Welcome Back!

Hello; I wanted to welcome everyone back for the new 2009-2010 school year! I'm sure you are excited to meet your new teachers!

I look forward to meeting each of you tomorrow and for those of you I taught last year, please stop by when you can and say, "Hello!"

See you soon!

Mr. G

Class Song: "Get Reading"

Please enjoy our latest class song:

Get Reading

(to the tune, “Get Rhythm” by J. Cash)
Words by: Mr. G

Hey get reading and use your strategies too
Come on get reading, and use your strategies dude

Got a mental block up in your brain
It’s time to use those strategies
Get reading and use your strategies

A little first grade kid never gets low down
But he thinks reading is the hardest job in town
But he works hard so he can succeed
In his class with the reading strategies
When I asked him while he read his book
How to you keep from getting stuck on words dude?
He held up his book and then he said…

I get reading and use my strategies
Yeah, I get reading and ask good questions see
Get your mouth ready to say the first sound, point to the word,
And read it out loud

Get reading with your strategies… (2x)

Now, get reading! From the look of it, everybody is doing it!

Mr. G

The Alphabet Man- Jerry Pallotta

Author Jerry Pallotta is a master when it comes to writing counting books and alphabet books.

In our first grade class, we have been working through some of Mr. Pallotta's "bug books" to prepare for our upcoming FOSS science unit on insects.

As a first grade teacher, it is difficult to find non-fiction texts that really engage the reader. I have found that kids really do enjoy these books.

To learn all about Mr. Pallotta, his books, and to find out about the "hidden secrets" in his books, go here.

Keep Reading,
Mr. G

Our First Official Follower: Davian!

Congratulations to Davian! The first Think Cave follower! Davian, you can expect a prize on Monday!

See you then!

Mr. G

Word Wall Words

Here are the word wall words for themes 5, 6, and 7:

Theme 5

when
school
new
this
that
how
over
house
nice
good
her
thing
was
give
little

Theme 6

out
no
won't
old
best
there
be
sister
brother
teacher
rain
day
after
make
boy

Theme 7

went
will
with
pretty
talk
made
want
off
quit
kick
very
night
zoo
ride
saw

Class Song: "That Underpants Guy"

Please enjoy our latest class song:

That Underpants Guy

(to the tune, "American Pie")

A long, long time ago

In an elementary school far away

Two cool kids made comic books

George Beard was the kid with the tie and the flat top

Harold Hutchins had a t-shirt and a bad haircut

Make sure...you remember...that now...

They had a mean principal named Mr. Krupp

He yelled, "Blah! Blah!" and thought that school should be no fun

George and Harold hypnotized him...turned him into Captain Underpants

They said, "Your Captain Underpants" and the Krupper had not a chance...

Well, my, my, it's that Underpants Guy

If you hit him with some water

He is just a bald guy

He wears underwear to fight evil and crime

And swings from toilet paper all the time...

Yes, I sure hope that it's two-ply...

I can't believe Kruppy is flying

Man those undies look really tight-y

At least his cape covers his backside-y!

And do you see him flying through the air

in nothing but his underwear

I wish he'd put some clothes on

And we were singing...

My, my, it's that Underpants Guy

If you hit him with some water

He is just a bald guy

He wears underwear to fight evil and crime

And uses wedgie power all the time, yes, he uses wedgie power all the time...

Tra-la-laaaa!

Mr. G

My Daddy Snores

My Daddy Snores, by Nancy H. Rothstein, is the story of a little boy who struggles to get a good nights sleep because of his dad's horrible snoring.

In an attempt to get a full nights rest, the young man's mother attempts to sleep in some fairly unusual places that include the bathtub, a hamster's cage, and a doghouse!

The illustrations, done by Stephen Gilpin, are hilarious and make the book very enjoyable!

While the book is extremely funny and well done, there is a serious purpose behind it's creation: to help those who struggle with snoring.

The story that tells how the book came about is very interesting:

"Nancy (the book's author) was inspired by her husband’s very loud snoring to write My Daddy Snores. Frequently escaping her husband’s snoring to another bed in the house, she knew she was not alone and had visions of people playing “Musical Beds” all over the world! One morning while helping in her daughter's kindergarten class, exhausted from another night of interrupted sleep, Nancy wrote a story on a piece of construction paper about a family who didn't sleep well because of Dad’s noisy snoring." [1]

Further, a companion website to the book was created in an attempt to help those who may struggle with chronic snoring. The following is a sample of some of the vast resources found at the My Daddy Snores website:

1. Kid's Center- This section includes fun games and facts about children who may have problems sleeping.

2. Resource Center- This section includes a survey you can take to see if you have snoring issues(or you could just ask someone who lives in your house!), treatment suggestions, and sleep awareness.

3. Radio Show- This is a blog radio that discusses good sleeping and how to get it.

My Daddy Snores is a great book to read with your kids and I highly recommend the website for fun and information regarding the importance of healthy sleep.

Now, go to bed!

Mr. G

*** A Special Notes to the Dads of my students:


I posted this information by request of your children! Some mentioned that you have a "snoring problem." :-)

Reference:

1. About us, http://www.mydaddysnores.com/about.html.

Nate the Great

Due to a request by a student in my class, I am offering a link to Nate the Great's website.

About Nate the Great:

Everyone's favorite detective--Nate the Great--has been delighting readers for over 30 years! The quirky characters and fun storylines are a big hit with kids--all of whom love to solve each mystery alongside the most popular sleuth in the business. Now Nate the Great books have brand new covers and each book includes extras such as riddles, jokes, crafts, recipes, exciting facts and much more! Young sleuths can now solve a mystery with Nate, then enjoy extra pages of fun!

The site offers more about the Nate the Great book series, printable activities, and more! Check it out here.

Keep Reading!

Mr. G

Fun Resource: SI Kids

Sports Illustrated for Kids is a great website for your child to follow their favorite teams, play great sports games, and watch fun cartoons.

Check it out here.

Enjoy!

Mr. G

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today we celebrate the birthday of beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. His real name was Theodor (Ted) Seuss Geisel and he was born on March 2, 1904.

While in college, Ted drew cartoons and used his middle name "Seuss" to sign his cartoons. He later added the "Dr." to his name to make him sound more important. Clearly, the name stuck!

In my view, the brilliance of Seuss's books lies in the fact that he is able to take very simply word groupings and create incredibly fun, easy-to-read stories that children love. When you add his imaginative illustrations and memorable characters, the combination is irresistible.

Dr. Seuss gave us such great characters as The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, Horton the Elephant, and the Lorax, just to name a few. His stories are unique and timeless.

I encourage you to visit Seussville with you child and rediscover the genius of Theodor Seuss Geisel aka, "Dr. Seuss."

And remember: "A persons a person, no matter how small...!"

Mr. G

Thank You Very Much

Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s):

I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for your kind words, encouragement, and prayers in regards to my wife and her recent surgery. She is doing very well and seems to be recovering quickly.

Some of you have sent in notes regarding spelling tests, conferences, and other concerns. Please know that I am "catching up" on my paper work and that I will respond to each of you as promptly as possible. I appreciate your patience!

It's nice to back!

Sincerely,

Mr. G. and Family

Information Concerning My Absence

Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),

I hope this post finds each of you doing well. I am writing to inform you that I will be out of school the following dates, due to a surgery my wife is having done:

· February 5,6; 9-13

I realize that I have missed days already this year due to my daughter Lily’s kidney issues and I so appreciate your patience with both of these situations. Admittedly, it has been a trying year in this regard for our family.

I have already lined up wonderful substitutes to continue to instruct the students in my absence. I regret missing so many days; however, my wife will need me home to aid her in recovery.

If you have any problems or questions, please email me at grosscha@wcboe.k12.md.us I will check my mail on a regular basis.

Further, if any of you desire to meet with me concerning your child’s report card, I would be happy to do so upon my return!

Again, I appreciate your understanding in this matter.


Sincerely,

Mr. G

Writing Activity- Make Your Own Captain Underpants Comic Book

I have been blessed by the amount of students this year who have created their own stories about classmates, super-heroes, or other topics of interest. Many students have even read their works to the class and received sparkling "reviews" from their peers.

In an effort to encourage more creative writing, I wanted to offer this online writing activity from Scholastic- Make Your Own Captain Underpants Comic Book.

After creating their comic books, students can email their work to a friend or print it out to share with classmates and family!

Have Fun!

Tra-la-laaaaaaa!

Mr. G

Create Your Own Superhero!

Marvelkids.com offers up online comic strips, cartoons, and games.


Check out their Create Your Own Superhero Game here.


Maybe you can create your very own Reading-man!

Enjoy!

Mr. G

Update on Lily's Condition- Part 2

My wife, daughter, and I made it back from Children's National Medical Center safely. It was a very long and tiring day for all of us.

The doctor informed us that Lily's left kidney is a little worse and we have decided to opt for surgery within the next 4-5 months. The surgery is a very safe procedure with a 98% success rate. We are thankful for that!

Again, thank you all for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. We appreciate them so much! I will keep you posted.

Gratefully,

Mr. G

General Classroom Information

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to take a moment and fill you in on some "happenings" in the classroom:

• My wife, daughter (Lily Opal), and I will be traveling to Children's Hospital on Monday to have Lily's kidney examined. I will be back at school on Wednesday, January 12th, 2009. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
• I will be sending home days and times to those of you who desire to volunteer. Forgive my tardiness.

Thank you all for the honor of teaching your children!

Sincerely,

Mr. G

Thomas the Tank Engine

There is a student in our first grade class this year that loves Thomas the Tank Engine.

Thomas and his friends have a fun site that includes online games, activities, and printables for kids.

Check out all things Thomas here!

Stay on Track,

Mr. G