Monday, February 24, 2014

Old School Recess Games, Extra Credit, AND the 100th Day!

It was raining today during recess so we had to be, "under cover". It was refreshing to see children playing hopscotch (boys who were discouraged from playing a game where they would "destroy" one another), duck duck goose (a personal favorite from my youth), and a counting baskets game. The basket counters are up to 300! The more things change...the more they stay the same!
Here's a fuzzy picture of the duck duck goose game. (Notice the conga line in the background:)

Extra Credit
This paper came home with your child's homework today. This is not homework, but if your child completes it and brings it back by Monday, March 3 he/she will get to choose a prize from the prize box. Please remember to encourage neat handwriting, use capitals correctly, and end punctuation.


 100 Days in First Grade!
Today was the 100th Day of School. It was acknowledged here with a couple of fun read alouds and a brief writing activity. I am thankful every day to spend time with such special children. This really is a wonderful group of learners. Even though our celebration was low-key, we still had a happy day with lots of laughter!

One last thing...
The class took a long test today as the final part of the ROOTS research from UofO. The test was long and fast-paced. Our kiddos were troopers, but I could tell they were really tired afterwards. They did a great job and the test administrators were really impressed!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Reflections on Prosperity, Olympic Events, and Rodents Making Predictions...and Happiness

I spent an hour today getting caught up on scoring our writing homework. We have a class of talented writers! I loved reading about plans for prosperity in the new year, thoughts on which Olympic event to dream of and strong opinions for and against Punxsutawney Phil.

On prosperity in the new year...
exercise more
eat better
travel
talk more
learn how to use oil paints
get a new puppy
spend more time together as a family (this one was mentioned many times!)

Watch out in 2022! We might have some Olympians participating!
Events we'd like to compete in...
luge
speed skating
figure skating
ice dancing
snow boarding
skiing
hockey

Groundhog Day...
Our class was divided. Some thought it was all for show and frankly, not nice for that poor groundhog. A few used science to support their opinion and pointed out that one little cloud could make all of the difference. Others used evidence to support Phil's opinion (I am standing in snow. It is snowing now. It has been snowing for four days!). I tend to think it's a fun tradition that spawned one of my favorite movies. Either way, I was thrilled to see that our students could state an opinion and support it with one or two reasons. 


Finally...the tune I can't get out of my head and is super fun to dance to with 28 first graders at the end of a long day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM&noredirect=1


Run With the Eagle 5k

Our PTC is recruiting volunteers and runners for our First Annual Run With the Eagle 5k!

Please visit the following links if you are interested in participating:

Registration site:  http://runwiththeeagle5k.com
Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/runwiththeeagle5k
Volunteer signup:  http://vols.pt/QBSBEG



Thursday, November 14, 2013

Donors Choose Project Funded!!

Good news! Our class project was funded and we have received 55 beautiful, new books! They will be used during our book clubs unit in January.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fabulous Fiction for First Graders

Hi Parents,

I want to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed. So I've created a classroom project request at DonorsChoose.org, an award-winning charity.

I'm asking for donations of any size to help my kids. For the next week, any donation you make to my project will be doubled (up to $100). If you know anyone who is passionate about education, please pass this along. Your donation will brighten my students' school year, and you'll get photos and thank yous from our class.

Here's my classroom request:

To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the promo code INSPIRE on the payment screen. This awesome match offer lasts through November 6, 2013.

My students and I greatly appreciate your support.
M

Thursday, September 12, 2013

News from Mrs. Cobain-Soto's Class


        Welcome To a New School Year
     We have a great class of 27 students (14 boys and 13 girls).  I am looking forward to an exiting school year with your child.  Important information will often be shared with you via e-mail or a newsletter. Most of your child’s classroom work will come home on Mondays in a Homework Folder (launching 9/16).  Included in the folder will be school fliers, completed work, and homework for the coming week.

The First Week
     Much of this first week was spent doing activities to get to know each other.  Creating a sense of belonging in the classroom helps prepare students to work together throughout the year.  We also refreshed our memories and practiced the school-wide behavior expectations of PBIS (being safe, respectful, and responsible).

Afternoon Snack and Water
      Due to an early lunch (11:10), the children are invited to bring a nutritious snack for after our specials at 1:15.  Good choices would be a small sandwich, pieces of cut up fruit or cheese, granola bars, or whole grain crackers. There will not be time to wash up afterwards, please avoid “messy” snacks. Remind your child that the snack needs to be eaten in 5 minutes or less.  Small water bottles with no-spill tops are fine. 

Homework
      Plan on writing, spelling, and math homework to come home each Monday in your child’s Homework Folder (launching 9/16), to be completed by the following Monday (or first day of the week). At least 20-30 minutes of reading five days a week is also expected.  
      Now is the time to begin building good study habits as your child continues their education.  Help your child to space out the work during the week, and to bring back the items requested on time. 

Specials
     From 12:30-1:15, our class will have specials on a four-day rotation. 
Day A-P.E
Day B-Library
Day C-Music
Day D-Technology

Book Orders
     Once a month I will be sending home Scholastic Book Orders. Participation is totally voluntary and is offered as an inexpensive way to add quality children’s books to your home library.  When families purchase books, I receive points from the book clubs that I use to add more books to our classroom collection. Book orders will be sent home in the Homework Folder.

Please Note the Following Procedural Information
     Children are allowed in the classrooms at 8:25 a.m.  Learning begins at 8:30 a.m.  If your child arrives late or returns from an appointment, a late slip must be obtained from the office before being admitted to class.

     All lunch and milk purchases should be taken to the office before the start of the school day.

     You are welcome to join your child for lunch at 11:10 in the cafeteria.  Please let the office know in the morning if you wish to order a hot lunch.

Please check-in at the office for an ID badge.  If you visit our playground or volunteer in the classroom, you must have a district background check on file.  You can easily do this by visiting the Beaverton School District website and check on the handprint.

     Please send a note or email if your child’s usual after school departure routine changes in any way, including early departure. E-mails to the office for a change of after school plans will be accepted before 12 noon.  After 12 noon, please call the office.   
     Toys, trading cards, breakables, electronic devices, valuables, and stuffed animals should be kept at home.

     The Birthday Policy from the Parent/Student Handbook “prohibits the bringing of treats for children’s birthday.  This includes all food and drinks.  We also ask that birthday invitations NOT be given out at school.”

     I hope to see you at the Curriculum Night/Back to School /Movie Night on September 12, 6:30.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call me at school (503 672-3650), send a note, or e-mail me if you have questions or concerns about your child.  E-mail is the quickest way to get in touch with me, sandra_cobain-soto@beaverton.k12.or.us


It’s going to be a great year!





Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Welcome to first grade! 

Here is our daily schedule:



8:25 - 8:40
Attendance/Morning meeting
8:40 – 9:45
Literacy-Writing
9:45-10:00
Recess
10:00-10:50
Literacy-Reading
10:50-11:30
Recess/Lunch
11:30-12:30
Read Aloud/Literacy wrap-up
12:30-1:15
Specials
1:15-2:20
Math
2:20-3:04
Content (science/social studies)