Week of October 3rd-October 7th

First Grade Newsletter

October 3rd-October 7th

Literacy

KNOWLEDGE

Reading Street: Unit 1 Week 4

Main selection:  Get the Egg!

Weekly Question:  Which wild animals live in our neighborhood?

Amazing Words: habitat, hatch, survive, chirp, croak, moist

Comprehension skills:  Main idea and Details

Comprehension strategy: Important Details

Genres:  Realistic Fiction

PHONICS

Fundations: Unit 2 (Week 2 of 3)

• Skill(s): Tapping out sounds in words with CVC patterns (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant; such as 'cat') 
• Trick Words: the, a, and, is, his, of
• Alphabetical order*Please note that Unit 1 of Fundations and Lively Letters are very fast paced reviews of the alphabet letter sounds and formations taught extensively in Kindergarten.

Math in Focus

Chapter 2

Addition and Subtraction within 10

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

- Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

                                 -  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of object

                                 - Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number

-                                -  Make number patterns

Science

Patterns in the Sky

This week students will look back at the information students gathered on Friday. We will analyze the data students collected through guiding questions to help students answer the question, "How can patterns we observe in the sky help us make predictions?"

Social Studies

Responsible Citizen

Last week, students learned about honesty and why it is important to be truthful. 

This week students will learn about working together.

 Specialists

 

MONDAY: Music

TUESDAY: P.E.

WEDNESDAY: Art

THURSDAY: Music

FRIDAY: P.E.

  

Writing Workshop

This week students will begin learning about the different parts of a narrative writing piece. Students will discuss the structure, details, and appropriate ways to begin narrative writing pieces. Students begin to discuss how to incorporate the 5 senses into their stories.

                 

                   Parent Reminders

1.  Library- Our class' library day and time is every Thursday from 2:00PM-2:30PM. I have sent home a library permission slip. Please read, sign, and return the paper as soon as you can.

2.    Please be sure your child returns their school folder to school everyday.  Also, please check it each day for important handouts and homework assignments. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 10:00 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-sensitive and has no glass products.

4.    Homework Update: This week your child will begin homework. In your child's red homework folder, you will see 2 sheet protectors and recording page. Please keep the pages in the sheet protectors unless you are filling out the reading log. Once you have filled out the Reading Log, please make sure the paper gets back into the sheet protector. I will collect the red folders on Friday and take out all of the completed work.

a. War Math Game: This week students will play the card game War (the instructions in the 3rd sheet protector). Please keep the paper in the sheet protector and play the game using the dot cards from the pack of cards given two weeks ago and a dry erase marker. There is nothing to turn in at the end of the week this week for math.

b. Reading (Activity) Log: The first page in the sheet protector will be your child's reading or activity log. This log will be collected every week on Friday when your child brings their red homework folder back. Please check off the boxes of what activities you have complete on specific days. For the Discussion Question box, please fill in the questions that you discussed with your child while reading 1 out of the 4 days.

c. Phonics Word List: Your child should read their word list every day.

5. Login Sheet- The online websites that are listed on the login sheet are extra from the the homework given to your child unless stated otherwise. Lexia is a great program for students to practice their current phonics skills at home. I Know It Math is great math skill practice when I assign review or current skill practice activities.

6. Parent Conferences- If you have not signed up for parent conferences, please find the link to the Sign Up Genius on our Bloomz feed. If the dates and times do not work for you, please let me know and we can find a time that will work. I look forward to conferences!

Goodbye September! Hello October!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child brought home a red homework folder today. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes, read phonics word list everyday, write 1 penpal journal entry, and play the War math card game. 

Your child also will bring home their penpal journal this week. Please read my letter and have your child respond to it in 1 penpal letter. In future weeks, if I did not write to your child, your child can write to me about anything s/he wants. Once your child has finished his/her letter, return it to school. If I did not receive your child's journal last week, please have your child write a letter to me this week and I will check both letters once the journal is turned in. 

The homework folder and journal should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays.

Week of September 26th-September 30th

First Grade Newsletter

September 26th-September 30th

Literacy

KNOWLEDGE

Reading Street: Unit 1 Week 4

Main selection: A Fox and a Kit

Weekly Question:  How do wild animals take care of their babies?

