Week 5: September 9- September 13

Vocabulary words:  a reminder about vocabulary words-  students should be reviewing vocab words from past weeks.  The reading program builds on the words from previous weeks.  Some students are struggling on the board work which also builds on the previous vocabulary words.  Please make sure to revisit previous vocabulary word lists.

Vocabulary words this week:

is

my

from

run

jump

walk

think

fun

play

home

friend

like

Spelling begins this week.  The spelling word list goes home Tuesday.  Students must be able to read and spell these words.  Along with these words on the test, I give two challenge words.  These words follow the same vowel sound, or spelling pattern of the words given that week.  These words are counted in the test score.  I give a practice test on Thursday.  If your child spells all the words correctly ,along with the challenge words ,  he/she does not have to take the test on Friday!  The challenge words for Friday's test are not the same words from Thursday's test.  

This week's spelling words:

at

cat

sat

mat

hat

rat

man

can

Math:  we have started taking basic math facts tests and they are going well.  You should be practicing these basic facts at home.  I can tell that some students have not been practicing at home.  Make this a routine- 10 minutes several times a week would really benefit your child.  We have started chapter 2 in our math books.  This chapter is on basic addition.  A parent page went home last week reviewing the vocabulary used in the math lessons.  Please review this page with your child.  That page can stay at home.

Phonics:  we have been working on short vowel a, and blends such as fl, bl, cl, st, cr, br, fr, etc.  Other sounds that we have been working on are th, ch, sh.  Reviewing these sounds would be helpful as well.

Progress reports:

Progress reports will be going home next week.  My students have been working very hard, and I have begun to see improvement and growth in many areas.  Please remember that these are "Progress" reports.  They show progress so far this year.

Centers:  

We will start centers this week.  Centers will every Wednesday.  We will be doing small group activities to reinforce the basic skills that we have been working on so far this year.  Thank you to Mrs. McParland, Mrs. Diaz, and Mrs. Zambelli for volunteering to help out.  If you would like to help on Wednesdays from 9-10am please let me know.  Thank you .

The first graders are really working hard.  Many have really fallen into the daily routine very well.  Some still need reminding of the basic rules and procedures of the classroom.  Please continue to encourage them daily on things such as using the restroom before school and on their breaks.  This is still an issue.  Also, remind them to raise their hand to talk and to leave their seat.  Thanks for support!

Thank you to Dr. McFadden for coming in on Wednesdays to read to the class.  The students are really enjoying this, as am I.  If you would like to help out in any way- doing a project or activity with class let me know.

This Friday is a spirit free dress.  Your child should be in navy blue and white. Thank you

Next week is ITBS testing. Please make sure your child gets a good nights sleep each night and has a healthy breakfast each morning.  We ask that if you need to make any appointments, please make sure to make them for after school or for the following week. We appreciate your support in this matter.