Accumulating a List

Here's a few things on my list of things to talk to you about...

1.  If you have not sent in a 4 x 6 photo of your child for their class frame, please do so.  And, feel free to update this photo as you get new ones.

2.  Our class is working towards a reward.  They have chosen a science experiment with a bonus recess. 

3.  Please have your child use pencil on their math homework.

4.  If your child is unable to tie their shoes, please consider this their "homework" until they have mastered it.

5.  Are you saving your BOX TOPS from various grocery items?  Clip them and send them in with your child.  The Williams-Cone School Library receives about $1,000 annually from Box Tops.

6.  Please look over the class address list.  If you see any corrections that need to be made, please let me know.  If you have not yet returned the form, just send me an email with the information you'd like included.  Thanks.

A Good Lookin' Bunch

The First Week (and then some)

In first grade, we have been...

• getting underway with reading workshop.  Lessons have included building our reading muscles, warming up before we read, getting organized to read, finding just right books, and what to do when readers stop thinking about their books.
• getting underway with writing workshop.  Lessons have included routines, what to do when  you don't know how to draw a _______, being a writer of TRUE stories about our lives (think what you did, play the movie in your mind, tell it as you touch the pages, sketch, then write the words to match)
• learning the routines and expectations of first grade...when to talk and when not to talk...:)
• interviewing our friends and writing about them
• dancing around the room for motor breaks
• reading a ton of good books, like...Dex, Chrysanthemum, Chester's Way, Charlie the Caterpillar, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, and Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon.
• learning new math games (or old familiar ones) like number squeeze, top it, bunny hop and penny dice game.
• learning how tallies come in groups of 5. Practice writing and reading them.
• thinking about how to write (formation) letters (t, b, f, m, n, c, a) and numbers.

I realize homework expectation may have changed since kindergarten.  Here's the scoop!  Books that go home, come back the next day, so we can use them during our reading workshop (even if you have not read all of them).  These books are the ones we are reading, rereading, retelling and feeling so proud to read.

We are off to a great start!  Will post again soon.  Thanks.

Before we begin

Just a few things before we get together on Tuesday...

1.  Breakfast will be served the first day (and every day) if you need it.  Breakfast is $1 and includes cereal, milk, crackers and a juice.

2.  Lunch for the first day is
     -hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken and bean nachos
A menu is in your child's mailbox (or online) for after the first day.

3.  Book orders are also in your child's mailbox.  You have an option to either order traditionally, or order online (something new for me).  The link
For ordering online is...https://orders.scholastic.com/H6277

Thank you
If you have any questions, please email me.
I look forward to meeting our new class on Tuesday.