Week of September 27-October 1

First Grade Newsletter

September 27th-October 1st

Literacy

Reading Street: Unit R*

Main selection:  School Day/Farmers Market

                   Weekly Question:  What is around us at school?/What can we see around our neighborhood?

                   Genres:  Realistic Fiction

                   Comprehension skills:  Realism/Fantasy, plot

*We review concepts taught in Kindergarten during our Review Unit.

PHONICS

Lively Letters (Sounds)

• Review stories and sounds for each letter pair: ng, wh
• Last week’s letter pairs: p/b, t/d, k/g, f/v, qu, m/n, s/z, j/ch, r/l, x/y/c, w/h,  a/o, u/i, e


Handwriting Without Tears
• Review all letter formations
• Alphabetical order 

Math in Focus

Chapter 1

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

**Chapter 1 Test on Thursday, September 30**

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

     -  Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

      -  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of object

- Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number

-                                                -  Make number patterns

*Please note:  Math instruction in this unit is reviewing groundwork established in Kindergarten.  We will be building upon these skills as we progress through the future math units.

Science

Space Unit
Patterns in the Sky
     Last week students took three different observations of the Sun in the sky as well as the location and length of a shadow (we used a light pole in the bus loop). This week, students will discuss the Sun observations they recorded last week and the Sun's patterns.

Social Studies

Last week, we developed our classroom rules  and logical consequences together. This week we will continue to engage in friendship-building, cooperative exercises, always emphasizing the importance of friendship, unity, and cooperation. We will continue to talk about the power of our choices using the book What Should Danny Do?. 

Our social studies learning this week is embedded in our reading program. We will be focusing on families and community through our readings.  This week the children will work to answer the question "What is around us at school?" and "What can we see around our neighborhood?".

Specialists

MONDAY: Music

TUESDAY: P.E.

WEDNESDAY: Art

THURSDAY: Music

FRIDAY: P.E.

Writing Workshop

This week students continue the morning work assignment that requires students to about one activity that they did over the weekend. The purpose of this exercise is for students to practice putting their ideas on paper through words and illustrations.

Genre Writing-Narrative

This week students will begin learning about our first genre of writing, a narrative. We will discuss the different pieces and parts of a story and how they fit together.We will also write our first whole class story together.

Grammar-Sentence Structure (Nouns)

     Students will review the meaning of a noun and examples of different nouns. They will participate in activities to help them identify different nouns and brainstorming nouns that they already know.

                  
Parent Reminders

1.  Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 28th.

2.    Please be sure your child returns their green school-to-home folder and their homework folder to school everyday.  Also, please check your child's school-to-home folder each day for important handouts. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter. Students should also have their red homework folders in their backpacks every day.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 9:50 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-free and has no glass products.

4.    Scholastic Catalog order: September orders have been placed and will be sent home when they are in. Be on the lookout for the October catalog!

5. Fall Parent Conferences (10/21 & 10/28)- Please sign up for a parent conference slot on Sign-Up Genius on our Bloomz account. These signs ups will be for in-person meetings. If you would prefer a Zoom meeting, please email or Bloomz message me. We can set up a time that works for you. I look forward to meeting with you all!

 

Have a great last week of September!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child will bring home their red homework folder on Monday. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and play the new math game. There is a paper with number names ('two') and symbols (5). please cut out each box and follow the instructions. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays. (Keep completed work in the homework folder. I will take it out on Friday.)

Week of September 20th-September 24th

First Grade Newsletter

September 20th-24th

Literacy

Literacy Assessments:  Last week the students completed their baseline reading assessment and STAR Early Literacy Assessment.

I will continue to conference with each student individually to assess their reading level and begin a personalized collection of books for them to read during independent reading.

Reading Street: Unit R*

Main selection:  Tip and Tam/The Big Top

Weekly Question:  What is outside our door?/What can we do with our neighborhood friends?

Genres:  Realistic Fiction

Comprehension skills:  characters, setting

*We review concepts taught in Kindergarten during our Review Unit.

PHONICS

Lively Letters (Sounds)

• Review stories and sounds for each letter pair: ng, a/o, u/i, wh, e
• Last week’s letter pairs: p/b, t/d, k/g, f/v, qu, m/n, s/z, j/ch, r/l, x/y/c, w/h


Handwriting Without Tears
• Review formation of the following letters…t, b, f, n, m, c, a, i, r, o, g, d, s, e, u, l, h, k
• Alphabetical order 

Math in Focus

Chapter 1

Pre-requisite skills and number sense

Objectives

-  Count from 0 to 10 objects 

-  Read and write 0 to 10 in numbers and words

     -  Compare two sets of objects by using one-to-one correspondence 

      -  Identify the set that has more, fewer, or the same number of object

      - Identify the number that is greater than or less than another number

-                                                -  Make number patterns

*Please note:  Math instruction in this unit is reviewing groundwork established in Kindergarten.  We will be building upon these skills as we progress through the future math units.

