Merry Christmas

To all of you who sent Christmas gifts my way ~ Thank you so very much!  I consider myself very fortunate to have received such thoughtful gifts from you and your children.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season and the best in 2013!

Sincerely,
Christa

Scout ~ Day 14

Scout's letter to Santa got a reply already!
Canada Post delivers VERY quickly!

Christmas Dinner Day

Grade 2 boys ~ handsome!

Grade 2 girls ~ beautiful!

Grade 1 girls ~ so pretty!

Grade 1 boys ~ looking sharp!

Patiently waiting ~ we are the
last to eat.

Keeping busy colouring while we wait!

Scout ~ Day 13

Scout wrote his own letter to Santa!

Photo of the Day ~ Owen

Our letters to Santa ~ wishes for
our family, wishes for the world, and
a few questions for Santa.

Scout ~ Day 12

Scout was found surrounded by the
Bake Sale items this morning!
Miss Rachul was not happy, and it
cost Mrs. Elder $3.00 to pay her back!

Scout ~ Day 11

We found Scout perched on top
of the clock this morning...

Excited for Christmas concert!

Photo of the Day ~ Keanan

One of the last days of Fall before
winter arrives.

Star of the Week ~ Nicholas

Last week our star was Nicholas.  He loves Lego and playing on the computer.  His favourite place is his cabin, and his favourite food is cookies and pasta.  Nicholas brought apple sauce muffins and chocolate chip cookies to share with the class while his Mom read us a story.  Thanks for sharing Nicholas!

Scout ~ Day 10

We found Scout in Mrs. Elder's
Elf slippers this morning!

10 Frames and Subitizing Game

We played this game today in Math, which helped us with both our number arrangements on 10 frames and subitizing.  The link is below, and will also be in the Learning Links on the side of the blog.

10 Frames and Subitizing

Our Christmas Wish to You

Scout ~ Day 9

This is how we found Scout this morning!
He is a crafty little guy!

When we came back to our room after practicing
for Christmas concert, Scout had set up
AND decorated our tree!

Reminders

A few housekeeping items:
1) No home reading will be sent home this week.  The kids promised me they would read a little bit each night, so your encouragement with this would be appreciated.
2)There will be no spelling words next week ~ they will start again in the New Year.
3)Christmas Concert is Tuesday at 7:00pm.  All students should be in our classroom by no later than 6:30pm and dressed for the concert (pajamas and striped socks).  You can meet your child in our classroom once the concert is over.
4) Continue to send in the "Get Caught Reading" photos.  The pictures we have already received are GREAT!

Scout ~ Day 8

Scout made a snowflake, and a mess!

School Supplies

Please check with your child to see if they need any school supplies.  There seems to be a shortage of crayons, glue, erasers, and scissors lately so if you could replenish these that would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Scout ~ Day 7

Scout got himself stuck in the photocopier
this morning.  We were called down to the
office to clean up the mess of paper he made!

Star of the Week ~ Braxon

Last week our star was Braxon.  He loves hockey and football, and his favourite place to visit is Toronto.  Braxon loves to eat hamburger and rice.  Braxon's Gramma came to read a story for us and we also had chocolate cake! Delicious! Thanks for sharing Braxon!

Scout ~ Day 6

Snow angels on our back table!

Problem Solving App

The kids in my class have been working with the app called "Flow".  It is free (whoop whoop) and forces the students to think of strategies to connect a board of dots.  I make the students talk out loud when they are working together to make them verbalize their thinking and explain themselves.  "We can't do that or the red line won't work."  "We should put the yellow line around the outside so that it stays away from the other colours."  If you have an Ipad or Iphone it is an app that young and old can enjoy!

Scout ~ Day 5

Scout did his very own
"What a Weekend".

Photo of the Day ~ Nicholas

Sitting in our chair correctly!

Spelling Words (Dec. 10th - 14th)

Grade One and Two
Christmas
Santa
joy
jolly
gift

Student Blog Celebration!

We are very proud of our blogs but today we are celebrating!  As a result of a mention in the Globe Theatre newsletter, and a link to the student blogs, we have added almost 2000 views in the last few days! WOW WOW WOW!  The students (and their teacher) are so very excited and proud!  Thank you to all of you for the continued support!

