Exploring Space

http://htwins.net/scale2/

This week we have been learning all about space and the universe. Here is a fun website that we looked at in class. It lets you explore space, and see how the sizes of planets and stars compare to things on earth.
Feel free to spend more time exploring the website at home. It is very interactive, and the kids loved it. All you have to do is click on anything to learn a bit more. Enjoy!

Amelia Bedelia

This week we have been reading Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish.
We only have time to read one of the Amelia Bedelia books, so here are a few more to read at home if you have time. You don't have to worry about finding the book, bellow are links to two Amelia Bedelia story's to have your child watch and listen too. Enjoy!

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping

Good Work Amelia Bedelia

Weekly Update

Homework for the week. 

• Spelling test #2 on Friday. [Find the words here: http://kayesklass.blogspot.com/2014/09/spelling-words-week-2.html] 
• Shining Stars project is due Wed Oct. 1
• Addition 3.3 due Tuesday September 30
• Addition 3.4 due Thursday September 2

Events for the week. 

• Cookie Drive on Wednesday. Don't forget a dollar or two to buy a sweet treat at lunch. 
• Construction begins for the new playground. 
• Movie on Friday. Bring your own snack.  

School Update!

Jefferson Elementary has finally raised enough funds to begin construction on the new playground. Construction will begin Monday September 29, but don't worry there will still be a playground to use at recess. They will begin by installing new equipment in the empty field, and then will move to upgrade the existing play set. Nothing will be put to waste. Anything taken out will be recycled, or repurposed. No kids will be in danger during construction, which will only take place after the school day is over. The school is going to be posting people to watch the construction area during all recess' to make sure no child goes anywhere near the zone until it is fully complete.
A big thanks to all that donated and helped fundraise. They hope to have the entire project completed by October 30.

Healthy Habits

Every Monday Ms. Kayes first grade classroom adopts a new habit to try for the week. This week: Five minutes of stretching at the start of class. The kids found it very relaxing. 

“I can reach my toes!” - Caleb 

“I’m going to teach this to my little brother. Then he can be just like me.” - Jess 

“Can we do just five more minutes? Please?” - Entire Class 

Look Into The Universe

http://htwins.net/scale2/
Here is a great website that we having been using in class to look at the size of the universe. You can start with the smallest cell, and go all the way out to the largest solar system. This site visually compares the sizes of things on earth, and in outer space. Take the time to play around, and learn something new.

The Reading Rug

Last week we enjoyed reading The Night Before First Grade. 

Here are a few discussion questions to ask at dinner. 

• What was the silliest thing that Penny did to get ready?
• How did you feel on your first day of first grade? 

Next week we will be reading.... 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61kJ70hwvkL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/AmeliaBedelia.jpg

Science in the Stars

The class took a short trip outside to learn about the size’s of the planets. Along the sidewalk was drawn the different plants to a  very small scale. The earth was the size a golfball.

The kids loved measuring out the distance between the planets, and where surprised to find that the sun didn’t even fit on the sidewalk! 

We then came inside and created our own planet’s. Come visit the classroom to see the solar system we  created. We will continue to learn about outer space over the next two weeks. 

Donuts with Dad

Last week Friday Ms. Kayes first grade class had a successful donut’s with dad. Students enjoyed a sweet treat while sharing their latest project’s with their fathers. 

The class took a survey of their fathers favorite kind of donut. Here are the results. 

Kid’s favorite type of donut: Chocolate with sprinkles.

Dad’s favorite type of donut: Chocolate with sprinkles.

Spelling Words Week #2

Spelling Words Week #2
Sight words, -ai- pattern, and academic vocabulary

1. little
2. work
3. know
4. place
5. years
6. rain
7. mail
8. wait
9. paint
10. chant
11. paid
12. sail
13. goods
14. services
15. pitch
16. volume

Field Trip: Pumpkin Patch

Last week Tuesday (September 16), our class took a field trip to the local pumpkin patch. The students enjoyed fresh apple cider, warm apple donuts, and searching for the perfect pumpkin.

There where so many pumpkins to choose from! We choose 7 pumpkins, of all different sizes, to take back to the classroom. A huge thanks goes out to the parent chaperones that helped carried all the pumpkins back to the bus.

Once back in the classroom we learned how to carve the perfect pumpkin. The students split into groups of 3 and spent the afternoon designing and then carving out their pumpkin. Bellow is the final results!

We will continue our fall festivities over the course of September and October. Look forward to lots of fun crafts, tasty treats, and even more surprises.

Spelling Words Week #1

Spelling Words Week #1

Sight words, r-controlled “a”, and academic vocabulary

1. over 

2. new 

3. art 

4. take 

5. only 

6. car 

7. park 

8. hard 

9. barn

10. card 

11. shark

12. dark 

13. eyes 

14. timeline 

15. hold

Meet Miss Kayes

Hello! I am Miss Kayes and I will be your child’s first grade teacher for the year. I graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. 

When I am not in the classroom I enjoy singing at the top of my lungs. 
I had the class submit questions that they wanted to know about me. Here are a few. 

What is your favorite color? Purple.
Is there anything you hate? I don't like tomatoes. 
What is your favorite animal?  Sheep.
Who do you love? My mum and dad.
What is your favorite food? Pasta.
Do you have any pets? I have a big black dog named Remi. 
Is your brother annoying like mine? Sometimes.
What is your dream? To write my own book.

I look forward to spending the upcoming year with this wonderful group of students, as we all get to know each other better and learn lots of new and interesting things. If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact me. 

Sincerely, Rachael Kayes