Welcome First Graders!
Please make sure you are developing a routine of checking your child's take home folder every night!
MATH: We will begin chapter 7. Chapter 7 focuses on comparing 2 and 3 digit numbers. We will focus our attention analyzing numbers and utilizing the student's knowledge of place value to compare and contrast numbers. We will build our mathematical vocabulary to include phrases such as: greater than >; less than <; and is equal to =.
Continue practicing addition and subtraction facts within 10 as well as counting to 120.
It's always a great idea to make flash cards to help your child study! You can make simple flash cards to help practice addition and subtraction facts, spelling words, reading comprehension questions and telling time!
**While the weather is still warm, have your child practice their sight words, and math facts with chalk! **
Literacy Stations/READING: First graders will continue to develop their daily routines for Literacy Stations. This is a routine including 5 different literacy stations that focus on different literacy skills. Skills targeted include individual reading practice, partner reading practice, writing, phonics and grammar patterns, and listen to reading. In addition to these stations, students will be placed in small instructional groups with other students with similar reading skills to work more closely with me to develop their literacy skills. We will work on phonics patterns, reading strategies, comprehension, and fluency.
Reading: In reading we will introduce the first grade sight words weekly, develop stamina for independent reading, and examine story elements such as the beginning, middle and end. We are also boosting our comprehension skills by identifying the main idea and key details of fiction and non-fiction texts.
Begin a routine each night where your child spends 10-20 minutes listening to or reading with an adult. Spend 5-10 minutes reviewing old sight words to maintain mastery!
District 142 will be implementing a new SEL curriculum titled "Second Step". Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
- In collaboration with Mrs. Kukulka, Kerkstra School Social Worker, these lessons will take place weekly in the classroom setting and replace our former Character Education program. Please see Mrs. Kukulka's weebly for additional ways to reinforce the curriculum at home. Be sure to check out the family letter and home links: http://d142-nkukulka.weebly.com/second-step.html
Important Dates to Remember!
Grade 1 Field Trip -- February 4th
100th Day of School -- February 10th
Valentine's Day Party -- February 14th
Please make sure your child has a HEALTHY snack for school each day. Chips, cookies, or candies are not allowed. Please reference the snack handout given at open house.
All students must bring/wear their gym shoes to school everyday!
Don't forget to check out our classroom Twitter page for updated pictures!
@First_AndTen
PBIS
PBIS is our District behavior plan. Our Cougar Code is: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. We encourage all children to always follow this code. We believe this helps to build good character. Your children have been earning "paws" as rewards for reinforcing positive behaviors. At the end of the month, the paws are traded in for coupons or small prizes they can use at school or home. Don't forget to encourage these positive behaviors at home as well with a short discussion about being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe while at school and on the bus. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Homework Policy
Every child should be reading every night for a minimum of 10 minutes from a variety of materials (Book Baggie Books, library books, children's magazines, etc). Students should also be practicing spelling/sight words and math facts each night to ensure they are becoming fluent and automatic. If a worksheet is sent home as homework, it should be returned the next day. Please check over homework to see that it is done correctly. This will also let you see what your child is working on and how well they are understanding the concepts. Please email me if you have any questions regarding your child's progress.