I can't believe we are already a month into school. Your first graders have been busy learning many new things, and reviewing old things. Check out all of the things we are learning:
Reading-During reading class we have been practicing the routines of Daily 5. We are doing an awesome job of practicing Read to Self and Work on Writing. Last week we learned about Reading to a Partner. This week we learned about Word Work and Listen to Reading. We will then have learned the routines for all 5 centers, and will fully begin our reading program. It is important to set up these routines so that the students know what to do during reading, and that way we can get the most, uninterrupted, reading time possible. We have been learning reading strategies to help us when we come to a word we don't know. When we think we know the word we have to ask ourselves: does it look right, does it sound right, and does it make sense? If yes then we keep reading, if no then we go back and reread, trying a different strategy. We also started book bags last week. Please be sure your child brings them back daily, and practices the activities inside. Remember their goal is to read 20 minutes each night.
Writing- In writing we have been working on personal narratives. In this unit students write about things that have happened to them or about things they have done. We learned how to tell our story across our hand and then stretch it across our pages. This group of first graders is really good at trying to sound out the words as best they can without asking for help. I meet with your child, 1 on 1, at least once a week to discuss their stories, help them out, and push them a little bit further in their writing.
Math-On Monday we took our test for unit 1 already. In unit 1 we learned all about the partners of numbers 1-10. We talked about switching partners, and totals. We also looked for patterns we saw when adding/subtracting 0, 1, or doubles. In unit 2 we will learn different addition and subtraction strategies.
Spelling- This is the second week of word sorts and spelling words. Remember I am looking at specific patterns in words, and that your child can spell those patterns when they hear them. On the bottom of the spelling list you will see 2 sight words. These are the first grade sight words that we will practice throughout the entire year. It is important to learn the spelling of sight words because we see them so often, and they are difficult to spell and read because they usually aren't spelled phonetically correct.
Next week, First Grade is in charge of mass parts. Some students are nervous so be sure to practice their parts with them, I am sure they will all do a great job! We are excited for our first field trip on Friday We will be going to Hillside Apple Orchard and The Farm. Stay tuned for pictures!
Reading-During reading class we have been practicing the routines of Daily 5. We are doing an awesome job of practicing Read to Self and Work on Writing. Last week we learned about Reading to a Partner. This week we learned about Word Work and Listen to Reading. We will then have learned the routines for all 5 centers, and will fully begin our reading program. It is important to set up these routines so that the students know what to do during reading, and that way we can get the most, uninterrupted, reading time possible. We have been learning reading strategies to help us when we come to a word we don't know. When we think we know the word we have to ask ourselves: does it look right, does it sound right, and does it make sense? If yes then we keep reading, if no then we go back and reread, trying a different strategy. We also started book bags last week. Please be sure your child brings them back daily, and practices the activities inside. Remember their goal is to read 20 minutes each night.
Writing- In writing we have been working on personal narratives. In this unit students write about things that have happened to them or about things they have done. We learned how to tell our story across our hand and then stretch it across our pages. This group of first graders is really good at trying to sound out the words as best they can without asking for help. I meet with your child, 1 on 1, at least once a week to discuss their stories, help them out, and push them a little bit further in their writing.
Math-On Monday we took our test for unit 1 already. In unit 1 we learned all about the partners of numbers 1-10. We talked about switching partners, and totals. We also looked for patterns we saw when adding/subtracting 0, 1, or doubles. In unit 2 we will learn different addition and subtraction strategies.
Spelling- This is the second week of word sorts and spelling words. Remember I am looking at specific patterns in words, and that your child can spell those patterns when they hear them. On the bottom of the spelling list you will see 2 sight words. These are the first grade sight words that we will practice throughout the entire year. It is important to learn the spelling of sight words because we see them so often, and they are difficult to spell and read because they usually aren't spelled phonetically correct.
Next week, First Grade is in charge of mass parts. Some students are nervous so be sure to practice their parts with them, I am sure they will all do a great job! We are excited for our first field trip on Friday We will be going to Hillside Apple Orchard and The Farm. Stay tuned for pictures!