I hope that everyone had a safe drive to school or work this morning!
Here's a look at what we've been working on in first grade this week.
- The first graders have been reading, reading, reading! I am so impressed with the progress that the kids have made! They are practicing reading fluently and with emotion. Yesterday, we talked about how compliments can help motivate readers. They read with their reading partners and then gave each other a compliment on their reading.
- This week, I also introduced vowel teams this week. Words that contain vowel teams include: rain, day, feet, beak, and key. We'll continue to focus on words with vowel teams for the next week.
- The kids are working on keyboarding skills. I'm hoping to have the kids create a Google Doc in the near future. We will have some fun learning how to type!
- In math, the kids are continuing to learn how to measure and compare objects. Most recently, they measured with nonstandard units such as paper clips.
- The nonfiction books that the first graders are writing are amazing! This week, they worked on tackling expert words and creating glossaries.
- With Presidents' Day around the corner, the kids learned about George Washington and sang a song about him.
- Since February is Black History Month, the kids learned about Rosa Parks this week.
- I also taught the kids about using cardinal directions on a map. They learned about the compass rose and they also used "never eat soggy waffles" to remember north, east, south, and west.
Last week, I sent home a list of names for Valentine cards. (If you need another copy, just let me know!) Whenever your kiddo has finished writing the names on the cards, they can put them in a labeled bag and bring them into school. On Friday, 2/14, the kids will exchange cards and do a craft in class.
Headphones
I have about 8 sets of headphones in the classroom. The keyboarding program that we use has sound - so you can imagine what it's like in the classroom when 23 kids log in at the same time. If you have a set of headphones that you can send into school with your child, we would really appreciate it! Please label them and only your child will use them. Don't feel like you have to go out and buy any new headphones for this purpose. As I said, we have a few pairs in the classroom already.
STEM Challenges
Mrs. Murphy and I would like to do some STEM challenges with the first graders. In order to do that, we need a few supplies. Any of the following items would be great:
- cups
- sponges
- straws
- cardboard tubes
- clay
Greatest Hits - Videos and Songs
The first graders asked that I send home the links to some of their favorite songs and videos in first grade. I know I've linked to a few already, but I thought I'd send them again.
Place Value Song
Coin Song
Subtract with a Pirate
Count to 100
Syllable Song
Don't Read Like a Robot
Oh You Lucky Ducky (OULD)
Coin Song 2
Vowel Teams
Magic E
Vowel Bat
Bossy R
Super E
Cutest Thing That Happened This Week :)
When we were reading about Rosa Park, the kids learned that her birthday was on Tuesday. They sang a spontaneous round of Happy Birthday to her. Love it!
Reminder
Your child brings home 2 books on Monday with their spelling notebook. Please ask your child to read those books aloud to you each week. It's great practice and they love to show off their reading skills! They should also read a poem from their poetry notebooks to you over the weekend.
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, 2/7: Library and "wear red, black, and white" to school day (if you want!)
- Wednesday, 2/12: Library and early release (1:45)
- Friday, 2/14: Valentine card exchange
- 2/17-2/21: February vacation
As always, please get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns.
Katie Barnett
