What a fun couple of weeks that it's been. Here's an update on what we've been doing in first grade.
- The kids have been busy practicing their nonfiction reading skills in Reading Workshop each day. I cannot praise them enough for all of their hard work. Each time I check in with the kids, I am impressed with the strides that they are making.
- The kids have also been practicing "retelling" stories. Ask them what a 3-scoop retell means! (Hint: You should include the topic of the book, one or two facts from the book, and also explain why the information is important.)
- We have also been reading with expression. Here's a link to a song we listened to (and danced to) in class this week: Don't Read Like a Robot
- I introduced "glued sounds", which are letter combinations that make a distinct sound. We focused on letter combinations ending in -ng and -nk like "sing" and "sank". The first graders are learning to identify these clusters of letters in words as they read and use them as they spell.
- The trick words for the past two weeks are: why, try, my, put, two, very, also, too, some, come
- In math, the kids have been learning to subtract from larger numbers by taking away from 10. They are using pictures to find 10 and then cross out some. We have been solving subtraction story problems every day.
- Last Thursday, the class had a very successful trip to the Holiday Shop. I can't even express how thankful I am to the PTO for putting on this great event! The kids were so kind, generous, and thoughtful as they shopped. They love an opportunity to surprise their loved ones with something special. I hope you like your gifts!
- In writing, we are wrapping up our unit on personal narrative stories. The kids have done such a wonderful job writing about small moments in their lives. This week, they are reviewing and editing the stories. Once the stories are complete, they will create a cover and an "about the author" page.
- All week long, I have been reading versions of the gingerbread stories to the kids. Ask them to tell you all about it - we've been talking about the similarities and differences. The kids also created a craft with a writing piece about how they would catch the gingerbread man. They are hanging in the hallway. Take a peek if you are in the school over the next couple of weeks. Very cute!
- We have also been studying holiday traditions. Las week, we discussed Hanukkah. This week and next, we will talk about Kwanza, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
- Yesterday, the kids created a kindness craft where they chose a name of another student in class and wrote something nice about that person. So sweet! They are shaped like a string of lights and I hung them up in the hallway outside of the classroom.
Volunteers Wanted - Holiday Party 12/19 from 1:00-2:00pm
Thanks to the parents who are organizing the crafts for out classroom party! It should be a really fun time. A few parents have already said that they can help run some of the centers during the party. If you'd like to help out and haven't let me know, there's still time. You can just shoot me an email if you don't have the form I sent home last week.
Upcoming Dates
- 12/13 (tomorrow) is a PE day. Please send your child to school with sneakers.
- 12/13 (Friday): Library
- 12/19 (Thursday): Holiday party in our classroom, 1:00-2:00pm
- 12/21/19-1/1/20: Winter break
Have a wonderful end to your week and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks so much!
Katie Barnett
