I apologize for it being so long since I've updated everyone on what's happening in our classroom! We have been working hard and having lots of fun! We recently visited Gallagher-Bluedorn to see How I Became a Pirate! The play was based on the David Shannon book that many of the students have read in class.
In class, we are working on finding as many combinations to a number as we can. The students are enjoying the challenge of trying to find them all! We started the year with something similar and have come back to the idea so students can apply what they've been learning along the way. We are also working on lines, corners and shapes in math. We are using dance bands and our bodies to make all different shapes. This is all part of a program called Moving Through Math by Marcia Daft. The first grade team has done a lot of professional development with Ms. Daft on how to incorporate movement into our curriculum so students get a better spacial understanding of how math works. At home, you can ask your child to find shapes around the house, play math games such as Make 10 or Counters in a Cup, or simply work on adding money!
In reading, we are working on making connections to our own lives, books we've read, and things we've heard about from others. We are also working on identifying the main characters and the problem in a story. We're finishing up testing on our bedrock words. To help your student with reading at home, be sure to read every day! You can share the reading by having your child read a line or page, chime in when they've caught on to a pattern, or have them find words they know. The more a child reads and is read to, the more fluent they become!
There are many other upcoming events during the rest of February and in early March. This Friday is Spirit Day! Be sure to wear PURPLE!!! March 5th and 7th are conferences and there is no school on the 7th or 8th. Spring break is also just around the corner! We also have Good Friday off. Don't forget that the book fair will be going on the week of conferences as well!
