First Grade Class News
October 2008
Where did September go? We are having so much fun. It is so nice to get to know all of my students!
Reading:
We have finished our DRA2 testing and have the students in reading groups. Students- are receiving reading instruction at their reading levels. We will be using the Houghton Mifflin reading program this year.
Themes/Units covered this month:
- We have begun Theme 2 – Surprise! In this unit we will be working on blending, consonants, noting details, capitalizing names and sharing information.
- We will also begin Theme 3 – Let’s Look Around! In this unit we will be working on blending, segmenting, double final consonants, main ideas, supporting details, short vowels and vocabulary.
Please read with your child every night for at least 20 minutes. This is very important for their reading success. Book bags will come home every night and are due the next day.
Writing:
Writing is going very well. Students just completed a book about Fall, look for this to be coming home in the next week. Our next unit is Small Moments: Personal Narrative Writing. This will cover what a small moment is, stretching our small moments, planning details, storytelling with a partner and focusing on the most important part. Be looking for exciting new pieces to be coming home. Writing homework will be coming home on a loose piece of paper with instructions written on it. It is always due the next day unless otherwise stated.
Math:
In math, we are again using the Everyday Math program. We will be working on Unit 2 –Everyday Uses of Numbers. Homelinks are always due the next day.
Weekly Writing Journals:
Your student will be bringing home a writing journal on Fridays (or the last day of the week). Their job is to write at least two sentences about any topic they choose and it is due on Monday. I will be writing back to all of the students so it is imperative that I get them on Mondays so I have time to write to all 24 students. This is a great way for me to get to know all of my students on a more personal level.
PLC/Late Start days:
During our late start days we are meeting with the other teachers at our grade level to talk about student’s writing. We use this time to grade common writing assessments and look at how we can make our instruction more effective for all of our students. We also plan the next steps and goals for each individual. We worked as a team to set our next six week goal. First grade students will be working on writing conventions (capital at the beginning of sentences, capitalizing the word I, and punctuation at the end of sentences). This has become a very valuable time for the teachers to better our instructional practices.
Snack:
If your student needs a snack please make sure to send it in their backpacks. You may send a morning and afternoon snack if you wish. No snacks will be provided at school.
Specials:
Monday – Art
Tuesday – Technology or Music (switches every other week)
Wednesday – Technology
Thursday – PE – please wear safe moving shoes!!!
Friday - Music
Weekly Reminders:
Wednesday, October 8th – Late Start – school starts at 10:36 a.m.
Thursday, October 9th – School Picture Day
Thursday, October 16th - No school – Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 17th – No school
Friday, October 24th – Spooktacular Boo Ball
Please remind students there are NO toys allowed at school. This is becoming an issue. My rule for toys is that I will ask that it be put away but if I see it again I will give it back to parents at conferences (October and March).
We will not be having traditional Halloween Parties this year. This means no costumes will be worn at school. Each grade level will be deciding what their celebration will look like. Please look for information to be coming home in a few weeks about 1st plans.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. The best way to get a hold of me is by e-mail kcavallero@lps.k12.co.us . If you need to call me my voice mail is 303-734-5556.
Thank you and together will make this a successful year!!!!