Happy Halloween!
Reply
Sun, Earth, and Moon Model
We are concluding our “Moon” unit, and we finished off by turning in our Moon Journals and viewing a moving model of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. It was really helpful for the students to see how the moon appears to change shape, depending on its position to the sun and depending on our location on Earth.
Homework for the Week of Oct. 31 – Nov. 4
For this week, there are 5 components required for weekly homework:
1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Timed Reading
Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM, which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above.
If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).
A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least two-three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day.
Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking here:
CLICK HERE for Sort 1-24
Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
CHALLENGE WORDS: Students do NOT need to know how to spell Challenge Words. They only need to practice reading them as they sort them under the “Challenge” guide word. Thanks!
Be sure to include “sight words” and “challenge words” in the sort. Students should always read every word when sorting. Here is an example of a completed sort:
The spelling words will sometimes repeat:
down
said
work
from
some
would
so
1.) Complete this week’s My Math homework pages and staple them to the homework form. The assigned pages are:
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 12
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 13
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 14
2.) Practice math skills for 20 minutes (in total for the week) using any “Math Activity” listed here: CLICK HERE for Math Activities
3.) Complete the math facts fluency timing each day, Monday-Thursday, and record the scores for the week on your homework form. We are on “Adding Eights, Nines, and Tens.”
These daily one-minute timed fluency readings will help your student become a fluent reader. Time your student for one minute Monday-Thursday and record the number of words they were able to read in one minute on the front page of the Homework Form.
This week: use the “Lesson 24” page; no need to print it out, unless you’d like to. You
can report daily scores on the front page of the Homework Form instead.
CLICK HERE for Timed Reading Passages
1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Timed Reading
Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM, which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above.
If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).
- This form does NOT need to be printed or turned in for credit during weeks that we are doing only READING homework. Simply initialing the form that comes home with your child’s Book Buddy is sufficient during those weeks.
A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least two-three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day.
Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking here:
CLICK HERE for Sort 1-24
Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
- Monday: Print, cut, and sort your words with an adult and explain this week’s rule. Sort each word under the correct guide word. Some guide words have a C or V combination on them – C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel.
- Tuesday: Practice the sort and write it (using the grid on page 2 of the Homework Form).
- Wednesday: Blind Sort (Lay down the guide words and then read the rest of the words aloud without showing them to your child. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
- Thursday: Sort and glue (sort the words and glue them using the grid on page 3 of the Homework Form).
CHALLENGE WORDS: Students do NOT need to know how to spell Challenge Words. They only need to practice reading them as they sort them under the “Challenge” guide word. Thanks!
Be sure to include “sight words” and “challenge words” in the sort. Students should always read every word when sorting. Here is an example of a completed sort:
- Study the following spelling and phonics words using any method you wish in order to prepare for the weekly spelling test on Fridays.
- There is a list of recommended spelling study activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Spelling Word Activities, but, again, you may use any method you wish.
- Please write the second list of spelling words (5 words) in alphabetical order on the Homework Form.
The spelling words will sometimes repeat:
down
said
work
from
some
would
so
1.) Complete this week’s My Math homework pages and staple them to the homework form. The assigned pages are:
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 12
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 13
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 14
2.) Practice math skills for 20 minutes (in total for the week) using any “Math Activity” listed here: CLICK HERE for Math Activities
3.) Complete the math facts fluency timing each day, Monday-Thursday, and record the scores for the week on your homework form. We are on “Adding Eights, Nines, and Tens.”
- With the fluency timing in the plastic sheet protector, use a dry-erase marker to practice repeatedly. Record your time (number of minutes and seconds) and number of correct answers each day on your Homework Form. (No need to calculate a percentage score.)
- The target goal is to finish all 25 problems in 1 minute and 15 seconds, with 90% accuracy (23 out of 25 problems correct).
- Addition & Subtraction Fluency Timings
These daily one-minute timed fluency readings will help your student become a fluent reader. Time your student for one minute Monday-Thursday and record the number of words they were able to read in one minute on the front page of the Homework Form.
This week: use the “Lesson 24” page; no need to print it out, unless you’d like to. You
can report daily scores on the front page of the Homework Form instead.
CLICK HERE for Timed Reading Passages
See If Your First-Grader Can Name the 7 Continents!
We are concluding our maps and globes unit. Feel free to quiz your child on some of the material we have been learning:
1. What is the equator?
2. What is the Northern Hemisphere?
3. What is the Southern Hemisphere?
4. What are two things that are found on all maps, and how do they help us? (a Map Key tells us what the symbols on a map represent, and a Compass Rose shows direction)
5. What are the names of the 7 continents? Can you identify them on a map?
1. What is the equator?
2. What is the Northern Hemisphere?
3. What is the Southern Hemisphere?
4. What are two things that are found on all maps, and how do they help us? (a Map Key tells us what the symbols on a map represent, and a Compass Rose shows direction)
5. What are the names of the 7 continents? Can you identify them on a map?
Vote on Theme for Our Classroom Holiday Fundraising Basket
Each classroom at Quest will be putting together a holiday basket to raise money for field trips, clubs, and other activities at Quest.
