September 17-21

Writing Workshop:
This week we will focus on the concept of translating sounds into print.  Some words in our writing we already know because we use them a lot (like the kindergarten word wall words). For unknown spelling words, we will learn how to stretch out the words, listening carefully to the sounds and writing the sounds as we hear them.  This helps your child to quickly get their ideas down on paper so they can move on and not get caught up on the spelling of one or more words.  We will also discuss how to use our writing tools like the first grade word wall list and our personal alphabet charts.

Words Their Way:

Green Group:  Short vowel word families (-at word families)

Blue Group:  Diagraphs (s,h, sh)

Red Group:  Words with short vowels a and i with initial blends

Reading Workshop:

This week we will learn that strong readers can read the pictures as well as words.  When we read the words, we follow along with our fingers, slow down and think about what we are reading.  We will also learn the value in revisiting familiar books, books that we enjoyed before, but still can go back and re-read it.  Each time we re-read a book, we will notice new details, and surprises.  We will also learn to use our voices in different ways, such as sad, excited or creepy to learn to read with expression.  We will revisit and enjoy a variety of great children’s authors such as Cynthia Rylant, Mo Willems, and Tomie DePaola.  We will begin guided reading groups this week also.  

Next week:  
You can expect reading bags to go home next week Monday-Thursday.  A note will be in the bag to explain the process.

Math:
We will finish up our unit on place value with building sets of 10’s and 1’s using manipulatives.  We will also look at sets and determine the value.  There are several games we will play to reinforce arranging numbers from least to greatest and comparing numbers more and less than.  An assessment will be given at the end of the week to make sure your child understands this unit.  Place value is a concept we will continue to reinforce and practice throughout the year.  We will also continue our CGI problem solving and move more into sharing and comparing our answers with our classmates.  We will begin making our “Math Strategies” chart that will be used every day in our classroom.

Social Studies:

The kids enjoyed being scientists this week by conducting our first experiment of the year – rainbow milk!  We also practiced using our 5 senses to observe the properties of matter.  Next week we will be celebrating our freedom in social studies by learning the meaning of the word “symbol”, as well as lots of important facts and history that go along with them.  This unit is packed full of national symbols and learning.  You will want to visit our hallway toward the end of the week and next week to see all the art work displayed to celebrate Freedom Week in first grade!

Reminders:

We have PE on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Tennis shoes are required on these days.

We have Art on Tuesday and Music on Thursday.

Library is on Tuesday.

Please remember to send the red Take Home folder and reading bag back every day.

Thank you! 

Browarski family:  Tuesday folders