Scout ~ Day 4

Scout got into our Bananagrams
and left us a message!

Best "Gangham Style" moves goes to...

In-Motion

This morning our In-Motion request of "Gangham Style" cracked me up, so I thought I would video it, and of course share! Enjoy!

Photo of the Day ~ Colton

Our silly teacher who is saying,
"Stop taking pictures of me please!"

Kids, a camera, and some cake...

While I was cutting the cake, my group of boys in the back corner got to work. I think it may have been a competition to see who could have the dirtiest face when snack was done...

SRC Activities, Dress Up Days, and Bake Sale

The SRC are planning a DOOR DECORATING Contest again this year for a Christmas Celebration!!!!

The rules are as follows:

·         Grades K-2 MAY have some adult supervision or guidance

·         Grade 3-12 MUST decorate their door INDEPENDENTLY

·         All supplies MUST be brought from home—no school supplies are to be used

·         We will elect a K-2 winner, a Grade 3-8 winner and a 9-12  winner

·         YOU WIN: Your choice of a pizza party or movie afternoon

o   SRC will supply all things necessary

·         DOORS WILL BE JUDGED ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20^TH

CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE

The SRC will be holding a Christmas Bake Sale on Wednesday, December 19^th.  All proceeds go to SRC so we can continue to plan and hold fun activities for our school!  Items will be $1 each.

CHRISTMAS DRESS UP WEEK

Monday, Dec 17—Pajama Day

Tuesday, Dec 18—Red and Green Day (WEAR THESE COLORS)

Wednesday, Dec 19—Western Wednesday (PLEASE DRESS IN YOUR BEST WESTERN DUDS) AND BAKE SALE

Thursday, Dec 20—Christmas Sweater Day

Friday, Dec 21—Formal Day AND Christmas Dinner 

Grade 1 Math

There are more subitizing cards coming home with Grade 1 students.  Please continue to practice this skill at home, and return the bag to school each day so we can practice at school.

Thank you for your help!

Scout ~ Day 3

Scout, reading an "I Spy Christmas" book.
He is even sitting under the letter S, for Scout.

Colouring Contest

Students have entered pictures in an Access Communications colouring contest.  Pictures will air on Access7  from December 18-21, and December 24th, at 5:00pm.  All winners are selected by random drawings, and will be contacted by phone.

Scout ~ Day 2

Scout must have needed a nap after
spending the day in our busy classroom...

Basketball Dream

This morning we watched a video of a basketball player from New York.  We watched, discussed and came up with the following comments and responses.

The link to the video is below ~ I hope you enjoy watching it.
Basketball Dream


"It makes me feel happy because he scored 6 three pointers."
"It makes me feel happy because he scored his first basket in game."
"I wonder if he wanted to hand out water and help the team, or if he always wanted to play?"
"I am surprised that he scored 6 baskets."
"I am excited for him that he got so many baskets."
"We would say thank you to his team for cheering him on like crazy."
"Your players on your team are awesome because they cheered."

Photo of the Day ~ Jaylyn

Sitting properly at our desks.

Scout the Elf ~ Day 1

Scout was making numbers
with 10 frames this morning when we found him!

Christmas Dinner

Tonight your child will come home with a note regarding Christmas dinner.  The note will let you know what your family is required to bring for Christmas Dinner.

For those of you who are new to Christmas Dinner, it is a formal dinner that all students and staff attend. More information about the dinner will be given closer to December 21st.

In-Motion and "Brain Breaks"

Here is a look at what our "Brain Breaks" and In-Motion looks like in our classroom.  The goal for In-Motion is an additional 30 minutes of activity during the day, not including recesses and Phys. Ed.  Ideally, there is an at home component where 30 minutes of activity is done.  Any activity that gets your heart beating faster counts ~ silly dancing, yoga moves, or even the Wii!

Library Visit

This afternoon we ventured out to the Palliser Library to visit with Giselle.  She helped us to create a reindeer Christmas ornament, read us lots of stories, and we even got a cookie and some juice!  Thanks for everything Giselle!

