First Graders have been working hard in the past few weeks! I am hoping that when they come home they are sharing with you the things they have learned!  One of the most exciting things we have been learning and practicing daily is identifying proper nouns and common nouns!  They are very excited about this and love when they can find them in books and in our daily word work.  I challenged them last week that when they are reading books with you at home that they should point out the proper nouns and common nouns using their signals/actions.  Have they been doing that? If not ask them to do it the next time you sit down and read. 

Math: We took a turn in a new direction last week with Math. We are now focusing on measuring items and learning how to use a ruler and a tape measure. We also discussed the differences between measuring with a cut out of their own kid foot vs. a standard (12 in.) foot.  They have really enjoyed going around our classroom and measuring different items. We spent one whole Math day measuring using our bodies, they by far thought that was the best!  At this point are measurements might not be the most accurate but they are improving!  

Social Studies:  We have been discussing different types of communities, laws, leaders and traditions.  Everyone seems to enjoy getting out our kid friendly Social Studies book and reading about new concepts.  I am very happy with the way our whole group discussion have been going. Everyone is putting a lot of effort and thought into our discussions.  

Reading: Please continue to read with your child each night for 20 minutes. Reading is so important the kids truly love showing people what great readers they are, and they are all AMAZING readers and making tons of growth. 

Notebooks: Almost all are finished with writing notebooks. Please use those notebooks to write 5-10 Tricky Words or Fry Sight Words a few times each week. By the end of first grade we want them to read AND write all of those words!

Cold Weather: It is not warming up out there! Please be sure your child has a warm coat, hat and gloves EACH DAY!