The temperatures haven't changed...DRATS! Please make sure your child comes to school with warm clothes. Even though the temperatures are low, they need some fresh air and a break from the classroom so we take them outside 2-3 times a day for about 10 minutes. Hats, mittens and warm coats are essential.
Mark your calendars for February 14th. We will be presenting our First Grade music program at 1:00 in the gym. We will then continue to celebrate Valentine's day back in our room with a small party. Please let me know if you would like to help with the planning of this party.
Many parents are asking for additional homework. We decided to scale back on homework due to family activities this year, so all math, spelling and reading homework has been consolidated into my BINGO homework. Use this as a guide. If your child needs more complicated activities, use the math skill and add more difficult numbers, computations or word problems. If your child is at grade level in reading, have them read more difficult books in place of their book ring and practice summarizing or retelling the story. There are many websites posted on our school website that allow children to progress at their pace in both reading and math. Check them out and use this tool in place of a suggested activity.
Don't forget the PTA meeting on January 25th from 12-1. This is an excellent way to get connected with parents and activities at the school. They are an amazing group of parents that work so hard to make sure this school excels in meeting their child's needs. I can't tell you how important this group is and what a difference they make in our school. Please consider becoming an active parent in this organization. Come and check it out this Friday, there's no obligation.
January 31st in another important date. It is our annual Dad's and Donuts! Dad's are invited to come to school at 7:00 and enjoy a donut with their child(ren). The students are then given a book and get to show dads their school. It's a great time and the kids love it! If dad isn't available or is unable to come, please feel free to invite another role model. We want all students to come (but they must have an adult present). Please RSVP.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happy New Year!
If you have thawed enough to read this, Happy New Year! I had a wonderful Christmas break despite the low temperatures and I hope your family did too. I am always excited and rejuvenated when the new year comes around. I am a goal setter, so January is BIG for me. I invite you to set some goals for your family this year and especially for your child(ren) and their academic achievements. Here is where we are going in First grade.
Winter and spring are full of special days and themes that finish our Science and Social Studies state standards. It is a fun time to learn about weather, presidents, seasons and much more! We will share some of these special events with you during our February Music Program. This is a new program this year for our first graders and we are excited to work with Mrs. Nelson in sharing it with your family.
We have set a foundation the first half of the year by working hard on number sense. It is time to move quickly into algebraic equations, simply put, addition and subtraction. Please begin to work on these facts as the students are required to know them fluently up to 20. We will begin weekly timed tests to build their fluency.
Our reading groups have changed based on the students fluency scores from the winter IRI. Those that were below expected fluency rate (26) will be working on phonics instruction and fluency. Those at grade level will be focusing on prediction, summarizing, and comprehension skills. The students that are above grade level(53) will be extending their reading skills through non fiction books, comprehension and building vocabulary. If you have any questions about where your child is and what you can do to help in their reading progress, please give me a call.
I am very dependent on parent volunteers to work one-on-one with the students who need help in meeting their reading goals. Thank you to those who have been able to commit to a day each week to assist me. I am always in need of extra help so if you are able to come in for an hour or more each week, please let me know.
Thank you for the amazing attendance at our Christmas plays. I was overwhelmed by the support from the families. It touches my heart when I see the sacrifices parents make to encourage their child and it choked me up to think of the amazing responsibility I have in teaching your most valued possession. I truly am blessed in the job that I do and deeply love and care for each precious soul.
Last reminder, PLEASE send your child to school with extra warm clothing! We go outside every day for a quick breath of fresh air and a "Brain Break". Coats that zip, hats, gloves, thick socks, pants and warm shoes...if your family has any needs for these items please contact Mrs. Davis our school counselor.
Winter and spring are full of special days and themes that finish our Science and Social Studies state standards. It is a fun time to learn about weather, presidents, seasons and much more! We will share some of these special events with you during our February Music Program. This is a new program this year for our first graders and we are excited to work with Mrs. Nelson in sharing it with your family.
We have set a foundation the first half of the year by working hard on number sense. It is time to move quickly into algebraic equations, simply put, addition and subtraction. Please begin to work on these facts as the students are required to know them fluently up to 20. We will begin weekly timed tests to build their fluency.
Our reading groups have changed based on the students fluency scores from the winter IRI. Those that were below expected fluency rate (26) will be working on phonics instruction and fluency. Those at grade level will be focusing on prediction, summarizing, and comprehension skills. The students that are above grade level(53) will be extending their reading skills through non fiction books, comprehension and building vocabulary. If you have any questions about where your child is and what you can do to help in their reading progress, please give me a call.
I am very dependent on parent volunteers to work one-on-one with the students who need help in meeting their reading goals. Thank you to those who have been able to commit to a day each week to assist me. I am always in need of extra help so if you are able to come in for an hour or more each week, please let me know.
My New Year's Goal: giving struggling readers one-on-one assistance EVERY day!
I need YOU to meet this goal!
Thank you for the amazing attendance at our Christmas plays. I was overwhelmed by the support from the families. It touches my heart when I see the sacrifices parents make to encourage their child and it choked me up to think of the amazing responsibility I have in teaching your most valued possession. I truly am blessed in the job that I do and deeply love and care for each precious soul.
Last reminder, PLEASE send your child to school with extra warm clothing! We go outside every day for a quick breath of fresh air and a "Brain Break". Coats that zip, hats, gloves, thick socks, pants and warm shoes...if your family has any needs for these items please contact Mrs. Davis our school counselor.
Happy New Year! I wish you and your family the best in 2013!
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