We really enjoyed meeting with you at conferences! It was a great time to collaborate!
Reading:
We have been so busy continuing to become strong readers! We have started to explore non-fiction texts, including identifying text features, and comparing and contrasting fiction and non-fiction texts. We have also continued to work on identifying problem/solution and setting in fiction texts. Continue to ask your child comprehension questions when you are reading at home; ask them who the main characters are, where and when the story takes place, and what the problem/solution is. Thank you for your ongoing support with reading logs and sight word lists!
Writing:
We have begun a new unit-Informative Writing. Students are writing Teaching Stories about topics they are experts on. It is unbelievable the topics they are generating and the details they are coming up with. We are also discussing non fiction text features (ex: labeling pictures, adding captions, zooming in on images). Students are developing Table of Contents for their books and adding chapters.
They are also continuing their weekly Word Sorts. Students are busy learning spelling patterns as they sort their words and do activities to reinforce these phonic skills.
Math:
We have just completed our unit in developing number recognition, addition, and subtraction strategies with dice and dominoes. We learned lots of fun games to practice addition and subtraction. Please continue practicing counting by 5s and 10s at home.
Our next unit will support mastery of number facts and strategies for single digit addition and subtraction. We will also work on place value in the 1s and 10s. In January, we will begin having homework 1-2 times per week.
Inquiry: We have completed our unit on Weather and Wind. We have been focusing on different Winter Holidays that are celebrated around the world.
Now that the weather is changing, please make sure your child is dressed for the weather. Don't forget hats, gloves, snowpants and boots when necessary. Make sure your child has an appropriate change of clothes in his/her locker in case they need to change.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Fall Update
Reading:
In reading, we have been continuing our guided reading rotations. We have been focusing on who is the main character and identifying character traits in both our Read Alouds and leveled reading books. Currently, our students are focusing on answering key details in a text to build comprehension skills. Thank you for helping your child remember to turn in their reading logs every Monday. Please make sure you are reading at least 70 minutes a week. Differentiated sight word lists have been sent home. Please make sure you are spending time at home to review the sight words. Sight word lists that are signed will be checked every Monday. Lastly, we have started Friday Fluency! Our goal is to try to independently read a passage under 60 seconds. Starting this Friday, you can check Seesaw to see how your child is doing with their Friday Fluency passage!
Writing:
Students are still busy working on Narrative Writing (Small Moments). They are now learning how to edit, revise, and publish their work. Students are using checklists to help them reflect on their writing. They are also working on their writing goals as they are conferring with me. Soon, students will have the opportunity to share their published Small Moment as we celebrate the end of this unit. Our next unit of writing study will be Informative Writing. We are also busy practicing differentiated word lists that reinforce different spelling patterns. Every day, the first graders have a different activity to help practice their words (example: sorting their words by sounds, using SeeSaw to record the sort, magnetic letters on the iPad, gluing the sort, etc.).
Math:
The last few weeks, we have started our brand new math curriculum, Bridges! Students have been exploring different math manipulatives, like dominoes, pop cubes, polydrons, and geoboards during our math centers. We continue building our knowledge of numbers using our homemade number racks. We have found ways to quick count using fives and tens, show numbers on a ten frame, and take data using spinners. This week, we were number rack detectives, showing different parts of a whole number and writing addition and subtraction sentences. By next week, we will begin our next unit where we will develop addition and subtraction strategies using dice and dominos. Practice counting at home, especially counting on from a number that is not one, counting by fives and tens, and identifying patterns.
Inquiry:
We have started learning about weather. The students are recording the daily weather, and also looking to see the time of sunrise and sunset. We have identified different types of clouds and all classes will be going on a cloud walk this week. We also learned about measuring temperature on a thermometer.
Reminder:
Please make sure your conference forms are turned in by Friday, October 20th. We will let you know your confirmed conference time. We look forward to collaborating with you!
