Last week we had our first science experiment; it was fun hearing their predictions (hypothesis) as to what would happen to the paper towel stuffed into the bottom of a glass when it was pushed down into the water. Many were quite surprised when it stayed dry! We learned that air takes up space and, even though we couldn’t see it, air was in the glass and prevented the paper towel from getting wet.
PHONOGRAMS: This week we are introducing a few new phonograms: #46-51: aw, au, or, ck, wh, & ed. Please feel free to add them to your child’s phonogram practice. SPALDING WORDS: This week we are also introducing several new rules: Rule 5- y may say “i" at the end of a syllable (ex. my) Rule 6- we use y instead of i because English words don’t end in I (ex. my) Rule 17- we often double the /l/ at the end of a one-syllable base word, after a one-letter vowel (ex. Will) We are also introducing the Silent E Jobs: Job 1 – the E lets the “___” (a,e,I,o,u) say “___” (a,e,I,o,u) (ex. time) Job 2 – English words don’t end in U or V. (“V, U, job 2”) (ex. have, blue) Job 3 – The E lets the C say /s/. (ex. chance) The E lets the G say /j/. (“C,G, job 3”) (ex. charge) Job 4 – Every syllable must have a vowel. (ex. lit tle) Job 5 – No job E. (ex. are) GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - Students will learn 7 words on Monday, 6 on Tuesday, and 4 words on Wednesday. The in-class review is on Thursday and the spelling test on these 17 words is on Friday. *Note - Spelling homework directions are on the homework log that is placed in your scholar's red homework folder. If, at any time this year, you would like me to demonstrate a Spalding homework session with your scholar please e-mail me to schedule a meeting . Math – Addition equations, number bonds and addition. *Note - Students need to bring their math workbooks back to school every day. History – Ancient Civilizations - Mesopotamia Literature - Fairy Tales We are finishing this unit this week. A unit test will be given on Friday so a study guide will be sent home on Tuesday in red folders. Grammar - Common nouns and proper nouns Poetry - "Hearts Are Like Doors" *Note - Poetry recitations of the poem will start on next week. UPCOMING DATES: Monday, September 6 - No School: Labor Day Monday, September 13 - No School: Great Hearts Faculty In-service Please see the Athenian Echo that is e-mailed each Friday afternoon for more information about upcoming dates and school events. NAME THE GOOD! - We had a fun time applying the scientific method to an experiment last week! *Note - Naming the good is so important, and I will try to include it in every blog post. I have an invitation for you: if there is anything you want to celebrate, feel free to e-mail Mrs. Rakoz and I and "Name the Good!" Have a GREAT week!
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Don’t forget that tonight is Curriculum Night for Parents from 6-7 pm.
I recently found a list of 5 things to ask your children instead of “How was school?”:
PHONOGRAM PRACTICE TIPS: - There are numbers in the corner on the back of each phonogram card. Sometimes the homework log will list specific numbers. That usually happens more at the beginning of the year when we are introducing/reviewing specific phonograms. - Most of the time the directions will be to "practice phonograms." Based on which ones your scholar needs more practice, pick at least 10 (no more than 15) to focus on. - Try to keep phonogram practice to no more than 5 minutes. If it is taking longer, e-mail me. We can schedule a meeting, and I will demonstrate a phonogram homework session with your scholar while you are watching. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - We are starting spelling words this week. Students need their pink notebooks for the spelling lessons. Students will learn 10 words on Monday, 9 on Tuesday, and 8 words on Wednesday. The in-class review is on Thursday and the spelling test is on Friday. *Note - Spelling homework directions are on the homework log that is placed in your scholar's red homework folder. If, at any time this year, you would like me to demonstrate a Spalding homework session with your scholar please e-mail me to schedule a meeting . Math - Number bonds, identifying the whole and parts in a number bond, identifying the missing part in a number bond, introduction to addition *Note - Students need to bring their math workbooks back to school every day. Science - Introduction to the Scientific Method *Note - A Scientific Method study guide will be placed in your child's red homework folder on Tuesday (24th.) Literature - Fairy Tales Grammar - Common nouns and proper nouns in names, places and dates Poetry - "The Mighty Oak" *Note - Poetry recitations of the poem will start on Wednesday. UPCOMING DATES: Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents, 6-7 PM Friday, August 27 - School Picture Day - Students must wear uniform Monday, September 6 - No School: Labor Day Monday, September 13 - No School: Great Hearts Faculty In-service Please see the Athenian Echo that is e-mailed each Friday afternoon for more information about upcoming dates and school events. NAME THE GOOD! - We have a wonderful class of students! We enjoy each and every one of them! *Note - Naming the good is so important, and I will try to include it in every blog post. I have an invitation for you: if there is anything you want to celebrate, feel free to e-mail Mrs. Racoz and I and "Name the Good!" Have a GOOD week. 8 days in! How much they have learned in just eight days!
