Approaching the holidays!

Hi,

Below is thank you picture for our mask holder:

The best kind of recess is post snow day powder recess:

Baby Stevenson helped supervise her dad creating bags for remote week:

Click here for a video where Mr. Stevenson explains what will happen for first graders the week of January 4, 2021.

How is it the middle of November?

Hi first graders (and I am sure many others),

A quick video from Mr. Stevenson and Gemma: video

What a time it has been to be a teacher!?!

This year started fully remote for all kids which went better than expected!  There were some definite kinks along the way, but the kids met my goals.  My goals for remote learning were to create something sustainable and for everyone to have fun.  Once October arrived, things completely changed as we prepared to have kids back in person.  This brought a lot of feelings out for a lot of people, but ultimately it has been a success.  From a teacher perspective, the challenges have been balancing what the kids actually need (social vs. academic), creating a schedule where there are lots of time to wash hands that fits into the framework of a shortened school day, and giving these first graders a sense of what it means to be a student at school.  Over the first weeks of being back in class, the kids were faced with the challenge on how to function independently and work on building up their academic endurance.  The kids were provided authentic times to learn and have fun!  They have made their teacher very proud.  

After 13 years, I am still doing many new things in the classroom.  One thing I never thought I would do, but recently did, was answer my phone in front of all of the kids.  I knew that my wife was at a doctor's appointment and I had some definite husband guilt.  What I heard from Mrs. Stevenson prompted me to call our principal.  What I told Mr. Lindemann was very short but probably not the sweetest!  I told him that "I need to go...now!"  This occurred as kids were wrapping up snack and getting ready to start math.  Now wrapping up snack in a COVID-world classroom requires a lot of hand washing and disinfecting!  Within a few minutes, adults from school were told what I needed for the kids to do to finish out the school day and I was moving down the highway and dodging college students in the crosswalks to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center!

Within minutes of arriving and coming eye to eye with a first grade parent (who must have been confused to see me during the school day), I found Mrs. Stevenson in the Birthing Pavilion Triage room. In what seemed like seconds later, about five or six doctors came in and told us that the best course of action was to induce labor.  Now Mrs. Stevenson was nearly 36 weeks pregnant so the doctors felt that the baby would be safe!  After getting settled into a room and being reassured I wouldn't miss the birth, I headed home to grab some clothes for the soon to be "Stevenson Party of 3" and to school to lay out plans for first graders that would keep them learning at the same (I would argue higher due to no crazy Mr. Stevenson) level for a few weeks.  Being the prepared person that I am all of this was very quick as I had everything pretty much ready to go!  

After many tense and sleepless hours, our daughter, Gemma Mae Stevenson, was born on November 7, 2020 at 8:59 AM.  All of us are doing well despite being exhausted and we have adjusted to being home.  All three of us can't begin to describe how grateful we are for all of the positive words, meals, books, and other random things that have been dropped off on our porch!  We moved here to raise a family because the community is truly wonderful!  I look forward to watching Gemma grow up in this community.  This has been a hard year for a lot of people but because of a lot of people we have had many moments of positivity mixed into a hard year.  Thank you all!  

I look forward to being back in first grade on Monday, November 30, 2020, but in the mean time have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving!

Getting ready to have kids back in the classroom

Dear Families,

On Monday, October 5th send MATH BOOKS and SNEAKERS!

As we transition from remote learning to in person learning, I want to say thank you for inviting me into various rooms in your homes!  It has been very interesting for me to see how your kids are at home.  I don't normally get this perspective.  I have seen them with their pets, under their bed covers, and get various levels of support from others at home.  As we come to school, in person, we will be adjusting to new policies.  I feel like the kids will adjust smoothly to these new policies as I will make them feel like part of getting routines down in their new classroom.  I do worry that some kids may take extra time to adjust to being away from the comforts your homes provide.  Chances are if over the next few days your child says that school is "bad" it is because they are missing something from home.  If this happens give  them a hug and let me know.  I really feel like my job is to make magic happen.  I will figure out something to make them feel better.  