In reading, we have been continuing our guided reading rotations. We have been focusing on who is the main character and identifying character traits in both our Read Alouds and leveled reading books. Currently, our students are focusing on answering key details in a text to build comprehension skills. Thank you for helping your child remember to turn in their reading logs every Monday. Please make sure you are reading at least 70 minutes a week. Differentiated sight word lists have been sent home. Please make sure you are spending time at home to review the sight words. Sight word lists that are signed will be checked every Monday. Lastly, we have started Friday Fluency! Our goal is to try to independently read a passage under 60 seconds. Starting this Friday, you can check Seesaw to see how your child is doing with their Friday Fluency passage!
Writing:
Students are still busy working on Narrative Writing (Small Moments). They are now learning how to edit, revise, and publish their work. Students are using checklists to help them reflect on their writing. They are also working on their writing goals as they are conferring with me. Soon, students will have the opportunity to share their published Small Moment as we celebrate the end of this unit. Our next unit of writing study will be Informative Writing. We are also busy practicing differentiated word lists that reinforce different spelling patterns. Every day, the first graders have a different activity to help practice their words (example: sorting their words by sounds, using SeeSaw to record the sort, magnetic letters on the iPad, gluing the sort, etc.).
Math:
The last few weeks, we have started our brand new math curriculum, Bridges! Students have been exploring different math manipulatives, like dominoes, pop cubes, polydrons, and geoboards during our math centers. We continue building our knowledge of numbers using our homemade number racks. We have found ways to quick count using fives and tens, show numbers on a ten frame, and take data using spinners. This week, we were number rack detectives, showing different parts of a whole number and writing addition and subtraction sentences. By next week, we will begin our next unit where we will develop addition and subtraction strategies using dice and dominos. Practice counting at home, especially counting on from a number that is not one, counting by fives and tens, and identifying patterns.
Inquiry:
We have started learning about weather. The students are recording the daily weather, and also looking to see the time of sunrise and sunset. We have identified different types of clouds and all classes will be going on a cloud walk this week. We also learned about measuring temperature on a thermometer.
Reminder:
Please make sure your conference forms are turned in by Friday, October 20th. We will let you know your confirmed conference time. We look forward to collaborating with you!
Friday, September 15, 2017
First Grade Update
Reading:
We have been working very hard on our reading rotations which include Read to Self, Listen to Reading and doing Word Work. Reading Logs were sent out on Monday. These are due on Monday, Sept. 18 so make sure your child continues reading over the weekend. Reading Logs are always given out on a Monday and are due the following Monday. Logins for Raz Kids have been sent home. It is acceptable to count Raz Kids minutes on the Reading Log. Your child will also be bringing home a differentiated sight word list next week. Please practice this list with your child and when your child has mastered the words, he/she should bring it back and will receive a new list.
Writing:
We have begun Writer's Workshop in the classroom. Students are busy writing "small moments" about events that have happened to them. It is so exciting to hear all their ideas and they have so much background knowledge to help them think of new stories. They are learning what it means "When you are done, you have just begun." They know that when they complete one story, they need to reread it and try to add more details. We started our first Word Sort this week. Students looked for patterns and paid attention to word families. They also completed different word activities throughout the week to help practice the words.
Math:
We have started our guided math rotations, giving students the opportunity to have small group lessons differentiated at their level. This week we have practiced making mathematical observations, taking and interpreting data, and creating graphs with colored tiles. We practiced sorting and discussed ways we could sort objects in our everyday lives. Ask your child about ways they could sort candy, rocks, or animals! In small groups students have explored the hundreds chart, practiced less, same and more in a card game, and practiced showing numbers in different ways in our math journals. Continue providing your child with opportunities to count and explore numbers at home.
Inquiry:
Students began their exploration of air and weather. They did an investigation about what air can do using straws to blow air on different types of objects. We worked together as a whole grade level to discover the many properties of air.
We have been working very hard on our reading rotations which include Read to Self, Listen to Reading and doing Word Work. Reading Logs were sent out on Monday. These are due on Monday, Sept. 18 so make sure your child continues reading over the weekend. Reading Logs are always given out on a Monday and are due the following Monday. Logins for Raz Kids have been sent home. It is acceptable to count Raz Kids minutes on the Reading Log. Your child will also be bringing home a differentiated sight word list next week. Please practice this list with your child and when your child has mastered the words, he/she should bring it back and will receive a new list.
