Please remember that there is no school from February 18 through February 22.
Here's what we were working on in the classroom last week :
Reading : We wrapped up our schema and connections unit last week. The students are now doing very deep thinking about the books that they read. When you read with your child at home, ask him/her what he/she is thinking before, during, and after reading. (Not all at once, choose one of these for each reading session.) The most important aspect that we must keep emphasizing is that the students are not just expected to read the words, but they are expected to understand and react to the words that they read and pictures that they see. In 1-Bu, we call it 'real reading.' Ask your child to prove to you that he/she is doing 'real reading.'
Writing : We did a few different things in writing this week. We wrote another opinion piece (this time on whether or not the students liked bugs and why/why not), another small moment piece, and a letter to the custodians to wish them luck clearing the snow. We did all of this writing trying to keep in mind the reason for writing, that we have a message we would like others to read. It is crucial to make that connection so that students begin to think of how others will understand and respond to what they write.
Also, as a side note, if you have not returned your child's published 'how to' book, please do so ASAP. These original pieces must be kept at school in the students' portfolios.
Math : Last week we spent time working on math facts. We learned a few different strategies to help us develop fact power (or quick, automaticity of math fact sums). Please keep playing math games at home to develop your child's math fact power.
Phonics : Continuing on in our study of long vowels, we went over the long u last week. This is a tricky long vowel, as sometimes it makes the same sound as 'oo.' At this point, do not worry if your child writes rool instead of rule. However, rul would not be an appropriate spelling because the u would make a short vowel sound if spelled that way.
Social Studies : Each grade level studies a different country. First grade learns all about Mexico and Mexican culture. We started learning a little bit of basic information about Mexico last week, which the students were very excited about. Ask your child what he/she knows about Mexico so far. We'll get into a more in depth study of Mexico in a few months.
Halfway Day : The students had a great time celebrating Halfway Day last Monday. Some of their outfits were very creative! Thank you for your support.
I don't have many pictures from this week, but here are some of the students working on symmetry during Halfway Day: