Author: pmcclurg

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

May 27, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Letter from Saint Paul where he explained the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 
• We learned that the Fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs that he is acting in our lives. 
• We learned that Saint Thomas Aquinas taught people how to use the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in their own lives.  
• We discussed ways that we could use the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 
• We read about and discussed the Ascension of Jesus to Heaven. 

Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words where -ew and –ue  make the long “u” sound. 
• We identified and read words with -es endings. 
• We read biography stories about real life heroes. 
• We used the information from the stories to write our own sentences about these topics. 
• We read a story where Mr. Clay must choose a train to take to work. 
• We wrote an opinion piece telling which train we would ride and why we chose that train. 
• We began to share our baby animal reports with our classmates. 

Math: 

• We reviewed the vocabulary words; hundreds, tens, ones, greater than, less than, more, less and equal. 
• We used blocks, figure drawings and the 120-chart to practice making models and the 120 chart to compare and order numbers. 
• We continued to solve real world problems involving clues to find a magic number or group of numbers. 
• We used the 100 chart to practice different ways to count forward and backward. 

Science/Social Studies 

• We discussed the significance of Memorial Day.  
• We started to share our baby animal reports and dioramas. 
• We began to talk about family traditions. 

Specialist Classes: 

• In art, we students learned about the artist PAUL CÉZANNE so that they could create a painting inspired by his art. We are working on SHAPE and SPACE so they can draw a pear, and FORM and VALUE, so they can use light and dark colors to make the pear look like it’s 3D. 
• In Music, we are reading and playing eight notes, quarter note and quarter rest rhythms, learning to play the barred instruments (xylophone, mellophone, and glockenspiel), playing singing games, and reviewing! 
• In PE, we are working on cooperative games involving the parachute, balls and discs.  We will use what we learned when we participate in the school field day in June. 
• No new updates for Spanish. 

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

May 20, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel reading where we learned that Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit to be our helper and guide.  
• We learned that the Holy Spirit helps us to do the right thing   
• We discussed how Christians are people who love and follow Jesus. 
• We learned that the Fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs that he is acting in our lives. 
• We participated in school Mass lead by the kindergarten class. 

Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words where y is acting as a vowel. 
• We identified and read words with the possessive ending ‘s. 
• We read animal fantasy and nonfiction stories about baby dinosaurs. 
• We used the information from the stories to write our own sentences about these topics. 
• We read a story about Steve’s problems and wrote about how he solved this problem. 
• We edited our animals reports and began to write a final draft paper. 

Math: 

• We reviewed the vocabulary words; hundreds, tens, ones, counting forward, counting back. 
• We used blocks, figure drawings and the 120-chart to practice making models and pictures of numbers greater than 100. 
• We continued to practice math strategy to solve real world problems involving addition and subtraction. 
• We used the 100 chart to practice different ways to count forward and backward. 

Science/Social Studies 

• We used a creditable source to read then write about a baby animal. We edited our rough drafts and began to work on our final draft papers. 
• We learned about an inclusive playground where all kids can play together and have fun.
• We learned many fun facts about baby dinosaurs. 

 Specialist Classes: 

• No art due to early release on Wednesday. 
• In Music, we are learning to use instruments.  We practice tapping out notes and rhythms on xylophones.  We continued to work on participation and taking turns with our instruments. 
• In PE, we are working on cooperative games involving the parachute, balls and discs.  We will use what we learned when we participate in the school field day in June. 
• No new updates for Spanish. 

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

May 6, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel reading where we learned that Jesus surprised his friends. 
• We learned that Jesus asked God to send the Holy Spirit to be our helper.  
• We learned that the Holy Spirit brings us peace. 
• We participated in school Mass and heard a reading about the Apostle Paul. 

Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the long “o” sound (oa, oe, ow) 
• We identified and read words with the endings; -s, -ed and –ing. 
• We read stories about baby animals. 
• We used the information from the stories to write our own sentences about these baby animals. 
• We read a poem about a silly mistake and discussed things that we can learn from our mistakes. 
• We looked at books about baby animals.  We are trying to choose an animal to research for a baby animal report. 