Writing:
We have begun Writer's Workshop in the classroom. Students are busy writing "small moments" about events that have happened to them. It is so exciting to hear all their ideas and they have so much background knowledge to help them think of new stories. They are learning what it means "When you are done, you have just begun." They know that when they complete one story, they need to reread it and try to add more details. We started our first Word Sort this week. Students looked for patterns and paid attention to word families. They also completed different word activities throughout the week to help practice the words.
Math:
We have started our guided math rotations, giving students the opportunity to have small group lessons differentiated at their level. This week we have practiced making mathematical observations, taking and interpreting data, and creating graphs with colored tiles. We practiced sorting and discussed ways we could sort objects in our everyday lives. Ask your child about ways they could sort candy, rocks, or animals! In small groups students have explored the hundreds chart, practiced less, same and more in a card game, and practiced showing numbers in different ways in our math journals. Continue providing your child with opportunities to count and explore numbers at home.
Inquiry:
Students began their exploration of air and weather. They did an investigation about what air can do using straws to blow air on different types of objects. We worked together as a whole grade level to discover the many properties of air.
Check in with Seesaw to see what we are doing in school!
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
First Grade Update August 2017
Welcome to first grade! We are having a great start to our year! The students are learning routines and expectations and having so much fun getting to know their new teachers and classmates. We are currently rotating as hometown groups as we travel to all three teachers' rooms. Very soon we will be mixing all three first grade classrooms to establish our first round of blocks. We will be changing these groups based on students interests and needs several times throughout the year.
Reading
We have learned the three ways to read a book, (read the pictures, read the words, retell the story). We have been reviewing sight words, practicing oral phonemic awareness, and learning how to pick a good fit book. In the next few weeks we will be launching our guided reading rotations. Shortly after Curriculum Night, you can expect to start seeing differentiated sight word lists sent home in their take home folder. This will be explained in further detail on Curriculum Night.
Writing
Students have been busy writing about themselves in their journals and beginning their First Grade Memory Book. Students have used sentence prompts to describe what they like, their families, hobbies, etc. They have learned how to use the Word Wall to spell sight words correctly. Soon you will start receiving samples of their writing through the Seesaw app. We will launch Lucy Calkin's Writer's Workshop. The first Unit of Study will teach students how to write about a small moment (narrative). Students will also be using Words Their Way, which differentiates spelling and phonics skills using word sorts.
Math
During the first week of school, students learned how to create a picture graph by using symbols to represent how we get to school. This week we began our Fact Fixers program which will help all students build their addition and subtraction knowledge base. Ask your students about 7, 4, 11 and 8, 8, 16! We began comparing numbers using the language less, same, and more. Students have been playing different games to reinforce these concepts. We also launched our Math Journals where students will create an interactive notebook and write about math.
We can't wait to see you at Curriculum Night, September 6th at 6:30!
Reading
We have learned the three ways to read a book, (read the pictures, read the words, retell the story). We have been reviewing sight words, practicing oral phonemic awareness, and learning how to pick a good fit book. In the next few weeks we will be launching our guided reading rotations. Shortly after Curriculum Night, you can expect to start seeing differentiated sight word lists sent home in their take home folder. This will be explained in further detail on Curriculum Night.
Writing
Students have been busy writing about themselves in their journals and beginning their First Grade Memory Book. Students have used sentence prompts to describe what they like, their families, hobbies, etc. They have learned how to use the Word Wall to spell sight words correctly. Soon you will start receiving samples of their writing through the Seesaw app. We will launch Lucy Calkin's Writer's Workshop. The first Unit of Study will teach students how to write about a small moment (narrative). Students will also be using Words Their Way, which differentiates spelling and phonics skills using word sorts.
