Long Vowels and Carnival Basket

So I know this weeks blog title is strange but they are the two topics of importance this week! As you have noticed, our spelling words have switched to long vowel patterns. Long vowels can be such a challenge, in both reading and writing. In reading, the kids have difficulty trying the long vowel sound if the short sound doesn't work. There are so many tricky rules with long vowels, but the key for the kids is having that ability to flip vowel sounds if one sound doesn't work.  During writing, they know a word needs something to make the vowel long but what is it? Two vowels walking, bossy silent e or just some weird combination that makes no sense. While I don't expect that the kids will retain every one of their spelling words, it is my goal that they will begin to see these vowel patterns in our English language. When you are practicing the words, at home, talk about the patterns in the words. Reinforce the fact that if the e is left off, it's a whole different word. First graders love to analyze words and talk about what they notice. I have included a fun video we have been watching to reinforce bossy silent e. Watch it with your kiddos and search for words, in your environment that have bossy silent e.

Meadowlark has a carnival, in March, and every class puts together a theme basket for a raffle. We are doing a craft basket. I think the item opportunities are endless. Please be thinking of something that your family can contribute. It seems that I always see fun craft items on clearance, at Target. Those end caps are full of great cheap stuff.

Valentine's Day Celebration

Waffles, whipped cream, sprinkles, candy and cards, in abundance, what more does a first grader want?  I never grow tired of watching little ones open their special cards and squeal with excitement. Those simple cards spread soo much happiness.!

100 Day Celebration

Our 100 Day Cake!!!

The kids worked with a partner to create a cupcake with a combination of 100 sprinkles

A GREAT group!

A SILLY group!

100 days smarter!

100 DAYS!!!!

On Thursday, we will be celebrating our 100th day of school. Our activities, all week, will revolve around 100. What a celebration....100 days smarter.

We will be having a Valentine celebration on Thursday the 12th. It will be in the morning due to early out. Since it's in the morning, I think a waffle bar would be fun! The idea of cupcakes and cookies, at 10 a.m. seems too much. I will be sending home a note, later in the week, with a sign-up sheet for bringing in toppings. I will also send a name list home. We will decorate our bags here!

Stay tuned for pictures from our 100 day celebration!