Specials are Spot On

1st Grade January News

Art

During the month of January, the first graders in Ms. Pinto’s art classes have been visualizing “Through a Window”. We talked about how windows could be like magic portals, and can show us outside, as well as inside, depending on where we are standing. We practiced sketching and then painting a window view! Some students were outside looking in, while others were inside looking out. It was exciting to imagine where we were, and even more exciting to paint! First graders learned that there are different paint brushes for different jobs; small paintbrushes are best for painting small parts of our artwork and small details, and bigger paintbrushes are best for painting larger parts of our artwork and big details. To finish our “Window Paintings”, we learned that we could use glue to create ICICLES! Ask us how!!! Add a flash of glitter, and our paintings had just the pizzazz they needed to complete our beautiful window scenes!

“ATTENTION! Keep an eye out for our Art 2 Remember flyer (coming home soon) with more information regarding our special art fundraiser event! Here is a link to view the products and the company ahead of time if you'd like a sneak peek!”

Art 2 Remember Fundraiser

For more information please visit the art webpage here.

Miss Pinto and Miss Fausette

Music

During the past month, first graders worked hard to sharpen their rhythm-reading and writing skills. They practiced their new rhythms, “ta” and “ti-ti”, as well as discovering a new “mystery rhythm” that didn’t make a sound at all! They recently learned that this rhythm is called “quarter rest”. It gets one heartbeat, but is silent. It looks like a z on top of a c! Students learned new songs like “Peas Porridge Hot” and “Bow Wow Wow”. They used white boards to practice writing the rhythms they heard and played the post office game, where they read rhythm messages sent to them in envelopes! Soon, they will begin a xylophone unit! Below, see a picture of students sharing their rhythm compositions on white boards. Click here to view a video of first graders playing their new game, “Bow Wow Wow”!

Mrs. Maldonado

Physical Education

During the month of December the children worked on basketball skills and movement activities involving skipping, , galloping, sliding and jumping.

Dribbling - Focused on children using their finger pads. Dribbling with right and left hand while kneeing and standing, dribble and turn, stop and go on the whistle, between legs are some examples.

They also worked on hand-eye challenges such as dribbling and rolling ball around one leg, figure eights, and drop and catch variations.

Passing - We showed them correct technique of chest and bounce pass. They either passed against a wall or with a partner. We also showed them when catching a ball to provide a target for passer and watch the ball into their hands.

Shooting - We focused on children shooting from their chest, bending their knees, and jumping while looking at target. Lowering baskets to 8 feet which is appropriate for their age made a big difference in their success and technique.

The children also continued working on their fitness ( exercises and jogging), flexibility, arm and shoulder strength. First graders do 20 push-ups and sit-ups a class.

Coach Boscarino and Coach Ruel

Library Media

During the month of January, 1st grade students have started the "Hour of Code". We discussed coding as the "language that the computer speaks". Students will be using www.code.org curriculum over the month to start to learn about coding, in a game like environment. So far the kids have been having a great time.

Some 1st classes, also are participating in the library's "Pop-Up Booktalks". Mrs. Pezzi's class got a special visit from Mrs. Flannery to introduce them to some new 1st grade books and later in the month Mrs. Flannery will be visiting Mrs. Vigue's and Mrs. Hoffman's classes.

With Mrs. Hill, 1st grade students have participated in read alouds of the following titles:

LuLu's Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst (2017 Nutmeg Nominee)

If you have any questions in regards to your child’s library experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or locate more information on the library webpage.

Mrs. Flannery and Mrs. Hill