Science

Space Unit
Patterns in the Sky
     Last week students took a pre-test about patterns in the sky to gather information about students' knowledge. This week the first lesson will be an introduction into patterns in the sky and beginning to observe the sun. Students will discuss knowledge that they already have about the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and their movement. Each student will form a question about what they want to know more about or a question about our discussion.

Social Studies

Last week, we developed our classroom rules  and logical consequences together. This week we will continue to engage in friendship-building, cooperative exercises, always emphasizing the importance of friendship, unity, and cooperation. We will also talk about the power of our choices using the book What Should Danny Do?. 

Our social studies learning this week is embedded in our reading program. We will be focusing on families and community through our readings.  This week the children will work to answer the question “What is outside our door?" and "What can we do with our neighborhood friends?”.

Specialists

MONDAY: P.E.

TUESDAY: Art

WEDNESDAY: Music

THURSDAY: P.E.

FRIDAY: Art

Writing Workshop

This week students continue the morning work assignment that requires students to about one activity that they did over the weekend. The purpose of this exercise is for students to practice putting their ideas on paper through words and illustrations.

Writing With Our Senses
     Last week students discussed the 5 senses and ways to describe things with our senses in the classroom. This week students will go on "Sense trips" around the school to practice using their senses and begin writing down thoughts using descriptive vocabulary.

Hopes & Dreams

    Last week the class finished their Hopes and Dreams assignments. These will be hung in the hallway for parents to see on Meet the Teacher Night.

Grammar-Sentence Structure (Nouns)

     Students will review the meaning of a noun and examples of different nouns. They will participate in activities to help them identify different nouns and brainstorming nouns that they already know.

                  
Parent Reminders

1.  Science Lesson Materials: Students will need a pair of sunglasses this week for our science lessons. Please try to have your child bring their sunglasses in on Monday. When we are finished observing the Sun, your child will bring home their pair of sunglasses.

2.    Please be sure your child returns their green school-to-home folder and their homework folder to school everyday.  Also, please check your child's school-to-home folder each day for important handouts. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter. Students should also have their red homework folders in their backpacks every day.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 9:50 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-free and has no glass products.

4.    Scholastic Catalog order: September orders are due on Friday, September 24th.

5. Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, September 23rd from 5:45-6:30PM.

6. Fall Parent Conferences (10/21 & 10/28)- On Wednesday 9/22, I will be sending out a Sign-Up Genius link on our class Bloomz account and email for parent conference sign ups. These signs ups will be for in-person meetings. If you would prefer a Zoom meeting, please email or Bloomz message me. We can set up a time that works for you. I look forward to meeting with you all!

 

Have a fantastic week!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child will bring home their red homework folder on Monday. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and playing the "Flash the Dots" math game. There is a recording sheet in the folder pocket to fill out together. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays. (Keep completed work in the homework folder. I will take it out on Friday.)

Week of September 13th-September 17th

 

First Grade Newsletter

September 13th-17th

Literacy

Literacy Assessments:  Last week the students completed their Fall DIBELs, which will help drive my instruction. This week students will take a baseline reading assessment and STAR Early Literacy Assessment.

I will also be conferencing with ea
ch student individually to assess their reading level and begin a personalized collection of books for them to read during independent reading.

Reading Street: Unit R*

Main selection:  Sam & Snap

Weekly Question:  What is around us at home? & Who is in our family?

Amazing Words:  furniture, tidy, unwind, cozy, middle, straw, yawn

Genres:  Realistic Fiction, Folk Tale, Realistic Fiction

Comprehension skills:  character, setting

*We review concepts taught in Kindergarten during our Review Unit.

PHONICS

Lively Letters (Sounds)

• Review stories and sounds for each letter pair: p/b, t/d, k/g, f/v
• This week’s letter pairs: m/n, ng, s/z, a/o,j/ch, r/l, u/I, qu/x/y/c, w/wh/h, e

Handwriting Without Tears

• Review formation of the following letters…c, o, s, v, w, t, a, d, g
• Alphabetical order

Math in Focus

Kindergarten Math Review & Subitizing Activities

          "Subitizing is a term that was coined by the

theorist Piaget and defined the ability to

instantaneously recognize the number of

objects in a small group without the need

to count them.” It is a prerequisite skill

for developing strong number sense."

We will also spend time exploring our math
tools and learning how to take care of them. We will begin our first Math in Focus chapter next week.

Science

Space Unit
Patterns in the Sky
     This week our first science unit begins! Students will take a pre-test about patterns in the sky to gather information about students' knowledge today. The first lesson will be an introduction into patterns in the sky and beginning to observe the sun. Students will discuss knowledge that they already have about the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and their movement. Each student will form a question about what they want to know more about or a question about our discussion.

