March 2-6

Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe that it is already March! I am so proud of the progress the children have made and am happy to announce that Spring Conferences are coming soon. The following letter will be going home in your child’s Wednesday Folder this week with a time and day to hear your child’s presentation.

I am excited to announce that we will be having spring portfolio parties!  These student led gatherings will be the format for our spring conferences.  This format is similar to the student-led parent/teacher conferences that have been held in the past.  

During each 15 minute time block, small groups of children will meet with their parents to showcase their progress in First Grade. With assistance from the teacher, the children will be responsible for choosing the items that are being shared during the portfolio party.  We know you will be proud as you listen to your child while he/she shares information about the First Grade Year.  Please come prepared with 2 or 3 thoughtful questions to ask your child. The children will look forward to answering your questions. The teachers will act as facilitators as they circulate within the small group.  Report cards will be sent home separately and will not be a part of the discussion. 

Here’s a look into the curriculum this week:

Reading:

Identifying problem and solution throughout texts

Spelling:

Open and closed syllables

Open Syllable Rule: when the vowel is "open”  it makes the long sound (says it’s name)

ex: no, go, so, me

Closed Syllable Rule: When a vowel is “closed” by another consonant it makes the short sound (  ex: /a/ as in apple)

Ex: sack,  nut

Red Words:

like

him

into

Grammar:

Continuing to use adjectives and comparing adjectives to expand our sentences.

Writing:

Completing an Opinion Piece on Superheroes.

Math:

Reviewing different strategies used throughout the year for math fact fluency with addition and subtraction and continuing to use “think addition strategy” to complete subtraction problems.

8-5=____

“5 plus what equals 8?”

Social Studies:

Exploring the influential individuals: Thomas Jefferson, Sacagawea and Lewis and Clark.

How did their explorations and discoveries influence our culture today?

Important Updates and Reminders:

  Jackie will remain our Star Student for the week as we had a short 3 day week last week. We look forward to continuing to learn more about our friend, Jackie!

·      Please make sure that your child keeps his or her library books in their book bag so that they may return or continuing reading their book at school. Our library day is Thursday and the children are only able to check-out two new books if they have returned their old ones.

 March 12^th is Spring Picture Day!

Looking forward to having another fantastic week with your first grader!

All the best,

Jean Peake