Hello Families!

It's been a busy week at school.  We are in the swing of things. 

Centers began this week. Daily, your child will do all of the rotations.  One: work with teacher on literacy skills at their level in a small group and read.  Two: write in their journal. Three: read to self with the iPad using EPIC ( an online library)

Our literacy focus has been reading and writing short /a/ words and short /e/ words.  Their first spelling test went home earlier this week.  We described in a letter attached to it how in first grade we do not send home words to memorize weekly for the test.  We practice a skill daily, and when we feel they are ready, we administer a short "spelling test" to see if students have mastered the skill.  We like to go a quick as possible, but as slow as needed (if that makes sense).  Please continue to read and practice the 3-4 "sight words" that will be sent home weekly. 

We try to post several times a week on our Facebook page, if you have not joined, yet...please do!!! It is a fun way to stay connected to what is happening in our class.  If you need help, please reach out to us.

In math we continue to work on using a 100 chart, adding, skip counting by 5's and 10's, as well as working with numbers before and after. we love playing math games to make learning so much more fun!

In science we have been growing grass.  This week we planted a wheat seed in a straw. We read about harvesting wheat and boy oh boy....  We had so much to share and talk about!  So much fun knowing that most of the students in this class have seen harvest or had an opportunity to ride along during harvest.  

This week some things we are working on socially are: understanding appropriate times to be silly and have fun.  We are all about enjoying life and school, but learning the correct time and place is very important.  Another thing we have been working on is waiting your turn to speak by raising your hand.  We all have so much to say and share.  It's hard to wait sometimes and practice self control.  These are great things to talk about at home as well.  First grade is a year of transitions.  From being little to being older and growing into responsible people.  Helping to instilling self control and patience in your child is so beneficial as they age. Sometimes it's hard work growing up!

Monday and Tuesday-Mrs. M will be at school and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- Mrs. Luers will be teaching. Thanks again for allowing us the chance to spend our days with these precious kids. What a fun group of creative and kind souls.

Have a great weekend.

Mrs. M & Mrs. Luers