First Grade News

Somehow we are already at the end of January. How can that be?! Please take a look at what we have been up to,and where we are headed!

Coming Up:

• Thursday - Sunday, January 26-29: James and the Giant Peach at the JCA
• Friday, February 3: Early Release Day, Body Safe Presentation 
• Monday, February 6: Winter Break (No School)
• Thursday, February 9: All valentines to school by this date
• Tuesday, February 14: Valentine's Day Party at 9:00am
• February 22-24: Jump Rope for Heart

Valentine's Day:
If your child has completed his/her valentines, please feel free to send them in early.

Reading:
We are continuing our work with nonfiction. We have been learning how to track making connections, new learning, questions we have, and when we have reactions to our reading.

Writing: 
We are rolling with writing How To stories. This is one of my favorite units of the year. This week we  have been working on how to use transition words between sections (and not starting sentences with "And"), the parts of how to stories, and how to write a conclusion.

Math: 
We will be wrapping up unit 4, Place Value Concepts, at the end of next week. Our test will take place the following week.

Social Studies:
We are working our way through different periods of time. Please ask your child to tell you what is happening in our read aloud book, Meet Addy. There are many very heavy emotions that come from reading these books, and students will love sharing the books with you.
We have learned about Martin Luther King, Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks in the past two weeks. We will be learning about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington over the next two weeks, as well as diving more into the past, present and future.

Keyboarding:
Your child may have mentioned a website we have been working on in the computer lab to practice keyboarding skills. You can either search "dance mat typing" or follow this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z3c6tfr. I have been very impressed by their dedication and ability to use the home row already. The more practice, the better!

Whiteboard Tip:
Time to dust off those whiteboards! The novelty may have worn off, but the value is still just as great. Students could use some accountability with making sure they are saying their sounds as they write - breaking up every single sound! Because I am not able to sit next to every child every time they write, some may be getting a bit lazy with saying their sounds. The difference in their writing when they "say as they write" is dramatic. Ask your child a simple question, such as: What is your favorite holiday and why? Or Where would you like to go on vacation and why? As they answer on their whiteboard (or a piece of paper if you have misplaced yours), sit next to them and hold them accountable to say every sound as they write it (the, for example, has two sounds, /th/ /e/). If there are any errors, stop them the instant the error is made, erase, and tell the correct spelling for the sound. Correct letter formation and handwriting as well. Thank you for your help! These kiddos are doing amazing things in reading and writing. It has been so much fun to watch their progress!

New Student:
We are excited to welcome a new student to our classroom on Monday - Lucas. He has 24 first graders excited to meet and welcome a new friend!

Have a wonderful weekend!