Language Arts
In language arts we practiced words with the qu sound which in English is the k sound. Some of the words we reviewed were queso and parque and.of course the favorite word was queso. We also reviewed the go, gu, ga sound in words like regalo and gusano.
We discussed plural nouns as well. We practiced adding an s to nouns that end in an o or a as in niños and niñas.
We learned about how using sensory details can make our writing more interesting. The kiddos practiced describing how something feels, tastes and sounds. We talked about how using these types of sensory detail paints a word picture.
Math
This week in math we added and subtracted by grouping two digit numbers as a 10 and ones. The concept of number bonds/números conectados, with 10 as one part was used to practice new strategies of addition and subtraction. The use of the doubles plus one strategy was also introduced to the kiddos as a way to add more easily. Needless to say these strategies are very challenging concepts since they are making the kids think more abstractly. Once again they did an amazing job. You should be so proud of your child because these concepts are difficult to learn in English but your kids are learning them in Spanish!
Important date: The students will be exchanging valentines on Friday, February 12th.
Social Studies & Science
This week we learned about the fascinating floating gardens of Xochimilco. The class got to hear about how chinampas were made and used by the Aztec. We added another illustration to our Ancient Civilization class book and we added the farming piece to the Aztec civilization chart. We also read about the Palace of Tenochtitlan and the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma the second. We made a class Venn diagram comparing the Maya leaders we’ve read about to the Aztec leaders. The class was very intrigued with the fact that no one was suppose to look the Aztec emperor in the eyes nor could they wear shoes in his presence. On Tuesday we took a brief break from our curriculum to learn a bit about Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhogs day.
In Science this week we finished our measurement of matter unit. On Monday we discussed how pressure, temperature, and weight are used to measure gas. We also compared and contrasted helium to oxygen. The class especially enjoyed this lesson On Tuesday we added another page to our matter folder and reviewed for our assessment. Next week we will be starting our Astronomy domain. The class is so excited to being this unit.
English Spelling
We did lots of writing in our journals this week. One student wrote 30 sentences in one entry! We wrote about Groundhog day, the Aztec, Matter, and even had time for free choice. The class really enjoys their writing time.
Everyone did at least two sort activities this week as well as practicing sorting their lists. I am so pleased that more students are choosing to do sort activities at home in addition to what we do in class. On Friday we had our first spelling test. I was very pleased with the results and everyone was excited to get them back.
For grammar we continue to work on types of sentences as well as punctuation and attention to word wall words.
Field Trip
Just a reminder that we will be going on our Bodyology field trip Monday the 8th. We will meet at the Aladdin Theater at 9:45. We should be back at the school in time for lunch and recess.
Art
In first grade art we talked about Still Life, and looked at examples by Van Gogh and Cezanne. Then we looked at actual pots of primroses that were sitting on the tables. The students learned how to observe the colors, shapes, and sizes of the real flowers to make their drawings. Then they added watercolors. These beautiful paintings will probably be a Valentine gift for you, along with a card that we’ll make next week.