Room 7
February 1, 2008
Friday’s Message:
Library/ Book Fair/ Math Lesson
Next Friday, as a class, we will be going to the school’s Book Fair. At that time I would like to make our visit a learning experience (that’s why I’ve been pushing them to learn money!)
The (average minimum ) price of a paperback is about $5.00 plus tax. If possible, I am asking students to bring six dollars in coins so s/he can choose and count out the money to pay for a book. Bring a combination of quarters, dimes, nickels, and no more than ten pennies for the 600 cents. (Reinforce counting coins throughout the week as needed.)
Have your child put the coins in a see through zip-lock baggie with his/her name on the outside; this will be your child’s “wallet.” Your child can bring in their “wallet of coins” anytime next week. I will hold it for safe keeping.
I will need parents to help during our time at the book fair (8:30-9:15 a.m.) next Friday. Students will count out their coins before paying at the register. Please let me know if you can help! I can’t do this myself.
There are other things besides books that can be purchased. When your child is with me they will only be able to purchase book/s. (You may send extra $ with your child if you want them to buy several books. Your child will also learn about making choices within their means/funds.
The Book Fair is open Tuesday-Friday and you are welcome to take your child before/after school. (see Walkie-Talkie for details)
Asian and Pacific Islander Day
Attached is a flyer for the 1st grade living history cultural event. Hope you can help out and join us for the exciting learning experience.
Star Student
***David Schneidinger***is the star student this week. ***Leah Shear *** is the star next week.
Field Trip Reminders
We will be going to see a lunar new year performance and have a mini tour of Oakland Chinatown on Tuesday, February 19th and on Friday, February the 22nd we will see a theaterworks production of Aesop’s Fables. Permission slips will be sent home next week. We need parent drivers for these trips.
Everybody Eats Bread
We will be starting a multicultural unit on breads around the world. Please let me know which country and the name of the bread your child will bring in. If you would like to make the bread with the class, that would even be better!
When students bring in their bread they will find the country it originated in on the map. They can also tell something about the bread/ country. We will be tasting our way around the world and also learning about it.
Please sign up A.S.A.P. I’m hoping we’ll be able to taste a couple of kinds of
bread a week.
Student’s name__________________________________
Name of bread___________________________________
Country________________________________________
READING
Read and record in your Reading Log.
WRITING
Chinese New Year begins February 7th. Students started writing Chinese characters / symbols for the numbers 1 -10 and the names of the animals in the zodiac. Attached are characteristics of the different animals of the lunar calendar. Find the animal signs for each member of your family. Help your child read/ understand the characteristics.
Then have your child tell / write how the family member is like one of the given characteristics. Write at least one sentence for each person in your family.
MATH
We’ve been learning about money and counting by 5’s, 10’s, 25’s (and 2’s)
Attached are some coins and their value. Have your child cut out the coins in strips, then into squares, or use real coins. Practice counting by 5’s/nickels, and 10’s/dimes and add on 1’s/pennies.
Then take your child shopping with you and/or use the grocery advertisement. Have your child read six items that are less than one dollar (i.e. cost per pound).
Make a chart showing the name of the item, the cost, and the coins needed to pay for it. Your child can tape real coins (the homework will be returned) and/or use the coins/value attached.
Encourage your child to use more than two different coins when they are capable. If your child can easily count a combination of nickels, dimes, and pennies, then use quarters. If your child wants to shop for more, certainly encourage him/her.
BAGGIE OF 100
Next Friday, February 8th, is the 100th day of school. Help your child think of
100 of one thing that s/he can share with the class. There are 20 students in the class so 100 will divide evenly. (Your child’s 100 items will be given to classmates. After everyone shares, they will have a mixture of 100 items). We will be doing lots of math as students pass out an equal number of their “thing” to all the kids in the class.
Put the 100 objects in a clear zip lock bag. Please have your child write his/her name on the bag. We will be sorting and doing language arts activities with their bags of 100 before passing out the “goodies.” No food items please.
Next week we will not be checking out books because of the Book Fair. At our regularly scheduled library time, Friday at 8:30 a.m., students will have the opportunity to purchase books. (See Walkie-Talkie for more information/hours)
Since we have started learning about money, this would be a great time for your child to practice counting money to make his/her purchase. I am asking all students to bring six dollars in coins (mostly quarters, but also dimes, nickels, and some pennies)
to purchase a book at the book fair (The money raised at the book fair goes directly to our library so they can get more books).
I need parent volunteers to help as students count out their coins before paying at the register. PLEASE let me know if you can help. I definitely cannot do this myself!
Put your child’s coins in a ziplic bag with his/her name on it. This will be their wallet.
(Your child can practice counting coins, six sets of 100 cents, to fill their wallet). Students can bring in their wallets in anytime next week. I will hold it for safekeeping or they can bring it in Friday.
The Book Fair is open before, during, and after school. You may visit it at any time if you would like to purchase additional books.