Recently...

1.  So...I've made ANOTHER mistake.  Please disregard the non fiction writing...we, as you may now know, writing persuasive letters.  We are working on including a) a request b) reasons why this is important c) including related mini-stories that help my case and d) offering possible solutions.  So, if you see these writings, you know what to look for.

2.   Math homework often asks to show an amount of money using D, N and P.  The goal here is to make the given amount using the least amount of coins.  I believe the paper should read D, N and/or P.  This is just an FYI, if they use dimes and no nickels, that's fine.  Thanks.

3.  We got together with Mrs. Warner's fifth grade class to listen to the Non Fiction picture books they wrote. 

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. 

Catching up!

Greetings!

1.  If you have items for our Maine Basket, please send them in by Friday, October 26.

2.  The Pasta Dinner is Friday, November 16.  5:30-7:00  Mark your calendar!

3.  We have set a new reward!  The class has voted to have a TALENT show...of our own.  I'll let you know when...!

4.  Our last reward was VERY "fun."  We did a few experiments.  Did you hear about the dancing raisins?  The faux lava lamp?  or the color mixing? 

5.  In reading we have been...
     *  working on fluency
     (reading smooth like you talk, paying attention to fluency, reading with expression)
     *  choosing just-right books
     *  understanding what we read by...retelling (first, next, then, after that, finally)
     *  giving ourselves pop-quizes (who is in this part?  where are they?  what is happening?)
     *  reading long and strong...keeping our eyes in the book!

6.  In writing we have been...
     *  planning across the pages, sketching the story then writing the words.  (in that order)
     *  putting action, talk and feelings into our stories
     *  zooming into a specific part of our story.  Ask your child about the watermelon and seeds.
         The watermelon would be the story idea. (Beach) 
         The seeds would be the many story ideas from the beach.  (Boardwalk, water, sand-castles)
     *  being purposeful about how we start/end our stories.
          Stories can start with a sound, talk, or the weather.
          Stories can end with our feelings, or the last thing we said or did.

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.