Math: 

• We reviewed the vocabulary words; more. less, tens, ones, addition and subtraction. 
• We used blocks, figure drawings and the 100-chart to practice addition and subtraction of 2-digit numbers (without regrouping).   
• We identified which math strategy works best and used that to solve real world problems involving addition and subtraction. 

Science/Social Studies 

• We talked about ways our mothers are alike and different.   
• We used this information to write a story about our very special mothers. 
• Last week, we completed the Talking About Touching safety curriculum for first grade.  We learned the touching rule and what to do if someone breaks this rule.  

Specialist Classes: 

• In Art, we used chalk and pastels to create unique cave drawings and prints. 
• In Music, we are reading note notation! We practiced reading eight and quarter notes and kept a steady beat with the game Old Dog Full of Fleas. We sang a song in Spanish called Juanito where we practice naming and moving different body parts to the music.  We also learned the Mexican folk dance La Rasp 
• In P. E. we continued our gymnastics unit. We practiced balancing on 1-6 parts of our bodies in our game called Balance Tag. We also worked to stay active the whole time in PE and ways to show integrity when tagged. 
• No new updates for Spanish.

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

March 25, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that Jesus wants us to grow and change. 
• We practiced saying different kinds of prayers: a prayer of thanks and praise, a prayer of faith and a prayer of mercy. 
• We learned that to forgive means to pardon or excuse.  We made symbols of forgiveness for our Lenten suitcases. 
• We practiced using kind words to show others we care for them.  We added some kind words to our Lenten suitcase. 
• We learned that mercy is God’s loving forgiveness, and that God is always willing to show us mercy. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the long “i” sound (i-e) 
• We identified and wrote words with the diagraphs; wh, ch and the ending; -tch,  -ing and -ed. 
• We read a folktale about kindness and animal fantasy with a surprise ending. 
• We used the information we learned to write the big ideas or lessons in stories.   We also practiced writing with quotation marks. 
• We identified the narrator in our ELA stories.   
• We wrote a journal entry where we narrated a story about a bird to our mothers. 
• We worked with a partner to practice reading aloud.  We tried to add punctuation and inflection of our voices if needed.  

Math: 

• We reviewed previously learned strategies for subtractions. We used discs, pictures and the number line to show subtraction facts to 20. 
• We used number bonds and counting backwards to show how addition is related to subtraction. 
• We used manipulative to show how to use groups of ten to subtract.  We worked through this tricky concept and learned what happens if we need to regroup.  
• We used a calendar, chart and graph to gather information about the days and weather in the month of March.  

Social Studies/Science: 

• We learned that a tool is something used to do a job. We learned that many home and school tools have changed over time. 
• We learned that communities and people also change over time.   
• We learned definitions for the words; past, present and future. 
• We looked at timelines made by last year’s first graders.  We saw how a timeline is a line that shows events from a person’s life and shows change over time. 

Specialist Classes: 

• No new update for art. 
• In Music, we created new verses to the song When I Was One, played rhythm patterns on rhythm sticks, and played a singing game with the song We Are Dancing In The Forest. 
• In physical education we participated in the Jump for heart obstacle course.  We learned the names of important heart parts that were depicted in the obstacle course. 
•  No new update for Spanish. 

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

March 18, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that we need to listen carefully to Jesus’ words. 
• We practiced saying different kinds of prayers: blessings, prayers of thanks, prayers with movements and psalms. 
• We learned that praying is listening and talking to God.  We made pictures of our favorite place to pray and a Gospel story to add to our Lenten suitcase. 
• We used the format of a letter to write a prayer to Jesus. 
• We participated in a Station of the Cross Prayer service lead by the fourth-grade class.  They shared their pictures and prayers for each station. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the long “o” sound (o-e) 
• We identified and wrote words with the diagraphs; ch, sh, th, wh.  
• We read stories about family members and some of the special things that they do together. 
• We used the information we learned to write about special people in our families and family events. 
• We learned that fiction stories have a narrator.  We practiced ways to identify the narrator as well as the characters and setting.   
• We worked with a partner to practice reading aloud, find diagraphs and tell story narrators.     

