All About Birds

We were lucky enough to have Ms. Pavlecik come in and do a bird show for us. She taught the 1st graders new vocabulary, parts of a bird, and about the different types of beaks birds have and why. As always, it was a fantastic show! We are looking forward to her coming back in March to teach us specifically about chickens when we hatch chick eggs.

PENGUIN PROJECT

It is time for our next project! Your child has chosen 1 of the 17 penguins to learn more about and teach to the class. Attached is the list of penguins and the penguin your child chose is highlighted.

The students have researched their penguin of choice and filled out a graphic organizer. Each child will be responsible for transferring the information to a report form, which is included in this packet. Please be sure they fill in any missing information and/or add any interesting facts to the report. The children are also responsible for creating a 3-D arts and crafts replica of their penguin at home. Their penguins must be true to the description—for example, if your child chose the Little Blue Penguin, its colors should represent the researched colors of a Little Blue Penguin (bluish-gray feathers) and it should be about 16 inches tall.

This 3-D penguin can be made in any creative way! Some suggested materials would be yarn, 2 liter/1 gallon plastic bottles, paper mache, a sock, plastic containers, cotton balls, feathers, tongue depressors, tissue/paper towel tubes, paper plates, paint, clay, Styrofoam products, or any recyclable materials. Let your child’s imagination lead the way!

The report and the project are both due on Friday, February 10th. The students will be making a penguin report cover in class to put their reports in and will be presenting their projects and reports to the class.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We can’t wait to see the finished products!!

Have fun,

The 1^st Grade Team

 Here is a class picture from last year for some building ideas.

A few websites to reference are:

Penguin craft ideas

http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/penguinscraftsideaswintersnowprojectskids.html

(has some advertising)

http://www.freekidscrafts.com/penguin_crafts-t86.html (has some advertising)

Pictures and short descriptions of penguins

http://kevinschafer.com/penguinplanet/aboutp.html

Facts about penguins (no photos)

http://www.whaletimes.org/whapeng.htm

Facts with pictures (there is a little advertising on this site)

http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/index.htm

Classroom website with lots of info.  However, outside links do not always work

http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/school/dondero/msm/bird/index.html

Animal bytes from Sea World

http://www.swbg-animals.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/aves/species-list-alpha.htm

Antarctic Animals

http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/antarctica_animal.htm

Info and Video on Emperor and Adelie Penguins

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Animals/CreatureFeature/Adelie-penguin

Penguin sounds

http://www.junglewalk.com/popup.asp?type=a&AnimalAudioID=10997

House Project Directions

  Your child’s first project is to build a 3 dimensional model of his/her home with as many details as possible. They will then write a few sentences describing why the house is built and set up that way.  Completed projects are due on Friday, December 2nd.  Your child will be presenting their project on Monday, December 5^th.  Please have your child practice reading their report at home to ensure their confidence when they are presenting it to their classmates. 

Please use a poster board or cardboard to build on.  You can use construction paper, popsicle sticks, shoeboxes, backyard materials, whatever your imagination can dream up. We encourage using materials found around the house rather than store bought.  The Native Americans made their homes using materials found in their backyards so we are trying to encourage the children to do the same.   Please fill out the

“My Home” activity sheet and return the project to school by Friday, December 2nd. 

Have fun and as always thank you for your support!

The First Grade Team J

Here are a few examples:



It's Pumpkin Time!

     Please send a pumpkin to school with your child by Monday, October 24th. We will be doing work with the pumpkins each day during science. Please send a pumpkin that your child can carry independently.
     We will be doing many hands-on activities with the pumpkins. After the experiments are done, the students will be able to decorate their pumpkins and bring them home!
THANKS!
-The First Grade Team

Goodbye Mr. Papadonis

Today we had our Science Magic assembly presented by Ms. Pavlicek, Mr. Papdonis, and Mr. Musscleman. This was a farewell show as Mr. Papadonis heads on to enjoy his retirement. Here are a few pictures of the great event:

 

**IMPORTANT** School Hours are Changing

Please see the principal's blog for important information about the time changes for Memorial School beginning Monday, October 17, 2011.


http://memorialprincipal.blogspot.com/2011/10/change-in-memorial-school-hours-mon.html

Homework and Reading Groups

All of the students have been hard at work the last couple of weeks practicing the rules and routines of the school.
We will start sending homework home on Monday, October 3rd. It is a packet of materials to reinforce and practice skills we are working on in our classrooms. Please be sure to read with your child every night for at least 20 minutes and to fill in the reading log each day. The packet is due back on Fridays.
We will also begin switching classrooms for reading groups on Monday. Remember, your child may be working in any of our classrooms during our literacy block M-Th.

As always, thank you for your support and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us :)

The 1st Grade Team