For Daily 3 students are learning 3 ways to read a book. Those 3 ways are: Read the pictures Read the words Retell the story XTRAMATH: Xtramath flyers were sent home in your scholar's red homework folder last week. It is a math facts program to help support memorizing math facts. Arizona State standards explains that first graders should be able to accurately answer 30 math facts (addition and subtraction) within 60 seconds by the end of first grade. Xtramath is a program that allows students to practice timed math facts and build a memory bank of math facts that can be used when doing more challenging math operations. Xtramath can be challenging for students at first. We understand that students are learning the math facts, and the pressure of being timed can throw them off. We understand that using a device or computer can be challenging for little fingers, and they must develop muscle memory. Please know that if you are noticing challenges, it is OK and is expected in the beginning. We encourage consistency and perseverance. The majority of each student’s grade will be based on participation in the program; we will not grade based on score until the end of the quarter, so there is time to merely practice the skill. Xtramath tips: - Sit right next to your child while they are doing their practice sessions, race the teacher, and quizzes to help encourage focus. -Encourage effort and perseverance. *Important note - When signing up your child for Xtramath you must type in the name EXACTLY how it is typed on the flyer. (That includes the period after the initial.) If the name is not entered the exact same way the teacher account will not see your scholar's progress. E-MAIL COMMUNICATION: If you need to contact us you can write a note on your child's homework log that is in the red folder but the best way to contact us is through e-mail. 1.) Since it is early in the year, Mrs. Racoz and I are still learning the connections between our students and the parents. When e-mailing us please be sure to include a quick note of whose parent you are. For example, "I am Mary Smith's mom." or "Mary Smith is my granddaughter." 2.) Please be sure to include Mrs. Racoz in all e-mail communication! [email protected] AND [email protected] MATH WORKBOOKS: We use our math workbooks in class every day. Please make sure your scholar brings his/her math workbook back to school each day. RED HOMEWORK FOLDERS AND BLUE FRIDAY FOLDERS: Red homework folders go home with your scholar Monday - Thursday every week. Starting this week Blue Friday Folders will be sent home every Friday. The Friday folders will have completed and/or graded work. Be sure to empty the blue folder and go through the work with your child. SUPPLIES NEEDED: Thank you for the disposable wipes and red pencils that were donated this past week! As supplies are needed, I will be sure to list them in the blog. Right now, our classroom is still in need of more Red Ticonderoga pencils. We use them almost every day for Spalding. If you are able to donate a few or a package to the class, it is appreciated!!!! BASED ON QUESTIONS PARENTS HAVE HAD IN THE PAST HERE ARE NOTES ABOUT FIRST GRADE HISTORY, SCIENCE, AND LITERATURE UNIT TESTS: - A study guide is sent home at least 2 days prior to the unit tests. - The study guides are very full. - We always review the day before a unit test and right before a unit test. - The tests are not as difficult as the study guides. - We read the tests to the students. - In first grade we spend just as much time (if not more) learning how to take a test as we do taking the test itself. THERE IS A GEOGRAPHY UNIT TEST ON WEDNESDAY. GENERAL ACADEMICS: Spalding - By the end of this week the first 45 phonograms will be introduced/reviewed. - Identifying consonants and vowels - Identifying induvial sounds of words by spelling words on our fingers. Math - Numbers Bonds through 10 Note: A "Friendly Notes" information page will be sent home in your scholars red homework folder today. Please keep it at home and use it as a reference when helping your scholar with homework. History - Last week and this week students learned about continents, oceans, and where we live. *Note - Geography unit test is on Wednesday. A study guide is in your students red homework folders. Science - What is science? Literature - Fairy Tales Grammar and Composition - Common nouns, Proper nouns, correct capitalization of words UPCOMING DATES: Tuesday, August 17 - PSO Family Night at Peter Piper Pizza (Dysart/I-10), 4-8 PM Peter Piper Pizza Night is a huge fundraiser night for the PSO. The class that has the most students attend wins a classroom pizza party. Friday, August 20 - Half Day Dismissal, 12 PM, *Trivium Spirit Day* (No lunch is served. Please send a healthy snack for your child to eat during recess if they choose.) Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents, 6-7 PM Friday, August 27 - School Picture Day - Students must wear uniform We hope to see you at Peter Piper on Tuesday night!! We are starting our first full week of the 2021 - 2022 school year. It will be perfect to aid in getting everyone back into a school routine.
