December Curriculum
Language
This month we will examine descriptive writing. We will learn about adjectives and how they can be used to add detail and interest to writing. We will also learn about the difference between an adjective (describing word), verb (action word), and a noun (person, place, or thing). This month we are continuing to expand our journal writing. Students have been building their sight word vocabulary through reading and Word Study, and we have seen an improvement in their ability to write sentences independently, with the help of the Word Wall in our classroom, picture dictionaries, and the strategy of sounding out words. Students will learn more about different types of punctuation: periods, question marks, and exclamation marks, and when to use each one. Every week our class does a shared reading of a new Poem of the Week. Each student has a poem book at school. If you would like to practise reading our Poem of the Week at home, you can find links on the Homework tab. We will continue with our Word Study homework each week. Keep up the great work! For a fun way to practise Word Study spelling words at home, check out: Spelling City (type in spelling words and click on the free activities below, such as "spelling test" or "play a game") ... you will need functioning computer speakers to make the most of these activities! Social Studies
Unit 1: Relationships, Rules, and Responsibilities
This month at CIS, we are focusing on the Character Education trait of caring. Students will learn what it means to be a caring person. We will talk about ways that students can care for family members and pets at home, and for their friends at school. Caring can also mean taking care of the classroom, school community, and the earth. This month we will finish up this unit, and move on to the second half of the Grade 1 Social Studies curriculum in January, which is about the Local Community. The Arts
In art class, we will continue to examine colours this month. We will review primary and secondary colours. We will also look at making shades and tints by adding black and white to colours.
Students will be doing some winter and holiday art activities this month. We will also be exploring "recycled art" and will be making some crafts using recycled materials. In drama class, we will continue to focus on evoking emotion through body language and facial expressions. Students will practise controlling body movements when we try out some "mime" performances this month. Mr. John is teaching our class music this year. Students have been enjoying learning new sounds and moving around to various types of music. |
Math
Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction
We are studying addition and subtraction on an ongoing basis this year. This month we are working on making our own "addition and subtraction stories" and word problems. In class, we have played the "Around the World" math game using math flashcards. A great way to have your child practice math at home is to make a set of math flashcards and hold your own quiz game. It is a fun way to learn, and helps the students develop addition and subtraction strategies, and gain speed in answering questions. At home, your child can also get more practice with addition and subtraction at: http://www.turtlediary.com/grade-1-games.html (Try games such as Mission Addition or Mission Subtraction) http://www.abcya.com/first_grade_computers.htm (Try activities such as Marble Math Addition or Balloon Pop Subtraction) http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1 (Try any activity from section B, C, D, E, or F) Science
Unit 1: Understanding Life Systems
We will investigate and compare the physical characteristics of plants and animals through researching non-fiction texts from the library and reading non-fiction in class. Students will select an animal that they are interested in and will do a short project about their animal's habitat and what it needs to survive. For some interesting science videos, check out a free trial at: http://brainpop.com (Science videos) Health and Physical Education
Students are learning how to play handball. We will teach throwing and catching skills, and game strategy. The class is also learning about good sportsmanship when playing games in PE and at recess time. Students will learn how to find their heart rate when engaging in physical activities. Please remember to bring reusable water bottles to gym class every Monday.
Swimming is an important part of the Physical Education program, and students will receive an individual mark on their report card for swimming. Please make sure your child is ready for swimming class every Wednesday. If your child is unable to go swimming, please provide a doctor's note. Ms. Heather is our swimming teacher this year. In health class, we will review foods that are good for teeth, and foods that are not good for teeth. We will also discuss the topic of bullying, and what students can do to avoid it, and how to problem solve if it does happen. Ms. Glicy, our school nurse, will be visiting our class again in December to discuss topics such as Hand Foot and Mouth disease, healthy eating, and avoiding germs by washing hands, covering mouth when sneezing/coughing, etc. |