The baskets will be put on display in the Q1 foyer from December 5th-15th. At that point, you may vote for your favorite basket and you may purchase tickets to win a basket.
We will be asking students and families to donate items for the basket that are centered around a theme (such as “Family Night Basket” or “Sports Fan Basket.” Donated items may be new or gently used, but should be items that you would want to win (not junk or cast-offs). Donations for the basket will need to be submitted to our classroom by November 29th.
Since we soon will be asking for donations, I wanted to be sure that parents and students have the opportunity to vote on a “theme” for our classroom basket.
Please click on the link below to vote on a theme for our basket (voting closes Friday, Nov. 4th):
https://docs.google.com/a/questac.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoQNlSvZD39Z9aSMJcgc_N5gIjItd1PA3dXvVOSPvYARlLHQ/viewform
The baskets will be put on display in the Q1 foyer from December 5th-15th. At that point, you may vote for your favorite basket and you may purchase tickets to win a basket.
We will be asking students and families to donate items for the basket that are centered around a theme (such as “Family Night Basket” or “Sports Fan Basket.” Donated items may be new or gently used, but should be items that you would want to win (not junk or cast-offs). Donations for the basket will need to be submitted to our classroom by November 29th.
Since we soon will be asking for donations, I wanted to be sure that parents and students have the opportunity to vote on a “theme” for our classroom basket.
Please click on the link below to vote on a theme for our basket (voting closes Friday, Nov. 4th):
https://docs.google.com/a/questac.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoQNlSvZD39Z9aSMJcgc_N5gIjItd1PA3dXvVOSPvYARlLHQ/viewform
Check for Lice!
Students in some classrooms at Quest have been hit with lice, and we do NOT want this to spread! Please, please check your child’s head for lice and for nits (lice eggs). As of yet, no children in our class have been identified as having lice, but it may have already spread from other classes.
If you do find lice, please know that the process of ridding your hair, clothing, and other articles (bedding, backpacks, etc.) of lice takes several days, as lice eggs usually hatch only after 7-10 days, but may take as long as 14 days! Lice combs do not remove nits, and are only able to separate hair and sometimes remove larger lice. If your child has lice, we do not want to see you back at school any time soon! Please do not bring your child to school again until all lice and eggs are completely removed and/or dead.
Here is some information from the Health Department regarding lice (including videos and helpful documents).
If you do find lice, please know that the process of ridding your hair, clothing, and other articles (bedding, backpacks, etc.) of lice takes several days, as lice eggs usually hatch only after 7-10 days, but may take as long as 14 days! Lice combs do not remove nits, and are only able to separate hair and sometimes remove larger lice. If your child has lice, we do not want to see you back at school any time soon! Please do not bring your child to school again until all lice and eggs are completely removed and/or dead.
Here is some information from the Health Department regarding lice (including videos and helpful documents).
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/lice/video.shtml – Removing Head Lice Safely Video (English and Spanish versions) from University of Nebraska
http://www.headlice.org/index.html – Head Lice website from the national Pediculosis Association. Has some FAQ’s, videos and resources about head lice prevention and treatment.
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html – CDC Head Lice website. I haven’t seen any videos on this site, but good information and resources for public or anyone to use.
“Positive Me” Week
This week is Positive Me week. This event is designed to help students identify and work on their self-esteem and how to care for themselves. Here is the list of dress up fun for each day:
Monday-”Scare Away Negativity”
Wear your favorite accessory such as a bracelet, necklace, pin, hair bow, belt, or tie.
Please no hats.
Tuesday- “Scare Away Drugs”
Wear Red (Uniform shirt)
Wednesday- “Scare Away Bad Health”
Wear Crazy socks
Thursday- “Scare Away Bullies”
Show your team spirit by wearing a team jersey, t-shirt, or school spirit shirt (uniform pants required)
Friday- “Scare up some fun”
Wear a costume or wear orange
Reading for All Learners iPad App!
I was so excited to discover that the Reading for All Learners books (the books we use for our “Book Buddies”) could be purchased as an iPad app! This could be a great alternative for you if you want the capability of doing reading homework on an iPad! The prices are reasonable, too: each book set is $9.99, or the entire collection, including all book sets, is $49.99. If you are looking to have these books available on iPad for your first-grader or for a younger sibling, this is a great option. 
