Many parents have commented to me about Word Wizard. Vocabulary is one
of the strongest predictors of reading success. Word Wizard is an
activity we have been doing in class to help the children build their
vocabularies in a fun and meaningful way.
New and interesting words that we find in our reading or content area
studies are added to our vocabulary logs and word wizard board. The
children try and put the words into their everyday speech. When a child
uses a word wizard word, they tell the class the context they used the
word in and they get to put a sticker up on our chart. The children are
trying to get enough stickers to earn a popcorn party.
Hopefully, the children have been trying some of the word wizard
words at home. I even have gotten a couple notes from parents that
their child used a word wizard word. I love it.
Our most recent word wizard words came from the wonderful book, The Scarecrow's Hat.
After reading the book we have been studying the words, swapped, grateful, benefit, relief, delighted, and trustworthy. See if your child can define the six words and give you some examples. Try using the words in your speech and see if they notice! Of course, if you catch any word wizards at home, a quick note from you guarantees a star on the word wizard board!
Thank you for your tremendous response with the start of book-a-night. Your support at home is crucial! Reading at home makes and incredible impact on your child's learning. The children were so proud to be checking out new books and working their way down the goal sheets! I am going to have to do some more treasure box shopping because these first graders are on it! Remember, if you finish the book-a-night and your child is hungry for more, RazKids can also be included on the goal sheet. If you child listens to a book, reads it to you, then takes the quiz....please add the title to your blue card. Thank you for your continued support.
This week we were engineers. We are so incredibly lucky at Eagle Cliffs Elementary to be implementing Project Lead the Way. PLTW is an amazing science resource that focuses on developing and integrating S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. When I look ahead at our Project Lead the Way modules, I am so incredibly excited to watch our students experience these quality lessons that will encourage creativity and critical thinking. Here is a preview of Project Lead the Way:
For our first PLTW experiences we studied structure and function. Ask your child about structure and function, see if they can tell you more. We talked about the structure and function of many everyday objects. We also discussed the role of engineering in our lives and how an engineer studies structure and function to design things. We also talked about the engineering design process and how engineers must perserve because sometimes things don't always work as planned. Engineers learn from their mistakes and make adjustments.
For our engineering lesson, we listened to the story Jack and the Beanstalk. As a class, we discussed the structure and function of the beanstalk. Our ask was to design a beanstalk with 10 pipe cleaners that would stand as tall as possible. We explored in our science journals to develop possible plans for building the beanstalk. Then, the first grade engineers got to work modeling and adjusting their designs.
We learned a lot! For example, your first idea isn't always your best idea. Engineers don't give up, they make adjustments. The students were very creative and worked hard. I can't wait to see what these smarties will do next!
November 11 was Veterans Day. In class, we wrote letters to veterans. Our Scholastic News
explained the different branches of military and some of the things
soldiers do to protect us. The students were very interested and wanted
to help. Each student wrote a letter to a soldier. Dr. Vaira at Heights Dental did a candy drive with left
over trick or treats. He is sending the candy to troops with our letters. It is called Operation Gratitude. Eagle Cliffs School gave over 250 letters and Heights Dental collected 112 pounds of candy. So proud of our children and school. Happy Veteran's Day.
I have been reflecting on parent teacher conferences and the terrific
year we have had so far. I need to express a huge, heartfelt thank you
to all the parents of these Connected Ones. You are amazing. Your
support is reflected in the children's bright smiles and all the
progress they are making. From the great participation on dress up days, to the special snacks, box tops, peanut butter and jelly,
science center donations, and homework participation....THANK YOU! Your
support is felt and greatly appreciated.