It has truly been amazing to see how caring siblings have been towards their first grader.  It has been enlightening (as a soon to be first time dad) how many grandparents have come to the rescue to help out!  It has been challenging for me to watch as parents struggled with balancing their work and their kids.  It has also been rewarding to see parents figure out balancing work and their kids.  If some parent or grandparent wants to babysit or provide daycare for Baby Stevenson (I am only partially kidding) let me know!  

Here is a link to a video where I (truly) ramble about what the first grade classroom currently looks like.  As always, any questions please send me an email!

First video of the year!

I made a video https://safeYouTube.net/w/eR2V that hopefully gives an overview of some of the things I plan to discuss when I meet with you for orientation.  I am a bit rusty at making videos so it may seem like I am rambling. 

I have heard from some of you about orientation.  I am open to schedule something between Thursday afternoon and Tuesday the first.  Let me know what works for you.  I plan on meeting you outside and I will have a mask on.  Walk towards the bus loop and I will have some signs to direct you based on the current weather situation.  I  hope to be thorough but come with questions.  I look forward to hearing from and seeing you!

Kicking off the 2020-2021 school year remotely

 

Hi families,

This is a long, but hopefully thorough and helpful email!

I appreciate hearing from all of you.  I took all of the information that you provided to devise a plan following input about what needs to be included from the district.  I want to start out by saying that I recognize that not everyone might be happy with the framework I am putting out, but I am willing to work with families around the times of things that I can control. 

Here are some of the common trends that emerged from all of the parents.  First, there is a strong desire for less screen time and more paper and pencil tasks.  Second, there was a desire that whole group meetings on zoom be more interactive and less kids sitting and watching.  Third, there were far more cons than pros to using seesaw.  Fourth, there are concerns both about social and academic needs. 

I want to pass along to all of you that I feel like I had success this past spring remotely.  I have reflected heavily about what worked for me and what I want to enhance.  My number one priority is to create something sustainable.  I know that the plan, as of now, is for remote learning to end on October 2^nd.  If we have to go longer, I want to make sure that we have a sustainable system so that your children don’t feel defeated about schooling and learning.  My second priority is to limit screen time. I want to make clear that I said limit and not eliminate. I am a firm believer that remote learning doesn’t equal online learning.  I have created paper and pencil tasks for each day until October 2^nd.  If a return to the class occurs these paper and pencil tasks will be a familiar task which will make a return mildly smoother. 

Each day I will send an email to parents.  In this email, I will include a link to a daily interactive morning meeting done on zoom and a link to a video of me modeling some work for students to work on throughout the day.  During the daily morning meeting, I will work on modeling some of the work and making sure that kids are engaged.  This daily meeting for all first graders will be at 8:30 AM and the district is requiring me to take attendance.  In the video I send out, I will model some additional work kids can work on, do a read aloud, and provide some answers to work that kids can check out after completion.

 It is my hope that twice a week first graders come to a small group time.  I plan on having the kids work on a writing task which will also facilitate a social situation.  I plan on creating the small groups based on what works for families.  While my small group times on paper are during the school day hours I am open to creating a small group time in the early evening (maybe even Sunday afternoons) as I have a feeling that could help some families out.  The small groups that I have during the school day will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays with time slots throughout the day.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, instead of me hosting small group times there will be other school staff hosting groups.  I, personally, found it important to have students be able to interact with many staff members remotely.  I think if students are interacting with a larger audience will allow for a more sustainable situation.

There will be tasks that first graders can complete independently (after initial setup) both on and off screen daily.  I don’t plan to use seesaw or another platform.  I will utilize my school blog as a place to access information. I am thinking that I would have students share completed work with me.  I am also considering the logistics of picking up work weekly from outside homes so that I can give written feedback.  There isn’t a teacher that likes to write “keep up the good work” on an online picture of a student’s work.  I think it would be better to have some written feedback for kids.  I am still working on the logistics part of this.

