Grade 1-2

Families:

This winter in the grade 1-2 classroom, we are studying “Biography” as a non-fiction genre. The children are learning to identify the characteristics of a biography, and we are studying Abraham Lincoln as a class. They identify key words about each stage of Lincoln’s life. We started with his younger years, then Abe as a young man, and finally we are learning about Mr. Lincoln in his presidential years. The sources we are reading are mixed with anecdotes and facts. We have listed the characteristics of Abe and can identify which events in his life attributed to each learning experience. The students are asked to give “key words” that summarize each page throughout a chapter. Then, using these key words as inspiration, they each write one page. This is preparing them to read and write about non-fiction without copying out of the book. Each child then selected their own biography to study and write about. We are hoping that the children will use the “key word” technique to help them remember facts and then be able to write about them in their own words. Each child has been asked to report on or before March 5th. It is a wonderful way for all of us to learn about a great many fantastic people.

We continue to discover various states of matter in our universe. We thoroughly explored liquids, solids, and then gases. We captured carbon dioxide in balloons, watched as raisins were lifted by air to the top of a jar of water, and then observed water evaporate over two days in the classroom. We put hot steam under cold ice. The steam condensed on the bottom of the tray and then rained (precipitation). We took a trip around campus to see all the states of water: dripping icicles, solid snow, and steam coming out of the chimneys. We continue to use our backyard as part of our science exploration. I hope to create our own mini water cycles in the form of terrariums once spring arrives and we can get to the ground and some early plants.

Thank you to Cindy and Elizabeth for a fantastic Lunch Bunch. The mini Paddington sandwiches (marmalade and butter) were a wonderful surprise. The noodles and chocolate chip cookies were popular. These lunches are so appreciated, especially during these long, cold months.

Our Alaska Day was postponed to Tuesday, March 2nd. The outdoor events will be: sledding, skating, snow sculpture, s’mores, and hot chocolate. We started on Friday with a few projects reflecting Alaskan culture. Mrs. Ramano and the third grade joined us. The children learned a bit of history and made clay totems, Inuit masks, and stone sculptures. It was a fun, engaging Friday afternoon. Thanks to Mrs. Ramano for the day’s inspiration.

Parent Conference schedules will be posted this week. The conferences are set for Thursday evening, March 5th and Friday morning, March 6th. The last day of class for students will be Thursday March 5th and classes will resume on Tuesday, March 24th. Happy Vacation!

Looking forward to a full week!

Fondly,
Ms. Milani and Ms. Allentuck