Sixth Day

We reviewed short-vowel 'i', and sight words 'play' and 'you'. We took our first dictation test today with some very good results. Table 3 took the bonus points (jackpot) for direction following. We worked on sequencing and retelling The Three Little Pigs. We started a Circle Map about ourselves. We continued working on our Unit Project, a book about ourselves.

In PE we prepared for a tossing/coordination game tomorrow.

Yesterday we took a brief math aptitude quiz. Today we had our last lesson in number sense for Topic 1. Tomorrow we will take our first Topic Test.

Fifth Day

Thanks to all of the family members who took the time to attend the Back-to-School evening. It was nice to see everyone. Thank you as well for your questions. Just after everyone left, one of the teachers came across what we think is going to be very close to our 6 week writing assessment. It looks much less daunting than what I was attempting to describe to you. So, I will scrap the Flow Map plans and have the students do a Circle Map and probably a Tree Map (classifying) which should give us more than enough material for our exam. One thing I didn't mention last night is that your child will be completing Thinking Maps every year based on what they know about themselves (or should anyway). I usually suggest to parents that they keep a copy (scan to flash drive) of these for their child to look back on when they are older. On that same flash drive you might also take pictures of projects or keep a copy of our class video compilation. This flash drive will then become your child's grade school portfolio.

Today we reviewed 'f' and 'h'. We worked with rhyming. We reviewed sight words: 'a' and 'have'. We shared with a partner something "we had" and then wrote about it in our journals.

For PE we played passing relay games in cooperative teams. Shoes became an issue yet again today when slip-on shoes came off during an activity.

In math we continued with number sense activities by combining two number patterns to represent a total. A corresponding math sheet was sent for homework as usual along with a practice writing/sound sheet.

Third Day

Today we reviewed short vowel 'a'. We began our first thinking map: Flow Map, used for sequencing. The use of the Flow Map will help us to organize our thoughts about a problem we've encountered in our lives.

In PE we reviewed/learned various forms of locomotion.

In math we continued with number sense for 9-12 expressing those numbers relative to a ten. I sent home a dice game for the children to play with another person.

Yesterday I sent home the children's first of 9 reading logs for the year. There is space to record at least 10 titles of additional reading each month. The log should be turned back in (signed by a parent/guardian) on the last day of the month. Three reading logs are required each reporting period in order to received a 3 on the progress report homework grade.

Congratulation's to the students of table 3 for meeting the behavioral standard for the first week of school.

Second Day

Today we reviewed the letters 's' and 't,' and the sight words 'we' and 'like'. We discovered something that we liked in common with out partner and wrote about it. We listened to The Little Engine that Could and examined narrative story structure focusing on beginning, middle, and end. We segmented words listening for initial and final sounds. We discussed syllables and counted syllables in multi-syllabic words.

In PE we played a tag and chase game. A note about footwear: we normally participate in physical activities every day. With that in mind, the best type of footwear is a sneaker or tennis-type shoe with laces or velcro. Shoes with buckles or slip-on type shoes, or boots are insufficient for first-grade physical activities.

In math we continued with number sense for 6-10 expressed as 5 and another quantity. We had time to free explore math manipulatives which will be used throughout the year. The homework will look much the same as last night's homework. If your child returns home with last night's homework, it is because a problem is either incorrect or incomplete. If this is the case with your child, I discussed the problem with your child today; they are to correct the problem and return the homework for credit. I will discuss homework in detail with parents at Back-to-School Night.

First Day

Today we began to lay the groundwork for a personal narrative. We will explore personal descriptions, favorites, preferences, dislikes, and abilities in order to add depth and detail to the narrative. We reviewed the letters 'm,' and 's'. We began a 15 day review of sight words already learned in kindergarten. In our journals we wrote sentences beginning with the word 'I'. Some students were able to complete 3 sentences.

In math we discussed different ways to represent the concepts for the numbers 0-5. In your child's backpack/folder, you should find a black and grey math sheet for homework to be returned tomorrow. The colored double-page folded sheet was classwork that does not need to be returned to school but will give you an idea of what was discussed during class.

I have asked the children to return their emergency card as soon as possible. The other sheets in the school folder should be returned as they are completed.

For our violence prevention curriculum (Second Step) we began a discussion of how it may be easier to make friends and get along with others if we are able to identify how someone is feeling based on facial expression and body clues. Our first feeling was happiness.

I will again ask for your patience as your first graders learn the dismissal procedures. It will take a little bit longer at the beginning of the year as we iron everything out. Please keep in mind that the proven procedures are not in place to inconvenience anyone, but rather are used to protect the children and to establish regular behaviors. We will continue with the same procedure for the next 179 days of school in order to avoid any mishaps. Some exceptions to established procedures will be necessary on rainy afternoons and some shortened days when parents are on campus.