Starting this Thursday the 27^th at 1PM, I am hoping to meet with first grade families individually to orient them to all of this.  I want all kids to (re)meet me and I want parents to feel (relatively) at ease with the circumstances.  I will be in the classroom until 3 on Friday the 28^th.  I can easily stay later in the evening or over the weekend to make life easier for you.  On Monday the 31^st, I will be hosting a whole class zoom at 8:30 to kick off the first day of first grade.  I will then give kids a task to work on.  I will do the same on Tuesday the 1^st.  Also on those two days, I will make myself available for orientation times for students with their families.

I don’t want a free for all of families coming.  Please send me a day(s) with time(s) and I will make a schedule for times for first grade orientation.  I anticipate roughly 30-45 minutes per family.  Any time between 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM is realistic for me.

On Wednesday the 2^nd, I will add in more work and start small groups/office hours as it is my hope all kids and families will be oriented by then. 

Mr. Lindemann communicated this afternoon that families would here from classroom teachers Wednesday afternoon.  So if you have children in other grades stay tuned!  I am also posting this on my school blog which can be found at https://sme-stevenson.blogspot.com/  Feel free to subscribe for updates!

If you made it this far thank you!  Please go put your feet up.  I am sure there are plenty of questions so feel free to ask them.

Sincerely,

Andy Stevenson

Dear Nearly Second Grader,

          Thank you for letting me be your teacher.  You have helped me recall that I can be an okay teacher.  I appreciate you all trusting me and for exceeding my expectations.  I look forward to seeing and hearing about all the great things that you will do in the future. 

          This was not a normal school year.  We didn’t get to end things in a way where we were together and that is something that many of us struggled with.  I feel lucky that I got to know who you were in the classroom and then get to see what you were like in your home.  For this reason, I feel like I grew closer to all of you than I have with some of my past classes.

I want you to know that I am willing to help you out with whatever you may need anytime.  Your families know how to get in touch with me and I can find a way to help you.  Just let me know what you need, and I will work hard to figure out a solution…not just now, but forever!

I know there are a lot of questions about next school year.  I don’t have the answers you are looking for right now, but I do promise that I will work hard as part of a team to come up with a realistic plan to keep us all safe.   Like I said on the first morning of first grade— it is my job to keep you all safe.  Learning that I am going to be a dad has helped me evaluate the decisions that are being made.  What I want for my new baby is the same as I want for my students…a place where all are safe and can prosper. 

I hope this summer you can visit the places and people that you want.  Take it easy on your family members because they have been taking on more jobs lately than ever before.  I have what could be the busiest summer of my life with fun stuff like moving into a new house and getting married, as well as not so fun stuff (like figuring out what insurance plans we should use and setting up new accounts for living in a new state)!  Keep making me proud!

Love,

Mr. Stevenson

Hi families,

During this last week of first grade, I will host the first graders for a class meeting at 9:30 AM daily.  I have a few things planned that I am excited to share with your children.  I will also do emails the evening before!  These meetings will be fun for the whole family!

For Monday, your child can work on:

oa/oe/ow handwriting

math pages 286-287

mystery assignment that I will share at 9:30

I outline the work in this video: https://safeYouTube.net/w/xUFI

Hi families,

Happy Friday!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half picture using high frequency words
Math pages 284-285

On Fridays, we have Guidance so click here for the latest from Mrs. O'Hearn!

Here is the video!

I will host a meeting for first graders at 9:30 where we chat about the final Mystery Doug of the year.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High frequency word worksheet
Math pages 282-283

On Thursdays, we have Library so click here for the latest from Ms. Russell!

Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Wednesday!

Today the kids can work on:

oi oy cut and sort
Math pages 280-281

On Wednesdays, we have PE and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin and Mrs. Duvall!

Here is the video!

I will host an adult only meeting at 2:30 so feel free to stop in to ask questions, provide input, or vent.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Tuesday!

Today the kids can work on:

oi/oy handwriting and sentence with picture
Math pages 276-279

On Tuesdays, we have PE so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin!

In today's video, I chat about what sounds words with oi and oy make.  I talk about different ways of representing three digit numbers.  Here is the video!

I will host a first grade meeting at 2:30 where each participant will have to bring an item to show and tell.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Friday!  No school on Monday!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half pictures using yesterday's high frequency words
Math pages 274-275
Get their writing piece to a place where they feel it is ready to be shared. 

