First grade is up and running! The children have been working hard the past couple of weeks learning new routines and making new friends. Below you will find a bit about what we have been doing in the classroom.
In Fundations, we have learned all the letters, corresponding sounds and pictures (a-apple /a/). We are now learning to tap out CVC (consonant-vowel-consonat) words on our fingers. Ask your child to show you how to tap these words out: map, lip, rug, set
We are also using our tapping for spelling.
In math, we have worked hard to add and subtract to 10. We have worked with word problems and missing addends. The children really seem to enjoy watching the video which teaches the main concept of the lesson. Ask them about the funny robot in the beginning!
In writing, we have started writing small moment stories across pages of a booklet. In the next week, I will be sending home a note asking families to generate a list of topics that your child can write about during Writer's Workshop.
We also have started reading groups and introduced centers. The children have done a great job independently transitioning throughout their centers and also reading with me in group. Ask your child to tell you about a story they have read with me!
Reminders/Updates:
* A quick note to let you know that from time to time your child will be coming home with unfinished math pages. Don't be alarmed if this happens! It doesn't mean your child didn't complete the assigned work. This is because I have selected problems for them to work on which pertain to the skill being taught. Our new program comes with many opportunities to have children practice. If you do see a math page with unfinished work, feel free to work with your child on the incomplete problems, but don't feel you have to.
* Homework-Homework will officially start the first week of November. The first grade team is still in the process of deciding what this will look like. For now, I will start sending home Poem notebooks on Thursday nights (please return these on Friday) and Book Envelopes on Mondays (please return them by the end of the week-most families read a book a night, but do what works best for you. You can always read the same book each night if it's easier!)
That is all for now! Next post, I hope to have some pictures of my hard workers that I can share with you!
Heather
