October News from Grade 1
Dear Families,
October is a busy month for us! Students have been working on addition and number counting in math. Right now we use manipulatives to help with number combinations. Later students will work on memorizing the addition facts by using different strategies that are taught. We count daily by 1, 5 and 10 to 120 which is one of the first grade standards. Later, counting by 2 will also be practiced. Extra counting at home is always helpful -right now counting by 5 is sometimes challenging.
Students should start math flash card facts to 10 at home. Reading bags will continue all year. It is helpful for the students to read nightly and they are so proud to share the books they have practiced at school. Even when the books seem easy it is good practice because students become more familiar with sight words and will recognize them quickly in print.
This month’s theme is primarily fall and fall things. We have been discussing, writing, reading books and sharing what we know about this season. We will continue fall discussions through December as changes occur i.e. weather patterns. Also, our science theme will focus on Weather study. We have begun our science kit, Air and Weather. Students will keep science notebooks with questions, responses and observations about what is learned. We also learn vocabulary with the unit, the class enjoys knowing they are junior meteorologists at work!
Writing continues to be a daily part of our morning and afternoon activities. Our current unit is narrative writing. Students are working writing with a beginning, middle and end, They are working on including who what, when and where details as well. This week we will begin writing about a haunted house using our senses to help with details. During this time we work on using punctuation and writing complete sentences. Students are encouraged to use kid-writing (sound spelling) but are aware of the adult writing and proper spelling. Each student has been given a word book which they will be expected to use to check for spelling words. We have already worked on finding words alphabetically and by thinking what sound is at the beginning of the word and are there other sounds we hear that will help us find the word in the book. As the students are writing, they are encouraged to use correct letter formation. Direct lessons on letter/numeral writing are done during the writing block. Students will continue to practice this skill as needed. At this age it is developmentally appropriate to see reversals in writing. I just remind children to look at the alphabet chart or think of what you know about a letter that will help you remember which way it goes to fix the letter. You can do this at home as well when numerals or letters are reversed in the homework.
If you have any concerns, send a note or email me at pjlil@chariho.k12.ri.us.
Sincerely,
Polly Lilly
