Feb. 25- March 1

Dear Parents,

     We have been very busy in First Grade the past couple of weeks! We have celebrated Read-a-thon, Mardi Gras, Black History Month, Valentines Day, and the Chinese New Year! Also, our very own, Summer, was the TOP reader for the entire First Grade. Way to go, Summer!

         We have also begun our new Unit of Study entitled “Heroes”. The Central Idea is: Explorations and Discoveries of individuals influence culture. We began discussing the traits of some of our favorite Super Heroes and their purpose in our lives and how their influences affect culture along with real life heroes from the past.

         We have been studying the famous American Heroes: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea. We will continue putting more American Heroes on our class time-line as we progress through our unit.

Here’s a look into the curriculum this week:

Reading:

It’s JGB week! We will be analyzing and responding to different poetry selections.

Phonics: “Growling r”

Grammar:

Comparing adjectives using ‘er’ and ‘est’.  ex: She is taller than her sister. She is the tallest of her three sisters.

Social Studies/Science:

Continuing our study of American Heroes.

Math:

Continuing to solve complex story problems and the different ways we can solve various probems.

Writing:

Choosing one of two topics to write a persuasive argument.

Important Announcements and Reminders:

·      Registration Packets are due this Friday, March 1st.

·      Be aware that Spring Conferences are coming up starting on March 25^th. More details will be communicated.

Thanks for your continued support!

Mrs. Peake

February 11-15

Dear Parents,

     Last week we concluded our Unit of Study on Polar Animals and how living things adapt in order to survive. We still have a few presentations left that we will complete this upcoming week. I am very proud of how the students have worked in pairs to complete research and used our Prometheum Board to create their own unique presentations.

    This week will serve as a buffer between our past unit of study and our study of “Heroes” that will be introduced the following week. With Valentines Day fastly approaching, we will be taking the time to build our classroom community, and thank our loved ones through a few writing activities.

Here’s a look into the curriculum this week:

Reading: Summarizing throughout all stories.

Words to know:

before

happen

began

told

heard

falls

Phonics: Reviewing beginning blends and introducing ending blends. Blends are two consonants that come together, but like a smoothie, keep their original sound or flavor. These blends come at the end of words: test, wasp

Grammar: Reviewing contractions

Social Studies/Science: completing our research projects on a polar animal.

Math: Reviewing measurement and telling time.

Writing: Completing acrostic poems and writing friendly letters.

Important Announcements and Reminders:

§  In celebration of the Chinese New Year, students and teachers will be wearing red on Monday, February 11^th.

§  Our class will be celebrating Valentines Day and our success in Read-A-Thon with a party on February 14^th at 1:20 in the classroom. Luci Phillips will provide more information about this party.

Thanks for your continued support!

Mrs. Peake

Feb. 5-9

Dear Parents,

    I am happy to report that we had a very successful week last week! We had many proud moments including filling our big bucket of fuzzies for the second time, analyzing another JGB story, and traveling to our second Field Trip to see Clifford the Big Red Dog. I have to say that I was most impressed by the way the students discussed our JGB story on Discussion Day this past Wednesday. Discussion Day is a time where I choose 4-5 open-ended questions for students to discuss in an academic manner, that pertain to our story. I typically pick one or more of the students’ questions that they return to school for homework on the previous day. We had much more participation this time and the students showed a great amount of patience and enthusiasm while responding and listening to others’ ideas.

     The students have also been working with partners to create a presentation on the Prometheum Board, which they have LOVED! It is a big deal to be able to work on my laptop and to see their research come to life. We will complete the rest of our presentations next week J

Here’s a look into the curriculum this week:

Reading: Reviewing last week’s skills with our new story “Meet Benjamin Franklin.” Discussing inventions throughout history and their importance to our daily lives.

Phonics: Reviewing the Vowel Valley and introducing beginning blends! Blends are two consonants that come together, but like a smoothie, keep their original sound or flavor.

Grammar: Reviewing contractions, compound words and present and past tense verbs.

Social Studies/Science: Reflecting upon our unit of study and completing our research projects on a polar animal.

Math: Understanding A.M. and P.M., telling time to the half hour and to the hour.

Writing: Writing an opinion piece on which of the other six continents would be the best home.

Important Announcements and Reminders:

§  We are in need of two Small Groups volunteers for Wednesday, February 6^th! Please check our Shutterfly website to sign up for these slots.

§  The last day of READ-A-THON is this upcoming Thursday. Please make sure to sign your child’s booklet every night that you read or that they read.

• The students voted on having a Pizza Party to celebrate having filled their big bucket of fuzzies! I will send information home regarding when this will be scheduled to ensure that you do not pack their lunch on this day.

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Thanks for your continued support!

Mrs. Peake