First grade

More News From First Grade

Our Halloween bash on Friday was fabulous.  The children paraded in costume, sang songs together, and had a special “Choice Time.”  A big thanks to our class parents, Courtney and Theresa, for coordinating snacks and to all the families that contributed to the excitement and fun of Halloween. 

This time of year is full of events and happenings that keep us on the go.  On Thursday we will be going to the Berkshire Botanical Garden.  We will participate in a program called Forever Evergreen.  We will take a close look at evergreens, the “largest and oldest living organisms on earth,” according to the BBG’s shared information.   We will also see interesting trees throughout the garden.  The children will not need to bring anything on this field trip,  but should plan to dress for the weather.

V.I.P. days continue with many interesting projects, pictures, and special treasures.  It is one of the highlights of the week for all the children.

Be sure to check the calendar for this weekends exciting events.  The Upper School play and Community Campus Day!

First Grade News

We had so much fun in First Grade on Grandparents’ Day.  Our guests joined us for Art, Reading, and Gym!  The children played games with grandparents in Reading, got creative in Art, and demonstrated three activities in Gym class. At lunch we shared conversation, delicious lunches, apple cider, and fruit.  The day closed with a taste of music from the Lower School students.  The children sang along with grandparents and guests at this final gathering of the day.

Mountain Day is this Wednesday, October 13th.  We will hike in Kennedy Park, Lenox.  Leaving school at 10:00, the children will ride a bus to the park.  We will return to BCD at 2:00.  While at Kennedy Park we will hike, play games and see some historic remains of the hotel that once stood in the park.  Students will need to pack a lunch, a water bottle, and a towel (to sit on at lunch) in a light weight backpack.  It is a beautiful time of year for this event!

‘Hope your weekend was a fun as it was beautiful!

First Grade News

The children continue to be busy in First Grade.  We are exploring new materials and the ways we can use them to learn, play, and create.

Our V.I.P. program is off an running.  It is fun to learn more about each child and their special interests and talents.  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding your child’s V.I.P. day.

A special highlight for us was the surprise arrival of a monarch butterfly.  A couple of weeks ago our caterpillar escaped and seemed to have disappeared.  This week we spotted the butterfly sitting on a plant.  We eventually found where this clever insect formed its chrysalis.  On Friday we were witness to another caterpillar forming its chrysalis.  Special thanks to Aurora who brought in everything needed for this to happen.

Enjoy the weekend!

First Grade News

We are off to a great start in First Grade.  The children have been busy exploring materials and learning new routines.

Today the children are bringing home a folder that has some of their work, as well as a schedule and a V.I.P. announcement.  These folders travel to and from school each week.  Typically they will come home on Thursdays.

“Back to School” night is next week.  This is an opportunity to learn more about First Grade and BCD.

Just a few reminders…

• Please send in a seasonable change of clothes, and gym sneakers for your child to keep in his/her cubby.
• If your child has a change in afternoon plans, please send in a note or call the school.
• Next Friday is our first “Pizza Friday!”

Young Author Ceremony

The Young Author Ceremony will be tomorrow, Thursday, June 3, at 8:30 am.  The children should report to First Grade as usual.  Parents/guests should gather in Furey Hall.  Please save a seat for your child so they can join you during the presentation of books.  A reception will follow in the First Grade classroom.  Thank you to our class parents for organizing refreshments.

See you tomorrow!

Math Mixer

On Thursday afternoon right before we left for the two-week break, the Second Graders  carefully prepared unique lessons on money. Some included review of coins, and a couple included newly-created games. There were sorting activities and opportunities to practice purchasing items with correct change. The First Graders were divided into four groups and they got to rotate through the stations. Here is what the First Graders said about the experience:

“Magnifico, fun, liked the games, awesome, super fantastic…”

 You get the idea. The First Graders had a great time. At first they said they felt funny about being taught by a friend, but then they realized that it was “fun to be taught by kids.” The First Graders made more observations:

“They worked really hard on [preparing] it.”

“It was fun how they pretended to sell things.”

“It was funny because they are the same size and I’m used to looking up to the teacher.” 

Here are comments from the Second Graders:

“It was hard to think up what to do.”

“I learned it was harder to make up a game than I thought.”

“The First Graders are smarter than I thought.”

“While I was teaching I learned how to be a teacher and how to teach.”

First Grade News

Hi Everyone!

Life is back in full swing in First Grade.  The children returned very excited to see one another and have adjusted well to the routines of school. 

All week we have been sharing many great vacation stories.  It seems like everyone had a good time with family and friends.

This spring our units of study will be Whales, and Arctic Animals and Habitat.  In addition to that we will be exploring signs of spring each week as we take long walks around the campus and pond.  As a special Language Arts unit we will be working on our Young Author books.  We will be very busy!

In math we will be exploring time, measurement, place value and math facts to 18.  We will also continue with our “Math Mixer” with Second Grade.  The children often say it is the highlight of Wednesdays!  Stay tuned for a video clip coming soon of a “Math Mixer!”

Dear Parents,
These past two weeks have been high energy in First Grade. It is delightful to be back in school. The children did not miss a beat and they are back to the routines and schedules.
We started our study of Japan. The children created passports,maps and carp kites. We are reading Japanese folktales and exploring different aspects of life in Japan. Often children know someone who has traveled to, or lived in, Japan. It is appropriate for the children to share things from home that are related to this unit of study.
Enjoy the long weekend!

Dear Parents,

Your First Graders are having fun learning and playing all day at school.  It is amazing to see how much they have grown in this first trimester. 

This past week we began our exploration of celebrations.  This mini unit is in preparation for our study of Peace.  We are looking at ways families celebrate, beginning with our very own families.  We will read, write, and make projects that reflect what we are learning. 

In math we continue to work with addition and subtraction through games and practice.  Next week we will add a bit of geometry as we explore shapes and solids.  We will take on challenges using tangrams, pattern blocks, and geo-blocks.

Mixer is now part of the week in First and Second Grade.  The classes mix on Thursdays for a special choice time.  We are able to play, create art, and enjoy the company of our neighbors .  This coming week we are adding Math Mixer to our Wednesday schedule.  This mixer will focus on math activities and games.

Now that the leaves have fallen and morning dew is freezing, you may want to update the extra clothes that you sent in at the start of the school year. 

Have a great weekend!

Susan

Dear Parents,

Life is rolling along in First Grade.  We are working with addition, exploring the elements of a story,  learning more about trees, and celebrating V.I.P.s.

Mountain Day was fantastic.  The weather was perfect and the energy was high.  We hiked, played games, made book marks, and ate lunch together with our friends in grades K-3.  Surprisingly we still had energy when we returned to BCD!

The Lower School Food Pantry is open.  This year long community effort helps provide much needed food to local distribution sights each month.  We are trying to form healthy habits of taking care of others in need.  Food can be sent in at any time.  The pantry is located in the First Grade cubby room.

On Monday, October 26th the First Grade will travel to Berkshire Botanical Garden to learn more about trees.  This field trip is not on the BCD Calendar.  We will leave BCD after snack and be back in time for lunch.

Enjoy the weekend!