We started reading workshop this week!  Reading workshop is a block of literacy time when students can read individually or in small groups with me.  While this is happening, amazing things are taking place in the room.  Students are sitting in the reading corner reading their choice books (soon it will be their "just right" reading level books), they are playing word games and writing.  Right now they are cutting, stapling and using tweezers to pinch small objects together to move them from spot to spot.  Fine motor activities such as these strengthen their finger muscles, helping them develop stronger stamina so they can write longer when it comes time.   Click here for some *fun* fine motor ideas to use with your first grader.  

Wednesday will be our Library Day.  During reading workshop time, our volunteers (thank you, Jennifer and Theresa), will be taking small groups up to the library to learn library procedures and how to find good books.  I will send a message home when we get the go-ahead to check them out!

SAVE THE DATE!
Next Tuesday at 6pm is our Parent Information Night for 1st grade.  Mark your calendars!  Please come for the 45 minutes presentation/question-and-answer time with me in our classroom.  Beth Marin, our room parent, will be bringing sign up sheets for a few volunteer opportunities, including our first field trip in October to the Fulton Street Farmer's Market.  I will be explaining the course of our day, expectations for 1st grade homework and would love to answer any questions you might have.  This is a time for just parents, so please find alternative plans for your little ones.

Have a great weekend!