Friday, April 12, 2013


Encouraging Independence: Can you believe that you almost have a second grader?! We are so close to the end of first grade now that this is a perfect time for you to help your child to spread his/her wings and INDEPENDENTLY pack his/her school supplies. As a parent, you can help your child each night by making sure he/she has checked that his/her backpack, supplies, snack and lunch is all set for the following school day.

Language Arts: This week we will read a story called The New Friend. It is a darling story about a family from Japan that moves into the neighborhood. This story will open up lots of opportunities for us to talk about how to welcome others and make them feel included. Our strategy focus is evaluating and our comprehension strategy is story structure (plot, setting, beginning, middle, end, problem and solution).

Science: We are continuing our habitat unit by exploring the forest. This week would be a great time to take a family walk in our local forest exploring all the plants and observing all animals. We will read many non fiction books about habitats and your child will use expository writing at the end of each week to write about what they learned about each habitat. We will enjoy a directed drawing lesson with the first graders in Room 7.

Math: We will review the concepts presented in Chapter 22 which focuses on telling time to the hour and half hour. It is time to get out those old fashioned wrist watches and round clocks so your child will have many opportunities to tell time using the same kind of clocks that we will be using here at school.

Choir: We are enjoying our second session with our choir teachers and will let you know when we have a date for our upcoming upcoming performance.

Homework Logs:  Please complete your child's homework log daily writing down the book read and signing each day that your child has been working on math skills. This Homework Log is due each FRIDAY. Many students are coming to school each Friday and Monday without his/her Homework Log so more help in this area is needed.

PE: Each Monday and Tuesday afternoon we have PE class so please make sure your child is wearing appropriate clothing and shoes to participate in all the activities