On Fridays, we have Guidance so click here for the latest from Mrs. O'Hearn!

In today's video, I chat about some silly sentence using high frequency words.  I walk the kids through the math pages.  Here is the video!

I will host a meeting at 9:30.  We will chat about some drawings we made of people at school and try to guess who they are.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High frequency word worksheet
Math pages 272-273
Add more details to their writing piece

Encourage your child to create a  drawing of someone from school and have them create some descriptions that can be  given as clues to describe the person they drew.

On Thursdays, we have Library so click here for the latest from Ms. Russell!

In today's video, I introduce new high frequency words. I chat about the connection of knowing how to make a ten can translate into making a hundred.  Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Wednesday!

Today the kids can work on:

ai/ay cut and sort
Math pages 270-271
Edit their writing piece

On Wednesdays, we have PE and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin and Mrs. Duvall!

In today's video, I start the video off in a different location. We create some vertical bar graphs.  Here is the video!

I will host an adult only meeting at 2:30 so feel free to stop in to ask questions, provide input, or vent.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Tuesday!

Today the kids can work on:

ai/ay sentence with picture
Math pages 268-269
Write their writing piece

On Tuesdays, we have PE so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin!

In today's video, I chat about using ai and ay words.  I walk the kids through creating a picture graph about flowers! Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Monday!

I hope to see you at the parade from 3:30 to 4:30 this afternoon!

Today the kids can work on:

ai/ay handwriting
Math pages 266-267
Plan a new writing piece

On Mondays, we have Art so click here for the latest from Mrs. Libby!

In today's video, I chat about a new word work rule for the week.  I insert some data into the video for kids to use on the math  pages..  Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Friday!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half pictures using yesterday's high frequency word worksheet
Math pages 264-265
Get their writing piece to a place to show Mr. Stevenson

On Fridays, we have Guidance so click here for the latest from Mrs. O'Hearn!

In today's video, I keep in a blooper!   This is something that a few kids have asked for so I wonder if you can spot it!  I chat about how to complete the math pages and how to input some of your own data so you can complete it.  Here is the video!

I will host a first grade class zoom at 9:30 today.  We will chat about some of the litter we found and about Monday's parade!  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High frequency word worksheet
Math pages 262-263
Add more details to their writing piece

On Thursdays, we have Library so click here for the latest from Ms Russell!

In today's video, I about the new high frequency words.  I chat about using tally marks.  I discuss how a first grader might add some details to their writing piece. Here is the video!

On Monday, SME is hosting a parade in town from 3:30 to 4:30!  Look for more info on the school's facebook page!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Wednesday!

Today the kids can work on:

Cut and sort using the ee,ea, ey words
Math pages 260-261
Edit their writing piece

On Wednesdays, we have PE and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin and Mrs. Duvall!

In today's video, I chat about subtracting multiples of 10 off of the decade.  I attempt to explain some the editing process from the perspective of a first grader.  Here is the video!

I will host an adult only meeting at 2:30 so feel free to stop in to ask questions, provide input, or vent.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Tuesday!

Today the kids can work on:

Sentence with picture using yesterday's ee, ea, ey words
Math pages 258-259
Write your narrative piece

On Tuesdays, we have PE so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin!

In today's video, I chat about word work words.  I model some ways to subtract by tens using dimes.  I model how I take a plan for writing and turn it into a story.  Here is the video!

I will host a first grade meeting at 2:30 and we will chat about the latest from Mystery Doug.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Monday!

Today the kids can work on:

ee, ea, ey handwriting
Math pages 256-257
Plan a new narrative writing piece

On Mondays, we have Art and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Libby!

In today's video, I do something that had been thoroughly requested and model how I (as a first grader) might plan a writing piece  I hope this is helpful.  I introduce new word work words which contain the vowel teams of ee, ea, ey.  Here is the video!