Click on this link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-for-all-learners-i/id576498956?mt=8
Halloween Activities and Costumes: Friday, October 28th. Uniforms on Oct. 31st
We will be holding our Halloween festivities (Halloween parade and party) on Friday, October 28th. Costumes are encouraged on this day! 🙂 (Please no gore or masks). The Halloween parade is at 9:00, and parents are invited to attend; please be in the Q2 gym to view the parade.
We have requested a $12 donation for the three holiday parties we will host this year (Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s). These donations help pay for party costs such as; sugar cookies and supplies to decorate the cookies. If you haven’t already, you may pay $4 for the Halloween party or you may pay the complete party donation of $12 now at the Q1 office.
On Halloween (October 31st) please be sure to wear a uniform. We will be watching the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this day.
We have requested a $12 donation for the three holiday parties we will host this year (Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s). These donations help pay for party costs such as; sugar cookies and supplies to decorate the cookies. If you haven’t already, you may pay $4 for the Halloween party or you may pay the complete party donation of $12 now at the Q1 office.On Halloween (October 31st) please be sure to wear a uniform. We will be watching the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this day.
Homework for the Week of October 24th-28th
For this week, there are 6 components required for weekly homework:
1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Timed Reading
6. MOON JOURNALS (from last week’s homework) are DUE!
Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM, which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above.
If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).
A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least two-three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day.
Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking here:
CLICK HERE for Sort 1-21
Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
CHALLENGE WORDS: Students do NOT need to know how to spell Challenge Words. They only need to practice reading them as they sort them under the “Challenge” guide word. Thanks!
Be sure to include “sight words” and “challenge words” in the sort. Students should always read every word when sorting. Here is an example of a completed sort:
The spelling words will sometimes repeat:
down
children
for
look
about
out
if
1.) Complete this week’s My Math homework pages and staple them to the homework form. The assigned pages are:
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 9
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 10
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 11
2.) Practice math skills for 20 minutes (in total for the week) using any “Math Activity” listed here: CLICK HERE for Math Activities
3.) Complete the math facts fluency timing each day, Monday-Thursday, and record the scores for the week on your homework form. We are on “Adding Fives.”
These daily one-minute timed fluency readings will help your student become a fluent reader. Time your student for one minute Monday-Thursday and record the number of words they were able to read in one minute on the front page of the Homework Form.
This week: use the “Lesson 21” page; no need to print it out, unless you’d like to. You
1. Reading (20-30 minutes every day!)
2. Word Sorts
3. Spelling
4. Math
5. Timed Reading
6. MOON JOURNALS (from last week’s homework) are DUE!
Each week, print out the HOMEWORK FORM, which is found here or under the “Homework Form” tab above.
If you would like to reduce the number of necessary printed papers, you may choose to print only page 1 of the Homework Form and use any blank paper for Tuesday’s Writing Sort and Thursday’s Glue Sort (see below).
- This form does NOT need to be printed or turned in for credit during weeks that we are doing only READING homework. Simply initialing the form that comes home with your child’s Book Buddy is sufficient during those weeks.
A Reading for All Learners (Book Buddy) leveled book will be sent home with your child DAILY. Please have your child read the book (or one story from the books that contain more than one story) at least two-three times and then sign the included form. You may supplement your child’s reading using books at home, library books, etc. to fulfill the minimum requirement of 20-30 minutes of reading per day.
Each week, print your student’s assigned Word Sort by clicking here:
CLICK HERE for Sort 1-21
Use the Word Sort for the following activities:
- Monday: Print, cut, and sort your words with an adult and explain this week’s rule. Sort each word under the correct guide word. Some guide words have a C or V combination on them – C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel.
- Tuesday: Practice the sort and write it (using the grid on page 2 of the Homework Form).
- Wednesday: Blind Sort (Lay down the guide words and then read the rest of the words aloud without showing them to your child. Your child must indicate where the word goes without seeing it.
- Thursday: Sort and glue (sort the words and glue them using the grid on page 3 of the Homework Form).
CHALLENGE WORDS: Students do NOT need to know how to spell Challenge Words. They only need to practice reading them as they sort them under the “Challenge” guide word. Thanks!
Be sure to include “sight words” and “challenge words” in the sort. Students should always read every word when sorting. Here is an example of a completed sort:
- Study the following spelling and phonics words using any method you wish in order to prepare for the weekly spelling test on Fridays.
- There is a list of recommended spelling study activities that you can access BY CLICKING HERE for Spelling Word Activities, but, again, you may use any method you wish.
- Please write the second list of spelling words (5 words) in alphabetical order on the Homework Form.
