August 29, 2013

Website of the Week (WOW)

The focus during our phonics time has been reviewing short vowel sounds.  We will continue reviewing short vowel sounds through the next two weeks.  A great site to use is Starfall: http://www.starfall.com

There are some great activities and stories to read to go along with short vowels.  Feel free to write these stories in your child's reading log!

August 26, 2013

Exploring math materials


During our first week of school, students got a chance to explore some of the math manipulatives we'll be using this year.

posted from Bloggeroid

August 22, 2013

Reading Logs

I'm asking that you TRY to read with your child nightly.  That could be you reading to them or they could read to you.  These books should be written in your child's reading log (located in their folder).  YES! Even books you read to them should be written down.

I will reward students for these books during the first nine-weeks of school.  After that, students will be doing more reading on their own and I would like for only books THEY read to be recorded.  I will be sure to post a note and send an e-mail when it's time to stop writing books you read to them.

I'm already seeing a great flow of books on logs.  Let's try to keep that up all year.  First grade is a HUGE grade for reading growth.  Typically they come in around a level C and leave at a level I.  That's a jump of approximately 6 levels!  Other grades see a jump of only 3-4 levels in comparison.

I will keep you informed on the skill we are practicing in class so that you can be sure to discuss this while reading books.  For the next 3 weeks we will be working on QUESTIONING.  This is a huge topic to cover, but for the most part, students should be able to answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why questions about stories.  Examples include: "What happened after...?", "Where did the story take place?", "What was the problem in the story?"

Please feel free to e-mail me with your own questions about how you can help improve your child's reading ability.

August 13, 2013

Orientation

I'm extremely excited to meet everyone!  Orientation (also known as meet and greet) will take place Thursday, August 15 from 12:00-1:00.

This is a great time to drop off supplies and come say "Hello!" before starting school on Monday.
Hope to see you then!