Wednesday, October 16, 2013

34 Days in First Grade!

We are all settled in to the routines of first grade.  I believe that the children really enjoy being in school all day long.  They are eager to get out for recess and go to specials.  They enjoy the time experimenting in science and working in reading groups.  The following are a few updates for this week.

In phonics we are continuing to do a lot of word work.  The children are changing part in words to make new words.  They are learning that if you know one word it helps you to read or write another set of words. Please continue to practice high frequency words at home a few nights a week.

I switched some reading groups around and collected books.  You will be seeing some more books come home this week.  Continue to read nightly with your child.  Have them read to you as well.

In math we have been working on math facts and problem solving.  At times, the homework refers to 5 group cards.  We are not using them right now so you can have your child skip questions that refer to those cards.

In science we are experimenting with shadows.  The children are really enjoying this unit.  Please ask them about the experiment we did on the soccer field.  High Touch-High Tech will be visiting all the first grades on October 29th to culminate our unit on Sunshine and Shadows.

The firefighters came to visit last week to talk to the children about fire safety .  The children will be assessed on their knowledge of fire safety for Social Studies.

The children have once again filled their super behavior jar and have earned a special treat.  I am allowing them to bring in a small item for Show and Tell on Friday.  It must fit in their backpacks.  The children also have to be able to tell us 3 things about their special item.

Have a great week!