Math
During the first week of school, students learned how to create a picture graph by using symbols to represent how we get to school. This week we began our Fact Fixers program which will help all students build their addition and subtraction knowledge base. Ask your students about 7, 4, 11 and 8, 8, 16! We began comparing numbers using the language less, same, and more. Students have been playing different games to reinforce these concepts. We also launched our Math Journals where students will create an interactive notebook and write about math.
We can't wait to see you at Curriculum Night, September 6th at 6:30!
Friday, April 28, 2017
ABC Countdown
Wayne Thomas
Countdown
The Last 26 School Days of School
Believe it or not, the school year is coming to an end. Everyone has worked very hard during the past eight months, and we feel that it's time to celebrate! During the last 26 days of school, we will be doing an ABC Countdown. Each school day will have different activities depending on the letter of the day. Your child may need to bring certain things on various days. This sheet will help your child remember what each day in the countdown is all about. Participation is optional. We hope your child enjoys our last days together!
Wednesday,
May 3
|
Animal Day
|
Bring a favorite stuffed animal to school today.
|
Thursday,
May 4
|
Backwards Day
|
Wear backwards clothes.
|
Friday,
May 5
|
Card Day
|
We will be making a card.
|
Monday, May 8
|
Dozen Day
|
Have a collection? Bring a dozen of something to show the class!
|
Tuesday, May 9
|
Extra Recess Day
|
We will be going out for an extra recess.
|
Wednesday,
May 10
|
Fancy Day
|
Wear fancy clothes.
|
Thursday,
May 11
|
Game Day
|
Play a game at school today.
|
Friday,
May 12
|
Hat Day
|
Wear your favorite hat.
(And wear a shirt with words)
|
Monday, May 15
|
I Can Do…
|
Be prepared to share something you can do that your friends might not know about.
|
Tuesday, May 16
|
Jersey Day
|
Wear your favorite sports team jersey or t-shirt.
|
Wednesday,
May 17
|
Kid Kindness Day
|
We’ll spread kindness throughout the school.
|
Thursday,
May 18
|
Letter Day
|
Write an introduction letter about yourself to next year’s teacher!
|
Friday,
May 19
|
Mismatch Day
|
Wear things that do not match today (including your Color Wars shirt!)
|
Monday,
May 22
|
No Homework Day
|
There will be no homework today!
|
Tuesday, May 23
|
Outside Day
|
We will do some of our regular classroom activities outside today.
|
Wednesday,
May 24
|
Pajama Day
|
Wear your pajamas to school today.
|
Thursday,
May 25
|
Quiet Day
|
We will see who can stay quiet all day long!
|
Tuesday, May 30
|
Read-a-Lot Day
|
Today's only Daily 5 choices are Read to Self and Read to Someone.
|
Wednesday, May 31
|
Switch Seats
|
You will have a new place to sit today.
|
Thursday,
June 1
|
T-Shirt Day
|
Wear your favorite T-Shirt to school.
|
Friday, June 2
|
Use Good Sportsmanship Day
|
We will be demonstrating good sportsmanship today at Field Day!
(Wear Color Wars shirts)
|
Monday, June 5
|
Video Day
|
We will watch an educational video today.
|
Tuesday,
June 6
|
Work Out Day
|
We will be taking lots of active brain breaks.
|
Wednesday, June 7
|
X-plore Your New Grade Level
|
Explore your new grade level at Step-Up Day!
|
Thursday, June 8
|
Year-End Cleaning Day
|
We will clean out lockers and desks today!
|
Friday,
June 9
|
Zip Up Your Backpacks and Zoom Home
|
Last day of school! Congratulations!
|
Please note that some of these events are subject to change.
Participation is not required.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
Happy New Year!
Thanks for encouraging your children to read 100 minutes during our district iRead program. Students are excited to be earning the extra minutes and incentives. You might notice that your child is not coming home with a new spelling homework today. We are spending more time on our sorts from last week. Use this time at home to read extra minutes with your child!
Look for the Moon Observation handout that is in your child's folder tonight. Pick one week between now and March 1 to observe the moon and fill out the Observation Log.
We will not be sending our communication emails this week. We will resume in February.
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