Happy Halloween! We had a fun, but educational day today making STEM Pumpkin Boats. Your child's creation came home in a  ziplock bag. Many wanted to continue improving their design. If you put the bag in your fridge tonight, it'll stay fresh for them to make improvements after school tomorrow. At my house, my kids had a lot of fun experimenting with different ways to create potential and kinetic energy. We used our tub to test our designs! Ask your child how it works. What is the source of the energy? Maybe they'll even remember the names of stored energy (potential) and motion energy (kinetic). A big thanks to Chloe's family for donating all of the pumpkins. We also did two crafts, both donated by Tyler's family. Thank you so much!
I updated my pictures page, but more pictures and our class shot will be sent out soon.

See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Polay 

Hello room 19 families,

First graders have not begun formal typing lessons in the computer lab, but the more we do with computers, the more our class has realized that tasks are hard if you don't know where all of the letters are! The typing sheet that I sent home today has, in the past, been a successful first step in learning how to type. I also showed students where on my website to find some typing games that may help as well. I added a link to my home page.

I know some parents have been talking about how there is not enough homework... If you want more homework, typing practice could be something you introduce into your weekly routine. You could have your child practice typing his/her name, spelling words, sight words, journal entries, etc... Just please don't forget that ST Math and Lexia are part of your homework!

On the other hand, many of you have expressed that you are happy with the amount of homework this year. Whatever your beliefs, your child can still practice the spelling words with the tool I sent home today (not on the computer - "typing" right on the sheet). Ask your child to show you how to use it. Help him/her hover his/her hands in ready position.  

Have a good night,
​Mrs. Polay

Hello parents,

Tonight for homework, please have your child talk to you about what we learned in the science lab today. Students carried out an investigation to determine the relationship between the shape of different bird beaks and the food each bird eats. Please ask them about what they did. Ask them to tell you about why birds have different sizes and shapes of beaks. What does the size and shape of the beak tell you about what the bird eats?

If possible, look for birds outside. Notice their beaks. What does your child think the bird eats?

Thanks so much,
Mrs. Polay