This week I am giving first graders another challenge.  I have heard from some of you that your child is finding a hard time buying into doing school work.  It is my hope that some friendly competition inspires them to get motivated.  The challenge has two parts.  The first part is too find the highest number of pieces of litter and the second part is to come up with why they think a certain type of litter that they find is the most unique.  I am hoping to motivate the kids by giving them some advice on what might be the most interesting when I meet with them one on one.  However, I might only be able to give advice if they have been working hard!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Friday!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half pictures using yesterday's high frequency words
Math pages 254-255
Get your writing piece ready to share with Mr. Stevenson

On Fridays, we have Guidance so click here for the latest from Mrs. O'Hearn!

In today's video, I chat about about adding two digit numbers by using a scoreboard.  I come up with some silly sentences using the high frequency words.  Here is the video!

I will host a first grade show and tell at 9:30.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High frequency word worksheet
Math pages 252-253
Add more details to their writing piece

On Thursdays, we have Library so click here for the latest from Ms Russell!

In today's video, I chat about the new high frequency words which seem to have a theme this week.  I wonder if any first grader will identify the theme.  I chat about using a 100 chart to help add.  I end the video with a funny read aloud.  Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Wednesday!

Today the kids can work on:

-ing cut and sort
Math pages 250-251 

Edit their writing piece

On Wednesdays, we have PE and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin and Mrs. Duvall!

In today's video, I chat about editing writing.  I quickly discuss this week's cut and sort.  I have some work to do clearing space on my hard drive so I can make some longer videos!  I have been storing all of these videos I created but it looks like it is time to delete them.  Here is the video!

I will host an adult only meeting at 2:30 so feel free to stop in to ask questions, provide input, or vent.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Tuesday!

Today the kids can work on:

Sentence with picture using yesterday's -ing words

Math pages 248-249
Write their narrative piece

On Tuesdays, we have PE so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin!

In today's video, I chat about word work words.  We also work on finding multiples of ten in our math  books.  Here is the video!

I will host a first grade class meeting at 2:30 and each participant will need a piece of paper and something to draw with.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Monday!

Today the kids can work on:

-ing handwriting
Math pages 246-247 (ok to skip today)
Plan a new writing piece (I can do this with them individually if needed)

On Mondays, we have Art so click here for the latest from Mrs. Libby!

In today's video, I model a read aloud using some helpful tips from a document that Mrs. McCrave created.  I tell the kids that it is ok to skip the math pages for today. I introduce new word work words.  Here is the video!
I am giving a new challenge to first graders.  I decided on this topic because I have had many first graders share something new with me individually and I want to give them the chance to share something with the group.  This Friday, I will host a first grade show and tell.  First graders will have one minute to share something that they wish.  Their share could be a collection they have, something they have built, a pet, a song they perfected, something they cooked, etc.  The options are endless!  If your child wants to show something outside that is ok, but I would encourage you to test out your connection.  I am hoping that items will be shared will be done live and not recorded.  I had this idea before I knew third grade was doing something similar.  Have fun!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Friday!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half pictures using yesterday's high frequency words
Math pages 244-245
Get your writing piece to a place where you feel good about sharing it with Mr. Stevenson

On Fridays, we have Guidance so click here for the latest from Mrs. O'Hearn!

In today's video, I chat about the fun of finding things that are magnetic.  I create some silly sentences using the high frequency words.  I also encourage students to get out a block collection  to help them in math.  Here is the video!

At 9:30, I will host first graders and staff members.  We will discuss our lists of things that we have found that are magnetic!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High Frequency word worksheet
Math pages 242-243
Add more details to their writing piece

On Thursdays, we have Library so click here for the latest from Ms. Russell!

Keep on the hunt for all things magnetic!

In today's video, I introduce new read the room words that the kids will need for their high frequency word worksheet.  I walk the kids step by step with the math pages as I feel woefully unprepared with my at home supply of 3D shapes.  I end the video with a silly read aloud  Here is the video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Wednesday!

Today the kids can work on:

Cut and sort
Math pages 240-241
Edit their writing piece

On Wednesdays, we have PE and Music so click here for the latest from Mrs. Claflin and Mrs. Duvall!

In today's video, I chat about editing writing.  I quickly discuss this week's cut and sort.  I do my best to model different 3D shapes without having my 3D manipulatives and I walk the kids through their math pages as it is tricky to do without some teacher lead discussion.  Here is the video!

