONEY.  We start with pennies and nickels and will move on ….

First graders browsed and listed favorite selections at the Library’s Book Bonanza this week!  Ms. Fisher shared the library’s newest acquisitions in a special week long preview.  Books are now available for check out.  First graders grasp the logistics of a set number of books and many readers and demonstrate maturity, flexibility and patience as they check out books.

Aya Borchers                                      Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                         19 February 2010

A short week, but as always, ever productive.

In the midst of her ‘take-over,’ Ms. Carmichael continues to explore the United States via the globe and maps:  bird’s-eye-view pictorial maps, 3 dimensional landscape maps, maps depicting urban and natural environments, regions, climate zones, wind patterns, etc.  First graders transition seamlessly from one to the next ….

First graders continue to vividly describe and graph weather conditions in Wilmette daily.  Ms. Carmichael’s i-Phone confirms morning temperatures in the 10s, 20s and 30s as children hone skills in math, spelling, reading, articulation, making predictions, sharing ideas, taking turns, etc.!

Ms. Carmichael guides us through addition and subtraction, number sense and double digits with a focus on Ten Frames.  The concrete visual reinforces the power of ten and its varied components.  First graders continue to delight in playing with numbers.

In addition, Ms. Carmichael reinforces subtraction skills with stories and cubes.  First graders’ ability to engage in stories they make up or are made up by others and illustrate them with ten rods (unifix cubes) apparently is endless!

We welcomed Literacy Specialist Kimeri Beck and veteran first Grade Teacher Ms. McMillan from Hubbard Woods during their visit to First Grade at Baker Demonstration School.  Teachers focused on Literacy in First Grade Classrooms.

We step into the life of Ernie Wan as he prepares for the most important day of his life – the day he performs his first Lion Dance on the streets of New York City for Chinese New Year.

Gung Hey Fat Choy,

Aya Borchers                                      Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                         11 February 2010

Beginning her ‘take-over’ Ms. Carmichael proceeds with engaging activities and integrates our studies of the United States, Reading, Writing and Math.   Ms. Carmichael’s strong intuitive sense and prior knowledge of each and every one of our kids nurtured during her time with us earlier in the Fall unquestionably serves her well.

First graders share their noticings and record ‘Weather in Wilmette!  Ms. Carmichael creatively interweaves elements of math, reading, writing, science and technology in this daily exercise!

This week’s First Grade Mystery Readers include Katie and Tara.

This week we roll with Ms. Chacon in Balance and Motion.  Ms. Chacon courageously guides first graders in their first ‘driving experience’ as each student takes on and masters the task of ‘parking the car.’   First graders strategically roll paper cups (force of gravity only) down and off ramps into designated one or two car ‘garages.’  This activity preceded a final challenge of rolling down and off ramps and ‘falling on our faces!’

First graders think from their heart this week in honor of upcoming Valentines Day.  We enjoy Eileen Spinelli’s heartwarming book, Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch, poetry by Sahara Sunday Spain, Aileen Fisher and D. H. Lawrence and think well of each other.  First graders prepared valentines and ‘mail bags’ and delivered and shared their hearts in a thoughtful end of day celebration.

Mini-lessons cover end of sentences, breaths, end of thoughts, brainstorming and topic selection.  First graders continue with journal entries, fiction pieces and poetry!  Writing now is not confined to journals but increases in all other areas of study.  First graders are writing more than ever in Math, Science and Reading!

First graders hear about the Midsummer Night’s Dream Project … and our involvement in this grand Middle School endeavor!  We begin with a magic carpet ride to a mythical place.  More to come ….

A plethora of stories about Abe Lincoln and George Washington prepare us for upcoming Presidents’ Day and move us along our studies of the United States!

In addition, we begin to look closely at American symbols such as the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the American Flag, the Liberty Bell ….

Have a heartfelt weekend,

Aya Borchers                                      Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                           5 February 2010

“Punxsatawney Phil says 6 more weeks of winter.  Punxsatawney Phyllis, by Susanna Leonard Hill says … girls can do it too ….!  In addition, Ms. O’Brian brought Hedgie or ‘Spike,’ the hedgehog, to visit.  When German settlers came to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they found the closest animal resembling a hedgehog (their traditional weather predictor) to be the groundhog.  Newspaper editor, Clymer H. Freas and American congressman and newspaper publisher, W. Smith organized and popularized this yearly festival in Punxsatawney, PA in the late 1800s.

First graders enjoyed vibrant interactive songs and stories with Jennifer Armstrong in Carlson Auditorium.  For those who attended Sunday’s performance and Mr. Gnutek’s fabulous Visual Art response, we heard new selections for a rich double dose of engaging performance.  Stay tuned for upcoming Storytelling events!

On Tuesday, first graders discussed voting rights after reading, I Could Do That!  Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote, by Linda Arms White.  As in our classroom, first graders continue to examine the importance of ‘voice’ and of ‘being heard.’  Our discussion of ‘voice’ continued later in the week after the reading of Kes Gray’s You Do!,  by Surprise Reader Erin Craig (Natalie)!

While we continue to spin, zoom and twirl in the classroom, Balance and Motion spreads to the gym with Mr. Dunafin.  Math and Science in PE?   Ask your kids.

Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/.  Ms. Patrick hones in on keyboarding skills in Technology.  This UK version proves a jazzy alternative to Type to Learn.

Interest in Cinderella stories remains high.  We add Sootface an Ojibwa Cinderella Story, retold by Robert D. San Souci, The Rough-Face Girl, by Rafe Martin and The Golden Sandal a Middle Eastern Cinderella Story Story, by Rebecca Hickox.  So far, Cendrillon, a Caribbean Tale, also by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Pinkney holds the number one favorite spot.

The Pocket Game ends on high numbers (tens and ones) for the Green Forest Dragons, the Wildcats, the Golden Flames and the School Dogs.  Thank you for your support on allowing pockets to show up in class daily.

First graders revise and edit fiction stories of their very own!  We hope to see our first published pieces very soon ….

This week’s First Grade Mystery Readers:  Kenny, Tara, Tomas and Kayla!l

Aya Borchers                          Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                               29 January 2010

SWIM-A-THON/WALK-A-THON !!!!   Sign-on your kids to either walk or swim the widths of the gym or pool.  Each width counts as a lap.  Kids will travel back and forth for 30 minutes!  Have first graders collect pledges from family and friends.  Proceeds will go to Haiti relief efforts.  Each year we strive for 100% participation!!!!

We start the week with the Pocket Game!  Kids know the rules and will communicate as best they can if they feel it necessary.  Our agreement:  do NOT cause grief at home (!)  If kids insist on wearing the same clothing due to pockets (and they can explain ‘why’…) humor them, if possible.

On one level the game marks the formal introduction to our exploration of double digits.  On other levels, kids work on teamwork, communication, good sportsmanship, cooperation, problem solving (not only mathematical) and the ever present task of handling disappointment.  We are all in good company.

Swamp Angel, Mike Fink, Paul Bunyan and Keelboat Annie join the repertoire of Tall Tales.  First graders continue to share insightful noticings ….

Cinderella stories – a Zuni nation version, a Korean version, a canine version, a Brooklyn version ….

Monday also marked the first round of Baker’s Battle of the Books.  First graders watched faculty teams respond to questions (written by and based on 10 books selected by students) on stage in Carlson Auditorium.  Middle School round on Wednesday and TIM round next week!  First graders contemplate joining the fun next year.

First graders spin into Balance and Motion this week with tops, spinners and zoomers! All are on board as far as trying out new ideas and toying with experimentation!

This week’s First Grade Mystery Readers include Owen, Emily, Tara with Baby Animals Learn, Picnic, and The Princess and the Pea.

With the colder weather returning, please remember BOOTS, SNOW PANTS, MITTENS/GLOVES and SCARVES!!!!  Except for Wednesday, Thursday and today due to bracing wind chills, we go out EVERYDAY!!!!  Kids also require indoor gym shoes for PE every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  If kids commute in boots and if toting shoes back and forth is inconvenient, kids can certainly wear their indoor gym shoes during the day at school.   Please keep indoor gym shoes AT school!

Stay Warm,

Aya Borchers                          Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael

Dear Families:                                                                         22 January 2010

This week we turn Balance and Motion on end and construct hanging balances or simply ‘mobiles.’  First graders take on the ‘balance point’ from a different perspective.  With minimum guidance, students first construct a basic hanging balance out of straws, rubber bands, paper clips and index cards and then incorporate this section into a more elaborate hanging system.  All were successful in righting their hanging balances!

More subtraction stories:  geese fly away, fish get caught, snowmen melt, balloons pop, gifts are given away, cookies are eaten … the stories are endless.

First graders continue to explore fractions as we focus on halves, thirds and fourths, in particular, and eighths, tenths, sixteenths and hundredths, in general!  When you fold a square in half you get two rectangles, when you fold a rectangle in half you get two squares, you can fold a square in half and get two triangles, when you fold a square in half and then in half again, you get four fair shares!  All this paper folding inevitably leads to thoughts of origami …. Your children never stop thinking!

In our overall study of the United States, we turn our focus from Native American legends and creation stories and make room for Tall Tales this week!  So far, first graders liken Tall Tales to legends and debate true vs. not true in delightful and animated discussion.  We enjoy watching their understanding of what exactly is a Tall Tale unfold.  (Please don’t give it away!)

First Grade Mystery Readers continue to prepare their read aloud techniques:  fluency, reading with expression, articulation, projection, eye contact, showing illustrations, etc.  We have slots available each day in Early Childhood classrooms!  This week’s readers include Chloe, Tian, Kayla and Tara.  Titles include Biscuit, Fish Eyes, The Ghost’s Dinner and Dora’s Amazing Egg Hunt.

Author’s Chair returns due to high demand.  First graders begin to write, edit and share fiction pieces of their own design!  In addition, we need the ‘chair’ to rehearse for First Grade Mystery Reader engagements.

Stay healthy,

Aya Borchers                          Erika Chacon                          Lizzy Carmichael