Check Out These Articles!

Just a few more articles to give you some ideas...

Technology: http://www.greatschools.org/parenting/learning-development/5894-javascript-class-learn.gs?cpn=20130217weeklysend

Math: http://www.greatschools.org/students/academic-skills/slideshows/6350-math-tips-for-parents.gs?cpn=20130217weeklysend

Helping your shy child: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/social-life-friendship/3-ways-to-boost-classroom-confidence

Audio Books: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/literacy-benefits-listening

Great Website for kids: http://www.scholastic.com/kids/stacks/index.asp?eml=OT/e/20130129///EDU//Kids/Schools//////&ym_MID=1461475&ym_rid=9988435

You can help our classroom!

Donors Choose Project

My Students Need Your Help!  Any donation goes a long way, especially this week!

Hi Friends,

This school year, I want to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed. So I've created a classroom project request on a 501(c)3 charity website called DonorsChoose.org.
 
I'm writing to ask for any donations possible for my students - no matter the size, it will help my kids. This week only, any donation you make to my project will be doubled! If you know anyone who is passionate about education, please pass this along. Your tax-deductible donation will have a direct impact on at least 28 students (and many more in the future), and you'll hear back from our class about your impact on our learning!

To learn more or donate:

1.     Visit my Teacher Page, www.donorschoose.org/bthies
2.     Choose one of my projects, enter the amount of your donation, and click "Give"
3.     During check-out, enter the word INSPIRE where it says "Match or gift code", and your donation will be matched dollar for dollar.

The INSPIRE match code will double your donation for the next 7 days (ends Feb 22^nd).

Please feel free to send me any questions you may have, and know that my students and I greatly appreciate your support. 

You can pass this along to any grandparents, family members, friends, etc. who you think would like to help out as well!  Through this Donors Choose program, we have already had so many wonderful materials given to our classroom!  This is a great way to ensure that your child’s education is the best I can offer! 

Thanks again for your support!

Grandparents' Day

Please let grandparents know to put this special day on their calendar.  Grandparents' Day will be celebrated at LPA on Wed., Feb. 20th.  I am asking grandparents to bring an item from their childhood for "show and tell" (an old telephone, a childhood picture, a toy, baby shoe, etc.), anything that would show the children what life was like in the "good old days".  (What no video games?  No computers?  No cell phones?)

There will be continental breakfast served for all registered grandparents only from 9:00-9:45am, and then grandparents can come to our classroom for their "show and tell".  You must RSVP by Feb. 15th for the continental breakfast.

Love of Reading Month Challenge

Don't forget that February is Love of Reading Month!  All throughout the month of February be sure read, record, and hand in your book logs.  I will be keeping track of minutes read by each student. The top two students (K-2nd) with the most minutes read will win a BIKE!  The class with the most minutes read will win a popcorn party!  This is for the month of February only, so be sure to read and hand in those logs!

Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandts is starting up Tuesday, January 29th.  It is an art/drawing class dedicated to "raising generations that value the power, the passion and the significance of art."  If you are interested in finding out more about the program check out their website at www.youngrembrandts.com/tucson-az.  Be sure to see the office or contact the director Angela Burton at (520) 490-9400 or angela.burton@youngrembrandts.com if you are interested in signing up!

Timeline Family Project

Our next family project is here!  (I love these things!!!)  Guidelines went home this last week and the project is due on or before February 13th.

Please help your child make a timeline of his/her life.  It should have at least 5 or 6 events in his/her life.  Examples are:

-birth
-first tooth
-started walking
-birthdays/holidays
-first trip
-kindergarten graduation
-birth of a new sibling
-moving to a new home

Label and place pictures on the timeline in order of events.  The timeline will be on display for the month of February and then will be returned home.  You may be as creative as you want but please remember, this is NOT a collage, it is a timeline.  (See the guidelines for specific examples.)

If you do not have pictures, you may draw or print things that will fit for each event.  Please make sure your child is doing the work on this activity though...

This is a required project which will be graded and entered on your child’s report card.  It is necessary that your student is totally involved with this timeline due to the fact that it is a 1^st grade AZ social studies standard.  It can be a fun keepsake, so get creative and get your little one to work!  Be sure to ask if you have any questions.  

Tips for Home

Below are listed some articles and websites that can help with reading, math, and nutrition...

http://www.greatschools.org/parenting/health-nutrition/slideshows/7201-stay-healthy-in-winter-tips.gs?cpn=20130120weeklysend

http://www.greatschools.org/students/7104-read-aloud-to-children.gs?cpn=20130120weeklysend

www.abcya.com