I will host an adult only meeting at 2:30 so feel free to stop in to ask questions, provide input, or vent.  This invite went out with this morning's email to families!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Tuesday!

Today the kids can work on:

Sentence with picture using yesterday's -ed words
Math pages 238-239
Write a narrative story (I don't mind doing this with them when I see them individually)

On Tuesdays, we have PE and if you go here (https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WrsAbPmvnQ7oRjjFthq0YdllmuiC4G1JXkEBIPWpND8/edit#slide=id.g74cb390488_0_0) you can check out some activities that she has in mind using a locomotor movement spinner.

In today's video, I check in about how the magnet search is coming.  I come up with a silly sentence using three -ed words.  We count backwards by ten and multiples of ten in math.  Here is the video!

I will host first graders and staff at 2:30 for a zoom meeting!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Happy Monday!

Today the kids can work on:

-ed handwriting
Math pages 236-237
Plan a new writing piece (I don't mind doing this with them when I see them individually)

In today's video, I introduce a challenge that is designed to get kids outside.  They will need a magnet and a scorecard.  They can then find things around them that are magnetic.  They get one point if the item is inside and two points if the item is outside.  We will share how we do this Friday, May 1st at 9:30AM at the all class zoom meeting.  In case you were wondering, it did seem odd to me that May is almost here! So get outside and find things that are magnetic! Here is today's video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Today is technically a Spring Break Day, but I am putting things out there for families that want to keep their child busy.  I am someone that prefers to be busy so I appreciate the distraction.  Consider everything for today optional!

Today the kids can work on:

Two half pictures using yesterday's high frequency words
Math pages 234-235
Get your writing piece to a place where you feel good showing Mr. Stevenson!
In today's video, I chat about how counting backwards using subtraction facts that we are comfortable with.  At the end of the video, I talk about an idea that I plan to introduce on Monday to get kids outside.  Here is today's video!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

I will host some first graders today at 9:30 if they want to come to this optional hangout!  We will be chatting about Mystery Doug and what he is doing with the things he recycles!

Happy weekend!

Hi families,

Happy Thursday!

Today the kids can work on:

High frequency word worksheet
Math pages 232-233
Add more details to their writing piece

In today's video, I chat about the use of speech bubbles in narrative writing.  I am noticing that a number of kids are using labels and captions from informational writing.  There is also a read aloud from another Cori Doerrfeld that highlight some speech bubble uses.  Here is today's video!

I have an action packed day with lots of meetings so if you have any questions email and I will get to them shortly!  It looks like it will be warmer and sunnier so take advantage!

Keep working hard on EPIC! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi families,

Today the kids can work on:

ll, ss, ff cut and sort
Math pages 230-231
Edit their writing piece

In today's video, I chat about what pictures can look like in a narrative piece as well as share some ideas of what to be on the lookout for when a first grader edits their writing.  In math, we once again use money to help guide our thinking so you may want to gather some dimes and pennies before you begin.  Here is today's video!

At 2:30 this afternoon, I will host an optional adult only time for families of first graders where you can share ideas, ask questions, or just vent.  You should have received information about this is the email I sent out this morning.

Keep working hard on Epic! Reading and ST Math as I am monitoring progress.  Also, for students receiving Title 1 support from Mrs. McCrave, don't forget to log onto Lalilo for 20 minutes a day.  She is keeping track of your progress and loves to see your work!

Any questions, let me know!

Hi Families,

Happy birthday Noah!

Today the kids can work on:

Sentence with picture using yesterday's ll, ss, ff words
Math pages 228-229
Write a new narrative piece

In today's video, I chat about some verbal probes that your child might find useful when they are planning their writing.  We work on counting by tens on of decade numbers.  I end the video with a heart felt read aloud which I hope you enjoy.  Here is the video!

At 2:30 this afternoon, I will be hosting first graders and school staff for a social hangout.  I plan to ask some fun questions and get opinions from all.  I suggest you bring a fork and a spoon to help make this extra fun!  If you are a staff member and would like to join let me know!

