August 26th Update...

Hi Parents,

Thank you for visiting the blog this week!  We have been hard at work in room 205!  Check out below to see exactly what we've learned in each subject area.  I have a request of you this week...Please have a discussion with your child about our five rules to live by and what that looks like in and out of the classroom.  With our full class of 22 six year olds comes the importance of abiding by those very important rules to live by.  The structure of first grade compared to kindergarten can be an adjustment for some, but I know we can all exhibit the character traits that are required for an outstanding first grade year.  As always, if you have concerns I am available. 

Phonics:  We learned the -at and -an word family.  We played several games to help us refine our sounding out skills. We completed a sort in our Word Study Notebook and we visited the smartboard and played a fun Vortex game.  Friday, we completed our first word sort assessment.

Reading:  We learned what is important to include in a story retelling.  We used a graphic organizer to help us identify the character, setting, and four events from the stories we read.  We also began our new chapter book, Junie B., First Grader. The children have loved hearing all about her antics in the classroom. 

Writing: We began Writer's Workshop in our classroom this week. We learned what good writer's do before they begin to write, we learned what to do to our writing when we think we are done, and we learned all about the materials that are available in the classroom for us. 

Math:  This week, we learned how to use the four square method to help us solve word problems.  We worked in our math journals with partners and independently to solve several problems.  We learned about clue words that help us determine which operation to use when problem solving. We also played several games to help us recall strategies used for addition.  We worked on number recognition and ordering numbers.  We practiced our superstar math facts using the +0 fact family.  Next week, we will all move on to +1 and after that, the tests will be differentiated based on your child's score. There is a sheet in your child's folder today explaining the procedure.

Social Studies:  We learned the characteristics of a globe.   We also learned a fun song to memorize our street, city, county, state, country, continenent and planet!  We played a fun globe passing game and created a tally chart to help us discover that earth has more water than land. 

Class News...
Congratulations goes to Vivian Huffstetler, our first Teacher's Helper!  Vivian has exhibited all five rules to live by and has been an excellent example to her peers. Way to go, Vivian!

Remember, picture day is Monday!  Bring your order form and money then.

In addition to our regular homework packet, remember to practice the +1 addition facts with your child.  We will have the quiz Friday morning.

Be on the lookout Monday for a permission slip that will be required if you will be allowing your child to take home FURBALL, our sweet hamster.  The children who receive zero strikes for that week will be put into a drawing to be his caretaker for the weekend.

If you haven't yet sent in your clean white socks to be used as erasers on our white boards, please do so next week!

CHALLENGE PROJECT!  Due Tuesday, September 6th
Are you looking for a project to do at home?  Do you want to learn about something you'll discuss next year in 2nd grade?  Here's the project for you!  In our first grade class, we are discussing the uses of globes and maps as well as learning about where we live.  Use the attached link to print or use to copy a map of Georgia.  Look on the internet for the FIVE GEORGIA REGIONS.  Color and label the map showing the five Georgia regions.  Write one fact about each region and be prepared to share your project on Tuesday, September 6th. The two MUST's for this project are...1. You must do this project, not mom, dad, brothers, or sisters!  Of course, they can give you advice though.  2.  You must do your personal best!


Georgia Map Website: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/georgia/outline/