1st Grade Newsletter

  Mrs. Pinamonti’s Class                                                                October 2014

Last week, we completed Chapter 1 of the Go-Math program in which we discussed making numbers, order of addends in a number sentence, and addition.  A chapter test was given on Friday and will be returned sometime this week.  In addition to the chapter tests, the students will also be given District Quarterly Math tests each marking period.  I will also assess the students by observing their class work, the completion of the math assignments, and their participation during math time.                                     

     This week, we will begin Chapter 2 which introduces subtraction.  Students will learn to model and explain how numbers are taken apart and how parts are taken from the whole.  They will be able to use counters and cubes to model and to draw pictures to explain their subtraction sentences.  Their math vocabulary words will be sent home after we have discussed them.  These can be kept at home to be reviewed, so both you and your child understand the terminology used to teach math.

     As discussed at Back to School night, both the Go-Math and Journeys programs have on-line components, which can be found at Think Central.  Since several people said they did not have it, I have attached another copy of the letter which tells you how you can access the site and your child’s user name and password.  Please keep this information in a safe place.  

                                 Science                                                   

      In September we began our study of apples. We are reading many books about apples, both fiction and non-fiction, and the students are learning about the life cycle of the apple; from seed to ripened fruit. We have also discussed Johnny Appleseed, products made from apples, and different varieties of apples. In the coming weeks we will be having an apple taste test and graphing the results of our class vote on which type of apple each child likes the best. We will also be making apple prints. Our study will conclude with our trip to Wemrock Farm on October 23. This should be both a fun and educational experience. If you would like to be a chaperon for the trip, please send in a note with the permission slip, which should be distributed shortly.

     We will begin the science curriculum this month. The students will learn what it means to be a scientist: observation and inquiry. Our first unit of study will be "On the Move." The students will learn about forces like gravity and magnets through the scientific method, literature, and hands-on activities. I'm sure we will all have fun exploring the science curriculum together.

READING & WRITING

We have begun the new Journey’s reading program. The first unit contains stories about friends, neighborhoods, and school. The phonics, vocabulary, and spelling skills will be incorporated within the story and a different grammar skill and story components will be taught each week.  A variety of genres will be taught, especially non-fiction text.  We will try to spend 5 days on each story so the reading and spelling tests may be given any day of the week. Please remember to check the reading form that comes home each time we begin a new story. This week’s form is attached.  The reading book will come home on the first and third nights. Please read the story with your child, but do NOT go ahead in the book. Your child will also receive a take-home book, which can also be read when the book comes home.  The materials need to be returned to school everyday since we will use them in class as well.                                          

 For the next few weeks, reading homework will consist of a page of phonics, grammar, or ABC order practice.  Please check your child’s folder Monday through Thursday.  In the coming weeks, a composition book will be sent home for the students to write sentences in.  An explanation will be sent home once that begins.  Guided Reading homework will be given once a week beginning next week.  During Guided Reading, the students will be meeting with me in small guided reading groups where they will work on stories and skills to meet their individual needs and abilities.    While I am with a group, the other students will be required to work quietly and independently in a variety of centers throughout the room. These centers will include listening and/or computer, writing, art projects, working with words, and practicing the skills being worked on in phonics, spelling, and grammar. This type of instruction is very exciting for the children and will be very productive if they cooperate by focusing on their work and not talking to others. Please encourage your child to do so and you will see remarkable progress throughout the year!                                                                                                                                    

With regard to writing, we have begun Writing Workshop.  The students will learn the different stages of the writing process and learn different strategies to improve and expand upon their writing.  Next week we will begin decorating a writing folder, which will include ideas about writing subjects.  A notice will come home shortly regarding the completion and lamination of these folders.  Their writing will be kept in the folder until the end of each marking period.