I continue to enjoy meeting with the kids individually and I am enjoying letting them guide what they get from me.  Every child has different needs and I am feeling out each child to see if they need some academic pushing or just some time to chat with their teacher!

Have a great day!

Hi families,

Today is technically a Spring Break Day, but I am putting things out there for families that want to keep their child busy.  I am someone that prefers to be busy so I appreciate the distraction.  Consider everything for today optional!

Today the kids can work on:

ll, ss, ff handwriting
Math pages 226-227
Plan a new narrative piece

In today's video, I start off talking about some strategies and probing questions to get your child to think about how to plan a writing piece.  I hope that you find this approach helpful.  The last thing I want to do is show my model and then have kids copy me.  I also put writing first today so that kids aren't spent!  Here is the video

On Friday, I hosted 11 first graders, four staff members, and many siblings/parents for a group drawing session.  I think the kids enjoyed it.  We had a wide age range in participants which I hope to see continue on upcoming Fridays.  I will keep Fridays geared towards creating something.  Tomorrow afternoon, I will again host first graders and we will be doing something socially geared.

If your child has a Monday one on one time, I want you to consider it optional, but I will still be in front of the screen at their time if your child does want to check in!  I can probably figure out a way to reschedule if your family is taking the day off!

Happy Monday!

Hi families,

Today kids can work on: 

Two half pictures using yesterday’s high frequency words

Math pages 224-225

Share your narrative piece or get it ready to show Mr. Stevenson

In today's video, I make up some silly sentences using our high frequency words.  Towards the end of the video, I chat (more like ramble) about what I recognize about some of the struggles kids are having with their writing at home.  Here is the video!

At 9:30 today, I am hosting a first grade whole class meeting.  I welcome siblings/parents to join in.  You received an invitation to this meeting this morning.  If you are a staff member and would like an invitation let me know!

Monday the 20^th and Friday the 24^th are spring break days for the district so schools are in theory "closed".  The 21^st-23^rd as snow day make ups so school will be in "session" remotely.  I am not required to do anything school related, but given how things are I welcome the chance to be busy so I will still put out a video and host one on one zoom meetings.  I will leave it up to families with what your child needs.  So on those days, give your child what they need whether that is a day off or some school day structure.

Happy Friday!

Hi families,

Today kids can work on:

High frequency worksheet

Math pages 222-223

Add more details to your writing piece

In today's video, I use coins to help us in math so you may want to gather some dimes and pennies.  Be sure to listen about why first graders only use dimes and pennies in math.  By the end of the video, I start to ramble, but I was falling victim to my seasonal allergies kicking in!  Here is the link to today's video

I am continuing to enjoy meeting with kids on zoom.  I also enjoyed meeting with a few adults yesterday to chat about what is working and what can be better.  I plan to do the same on each upcoming Wednesday!

Have an awesome Thursday!

Hi families,

Today kids can work on: 

Cut and sort using er/ir/ur words

Math pages 220-221

Edit your narrative piece

In today's video, I use food to help me in math.  Here is the link to today's video!

Yesterday Mr. Lindemann and I spent some time with 12 first graders (plus some parents, grandparents, siblings, and pets) on zoom.

Going forward I plan to have the whole class time on Tuesdays be socially oriented and on Fridays be more project based.  

Later today, and on future Wednesdays, I plan to have optional times an adult only chat for the adults of first graders.

Hi families,

You all received an email with an invitation for an all class zoom meeting at 2:30 today!  I hope you can make it.  I have enjoyed meeting with some of the first graders on zoom and I am looking forward to seeing more first graders! Here is the link for today's video!

Hi families,

I am excited for today!  I start one on one zoom meetings with kids.  I also tried out some new camera angles on the video.  Here is the video

Happy Friday!

I am hoping that you all survived another week!  In today's video, I will ask your child to get some sort of item to use as a counter.  I am very excited for Monday as I will be starting one on one zoom sessions with the kids.  If your child is schedule to meet with me on Mondays, I will send an invitation reminder in the morning before we meet!

Here is the link to today's video!

Have a great weekend!