Mrs. Eichberger’s
First Grade Newsletter

Volume 1 Issue 13
December 4, 2003

During the week of Thanksgiving we read Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Elhert and Corn is Maize, a story about how important corn was to the Native Americans. We then prepared corn chowder. The smell of soup was simmering all day in our classroom. In the afternoon we feasted on the chowder and corn bread. We wore our Indian vests that we made too!

This week we read the Woodcutter’s Mitten and Christmas Memories. We wrote about our favorite Christmas ornaments and why they are special to us.

We have been identifying even and odd numbers. One of the activities included sorting dominos according to whether the numbers of dots on the two sides are both even, both odd or mixed. We also used geometric shapes to create designs such as flowers, kites, trains, robots, and baskets. We are also learning how to add and subtract using our number line.

We were introduced to adding and subtracting by solving story problems as a class. For example: Nate was 5 years old when he got his first bicycle. He is 2 years older now. How old Nate now?

Social Studies

Gathering Greens…

Ancient people held evergreens in high esteem. To them, these plants (just by being green in winter) held the promise of spring renewal, and were considered very special. We brought the sights and smells of nature indoors by gathering pine boughs and decorating our room with them.

Our science counter is filled with objects from nature (pinecones, unique beach stones, birds nests, remains from bee hives, and plants). We observed these objects with partners and wrote describing words about them. It was especially fun because we got to use magnifying glasses.

Students have been encouraged to bring in objects from nature to add to our science table. Anything is fine as long as it’s not extremely dirty.

During the day we will break from our work to stretch. Stretching to music allows our minds to “recharge” and helps us to focus on a new task.

Last week, we made “Thankful Turkeys” centerpieces out of pinecones. We wrote the things we were thankful for on each turkey feather. Most of us were thankful for our families, our homes, and our friends.

This year the elementary is organizing a Giving Tree project for families within our district. As you enter the building, you will see a tree display. The trees contain tags with information regarding items that are needed by families. These families would like to remain anonymous as I am sure you understand. If you would like to take a tag please check in with the office with your tag(s) so we can keep track. The YELLOW tags have been designated to the first grade. If you take a tag from the Giving Tree please bring your item wrapped to the elementary office by Wednesday, December 17th  your ^{kindness and generosity will be greatly appreciated.}

^{The elementary Christmas program will take Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Onekama Gymnasium.}

^{The following items are needed for upcoming Christmas Craft Projects. If you can spare these items, please send them in with your child. Thank you!}

^{Clean pinecones}

^{Yarn in various colors and textures}

^{(This is an excerpt from an article that I saw in a recent Wall Street Journal.)}

^{“How was your day?’ is the worst thing to ask your child after school, according to psychotherapist Lauren Howard. Try this approach instead:}

• ^{Vary specific inquiries. Ask about certain teachers one day and best friends the next.}
• ^{Lay out some food. Many meaningful conversations start over after-school snacks. “The blood sugar thing is real,” Howard said.}

^{I’ve noticed lots of chapped lips, since the cold weather began. Hydration is very important in the winter, and often we forget to drink enough water.}

^{Your child may bring a water bottle to school. It will be kept in their cubby and they may drink from it before and after recess and during other designated times. Lip balm is also a good thing to send with your child.}