Greetings Firsties and Families!

What an adventurous week we have had in First Grade! We began our week by diving into the deep blue sea and exploring the unique animals, plants and other organisms that live in the ocean.  On Wednesday we had a real live scientist come to our classroom and perform experiments relating to sound. The students learned a great deal from our on campus field trip with High Touch High Tech and enjoyed the engaging, hands on activities with Mr. C.

     We ended our week by celebrating the Spanish speaking countries that are represented by our students and teachers. The Tahino Music group came to share their music with us and we had a great time dancing and making beautiful music as a school.

    For Fun Friday, we pretended to travel to the sandy shores of Hawaii! We had a luau where students learned a hula dance entitled “Pearly Shells”!

   Next week we will begin our first Junior Great Books story, “The Black Hen’s Egg.” Your child will be bringing his or her JGB book home each night. There will be additional homework that is related to the Junior Great Books’ Story. The letter will go home in your child’s Red Folder along with their book on Monday. I hope you enjoy Junior Great Books and the many benefits it will have for your child’s comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Here’s what to look forward to in the curriculum for next week:

Reading: 

Interpreting, analyzing and discussing the text, The Black Hen’s Egg. Summarizing and retelling the events throughout all texts.

Spelling: 

consonants- c, d, g, m, l, h, t, j, k, p, ch, b, r, f, n, s

Vowels: review- short a (apple), o (octopus), i (igloo), u (umbrella)

Focus- short e (ex: leg, peg, pen, set)

Red Words: 1.) are 2.) as 3.) on

Grammar:

Identifying plural nouns.

Social Studies/Science: 

Locating identifying the characteristics of the deserts in the U.S. Researching favorite desert animals.

Writing: 

Research an animal from one of the landforms or wetlands we have studied. Creating a Non-Fiction book and writing an “About the Author” page.

Math:

Solving number stories involving addition and subtraction. Identifying the value of a penny and exchanging for a nickel.

Important Announcements and Reminders

·      Please remember to send in a set of headphones for your child to use with the computers enclosed in a labeled Ziploc bag.

·      Please also be reminded that when you send lunch money in with your child, it must be in an envelope with your child’s name written legibly (first and last), my name, and the amount enclosed.

·      CONGRATULATIONS to our new Star Student, Michelle Garcia! Michelle is very enthusiastic about first grade and shows compassion to her friends each day. Great job, Michelle! We are proud of you.

Thank you for your continued support at home!

Sincerely,

    Mrs. Peake