Math: 

• We reviewed previously learned strategies for subtractions. We used discs, pictures and the number line to show subtraction facts to 20. 
• We used number bonds and counting backwards to show how addition is related to subtraction. 
• We used a calendar, chart and graph to gather information about the days and weather in the month of March.  

Social Studies/Science: 

• We shared our symbols of the United States of America. 
• We completed a unit review on important ideas and words relating to the United States of America. 
• We began to look at how things change over time.  We drew pictures of people, animals or plants to show changes. 
• We continued to practice using  “I” statements or an assertive voice to express our feelings to classmates. 
• We practiced ways to apologize when we hurt or wronged a classmate. 

Specialist Classes: 

• No art this week due to early release on Wednesday.  
• In Music, we danced an Irish Reel, sang the song Lucky Leprechaun, and showed high and low sounds with scarves. We also sang the song Bingo and used instruments to play along. 
• In physical education we played Lollipop Paddle Golf. We built on the concept of using a paddle and a tick-tock swing to learn the game of golf. We made shots from the “tee box” into “the cup”. The main skill was to adjust our force on our putts to get a low score. 
•  In Spanish, we we learned about San Patricio. We learned about prepositions (arriba (over), abajo (down), a la derecha (to the right), a la izquierda (to the left), alrededor (around)) by praying Saint Patrick’s prayer in Spanish. 

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

March 4, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that God’s goodness grows in our hearts. 
• We participated in Ash Wednesday Mass.  
• We learned that Lent is a forty-day journey with Jesus.  We made Lenten suitcase to take on our journey with Jesus 
• We began to learn about the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the long “a” sound (a-e) 
• We identified and wrote words with –ed endings.  
• We learned that fables and folktales are stories that can have a moral or lesson. 
• We read stories about cookies, a gingerbread man and a special race. 
• We used the information we learned to write about events in our stories. 
• We discussed ways to describe a story character. We used these ideas to write detailed sentences about story characters. 
• We listened to fiction stories with good descriptions of the main characters.     

Math: 

• We continued to look at the addition of three numbers. We used the strategies already learned to simplify the problem and solve for the missing number. 
• We used discs, pictures, the number line and flash cards to practice the strategies used in addition. 
• We completed our February calendar and weather graph. We began to graph the information for the month of March.  

Social Studies/Science: 

• We discussed when and where we can use “I” statements. 
• We complete our step-by-step drawings of George Washington. 
• We wrote the definition of a symbol and landmark in our Social Studies notebook. We drew pictures of some symbols of the U.S.A. 

Specialist Classes: 

• In art we learned how to swim in class. We moved under and over the water imitating the Akan people of Ghana when they weave strips of fabric to create beautiful Kente fabric. We designed a beautiful Kente fabric, using geometric and organic patterns.  
• In music, we created new verses to the song When I Was One, played rhythm patterns on rhythm sticks, and played a singing game with the song We Are Dancing in The Forest.  
• In physical education we played Lollipop Paddle Golf. We built on the concept of using a paddle and a tick-tock swing to learn the game of golf. We made shots from the “tee box” into “the cup”. The main skill was to adjust our force on our putts to get a low score. 
•  In Spanish, we learned vocabulary words related to El Vecindario (the neighborhood).  We also reviewed the word Casa as a part of the Vecindario.  

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

February 25, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that Jesus wants us to make loving and kind choices. 
• We learned about some people who were good and holy. 
• We discussed how God wants us to be happy with him forever in Heaven. 
• We learned that by sharing, caring, helping and praying, we can be more like God. 
• We continued to practice the prayer, Verse from the Liturgy of the Hours. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with all short vowel sounds. 
• We identified pictures and words with beginning and ending blends. 
• We read stories about learning how to read. 
• We discussed and illustrated some of the environmental print that we read every day. 
• We used the words and ideas from the stories to write about where, when and with whom we like to read. 
• We listened to some of the books new to our class library. 