The spelling words will sometimes repeat:
down
children
for
look
about
out
if
1.) Complete this week’s My Math homework pages and staple them to the homework form. The assigned pages are:
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 9
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 10
CLICK HERE for My Math Homework Lesson 11
2.) Practice math skills for 20 minutes (in total for the week) using any “Math Activity” listed here: CLICK HERE for Math Activities
3.) Complete the math facts fluency timing each day, Monday-Thursday, and record the scores for the week on your homework form. We are on “Adding Fives.”
- With the fluency timing in the plastic sheet protector, use a dry-erase marker to practice repeatedly. Record your time (number of minutes and seconds) and number of correct answers each day on your Homework Form. (No need to calculate a percentage score.)
- The target goal is to finish all 25 problems in 1 minute and 15 seconds, with 90% accuracy (23 out of 25 problems correct).
- Addition & Subtraction Fluency Timings
These daily one-minute timed fluency readings will help your student become a fluent reader. Time your student for one minute Monday-Thursday and record the number of words they were able to read in one minute on the front page of the Homework Form.
This week: use the “Lesson 21” page; no need to print it out, unless you’d like to. You
Zoo Photos (finally!)
Due to technical difficulties, it has taken some time to add these photos of our wonderful Zoo field trip to our blog – sorry for the delay! Please enjoy these fantastic memories! If you have any photos that you’d like to see added, please feel free to e-mail them to me.
img_0026
img_0026
Our Giant 3-D Neighborhood Map!
Today we made a map of our Quest Academy neighborhood! It included the elements of a map: a Compass Rose and a Map Key.
Homework for the Week of October 17th-21st: READING and MOON JOURNAL ONLY
Due to Fall Break, there will be only reading homework for this week. It is not necessary to fill out a Homework Form for this week’s homework – simply sign the Book Buddy sign-off sheet each day.
MOON JOURNAL
Please click on this link and print the Moon Journal: CLICK HERE for the Moon Journal. The rest of the homework is due on Friday, November 20th, but the Moon Journal is not due until Friday, October 28th. Thank you!
If the moon cannot be seen on any given night, your child can do one of two things: either draw clouds, or visit the following website which displays the phase of the moon according to your location/time zone: http://www.moonpage.com/index.html
MOON JOURNAL
Please click on this link and print the Moon Journal: CLICK HERE for the Moon Journal. The rest of the homework is due on Friday, November 20th, but the Moon Journal is not due until Friday, October 28th. Thank you!
If the moon cannot be seen on any given night, your child can do one of two things: either draw clouds, or visit the following website which displays the phase of the moon according to your location/time zone: http://www.moonpage.com/index.html
Wednesday, Oct. 19: 1:00 Release; No School Thursday or Friday
Wednesday, October 19th is an early 1:00 release, but it is not a dress-down day. Be sure to wear you uniform! There will be no school on Thursday, October 20th or Friday, October 21st. Have a fun and safe Fall Break! See you again on Monday.
Important Reminders
1- End of 1st term is next week. Please get all missing work completed and turned in now. 1st term grades will be locked on Wednesday, October 19th.
2- October Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, October 27th. If you’d like to schedule a time, please send an e-mail to me. Here is the schedule so far:
3:30 – Terra Bowden
3:40 – Jennifer and Marc Gardner
3:50 – Shelly Hemmelgarn
4:00 – Alyson Hall
4:10
4:20
4:30 – Chantill Luthi
4:40
4:50 – Chelsea and Tyler Bonney
5:00 – Kati Hammond
5:10 – Jessica Russell
5:20 – Shai Palmer
5:30 – Harmony Bateman
3- Upcoming FALL BREAK: Early out Wednesday, Oct. 19. No school Thursday and Friday, Oct 20-21.
4- Mark your calendars for our annual Quest Halloween Parade and 1st Grade Party: Friday, October 28th.
6- Scholastic Book Order DUE Friday, October 28th. Remember to use your FREE book coupon before October 31st. Click here for easy online ordering, our class code is NL9MM: Scholastic Book Club
2- October Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday, October 27th. If you’d like to schedule a time, please send an e-mail to me. Here is the schedule so far:
3:30 – Terra Bowden
3:40 – Jennifer and Marc Gardner
3:50 – Shelly Hemmelgarn
4:00 – Alyson Hall
4:10
4:20
4:30 – Chantill Luthi
4:40
4:50 – Chelsea and Tyler Bonney
5:00 – Kati Hammond
5:10 – Jessica Russell
5:20 – Shai Palmer
5:30 – Harmony Bateman
3- Upcoming FALL BREAK: Early out Wednesday, Oct. 19. No school Thursday and Friday, Oct 20-21.
4- Mark your calendars for our annual Quest Halloween Parade and 1st Grade Party: Friday, October 28th.
6- Scholastic Book Order DUE Friday, October 28th. Remember to use your FREE book coupon before October 31st. Click here for easy online ordering, our class code is NL9MM: Scholastic Book Club