Amazing Words:  observe, wild, parent, canopy, screech, million, reserve, native

Genres: Nonfiction

Comprehension skills:  Main idea & Details

PHONICS

Fundations: Unit 2 (Week 1 of 3)

• Skill(s): Tapping out sounds in words with CVC patterns (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant; such as 'cat') 
• Trick Words: the, of, and
• Review formation of the following letters…t, b, f, n, m, c, a, i, r, o, g, d, s, e, u, l, h, k
• Alphabetical order*Please note that Unit 1 of Fundations and Lively Letters are very fast paced reviews of the alphabet letter sounds and formations taught extensively in Kindergarten.

Math in Focus

Chapter 1

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

**Chapter 1 Test on Wednesday, September 28th**

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

     -  Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

    -  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of objects

  - - Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number                            

-   - Make number patterns

*Please note:  Math instruction in this unit is reviewing groundwork established in Kindergarten.  We will be building upon these skills as we progress through the future math units.

Science

Patterns in the Sky
     Last week students observed the sun. We measured the sun's distance from the horizon using hand spans, measured the shadow of an object outside (lamp post), and drew a sketch of where the sun was in the sky. Students recorded their measurements and drew their sketches on a their sun observation recording sheet.

This week students will look back at the information students gathered on Friday. We will analyze the data students collected through guiding questions to help students answer the question, "How can patterns we observe in the sky help us make predictions?"

Social Studies

Responsible Citizen

Last week, students learned about friendships and what actions & words make a good friend.

This week students will learn about honesty and what it is important to be truthful. 

 Specialists

 

MONDAY: P.E.

TUESDAY: Art

WEDNESDAY: Music

THURSDAY: P.E.

FRIDAY: Art

  

Writing Workshop

This week students will begin learning about the different parts of a narrative writing piece. Students will discuss the structure, details, and appropriate ways to begin narrative writing pieces. Students will also discuss the 5 senses and how writers can incorporate descriptions about their senses into their stories.

                 

                   Parent Reminders

1.  Library- Our class' library day and time will be every Thursday from 2:00PM-2:30PM. If you would like to volunteer in the library, please contact Mrs. Adrienne Ricci-Munn. 

2.    Please be sure your child returns their school folder to school everyday.  Also, please check it each day for important handouts and homework assignments. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 10:00 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-sensitive and has no glass products.

4.    Meet the Teacher Night- Thank you to everyone who could make it to Meet the Teacher Night! It was great meeting you all and sharing first grade with you. I look forward to seeing everyone at parent conferences!

5. Homework Update: This week your child will begin homework. In your child's red homework folder, you will see 2 sheet protectors and recording page. Please keep the pages in the sheet protectors unless you are filling out the reading log. Once you have filled out the Reading Log, please make sure the paper gets back into the sheet protector. I will collect the red folders on Friday and take out all of the completed work.

a. Flash the Dots Math Game: This week students will play the flash the dots game in the 2nd sheet protector. Please keep the paper in the sheet protector and play the game using the dot cards from the pack of cards given two weeks ago and a dry erase marker. There is nothing to turn in at the end of the week this week for math.

b. Reading (Activity) Log: The first page in the sheet protector will be your child's reading or activity log. This log will be collected every week on Friday when your child brings their red homework folder back. Please check off the boxes of what activities you have complete on specific days. For the Discussion Question box, please fill in the questions that you discussed with your child while reading 1 out of the 4 days.

6. Login Sheet- The online websites that are listed on the login sheet are extra from the the homework given to your child unless stated otherwise. Lexia is a great program for students to practice their current phonics skills at home. I Know It Math is great math skill practice when I assign review or current skill practice activities.

7. Parent Conferences- If you have not signed up for parent conferences, please find the link to the Sign Up Genius on our Bloomz feed. If the dates and times do not work for you, please let me know and we can find a time that will work. I look forward to conferences!

Have a great last week of September!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child brought home a red homework folder today. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and playing the Flash the Dots game. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays.

Week of September 19th-September 23rd

 

First Grade Newsletter

September 19th-September 23rd

Literacy

KNOWLEDGE

Reading Street: Unit 1 Week 3

Main selection: The Big Blue Ox

Weekly Question:  How do animals help people?