Social Studies

Last week, we developed our classroom rules  and logical consequences together. This week we will continue to engage in friendship-building, cooperative exercises, always emphasizing the importance of friendship, unity, and cooperation. We will also talk about the power of our choices using the book What Should Danny Do?. 

Our social studies learning this week is embedded in our reading program. We will be focusing on families and community through our readings.  This week the children will work to answer the question “What is around us at home?”  The students will also be learning how to participate in a discussion.

Specialists

MONDAY: Music

TUESDAY: NO SCHOOL!

WEDNESDAY: P.E.

THURSDAY: Art

FRIDAY: Music

Writing Workshop

This week students will begin a morning work assignment that requires students to  about one activity that they did over the weekend. The purpose of this exercise is for students to practice putting their ideas on paper through words and illustrations.

Writing Inventory
     Last week students will created a 'heart inventory', where students drew and labeled people, places, and things that are close to their heart. This week students will complete an 'All About Me' page to get to know each student better. 

Hopes & Dreams

    Last week the class brainstormed goals that students could accomplish in our first grade classroom. This week students will finalize their goals through writing and illustrations. Students will revisit their goals halfway through first grade to revise or change their goals, and then at the end of the year.

                  
Parent Reminders

1.  Wish list: Thank you so much to everyone who sent in school supplies.  Our classroom is supplied and ready for a great school year! A wish list will be posted on the blog throughout the year if you would like to donate to our class.

2.    Please be sure your child returns their green school-to-home folder and their homework folder to school everyday.  Also, please check your child's school-to-home folder each day for important handouts. I will write about specific handouts that you should be looking for throughout the week in this section of the newsletter.

3.    Children should bring in a small healthy snack (separate from their lunch) to have in class at 9:50 a.m. Please make sure that it is nut-free and has no glass products.

4.    Scholastic book order: I will be sending home the September catalog Wednesday, September 12th.  I will send these home monthly.  Please do not feel obligated to participate every month, but the prices are great and it’s a great way to build your child’s home library and add to our classroom selection. A handout will be attached to this month’s catalog explaining more about Scholastic orders. September’s order is due on Friday, September 24th.

5. There is no school on Tuesday, September 14th.

 

I look forward to an exciting year in 1^st grade!

Mrs. Ash

Homework

Your child brought home a red homework folder today. Inside the folder is a reading log and math activity with materials. I will also include individual login information for all of our online platforms. This week students should be reading for 10 minutes and playing the "Flash the Dots" math game. The homework folder should always be brought to school in your child's backpack, but only returned on Fridays.

Welcome 2021-2022 First Grade Families

 Welcome to First Grade!

My name is Abigail Ash and I am your child’s first grade teacher. Although I am very excited that we have begun the year, I had a very enjoyable summer. A couple of my adventures during the summer included vacationing on Lake Ontario, getting married, and teaching summer school. I also was able to enjoy the North Shore! Whether I was walking my dog, Bess, around town, soaking up the sun at one of the local beaches or enjoying a fresh off-the-boat lobster roll, there was never a dull moment. Even though summer was full of fun adventures, I am looking forward to this wonderful year ahead of us!

As I stated on the handout I sent home, the purpose of this blog is to be an information center for families to easily access. There will be a weekly newsletter posted at the beginning of each week about what the class is up to including where we are in curriculum, reminders of important events happening during the week, and other relevant information. Curriculum support, support information, notices, permission slips, important forms, useful links and other information will also be accessible through the blog.

This first post is to inform you about the class’ specials system, to begin collecting information from parents/guardians who are interested in volunteering, and to explain the first piece of homework your child will bring home on Tuesday.

1. Weekly Specials Schedule

BLOCK A: Art

BLOCK B: Music

BLOCK C: P.E.

On the days the class has P.E., students need to bring or wear sneakers to school. For Art, students should wear clothes that can get washable craft materials on, such as paint, markers, or glue.

2. Volunteer Information

Stay tuned for more information throughout the year about opportunities and guidelines for parent volunteers.

3. Homework Folder: Reading Log

On Monday afternoon your child will bring home their homework folder. This folder will have a homework log for the week, any materials needed for the week, and log in information. Homework folders will be passed out on Monday and due on Friday. The reading log will include information such as the title of the book, number of minutes read, and comprehension questions discussed. The comprehension questions will be at the bottom of the reader should be recorded for each day. Use this activity to encourage your child to explore new books while practicing their reading skills. In first grade, we believe that nightly reading is as important as a child brushing his/her teeth every night.

This blog will be my main form of communication to all families. For personal matters and quick reminders, I will message all families on our Bloomz account. You can also contact me with questions, concerns or an important message, my email is abiggar@gloucesterschools.com and school phone number is (978) 281-9835 ext. 28116.

Have a great afternoon!

Mrs. Ash