- READING HOMEWORK...This past week your first graders been taking home "easy to read" books from their book box. These books have helped us get used to the routine of bringing them home each night and rereading them in the reading corner during station time. Next week, they will begin to bring home "just right" books. These books are right at the level of their learning. We will be working on strategies to figure out challenging words, reading smoothly like we talk and using expression. Some books might be easier to read (they can read all of the words easily), but we will be focusing on high level comprehension strategies of understanding. For the weekend, enjoy a good read aloud or visit the local library for great book options. The librarians love to help find books!
- MATH HOMEWORK...IXL math homework will begin next week. Today (Friday) was our first computer lab afternoon. We were able to get on IXL and work on many of the problems. You will be receiving a copy of the IXL calendar in your child's orange folder today. On the calendar are suggested (but not required) sections to practice. Most of the time, these reflect the math concepts that we have already learned in class. We are asking that your child spend 10 minutes 3-5 times a week on IXL. Your child's username is his/her FIRST (formal) NAME and their last name (no spaces) with 676 attached to the end (example: meganmiller676). Password is "math."
- THE "I CAN DO IT" LOCKER CHALLENGE...Are you ready? I know that your first grader is! We came up with our own morning checklist today. Your first graders are are ready to unpack their backpacks and bring in their things--all on their own. As they enter school carrying their backpacks and stop at their locker to unpack, we would love for you to stay and wait for a goodbye hug/kiss from across the hall. They will have to tackle the struggles of all the "stuff," but eventually, they will be able to do it in one swoop. It might take a few trips in and out of the room....and that's okay. We need to master this before the (gulp) snow gear comes in full effect.
Special October Dates:
- Field trip to Fulton Street Market: Friday, October 17th (8:45-10:30). Thank you to Shellie Adamy, Diana Cano, Audry or Owen Dow, Elizabeth Iorio, Liesel Meijer, Beth Marin, Theresa Sherman and Tamara Wurl for volunteering to meet us at the market. Each 1st grader will receive $2 (part of the field trip fund from your generous donations) to purchase an apple and a pumpkin while they do a photo scavenger hunt based on our goods and services unit in Social Studies.
- 1st grade apple rotations: Wednesday, October 22nd (8:30-11:15). Thank you to Diana Cano, Liesel Meijer, Theresa Sherman, Tamara Wurl and Amanda Tabata for volunteering to help during this time. We will be rotating throughout the 1st grade rooms to make apple cider, taste test types of apples and make scientific apple diagrams. A fun fall festival celebration!
- Pocahontas: Thursday, October 23rd. We have the opportunity to watch the Children's Creations group preform Pocahontas in Pioneer Auditorium. This group generously invites Wealthy Elementary students to come watch their performances. We even have a few Wealthy students in the production!
- Halloween Parade/Party: Friday, October 31st. All students wear regular clothes to school this day and then change into their costumes at last recess time (which will be a bit earlier...around 1:40pm). If your child needs any help, you are welcome to come at this time and/or we will have many volunteers on hand to help them! The school parade will begin around 2pm--inside/outside depending of the weather. Our Halloween party will begin around 2:30pm. Audry Dow (Sam's mom) will be contacting volunteers to generate ideas for our party. You are welcome to come even if you do not sign up to help. However, just like for field trips, please refrain from bringing siblings to classroom parties. This is a fantastic time to focus on your 1st grader!