ALL ABOUT ME PAPERS: The "All About Me" papers that the scholars filled out are hanging on our bulletin board. It is fun seeing all the things they want to be when they grow up. XTRA MATH - Xtramath flyers were sent home in your scholar's red homework folder today. It is a math facts program to help support memorizing math facts. Arizona State standards explains that first graders should be able to accurately answer 30 math facts (addition and subtraction) within 60 seconds by the end of first grade. -Xtramath is a program that allows students to practice timed math facts and build a memory bank of math facts that can be used when doing more challenging math operations. Xtramath can be challenging for students at first. We understand that students are learning the math facts, and the pressure of being timed can throw them off. We understand that using a device or computer can be challenging for little fingers, and they must develop muscle memory. Please know that if you are noticing challenges it is OK and is expected in the beginning. We encourage consistency and perseverance. The majority of each student’s grade will be based on participation in the program; we will not grade based on score until the end of the quarter, so there is time to merely practice the skill. -Please read through your parent flyer to help you set up your child’s XtraMath account. Students will have to take a placement quiz and then will be set to practice math facts. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES, ETC.: Much of the first days of school are spent learning and practicing classroom procedures. I have a few to share with you: Recess snacks - Students are allowed to have a snack at recess. (Healthy snack examples - pretzels, crackers, fruit such as apple slices, veggies such as carrots, celery, etc. and cheese sticks. ) - Please make sure it is a small snack. Recess is short and scholars need to have time to play. Uniforms - Great Hearts Academies schools have a strict uniform policy, so we do uniform checks daily and will send uniform reminders home either on the homework logs or via e-mail. You will have to copy and paste it into your browser and type in page 39 to go straight to uniform policies. You can also access it through the school website. This is the link to the family handbook: https://archwaytriviumeast.greatheartsamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/06/2021-2022-Archway-Trivium-East-Handbook.pdf GENERAL ACADEMICS: Math - Math group procedures, Unit 1 - Review Numbers to 10 *Note - Starting on Wednesday, students will be bring their math workbooks home almost every day. Please make sure your scholar brings the workbook back to school each morning as we also use them in the classroom. Spalding - Introduction and review of phonograms, pencil grip and handwriting practice, identifying individual sounds in words. *Note - This is a link to how to say and write the phonograms: You will have to copy and paste it into your browser bar but will be easy to get to once it is bookmarked. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. When you click on the phonogram you will be able to hear and see how to say/write them. This is an amazing resource for parents! http://archwaytriviumeast.greatheartsacademies.org/academics/curriculum/ History - Maps Composition - Introduction to copy work and sentences Literature - Fairy Tales If you would like to donate the following items to our class, it would be much appreciated: -disinfecting wipes -red pencils (Ticonderoga erasable) UPCOMING DATES: Wednesday, August 11 - First Early-Wednesday Release, 7:50 AM - 1:00 PM Reminder: EVERY Wednesday is Early-Release and includes a lunch period. Friday, August 13 - Deadline to Read and E-sign the Family Handbook Tuesday, August 17 - PSO Family Night at Peter Piper Pizza (Dysart/I-10), 4-8 PM Friday, August 20 - Half Day Dismissal, 12 PM; *Trivium Spirit Day* Tuesday, August 24 - K-5 Curriculum Night for Parents Have a great week! Hello!