Math: 

• We continued to look at the addition of two numbers with sums greater than ten.  We represented these answers as a group of ten and ones. 
• We continued to practice using different addition strategies to solve problems to 20. 
• We used ten frames, discs, pictures and numbers to practice the addition strategy, make a ten. 
• We made flash cards to help us learn the facts that add up to ten. 
• We identified number and shape patterns on the February calendar. 

Social Studies/Science: 

• We continued to practice using “I” statements to tell others when we are upset about something that happened. 
• We wrote a definition of a flag and drew pictures of the United States of America flag and other flags that we have seen around town. 
• We read about and looked at pictures of some of the symbols of the United States of America.  We learned that a landmark is a symbol that we can visit.  
• We discussed why George Washington was a good choice for our first president. 

Specialist Classes: 

• Our artwork is inspired by African culture, Kente Cloth from West Africa.   We learned how to swim in class. We moved under and over the water imitating the Akan people of Ghana, then they weaved strips of fabric woven to create beautiful Kente fabric.  
• In Music, we practiced clapping and moving songs. We finished our Listening Journals and watched the Vancouver Symphony perform Peter and the Wolf.  
• In physical education we continued volleying by using pickleball paddles and foam balls. We worked on hitting the birdie accurately to our partner over the net so our partner could return the hit back.  We are working on the sequence “serve, hit, hit, applaud”. 
• No update for Spanish this week  

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

February 18, 2022 

 Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that Jesus wants us to be happy. 
• We learned that God wants us to be good and holy.  
• We defined holy as being like Jesus.   
• We learned that to be holy we must love God first then love others as ourselves. 
• We continued to practice the prayer, Verse from the Liturgy of the Hours. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with all short vowel sounds. 
• We identified pictures and with ending blends (-nd, -st, -sk, -nk, -nt). 
• We learned when to use the –s, or –ed ending. We practiced adding these endings to different verbs. 
• We read animal fantasy stories about friends. 
• We used the words and ideas from the stories to write about friends and the ways we help each other. 
• We read a version of Little Red Riding Hood and practiced retelling the story with a beginning, middle and end. 
• We listened to fairy tales and friendship stories.  

Math: 

• We continued to look at the addition of two numbers with sums greater than ten.  We represented these answers as a group of ten and ones. 
• We continued to practice using different addition strategies to solve problems to 20. 
• We used ten frames, discs, pictures and numbers to practice the addition strategy, make a ten. 
• We identified number and shape patterns on the February calendar. 

Social Studies/Science: 

• We practiced using “I” statements to tell others when we are upset about something that happened. 
• We practiced some strategies to help with impulse control; Stop, think, choose the best action. 
• We defined freedom as the right to make choices.  We drew pictures of some of the things that we choose to eat, play with or wear. 
• We discussed the flag as a symbol of the United States of America.  We learned that some organizations and clubs have flags.  
• We participated in a terrific Valentine’s Day celebration. 

Specialist Classes: 

• Our artwork is inspired by African culture, Kente Cloth from West Africa.   We learned how to swim in class. We moved under and over the water imitating the Akan people of Ghana, then they weaved strips of fabric woven to create beautiful Kente fabric.  
• In Music, we practiced clapping and moving songs. We continued working on our Peter and the Wolf Listening Journals.  
• In physical education we continued volleying by using pickleball paddles and foam balls. This week students are comparing which item they prefer, a foam ball, yarn ball or a birdie. On Thursday, students worked on hitting their birdie accurately to their partner over the net so their partner can return the hit back to them. We are working on the sequence “serve, hit, hit, applaud”. 
• No update for Spanish this week  

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

February 10, 2022 

Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that Jesus calls us to follow him. 
• We compared the first Catholic Schools to our current Catholic School.  
• We participated in a scavenger hunt where we found items in our school that show we are a Catholic School.   
• We began to learn a new prayer, Verse from the Liturgy of the Hours. 

 Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the short “u” sound. 
• We identified words with s blends (sc,sk,sl,sm,sn,st, squ and sw). 
• We learned about the different titles we use when addressing adults in our community.  We practiced writing names with a title and proper noun. 
• We read nonfiction stories about trucks and community workers. 
• We used the information we learned to write nonfiction sentences about trucks and community workers. 
• We discussed the importance of characters in fiction books. 
• We listened to fiction stories about Tacky the Penguin, Valentines and friends.  

