I can not believe that it is half way through the school year already. Time really does go by quickly! I wanted to talk with you a little bit about the mid-year report cards that went home last week. Remember, our 1st grade report cards are more of a progression throughout the year. The ultimate goal would be for the children to have all "3's" by the end of the school year. Here are a few examples of that:
Reading: In reading the students are working their way through the reading levels; trying to get to a level I-K by the end of the year. Typically, a student will move 2 levels each quarter. Therefore, if a student began the year on a level C or D, then he would more than likely be at a level I-J at the end of the year. At each level, the reader is needing to be more independent and confident in his reading. He is also needing to be more fluent. At this point in the year, the students know "how" to figure out the words, now we are working on doing that on their own (without needing prompts from me), doing some self-checking as they read (noticing when something doesn't sound or look right, or make sense), and becoming more fluent so they can understand what they are reading. A way to help your child at home with reading, is to just allow them to read, and also talk to them about what they are reading. You can also work with your child on comprehension (understanding what they read), by talking to them about T.V. shows, movies, etc. Anything to get them thinking about a story.
Writing: In writing, we began the year just working on the love of writing. Then we added thinking about some of the writing conventions. Now, we are focusing on the editing process along with working on writing stories with a beginning, middle, and an end. As story writing evolves, we will focus on adding exciting details to our writing. A way you can work on writing at home, is to have your child tell you stories about what is happening in their life. Focus on having them tell you the story in order and with details.
Math: We began the year focusing on number sense skills. Now we are to the point that we are using what we know about numbers to use add and subtract along with other skills. You may have noticed a 1 or 2 grade in these areas. This is because we have not had enough time or practice to become fluent and/or accurate with our adding and subtracting. You can work on this at home by just giving your child opportunities to add and subtract. Play games, use flash cards, play games on the computer. Our school computer website has many game choices that work on adding and subtracting. Check it out.
I hope this information helps you to understand your child's learning so far this year. As always, if you have questions, please contact me.
Star Students:
The following students were awarded Character Apples at the December Tiger Pride Assembly:
Academic Apples: Dominic, and Hailey
Team Work Apples: Lucas and R.J.
Great Character Apples: Angelica and Taylor
Improvement Apples: Ashlin and Quentin
Congratulations and Great Job!!
Needed Items:
We are in need of new glue bottles. If each child could bring in a glue bottle, I think we should be set for the rest of the year. Thanks so much.
The 3rd and 4th grade classes are collecting Pringles cans. If you eat Pringles potato chips and would like to help, just send your empty cans in with your child. Thanks.
Snow Make-Up Days:
Here are the dates for our snow days so far:
Monday, January 18
Monday, February 15
Monday, April 5
Upcoming event:
WOHE is having their first PTO meeting! This meeting will be held January 25th at 6:00. We would love to have everyone come.