Every week, unless there is a technology issue or I am absent, my blog will be updated by Monday evening. I wasn't sure whether to just wait and start this year's blog on Monday, but I decided that there were a few things that were important enough to write early. MEET-THE-TEACHER-NIGHT: Meet-the-teacher night is busy and fun. We enjoyed meeting all of you but we only had the opportunity to chat for a few short minutes because there were so many people coming through. If you want time to tell us more about your child, then e-mail us and we can schedule a meeting to do so. FORMAL INTRODUCTION: There was a brief introduction about Mrs. Racoz and I in the letter that went out this past Monday about Meet-the-Teacher but here's a bit more... WELCOME TO MRS. SCHULDER’S AND MRS. RAKOZ’S CLASS Mrs. Gwen Schulder I am beginning my 4th year here at Archway Trivium East. My husband Jim and I have been married for 40 years and have 4 grown and married children – 3 daughters and a son. Our girls have given us 15 grandchildren! I graduated from Greenway High School in northern Phoenix many years ago and got my Bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon College (now known as a university). I double-majored in Elementary Education and Music Education, and taught in kindergarten, first, third, and fourth grades, and also taught kindergarten – high school music in several private Christian schools during my teaching career. While our children were young, I homeschooled them and taught private piano lessons. Due to my husband’s job, we moved from Phoenix to Tucson, then Utah, and ended up in California. We moved back to the Phoenix area in the summer of 2017. We love Arizona and are happy to be back. I am looking forward to being your child’s teacher this year! Mrs. Deanna Rakoz This is my second year at Archway Trivium East and my fourth year at Great Hearts. Since I worked on the kindergarten team last year, I have already enjoyed working with several of the children in class. I look forward to renewing those relationships and building new ones with the other students as we pursue truth, goodness, and beauty together. I have two grown children (one of whom teaches at Archway Trivium East), and five grandchildren (three of whom are enrolled at Great Hearts Academies.) I homeschooled my two children and then went on to teach third grade and junior high in a small academy. I have also owned and operated a quilting business. I grew up in a small town in northern Illinois but have moved frequently as an adult living in many states across the country and in Iceland and Germany. I relocated to Arizona in 2018 and look forward to remaining here. THE INFORMATION PACKET: When you came for Meet-the-Teacher you picked up an information packet from your child's desk. If you have not read it yet, please take the time to do so as it contains a lot of information about the first grade classrooms and email us if you have any questions. We will also be sending a copy home in your child's red homework folder tomorrow (Thursday.) BEST WAY TO CONTACT US: The best way to contact us is through e-mail. Please include both Mrs. Rakoz and I in all e-mail communication. Our e-mail addresses are: [email protected] [email protected] IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TOMORROW: Water Bottles - Please make sure your child brings a water bottle to school every day. Please make sure the water bottle has your child's name written clearly on the bottle. Extra Clothes - The first grade classrooms do not have restrooms and the restrooms are at the opposite end of the hallway from the classrooms. The first grade scholars are still very young. They love being in school, get caught up with what is going on in the classroom and will often forget to ask to use the restroom until the last minute. As a result, accidents do happen. I encourage you to place extra clothes at the bottom of your scholar's backpack. Classroom Procedures - Our young scholars are going to be learning a lot about the classroom during the first several days. They are going to be learning and practicing a lot of classroom procedures. Sometimes the little ones hear things a bit differently than they are presented in class. For example: One year a parent e-mailed a teacher and said that her daughter came home and said that she was not allowed to go to the bathroom during the day. Another year a child told his parents he didn't need to bring a lunch to school. Yet another year a little girl thought there were going to be no more recesses. As an adult we can smile at the small misunderstandings, but they are big things to a child. If your child comes home and shares something and you can tell he/she clearly misunderstood, please e-mail us and let us know so that we can fix the misunderstanding. Inside their backpack – Mrs. Rakoz and I have gone through all of the books and supplies brought in at the Meet the Teacher event. Anything that is sent home on Thursday is not needed at school. We have also checked all books and supplies to see if there is anything missing. We understand that some of these are coming soon and that is OK. However, some of you may not be aware that certain books and supplies are missing. We will be sending a checklist home in Friday’s blue folder if anything is missing. Send us an email if there is any confusion. Red folders – Please keep all homework in the red folder and return it the following day. Blue folders are sent home on Fridays; please check the contents and return it empty on Monday (unless there is a paper that needs to be signed and returned. Phonogram cards are to be kept at home for homework practice. PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING STUDENT DISMISSAL: By the end of the school year the student dismissal/pick-up usually runs like a well-oiled machine. So well-oiled that we sometimes forget the first two weeks are not always as smooth. There are many new families who are learning the process, new faculty who are also learning the process, and students who are learning (or re-learning) how to get to the correct cones. Dismissal takes longer during the first days of school. NAME THE GOOD: First day of school on Thursday! - Mrs. Schulder and Mrs. Rakoz |
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August 2021
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