Math: 

• We continued to look at the addition of two numbers with sums greater than ten.  We represented these answers as a group of ten and ones. 
• We practiced the addition strategies of adding double numbers and doubles plus one.  We practiced these strategies by using blocks to help us make flashcards. 
• We identified number and shape patterns on the February calendar. 

Social Studies/Science: 

• We discussed ways to show care and concern for our classmates.  We labelled these actions as compassion. 
• We located the United States of America on a map of the world. 
• We began to discuss some of the important symbols associated with the United States of America. 
• We discussed some of the traditions that people associate with Valentine’s Day.  

Specialist Classes: 

• In art we discussed some of the different celebrations and traditions celebrated in our school community.  We make watercolor tiger faces, inspired by The Chinese New Year 2022.  We worked on the concepts of line, color and texture. 
• In Music, we learned a clapping and moving song called Riga Jig Jig, and sang and learned about spirituals with the song Michael Row the Boat Ashore. They continued working on their Peter and the Wolf Listening Journals, listening and responding to The Grandfather (represented by a bassoon) and Peter (represented by the string instruments).  
• In physical education first graders have been introduced to new equipment this week. They are working on volleying a ball using a paddle. We started with yarn balls to get the feeling of how to hold the paddle and yesterday we used foam tennis balls. It was interesting to hear which one they preferred as they all had varying answers. Ask your child which ball they liked and why. 
•  In Spanish, we learned vocabulary words related to El Vecindario (te neighborhood).  We also reviewed the word Casa as a part of the Vecindario.  

Mrs. McClurg’s First Grade 

February 4, 2022 

Concepts Covered This Week:  

Religion: 

• We listened to the Gospel story where we learned that Jesus had problems too. 
• We continued to learn about some of the ways our school is a Catholic school.  
• We took a tour of the church and learned about the special Saints honored with statues in our Parish.   
• We practiced for the Mass our class prepared for the church and school community. 
• We presented an all-school Mass. 

Language Arts: 

• We identified pictures and words with the short “u” sound. 
• We identified words with l blends (bl,cl, fl,gl,pl,sl). 
• We learned about proper names and practiced writing these names with capital letters. 
• We read realistic fiction and animal fantasy stories with high frequency words.  They talked about pets. 
• We used these words to write sentences about our buddies and our pets. 
• We wrote a journal entry stating the things that we like about Assumption Catholic School.   
• We listened to fiction and non-fiction stories about animals.  

Math: 

• We began to look at the addition of two numbers with sums greater than ten.  We represented these answers as a group of ten and ones. 
• We reviewed the addition strategies of adding in any order and counting on.  We practiced these strategies by using objects, pictures, the number line and numbers. 
• We identified number and shape patterns on the February calendar. 

Social Studies/Science: 

• We discussed that an accident is something that we didn’t mean to happen.  We worked on words we can say when something happens by accident.   
• We made a class poster thanking the staff of Lummi Medical Clinic for taking care of people and families in our community. 
• We discussed some of the traditions associated with Ground Hog’s Day. We compared animal fantasy and nonfiction stories about this hibernator 

Specialist Classes 

• In art we discussed some of the different celebrations and traditions celebrated in our school community.  We make watercolor tiger faces, inspired by The Chinese New Year 2022.  We worked on the concepts of line, color and texture. 
• In Music, we learned a clapping and moving song called Riga Jig Jig, and sang and learned about spirituals with the song Michael Row the Boat Ashore. They continued working on their Peter and the Wolf Listening Journals, listening and responding to The Grandfather (represented by a bassoon) and Peter (represented by the string instruments).  
• In physical education first graders have been introduced to new equipment this week. They are working on volleying a ball using a paddle. We started with yarn balls to get the feeling of how to hold the paddle and yesterday we used foam tennis balls. It was interesting to hear which one they preferred as they all had varying answers. Ask your child which ball they liked and why. 
•  No new updates for Spanish this week.