the weather, days of the week and Hansel and Gretel

Hola padres! One thing I have forgotten to mention in my last few posts is that I have been able to read Spanish versions of some of the fairy tales that the first graders have read in class. Last week we read Hansel and Gretel. With Mr. Record's class I was able to have the scholars list all the familiar Spanish words that they recognized throughout the story and in Mrs. Baird's class, we were able to create a Venn diagram which allowed us to compare the story that the scholars had read in class with the story that I had read to them. It was interesting how the stories differed and were the same and what they remembered from each telling. I really enjoy being able to encompass Spanish class with what they are learning in their core classes. 

This week was perfect timing to introduce the weather as our own weather seems to be changing outside as well. This doesn't happen very often in Arizona, so I am thankful that the scholars can practice the different kinds of weather since it is actually happening outside. We have learned está lloviendo, está nublado, hace buen tiempo, hace mal tiempo, está nevando, hace sol y hace viento. We are playing a couple of games that help the scholars practice these terms and are talking about the weather quite a bit when we are outside at P.E. Next week we will continue with these terms and also talk and read a little about Thanksgiving. 

Sing 'N Speak has some really great stories that mostly use the vocabulary that we have learned this year. I have spent some time this week reading these stories in class and it is neat for them to see when they realize how much of the story they actually understand. They really enjoy this. We are also continuing on practicing our days of the week with songs. 

Lastly, for those of you with daughters, please remember to send them to school with shorts under their jumpers for P.E. Sometimes our activities require that they do crab walk and such and it is much easier for them if they are comfortable with what they are wearing. The same goes for shoes. Tennis shoes are much better for P.E. than flats. If you are in Ms. Kim or Ms. Keating's class P.E. is on Monday and Thursday. If you are in Mr. Record or Mrs. Baird's class, P.E. is on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays alternate between all four classes, so that is hard to keep track of I know. Kinder is on a three day rotating schedule and that isn't easy to follow either. Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated. Gracias!

I won't update again until the week of December (!) 2nd as next week is a short week. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Sinceramente,
Sra. Hamilton 

Honduras, mini soccer games and days of the week

Hola padres ! This month, the scholars are learning about Honduras as the Spanish speaking country. We have been learning why the Honduran flag has cinco estrellas, about its capitol, Tegucigalpa,  and what countries surround it on the map. I really enjoy expanding their knowledge about this part of the world! It always amazes me how much they remember as we talk about how the current country is similar or different from the ones we have learned about earlier in the year. 

In P.E. we have expanded to playing mini soccer games. I'm doing my best to make sure that  everyone gets a chance to play and have fun as I realize there are various levels of soccer knowledge and abilities among the scholars. This is the first official game we have played as classes and I am learning class by class how to make this a successful time for everyone. Next week, I plan on stations or relays with different activities spread out around the basketball court. We'll see what I can come up with. 

In Spanish this week, we are learning about the days of the week which I have already taught in P.E. as each of the seven squads is named after a day of the week. We learned a clever song to the tune of "My Darling Clementine" which will hopefully help in remembering the names to the days of the week. Next week and through Thanksgiving, we will be working on the weather and ways to express what is happening outside. 

Sra. Hamilton 

reviso, soccer and formas

Hola padres! This was a week of review as we continued to learn how to express our feelings in first grade, returned to shapes in Kindergarten and studied soccer more in depth in P.E. 

For soccer, we have practiced the basic soccer skills we learned in late October and are learning some techniques to better improve those skills. I hope to have the scholars play some mini games next week! They are all doing a wonderful job of letting me know if they are hot, cold or thirsty en español while we are playing.

Next week in Spanish, we look to improve our knowledge of the days of the week as well as learning how to describe the weather. 

With the holidays approaching, I am looking for ways for my own children to experience how these days are celebrated in Spanish speaking countries. One of these ways is with of course, the food. Tamales are a food that families spend hours making. I know that last year, the Avondale Senior Center had a fundraiser where you could order tamales and have them for the holidays. It is my hope to be able to order a dozen or so for my own family. I have been checking the website and there isn't any information up yet, but should be soon. Once I find anything out, I will let you know. Tamales are a very traditional way to celebrate the holidays and my children always enjoy eating them. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sra. Hamilton