Donors Choose

Our class is now a part of the Donors Choose website!  This website gives teachers the opportunity to create a classroom project and try to get it funded through donations!  I have just posted our first project to help make our classroom a more comfortable place to read and learn.  Check out http://www.donorschoose.org/studte to see what we're working on for our class!

September 17-21

Our students are well into their reading groups now!  Students work in small groups of 3-5 students on reading strategies, comprehension skills, and fluency.  Typically we start with asking about what the students already know about the topic, taking a picture walk and telling what's happening in the story, working through tricky words and then reading the book.  After the group has read the book, the students put it in their book boxes to read during the rest of the day. 

Some reading strategies that you can use with your child at home:

• look at the picture
• look at the first letter of the word
• sound out the word or "touch the sounds"
• re-read to the point you got stuck and ask what would make sense
• look for big chunks you know

In math we are working on story problems and addition.  The next couple of homework assignments will be to play double compare.  Each player picks two primary number cards, adds them together and whoever has the bigger sum gets to keep the cards.  At home, you can have your child do simple things such as writing their numbers and drawing a picture to match.  They can also play games such as compare and double compare any time.

Be on the lookout for:

• Orange conference sheets- please fill these out and return them as soon as possible so we can get conferences set up!
• October book orders- book orders will be due on October 5th so we can get any Halloween books in before the holiday.
• Picture day information- school pictures are fast approaching and the order form will be coming home soon!
• Book It! information- Pizza Hut puts on the Book It! program to get kids reading and offers a free personal pan pizza for reaching our monthly class goal!
• Pictures on our website- I am just waiting for the list of students who may not be photographed before I put up any pictures.

THANK YOU!

I just want to put out a quick thank you to those of you who were able to attend parent-led conferences!  We had 90% of students represented.  I loved hearing about your children and how I'll be able to work with you all to help all of the students learn this year!

Thank you also to all the parents who ordered books from Scholastic!  We had quite a few parents order online, so many of you will be getting a coupon for a free book and our class will be getting a few coupons as well!

Just a reminder:  Our K-1 Math Night is Tuesday, September 11 from 6-7!  We will begin the night going over what your child will learn this year.  Then the 1st grade teachers will be teaching a few games and talking about how to help your child with their math homework.  Because our math curriculum is very different from what most of us went through in school, I encourage you all to come!!!

Just a reminder:  We do not have school this Friday.  The teachers will be engaging in professional development on math and reading.

September 3-7

     I hope you all had a fantastic Labor Day weekend!  On Tuesday, we had our first spirit assembly where students could turn in their golden tickets for a chance to spin the wheel of character.  Students work to earn purple tickets and are then able to turn in 10 of them for a golden ticket.  Golden tickets can be used to spin the wheel or can be turned in for prizes!
     Don't forget that Parent-Led conferences are this Thursday from 11:30-7.  A tan sheet was sent home for you to fill out.  Please either return this sheet to school or bring it with you to your child's conference.  These conferences are a chance for you to tell me about your child!  Also, when you come be sure to check out our classroom website, take the survey and pick up materials from your child's folder.  There is a math folder to take home that has some math games and this week's homework!
     Book orders are due this Friday!  If you have any questions, be sure to ask during Parent-Led conferences!
     Our math night is next Tuesday, September 11 from 6-7.  The first grade rooms will be teaching some of the math games we will play in class this year and discussing how to help your child with their homework.