German tradition holds that if the sun comes out on Candlemas, the precursor to Groundhog Day, the hedgehog (or badger) will see its shadow and six more weeks of winter will follow. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead of hedgehogs to predict the weather.

The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A member of the Punxsutawney Goundhog Club proclaimed that Phil, the Punxsutawney...

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If you're looking for some books that your child can read to you, check out the white bin with drawers. Each drawer is labeled with the skill level of the books. Easy Readers are geat because each focuses on specific sound/s and similar words. If you'd like to borrow a couple, feel free to take them out of the bin. Please be sure to return the books before taking out more. Thanks!
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Has your child's homework folder ever come home without points (i.e. 25) written on it? If your child has completed all of the assigned homework, but did NOT get 25 points, it could be because your child did not get their homework folder out of their backpack and set it on the teacher's chair. It is the responsibility of the children to get their homework folders out each morning (Tues. - Fri.) so it may be checked. Help your child be a responsible student!
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Did you know that we have several children who like to talk and/or sing while they're in the bathroom? It's quite entertaining. I don't think they know that we can hear them!
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When it's raining outside, our routine remains the same, but with a couple little adjustments. We will still take morning walks, however, they will be around the campus hallways under the roof. Your child will need his/her raincoat, but not an umbrella. For snack/recess time, the children will go to the Multi-Purpose Room. The teachers have many fun indoor games to play!
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Did you know we use the Zoophonics Alphabet to teach the children the letters of the alphabet, their sounds, and words that begin with each letter? Every day, Mrs. Blair challenges the children with her Zoophonics Alphabet "flip book". There is one letter, one sound and two words (name & animal) on each page (ex. H, /hah/, Honey Horse). This is a great learing tool for beginning phonics. Download the Zoophonics Alphabet. Practice in the car, waiting rooms, standing in line, before bed, or any...
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Your child brought home a Book Box. So what goes in it? Those little booklets that your child brings home (ex. My Red Book), should be kept in there. It's also a good place to keep library books and books checked out from Room 1. That way, you won't have to go searching! Just a little side note...many children have been wanting to check out another book from Mrs. Blair's library, so please bring back the book your child has checked out. Also, you can bring your child's library books anytime (...
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You've probably noticed all the bins of books in our classroom. Well, your children are allowed (and encouraged) to check them out! On the inside cover of each book, is a pocket with a card inside. The card has the title of the book written on it. To check out a book, you or your child will take the card out of the pocket and place it in the pocket on the cabinets that has his or her name on it. When your child brings the book back to the classroom, help him or her by going to their named poc...

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Did you know we have a bin full of Spanish books? When you walk in the door, they are straight ahead. The Spanish books are along side the other books in a red bin marked "Spanish Books". When you bring your child to school in the morning, grab a book, sit on the rug and read! If you are unable to stay long enough to read a book, please ask me to read a book. I'm still learning the language, but I can pronounce the words. I may not understand what I'm reading, but your child will.
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Did you know...?

We have classroom rules and I bet your child knows them by heart! We repeat them daily and use them throughout the day. Go ahead...quiz them!

Here are the rules:

1. Listen when your teacher is speaking.
2. Follow directions quickly
3. Raise your hand when you want to talk.
4. Be safe. Be respectful. Be responsible.

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