Week of 9/30

Reading
We began first grade reading groups this week. Each first grader has been matched with a reading teacher and reading group of about 3-4 readers. Each day, students will receive guided reading instruction at their instructional reading levels. Groups will also get daily opportunities to engage in word work, guided writing and independent reading stations. All four classrooms focused on introducing routines and expectations this first week. Students had time to practice rotating through the different stations, cleaning up, using new materials and working independently. Ask your child to tell you about his or her reading teacher!

Writing
I read When I Grow Up  to the class and we brainstormed ideas of jobs we wanted to have when we were older. Students took one idea to write a story about. They practiced sounding out words slowly as they were writing. They were sure to draw a detailed picture to match their sentences.

Students worked on the letters Dd and Gg in their Handwriting Without Tears printing books. We reviewed the proper formation of each letter, then practiced writing them in isolation, in words, and in sentences.

Math
We wrapped up our first Investigations unit! Students used many different strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems. Drawing pictures, counting forward or backward on a number line, and using fingers were all appropriate strategies. Students practiced showing their work and writing an equation to match each problem. On Monday, we will begin unit two, which focuses on geometry and understanding the attributes of two-dimensional shapes. Look for the family letter in red totes next week!

Upcoming Dates

• There is no school on Friday, October 11th or Monday, October 14th.
• All first graders will go on a field trip to Alewives Brook Farm on Tuesday, October 15th. A note was sent home in red totes this week!

Thank you,

Mrs. Bradstreet