Scout the Elf

Today we arrived at school to find a gift from our "Secret Santa".  We received an Elf on the Shelf package, so we read the book, named our elf "Scout", and are anxiously awaiting tomorrow morning!

Whispering our Christmas wishes to Scout.

More wishes and secrets being told.

Star of the Week ~ Gavin

Last week our star was Gavin.  He shared his favourite toys with us and told us about his dog Winston.  He loves to play hockey and spend time on his Gramma and Grampa's farm.  Gavin treated the class to Root Beer floats ~ what a treat! Thanks Gavin!

Christmas Concert

This year our Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00pm.  We are working very hard on our songs at school.

For that night, we are asking the students to wear pajamas and tall striped socks.

Thank you!

Important Dates ~ December

December 10th
Early Dismissal 2:05

Week of December 17th
Show and Tell
Pajama Day

December 18th
Christmas Concert
Red and Green Day

December 19th
Western Day

December 20th
Christmas Sweater Day

December 21st
Christmas Dinner
Formal Day
Last Day of School

January 7th
Back at School

Spelling Words (Dec 3rd-7th)

Grade One
yellow
little
funny
said

Grade Two
because
your
before
why
upon
cold

Grade One Home Reading

Today your Grade One child will be coming home with a bag of books.  They are calling this "Home Reading", but I am not sending an assignment home with them.  These are bags of Math books, and each book is about a number from 1-12.

I have reminded the students of the "rules" when reading at home ~ point to each word when you are reading, look at the pictures for clues, look at the letters to sound out the words, and read your book(s) more than once.

These reading packages are due back next Wednesday ~ thank you for your support!

Get Caught Reading

A reminder to have your child "Get Caught Reading", and send the pictures to me at elder.christa@prairiesouth.ca

Thank you to those who have already sent pictures!

Grade 1 Math

Today we learned 2 new words in Math ~ arrangement and subitizing.  Subitizing is the ability to recognize an arrangement of numbers without having to count.  A basic example of this is recognizing the number rolled on a dice, without actually having to count the dots.

Your child has a "Subitizing bag" coming home tonight that contains dot cards and a dice.  Please practice with them tonight, then return the bag to school tomorrow so we can continue to practice.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Spelling words (Nov. 26th-30th)

Grade One
jump
for
away
play

Grade Two
old
live
may
as
ask
of

Star of the Week ~ Carter G.

This week our star was Carter G.  He loves to go fishing, loves playing his guitar, and spending time at the hockey rink.  His favourite food is Black Cherry ice cream, and his favourite toy is his dinosaur.  Carter brought chocolate chip cookies to share with the class ~ thanks!

Photo of the Day ~ Kade

Putting numbers in order!

Holiday Gift Books ~ Scholastic

I haave sent home a Holiday Gift Book catalog from Scholastic today.  If you are interested in ordering, please send forms and cheques back to school by Tuesday, November 27th.

I know I have overwhelmed many of you with book orders, so please know that I appreciate each order that comes in.  I have used the "coupon discount" to purchase many of the books that will be sent home for Home Reading, and I am grateful to everyone who orders.  Thanks!

Get Caught Reading Challenge!

Today I have "challenged" the Grade 1 and 2 class to "Get Caught Reading".  I have asked them to please have someone take pictures of them reading at home, in odd and fun places.  I reminded them that all pictures must be appropriate, and show them reading.

Pictures can be emailed to me at elder.christa@prairiesouth.ca  and I will print off the pictures to be used for a display at school.  We will also upload the pictures to our blogs and then post about how we love reading.

Thank you for your cooperation ~ please email me if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing the pictures!

Winter Clothes

Now that winter seems to be here to stay, please make sure your child is coming to school dressed for the weather.

Children are sent outside at recess for 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon.  They are also outside for 30 minutes at noon.  Even if the weather is cold and terrible, we quite often still take them outside.

In the morning, children are also to stay outside until the first bell rings.  This means if your child is dropped off, or arrives at school at 8:30am, he/she will be outside for almost 30 minutes.  Also, teacher supervision in the morning does not begin outside until 8:45am.