First Grade Update
December 11, 2015
Dates to Remember:
- Each Friday: Homework Due
- Dec. 17: Holiday Party 1:45-2:45 p.m.
- Dec. 18: Early Release @ 12:50 p.m.
- Winter Break: Dec. 21- Jan.1
- Jan. 4: Second semester begins
Coats, Hats, and Gloves
It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting colder. We will continue to take our classes ouside daily for twenty-five minutes for recess, so please remember to dress your child appropriate for the weather.
Weekly Happenings
This week, we learned to count how many syllables are in a word. We discussed the strategy of chunking a word into syllables to read or spell the word.
During reader's workshop, we practiced story mapping and reviewed picking out story elements: character, setting, main idea/plot, problem, solution. We also talked about making connections to stories.
In spelling/phonics, we reviewed long vowel spelling patterns and played games with all of the word wall words we have covered this semester.
In social studies, we continued our study of holidays around the world. We enjoyed learning about how winter holidays are celebrated differently.
In math, we practiced counting coins. In first grade we have to count sets of mixed pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters up to a collection of 99 cents. We have begun this but will continue. Be practicing at home!
In science, we discussed soil and are exploring its characteristics. We will continue our study of rocks and soil through December and into January.
Holiday Party!
We need you to RSVP if you will attend, letting us know NO LATER THAN Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The link to RSVP is below.
Thank you for your consideration in helping us plan accordingly.
Homeroom moms have already sent detailed information about the class party and have asked for your help. Thank you for assisting them with this fun event!
HOLIDAY PARTY RSVP
Holiday Stockings
In lieu of a gift exchange, our class is making holiday stockings. If your child would like to bring in small items to place in their classmates stockings, they may do so by Tuesday, December 15th. Our class party will be 1:45-2:45 p.m. on December 17th.
Small items such as pencils, erasers, candies, stickers, mini play dough, bookmarks, bouncy balls, toy cars, etc. work best. Feel free to be creative!
If you choose to have your child participate, please send in enough items for everyone. Mrs. Conn- 22 students
Mrs. Green- 23 students
Mrs. Hill- 23 students
Thank you! The kids will LOVE opening their stockings full of goodies.
Early Release Dec. 18th
On Friday, December 18th, school will be dismissed at 12:50 pm. Please let your child's teacher know if your child will be going home in a different way than they normally do.
Cross Checking Strategy
Your child has been introduced to the accuracy strategy of cross checking. Cross checking requires a person to constantly think and monitor meaning. It is a strategy for ensuring the words and pictures read make sense and match the letters on a page.
How can you help your child with this strategy at home?
1. Listen to your child read. When he comes to a word he is unsure of, remind him to
cross check. Ask:
Does the word you are reading match the picture or letters written?
(they cross their right arm over their body)
Does it sound right?
(their left arm crosses over their body making an X)
Does it make sense?
(both arms come down with hands pointing to the ground)
*Doing physical movements with each question helps children to remember the questions.
2. If your child is having difficulty with this strategy at home, break down the process:
Have her stop reading when meaning breaks down.
Tell her to look at the letters and say the sounds or look for word chunks in
words.
Remind her to use the pictures to help.
3. To make your child aware of using this strategy, give him a piece of paper and tell
him to make a tally mark each time he uses the cross checking strategy.
“It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us."- Jackie Mutcheson