Last week our sensational staff went on a little field trip. We traveled all of 10 minutes to the building that was remodeled last year to see what the “new” building looks like. As you know, our building is being rebuilt this year using very similar plans. Excitement ran rampant as we got a glimpse of the possibilities for our physical building next year. You are going to love it! At the same time though, I was reminded of the blessings here at our temporary headquarters; this room is larger than any other I’ve taught in. And if this building wasn’t available we’d be living in portables scattered throughout the district. Amazingly, not one parent has complained to me about the half hour (plus) bus ride their student takes each way. And quite frankly, while I love all my students equally, this year’s crew is the most focused, attentive and respectful I’ve seen in 16 years. It kind of makes me want to stay in this building! Of course, I know it’s you, parents and guardians, grandparents and providers that make the difference. I am grateful for these temporary digs but even more grateful for you!
One of my favorite intermediate sci-fi books, “A Wrinkle in Time” by M. Engle, makes time the fourth dimension (or is it fifth?). It did sometimes seem like we were entering an alternative universe when we began to study how to tell time here in Room 24. Our kids were SO excited! They began wearing wristwatches to school, which is super-cool, and can now tell when it’s time to clean up and go home. A valuable skill for any worker [wink, wink!]. We did learn how to tell time to the five-minute mark but definitely need more practice. I’ll be sending math homework that provides practice with these concepts. So…keep practicing and thank you! Now we’re on to big adventures with place value!
One of my favorite intermediate sci-fi books, “A Wrinkle in Time” by M. Engle, makes time the fourth dimension (or is it fifth?). It did sometimes seem like we were entering an alternative universe when we began to study how to tell time here in Room 24. Our kids were SO excited! They began wearing wristwatches to school, which is super-cool, and can now tell when it’s time to clean up and go home. A valuable skill for any worker [wink, wink!]. We did learn how to tell time to the five-minute mark but definitely need more practice. I’ll be sending math homework that provides practice with these concepts. So…keep practicing and thank you! Now we’re on to big adventures with place value!
As we enter a new calendar year, this seems a good time to update everyone on what we’re doing and where we’re going. Academically, physically and socially we are changing and growing each day. While this progress is fun to watch, it also keeps us on our toes – requiring constant change. And change is stressful! So, I hope winter break and the Christmas holiday provide a chance for you to relax, recharge and unwind. Our darlings have let me know repeatedly that they can’t wait to have some “play time”. I hope we grownups get some too!
Honestly, I can’t wait for January! We will start studying different types of penguins, especially those that live in Antarctica. Waking up singing “Antarctica, Antarctica, in winter it’s so dark-tica!” probably says something about my level of enthusiasm – and how sneakily those lyrics slip into our heads!
During the past month we’ve made remarkable progress in reading. I’m amazed at how beautifully our kiddos read – and their enthusiasm is a testamony to your encouragement at home. When one of our readers who struggles occasionally read “nametag” by himself last week, I had to repress the urge to stand up and cheer. This level of dedication to learning is awe-inspiring. In reading we’ll continue to study long vowel patterns (e.g. oa = o as in boat) and learn some new sounds (oy) to keep us thinking. We’ll continue to learn how to retell stories and work on our fluency (rate and expression while reading).
Pull out those analog clocks for the new year as we’ll be studying how to tell time to the hour and half-hour, heady stuff for first graders who love to know what’s happening next (and when). After many moons of studying addition and subtraction, I can’t wait to talk about patterns on a clock.
Have a merry, peaceful and cookie-filled Christmas!
Ms. Hamar
Okay, I know…and I promise I’ll try to blog more often. Christmas shopping has been calling my name – and then there are all the knitting projects. On second thought, let’s not go there. My survival technique has been to compartmentalize and it’s so much more fun to think about how our darling first-ies are faring.
This week we’ve studied the i_e pattern (such as in the word like and nice), how the letter ce and ci_ create the /s/ sound in words (celebrity and cinderblock) and how ge and gi make the /j/ sound (gentle, giant). I was amazed at how quickly Room 24 picked up on these patterns! While we read quite a bit, I’m ready for another author study. Which begs the question…Chris Van Allsburg or Holly Hobbie. I love the Toot and Puddle books but with all the holiday excitement would the secrecy and suspense of Allsburg’s work be more appropriate? Ugh – and now you know why I haven’t been blogging! It’s just too hard to make decisions like these. We might have to study both. Any thoughts?
On a happier note, student timelines are so adorable. Tomorrow we’ll be creating Venn diagrams to illustrate the similarities and differences between our families. I can’t wait to hear those sweet darlings brag on how incredible their families are. I’m already sold – you are amazing!
Happy Reading!
Ms Hamar
Today we read “All About Families” by Mary Ann Hoberman. It’s a silly way to affirm that families exist all around us and may not always look exactly the same. 
The kids were laughing to think that silverware (a fork, spoon, and knife) could be a family. It gave us the opportunity to talk about the idea that families are people who love and help each other. As students filled out their learning logs about families, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Somehow the idea that “carrots could be a family – living in a refrigerator drawer” was more exciting to write about than some of the more applicable ideas presented in the story. While we giggled our way through the book, I did see a few aha moments when kids realized that when they were born, they made their dad a “daddy” and their mom a “mommy.” I’m grateful that Sam made me “auntie” and that I”m soon to be an aunt again!
Love and giggles,
Ms. Hamar
I’m always reminded to give thanks for my family in November. There are so many blessings to be thankful for and family (those related to me and the classroom family we build at school) share top billing on my list. I am SO thankful for you!
This month we’re starting a unit on families. Starting tomorrow we’ll talk about what a family is and some of the traditions we share with our families. I can’t wait to see the kids’ family portraits and glyphs!
More soon, my dear family!
Ms. Hamar
Have you read Mo Willem’s “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”? Or perhaps one of the Elephant and Piggie series? After a week spent studying Willems’ work, we are in luuuuv with Pigeon and all of Mo’s characters. On Friday we had a little celebration (don’t worry, you’ll be invited next time!) with Pigeon cake pops (thanks Julie!), juice boxes (thanks moms!) and some readers’ theater. Since our darling kiddos are already starting to write their own “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” books, I’m hopeful that Pigeon’s adventures in our classroom will continue and the fun will soar on!
Cooos,
Ms. Hamar
Congratulations~ You’re a first grader! The start of school is just around the corner and we are going to have SO much fun this year! We’re going to read some of the greatest books, solve some sticky math problems, explore with science experiments, write stories, poems and so much more, learning every day. You might have some butterflies fluttering around in your tummy but don’t worry, you’re going to love first grade. See you soon!