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.