A New Year

Here's what's new in FIRST GRADE...

1.  We have been learning how to read and write Informational Books.  We have started writing a class book about Winter in Maine (a topic we know a lot about).  We have a table of contents, a page on what to wear, outside play and weather, so far.  Your child will be asked to write about a topic they know a lot about, so any help you can give at home...to brainstorm would help us get rolling on Tuesday. 

2.  We are in the middle of reading Mr. Popper's Penguins.  It's a long chapter book, written long ago, so...at the end of each chapter we've been writing a post-it telling "What was this chapter mostly about?" 

3.  We have a new bathroom policy.  Hopefully, this doesn't have to continue for very long.  If your child needs to use the bathroom, they must ask first.  I check the bathroom before and after they use it.  (sounds crazy, I know)  We were seeing increase instances of peeing on the floor and strewing toilet paper all over the place.  Since the bathroom checks, imagine..., NO issues! 

4.  Happy New Year.  Thanks for all your thoughts and gifts at the holidays. 

5.  We had 14 students return their vacation reading log.  They received a mechanical pencil and an ice cream sandwich.  If your child did not partake, or wished they had...look for a similar incentive, for February Break.