News from Fantastic 1st Graders!
Mrs. Leidig's Learners - a Weekly Newsletter
A few of the skills we'll be learning this week:
MTSS (Reading Switches): This week, my group will be continuing our learning about the 'ing' sound.
Handwriting: We are taking a brief break from our "how-to's" to do some writing about being thankful, in celebration of Thanksgiving. It is so cute to see what they write about. :)
Daily 5/Guided Reading: We are continuing to work on fluency in both Daily 5 and in the small groups I teach during this time. One idea to help students understand how to read words more quickly is to set a timer as they read a column of sight words and then to see if they can beat their time. This can also be done in pages of books they read. We will begin assessing their words per minute mid-December.
Phonics: Sight words - continue to "chip away" at those words! Nightly books - Thank-you for reading each night! Don't forget that it's a short month, so Book-It goals will need to be met by next Tuesday!! Don't forget to record their time. Also, please be sure the kids bring back my little books - I am missing several.... Phonics - the focus this week is on words containing "ch" (chop), "wh" (when), and "tch" (witch).
Math: We will continue exploring our daily math journals, and I will also continue testing for the "Doubles Club" until all students have a chance to make it. As a reminder, students should have flashcards in their folder to practice. They must master the addition of 0+0 all the way to 10+10. Thank you for helping your child practice.
We are learning about fact families this week and how 3 numbers go together to make 2 addition and 2 subtraction sentences. For example: 4, 6, & 10 can make 4+6=10, 6+4=10, 10-4=6, and 10-6=4. We will also begin learning about how to add 3 numbers: find 2 "friendly numbers" that are an addition fact you know, and then simply add on the third one.
Science/Social Studies: This week, our focus will be on The First Thanksgiving - Pilgrims, Native Americans, the Mayflower, etc. We will also focus on reading maps and telling directions while learning about the huge journey the Pilgrims took.
Odds and Ends
Book orders: These will be due by this Friday for any orders. Don't forget - you may also order online using our class code ND8M6. If you have questions, please let me know! :)
Brrrr!: As it gets cooler outside, please be sure and send appropriate outdoor clothing - especially coats/jackets, as we always try to have recess outside if possible.
Food Drive: We got an email saying that we're behind our canned good goal so far - all food or cash needs to be donated by this Friday, November 21 to determine if the kids earn the extra 1/2 day off before Christmas break. This is also a great way to teach the kids to make a difference in their community!
November 26-28: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
A Reason to Celebrate!
Lexia: The whole class worked so well this week - scores are looking good! Several students have earned certificates this week already.
Our business buddy: Our new artwork is displayed at "The Shepherd's Mill" - go check out your "little turkey's" turkey! :)
Thanksgiving Feast: This will be on Tuesday, November the 25th at 12:40. IF the weather is nice, we will be outside. If not, we will be in the lunch room. This will include all kindergarten and first grade students. Family is encouraged to come and be apart of this special time.
----WE ASK---- that the students bring an item to add to our classroom trailmix for our feast. Items can be- marshmallows, cereal, pretzels, m&m’s, etc. NO PEANUTS PLEASE
HAVE A GREAT WEEK - THANK YOU for my awesome door decorations for American Education Week!! It is truly my honor to teach your children. :)
LeAnn Leidig