Groundhog Day
Although this day has more to do with a fun tradition than actual science, it is a interest-grabbing way to start our study of.....Animals in Winter.
Although this day has more to do with a fun tradition than actual science, it is a interest-grabbing way to start our study of.....Animals in Winter.
Chinese New Year- This is a fun time for to learn interesting facts about the special customs associated with this holiday. Parents are always welcome to visit and share customs that are special to your family! Please contact your child's teacher if you'd like to visit and share!
Valentine's Day is a fun tradition in elementary school. First grade parties are very simple, with a small snack and the exchanging of cards. If your child brings Valentines, please make sure that they have one for every child in the class. In kindergarten children usually write just their name on each card. In 1st grade kids will write their name and the name of each classmate. This can be a tiring job, so start early and encourage neat writing. It's a good time to reinforce that all names start with an uppercase letter and all other letters are lowercase. To ensure the safety of all children (particularly those with allergies) the school policy is that Valentines cannot contain any candy or food.
Animals in Winter Winter is here! Over the next few weeks we'll read about seasonal changes and animal adaptations that happen when the cold weather arrives. Be on the lookout for tracks in the snow and other signs that some animals remain active, even during the cold winter months! Vocabulary: hibernate, migrate, adapt, active
Each year we are visited by Pam Landry from MA Wildlife. She talks to us about the local animals and how they survive in our harsh winters. She teaches 1st graders about looking for signs of animals including ...tracks, feathers, nests, scat, and other evidence left behind by the animals of the Westborough woodlands.
1st Grade Life Science Standards
(LS1.1)- Use evidence to explain that different animals use their body parts and senses in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, move and find and take in food and water.
(LS1.2) Obtain information to compare ways in which the behavior of different animal parents and their offspring help the offspring to survive. Examples of behaviors could include the signals that offspring make (such as crying, cheeping, and other vocalizations) and the responses of the parents (such as feeding, comforting, and protecting the offspring)
(LS1.1)- Use evidence to explain that different animals use their body parts and senses in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, move and find and take in food and water.
(LS1.2) Obtain information to compare ways in which the behavior of different animal parents and their offspring help the offspring to survive. Examples of behaviors could include the signals that offspring make (such as crying, cheeping, and other vocalizations) and the responses of the parents (such as feeding, comforting, and protecting the offspring)
Tracks and Teeth
At home you might...
*Look for more animal tracks in the snow or mud
*Watch to look for signs of spring!
*Start a science journal. Write or draw about what you see or what things you are wondering about
*Talk about Daylight Savings Time and how the sun will set later each night as spring progresses.
*Make sure your child has access to a analog clock and practice telling time to the hour, half hour and (if they're ready) 5 minute intervals.
*Look for more animal tracks in the snow or mud
*Watch to look for signs of spring!
*Start a science journal. Write or draw about what you see or what things you are wondering about
*Talk about Daylight Savings Time and how the sun will set later each night as spring progresses.
*Make sure your child has access to a analog clock and practice telling time to the hour, half hour and (if they're ready) 5 minute intervals.