Amazing Words:  past, present, produce, transportation, danger, serve, enormous, powerful

Genres:  Animal Fantasy

Comprehension skills:  Character, Setting, Plot/Making predictions

PHONICS

Fundations: Unit 1 (Week 3 of 3)

• Review formation of the following letters…t, b, f, n, m, c, a, i, r, o, g, d, s, e, u, l, h, k
• Alphabetical order*Please note that Unit 1 of Fundations and Lively Letters are very fast paced reviews of the alphabet letter sounds and formations taught extensively in Kindergarten.

Math in Focus

Chapter 1

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

     -  Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

-  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of objects

  - - Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number                            

-   - Make number patterns

*Please note:  Math instruction in this unit is reviewing groundwork established in Kindergarten.  We will be building upon these skills as we progress through the future math units.

Science

Patterns in the Sky
     Last week students observed the sun. We measured the sun's distance from the horizon using hand spans, measured the shadow of an object outside (lamp post), and drew a sketch of where the sun was in the sky. Students recorded their measurements and drew their sketches on a their sun observation recording sheet.

This week students will look back at the information students gathered on Friday. We will analyze the data students collected through guiding questions to help students answer the question, "How can patterns we observe in the sky help us make predictions?"

Social Studies

Responsible Citizen

Last week, students began our first Social Studies unit about citizenship. The big question students will be answering throughout the next couple weeks is "How can I be a responsible citizen?".

Last week students learned about respect and responsibility. Students learned ways to show respect and responsibility. Then students showed what they have learned through a game that will give students made up realistic situations where they will have to make a respectful or responsible decision. Students also learned about the power to choose and the consequences of choices that are made. After listening to the "Choices We Make" story, students completed a sorting activity where they had to decide if the choice in the box was a good or bad choice.

This week students will learn about friendships through a read aloud, role-playing activity, and Friendship book. 

 

Social Skills Read Aloud

• The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania and Kelly DiPucchio

 Specialists

 

MONDAY: Art

TUESDAY: Music

WEDNESDAY: P.E.

THURSDAY: Art

FRIDAY: Music

  

Writing Workshop

This week students will begin writing about their hopes and dreams for first grade. Each student will write about their hopes and dreams and draw a picture to go with their writing.

                 

                   Parent Reminders

1.  Library- Our class' library day and time will be every Thursday from 2:00PM-2:30PM. If you would like to volunteer in the library, please contact Mrs. Adrienne Ricci-Munn. 

2.    Please be sure your child returns their school folder to school everyday.  Also, please check it each day for important handouts and homework assignments. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 10:00 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-sensitive and has no glass products.

4.    September Scholastic Book Order: September’s order is due on Friday, September 23rd.

5. Meet the Teacher Night is coming up. Thursday, September 22nd. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!  Please note—This is an adult-only evening. 

6. Homework Update: This week your child will begin homework. In your child's red homework folder, you will see 2 sheet protectors and recording page. Please keep the pages in the sheet protectors unless you are filling out the reading log. Once you have filled out the Reading Log, please make sure the paper gets back into the sheet protector. I will collect the red folders on Friday and take out all of the completed work.

a. Draw the Dots Math Game: This week students will review the dot cards in the packet of number cards given to them last week. After reviewing the dot cards, put the cards away and see if your child can remember the pattern of each number dot card. If your child needs assistance, please have the dot cards available. If you need another copy of the number cards, please let me know and I will send them home.

b. Reading (Activity) Log: The first page in the sheet protector will be your child's reading or activity log. This log will be collected every week on Friday when your child brings their red homework folder back. Please check off the boxes of what activities you have complete on specific days. For the Discussion Question box, please fill in the questions that you discussed with your child while reading 1 out of the 4 days.

7. Login Sheet- The online websites that are listed on the login sheet are extra from the the homework given to your child unless stated otherwise. Lexia is a great program for students to practice their current phonics skills at home. I Know It Math is great math skill practice when I assign review or current skill practice activities.

I hope to see you all at Meet the Teacher night this week!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child brought home a red homework folder today. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and playing the Draw the Dots game. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays.

Week of September 12th-September 16th

First Grade Newsletter

September 12th-September 16th

Literacy

KNOWLEDGE

     

SKILLS

Literacy Assessments:   This week I will be conferencing with each student individually to assess their reading level to begin personalizing their literacy groups and work. I will also be completing a spelling inventory to use in the future for spelling instruction.

Reading Street: Unit 1 Week 2

Main selection:  Pig in a Wig

Weekly Question:  Who helps animals?

