Tuesday, October 21, 2014

A Great First Trimester

Hello Everyone,
     In August 23 boys and girls landed in my first grade.  They are full of spunk and great personalities.  They are eager learners.  They are so super smart and so much fun to teach.  Thank you all so much for all of the support with their homework and reading.  It makes a world of difference.
     This trimester we have been reading leveled books.  Our goal is to make it to level 9 by the end of this trimester.  They are flying.  We have spoken about goals and why it is important to set them. With that said, each child has a new goal to work towards.  We will continue to do this all year.  The second trimester we are looking for them all to reach level 14.  Happy Reading.
     In writing we have been using the Lucy Calkins program.  It is just amazing to watch them absorb all aspects of writing.  We have been writing small moments stories.  These are stories that have made a difference in their lives.  It could be as simple as a trip to the park or a play date.   They are learning to add detail, write in complete sentences, illustrate, bring characters to life and remember step by step of what took place in that moment.   They are using pop out words and speech balloons. It is all coming together.  They are also creative writing.  When a story is complete it is typed and hung in the hall.  Please look for your child's writing when you are in the building.
     In Math the students are learning the basics of algebra, geometry, adding and subtracting and place value.  They are learning symbols such as greater than, less than and equal to.  Next it will be time to tackle fractions.  You will see wake up packets coming home as they complete them.  This is just extra work to master what concepts are being taught in the program and to enrich those who need it.
     This month is Fire Safety Month.  Yesterday we took at trip to the Dedham fire station to learn about fire safety.  They were taught about what volunteer fire fighters do and safety in the home. They were treated to a bag full of goodies and a fire hat.  Thursday they will attend the Brewer Fire Department to learn about fire fighters in the city.
     The PTF has been working so hard planning the Fall Festival.  Come join the fun this
 Saturday from 10-2.  Please bring your children and support the Dedham School and have a fun filled morning and afternoon.
     I know it's almost Halloween, but in first and second grade we need to be thinking about Thanksgiving.  We have our Thanksgiving feast in one month.  Be looking for your notes and mark your calendars November 21st.  You do not want to miss!
     Have a safe and happy Halloween and we will catch up the first of November!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Think Spring!!


Dear Parents,
     February was such a busy month and time. Valentines Day was so special as the students for the first time this year were all able to read their own Valentines.  It was great to hear the excitement in the room.  Thank you to the parents who made the party special by providing us with treats.  It flew by!  March is also a busy time.  March brings us spring along with so many other things.  March is Dental Health Month so Friday we will be having a guest speaker come in to speak with Kindergarten and Grade One on the importance of great dental care.  Be looking for their care packages to be coming home.  As you know we have started to study mammals.  Friday, we will have another guest speaker. Shannon Fish a parent  and a Game Warden , will come to the classroom to display the various furs and skulls of Maine animals.   He will talk about safety in the woods along with what makes up a mammal.  He does a great job and I love having him come in to talk with the kids.  They all have a blast and learn a ton!!  
     March 13th we will be having an Open House here at Dedham.  You will go directly to the gym at 5:30 to 6:00 where you will see a lot of Grade One writing on display.  They are working really hard at becoming fiction and Non-fiction writers. 
     March is the month where students get new goals for reading so please ask them what their new goal is and encourage reading each night to help attain that goal.  They are blowing me away with their reading scores!
     Please remember we never know the weather from one day to the next so don't forget to keep packing ALL winter gear.  Better to be safe than COLD.
     Think Sun, Think Spring!!  Don't forget to set your clocks ahead this weekend!  
Love,
Mrs. Nickerson

Thursday, January 9, 2014

It's so cold!

Happy New Year Everyone,
     This year has been crazy already with the weather.  One day we have snow, the next ice and after that rain.  It has been a cause for a lot of inside recesses.  The kids are doing great!
     This month is exciting for our class as they have been waiting and waiting to choose the animal that they would like to study.  This month is when it all happens.  They will choose an animal and we will study mammals for six weeks.  They will work with a partner and answer a series of 6 questions.  We will put all the answers together to create a research paper.  At the end they will do a project to match their reports.  Hopefully we will be ready to display our work during our March open house.  You can help your child by downloading any information you can about the animal they chose.  Thank you so much.  
     January 17th is the half way point to the second trimester.  Be looking for progress reports to be coming home on January 24th.   
     The students are reading and writing up a storm.  Again, thank you so much for making sure they do their homework each night.  Your help is only enhancing their learning.  Hope all is well and again if you have any questions do not hesitate to give me a call here at school. 
                                      Mrs. Nickerson