First graders have been learning about so many knew things this third quarter. They are learning about how the sun affects our lives on Earth. They have been introduced to the phases of the moon and the solar system. Students have also been working on comparing/contrasting fiction and nonfiction text. First graders are working hard on various math strategies to add two-digit numbers using linking cubes. We are look forward to having our Star Lab after spring break!
This year in preschool, Mrs. Munch has been doing weekly social group lessons in the classroom. Each week students start off by choosing and practicing a greeting. Some of their favorites include air hugs, thumbs up, waving with 2 hands, and air high fives. Students are reminded each week that greetings “show your friends you care about them.” Students have also been introduced to the “Feeling Buddies” through the Conscious Discipline curriculum. They have met Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared, Worried, Frustrated, Calm, and Anxious. The Feeling Buddies come out of their pockets and help students imitate and learn facial expressions so they can recognize the emotions of others. Preschoolers have come up with great examples of when different emotions have occurred in their lives and strategies, they can use to help them calm down when they have a big emotion or a busy body. For example, students share examples like “I felt angry when my parents went to the Creamery without me” and another said, “I felt disappointed when my friend couldn’t come over.” Students have learned four special techniques to help them calm down- STAR breathing (Stop, take a Deep Breath and Relax), Drain Breathing, Balloon Breathing, and Pretzel Breathing. If you have a preschooler, ask them to pick one of the strategies below and share at home!!
