April 1st-April 5th Newsletter

First Grade Newsletter

April 1st- 5th

Literacy

Reading Street: Unit 4 Week 4

Main selection:  A Southern Ranch

Weekly Question:  Why do we treasure special places?
Amazing Words: impression, memory, familiar, errand, favorite, stampede
High-Frequency Words: eight, moon, touch, above, laugh
Phonics Target: Vowel digraphs ie, igh (tie; high);  Consonant Patterns kn, wr (knot, write)

Comprehension skills: Facts and Details
Comprehension strategy: Questioning

Genres:  Expository Text
Written Expression: Predicate Expander "When" (The sun shines in the afternoon.)
Reading Street Parent Connection:

• Unit 3 Family talk letter for concept conversation starters and 6-week overview of the unit. (Sent home March 6th)
• Practice reading words (see white sheet sent home Friday) for Unit 4, Week 4 (fourth column). 

Fundations: Unit 10, Week 1 & 2

Students will learn about...

• Closed syllables with 5 sounds 
• Suffix -s, -ed, and -ing
• Adding a suffix (-s, -ed, and -ing) to closed syllables with 5 sounds 
• Sight Words: now, down, how, out, about, our
• Unit Story: The Skunk

Math in Focus

Chapter 13
Addition and Subtraction to 40

Pre-requisite skills: Adding by making a 10, Adding and subtracting by grouping into 10s/1s, Relate addition and subtraction facts
Thinking Skills
- Analyzing parts and whole



Problem Solving Strategies  
- Use a diagram/model
- Work backward

           Objectives
- Add a two-digit number and a one-digit number with/without regrouping
- Add 2 two-digit numbers with/without regrouping

*                                      

Science

Space Unit 
Patterns in the Sky
     Last week we finished up our physical science unit with the students sharing their communication devices to the whole class. This week students will begin to discuss patterns in the sky that include the behavior of the sun, moon and stars. 
     

Social Studies

   We started our National Symbols Unit last week. We learned about the Statue of Liberty, American flag, and the White House. This week we will learn about the bald eagle and Washington Monument.
Second Steps- This week we will learned about two boys who used the strategies of fair ways to play during indoor recess. 

 Specialists

MONDAY: Music; Library

TUESDAY: P.E.

WEDNESDAY: Music

THURSDAY: P.E. 

FRIDAY: Art; Music

Writing Workshop
"When I Grow Up" Class Book
   Students did a great job coming up with careers they could have when they grow up! We had ideas from being teachers to being builders to professional sports players. This week we will continue to work on the planning stages of our “When We Grow Up” pieces. The students will finish their three reasons about the careers they chose. The next step in the planning process is to come up with four reasons why they want to have that profession with they grow up.

     

                   Parent Reminders

1. Our library time is Mondays at 1 p.m. Please have books brought back to school by the Friday before or Monday morning.
2. Reading passages are due on Thursday. Reading Street Word Lists are due on Friday. 
3. "Reading is thinking!" The most important part of your child's reading blog is the discussion they have with you about the books. Please mark down which questions you discuss. Thanks!
4. Spring Celebration (4/11)- The first grade will be having their first spring celebration this year on Thursday, April 11th (the Thursday before April vacation). We need 1 parent volunteer from our class to come in and help with our stations. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me through Bloomz or email. Thank you for your support!
5. April Scholastic Catalog- The April Scholastic orders are due today (Monday, April 1st). 
6. Curious George Field Trip-The first grade went to see the production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball at The North Shore Music Theater last week. The students has a blast watching the adventure of Curious George and the Man in Yellow Hat!
7. 'When We Grow Up' Class Book- We are continuing to work on our class book, "When We Grow Up". You have an opportunity to buy a copy of our class book through Schoolmate. The handout that came home in your child's folder gives information about how to order online and through check/cash. If you are interested in ordering, please place the order as soon as possible. All orders are due no later than Wednesday, April 11th. Thank you for you support!
8. Wish List- snacks, paper towels
9. Report Cards were sent home on Friday, March 22nd. Please sign the envelope and return it back to school as soon as possible. Thank you!

Have a great week! 

Miss Biggar

Homework for the Week

 Daily

Reading Words (Phonics/Sight)
Reading Street Reading Word List

Reading Log (with discussion questions)
Number/Letter Formation
Addition Math Facts to 10 (ALL)

Math Number Sense Games
Coin Games
Sight Word Reading & Spelling

This week's homework:

 Reading Log (due on Friday)

Subtraction Math Facts to 10 (Daily) [Sent home on Tuesday]

 Dialogue Journal (due on Friday) [Sent home on Wednesday]
Red, White & Blue Comprehension (due on Friday) [Sent home on Monday]