Amazing Words:  career, service, tool, sloppy, scrub, exercise, comfort, search

Genres:  Fantasy

Comprehension skills:  plot

PHONICS

Fundations: Unit 1 (Week 2 of 3)

• Review formation of the following letters…t, b, f, n, m, c, a, i, r, o, g, d, s, e, u, l, h, k
• Alphabetical order*Please note that Unit 1 of Fundations and Lively Letters are very fast paced reviews of the alphabet letter sounds and formations taught extensively in Kindergarten.

Math in Focus

Chapter 1

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

     -  Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

-  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of objects

- Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number                            

- Make number patterns

*Please note:  Math instruction in this unit is reviewing groundwork established in Kindergarten.  We will be building upon these skills as we progress through the future math units.

Science

Last week students discussed and listened to the different things that make up scientists. At the end of the lesson, the students learned that scientists can be kids! 

Patterns in the Sky
     This week our first science unit begins! Students will take a pre-test about patterns in the sky to gather information about students' knowledge today. The first lesson will be an introduction into patterns in the sky and beginning to observe the sun. Students will discuss knowledge that they already have about the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and their movement. Each student will form a question about what they want to know more about or a question about our discussion.

Social Studies

Responsible Citizen

Last week, students began our first Social Studies unit about citizenship. The big question students will be answering throughout the next couple weeks is "How can I be a responsible citizen?".

The first lesson went over rules. Students learned that rules are made within our school and homes, the reason rules are made, and the meaning of consequences when rules are broken or followed. After learning about rules, the class brainstormed and formed our own classroom rules. We recite our class rules every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance and Peace Pledge.

The second lesson went over laws. Students learned the similarities and differences between laws and rules, who enforces laws, and who creates laws. 

This week students will learn about respect and responsibility. Students will learn ways to show respect and responsibility. Then students will show what they have learned through a game that will give students made up realistic situations where they will have to make a respectful or responsible decision.

 

Social Skills Read Aloud

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

 Specialists

 

MONDAY: Music

TUESDAY: P.E.

WEDNESDAY: Art

THURSDAY: Music

FRIDAY: P.E.

  

Writing Workshop

This week students will begin writing about their hopes and dreams for first grade. Each student will write about their hopes and dreams and draw a picture to go with their writing.

                 

                   Parent Reminders

1.  Library- Our class' library day and time will be every Thursday from 2:00PM-2:30PM. If you would like to volunteer in the library, please contact Mrs. Adrienne Ricci-Munn. 

2.    Please be sure your child returns their school folder to school everyday.  Also, please check it each day for important handouts and homework assignments. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 9:40 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-free and has no glass products.

4.    Scholastic Book Club & September Book Order: I will send home the September catalog this week.  I will send these home monthly.  Please do not feel obligated to participate every month, but the prices are great and it’s a great way to build your child’s home library and add to our classroom selection. A handout will be attached to this month’s catalog explaining more about Scholastic orders. September’s order is due on Friday, September 23rd.

5. Meet the Teacher Night is coming up. Thursday, September 22nd. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!  Please note—This is an adult-only evening. 

6. Homework Update: This week your child will begin homework. In your child's red homework folder, you will see 2 sheet protectors and a packet of cards in the sleeve with a Ziploc bag. Please keep the pages in the sheet protectors unless you are filling out the reading log. Once you have filled out the Reading Log, please make sure the paper gets back into the sheet protector. I will collect the red folders on Friday and take out all of the completed work.

a. Match the Numbers Math Game: This week your child will cut out the packet of cards in the sleeve of the homework folder. Once s/he is finished cutting out the cards, the student will match all of the represented numbers together in a row (1 finger, 1 dot, number 1 symbol, etc.). Once all of the numbers are identified, your child should put the numbers in order from 1 to 10. (On the back of the reading log, there are math game questions to help guide conversations. These questions may not all align with the activity we are doing this week, but could help give ideas as to the types of questions you could use in math game conversations.)

b. Reading (Activity) Log: The first page in the sheet protector will be your child's reading or activity log. This log will be collected every week on Friday when your child brings their red homework folder back. Please check off the boxes of what activities you have complete on specific days. For the Discussion Question box, please fill in the questions that you discussed with your child while reading throughout the week.

I hope you all have a great week!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child brought home a red homework folder today. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and playing the Match the Numbers math game. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays.