Dear Families: 21 November 08
Kudos to Mr. Gnutek for taking on the sophisticated acrylic paint on canvas tote bag project with our first graders. Our young artists all take their jobs very seriously and learn how to use materials and mediums like professionals.
After reading Hot Air - The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride, by Marjorie Priceman and Mary Calhoun’s Hot-Air Henry, first graders attempted Launch #1 of our very own hot-air balloon. Purchased by a former first grader family, we possess a ready-to-fly 8’ x 6’ Brilliant Hot Air Balloon (heat generated by a hair dryer!) Although the temperature was just right, we lacked the right amount of wind gust for a successful take-off. Launch #2 is pending.
Math Bins are in the works. We continue to modify activities and formats to fit each student as well as each container! Half sheet activities seem to be the order of the day. First graders store completed work in bins and teachers review, replace and add as needed.
In writing we continue to narrow down topics to small moments and expand with great details. Some first graders have a natural knack for recording information with ‘nothing but the facts’ (!) We also revisit letter writing in our letters of thanks to both Ms. Smirl and Ms. Sowatsky for their generous time spent with our class during reading and writing. If anyone wishes to join us and listen to first graders read selections out of their book bags, just let us know. First graders truly appreciate the audience.
Word Wall Bingo seems to be moving us along on our way towards conventional spelling! Keep encouraging your children to say entire words aloud and to write down all the sounds they hear and to repeat as necessary! (Or, just give them the word!)
In the spirit of giving back to the community, Baker students take part in any number of activities with their respective classes. While Student Council will conduct a canned food drive, our class would like to take part in a coat drive to keep kids and their families in our community warm this winter season.
We welcome any donations of coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for children. Adult sizes are also welcome, if available. We will join efforts with the Chicago-Dempster Merchants’ Association and collect items to be distributed to children and families through Evanston’s YWCA, YMCA, Y.O.U. and Family Focus.
If you have organizations or particular efforts your child may wish to support, let us know. Our conversation indicates that future project possibilities may include knitted items, letters to cheer up kids and the like ….
Aya Borchers and Katie Flood