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We have been reading! We have been writing! We really love them both! This week we got a brand new tool during independent/partner reading time! It is called a "Reading Mat"! We have been working on reading more and more books, but this week we kicked it up a notch and started keeping track of all the books we have been reading, and setting personal goals! During our writing station, we have been writing about how this new reading tool is helping us continue to develop our good reading habits"! Take a look at us go! WOW!!! Also, please ask us how this "reading mat" works and our reading plans/goals! 
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Dear First Grade Families, One thing that teaches the lessons of accountability, responsibility, diligence and an appreciation for knowledge is homework. This week each student showed just that. They have been so excited to bring home their books, sight words, and share their learning with you! The positive energy that came through the classroom door each morning carried through each child's entire day. Thank you for your assistance and support at home launching homework! In your child's reading folder you can view "Characteristics of Reading in First Grade" and our classroom "Readers Build Good Habits" anchor chart. As the school year progresses, I will continue to add more of these resources for you both in the folder and on the classroom blog! Honey Bean Salad writing pieces! What an awesome Harvest Luncheon @ GCS! It was wonderful meeting and greeting everyone and sharing some really tasty recipes! A big THANK YOU for a WONDERFUL afternoon!
Ask us tonight about what we made for the GCS Harvest Luncheon! We can not wait to try a taste of it tomorrow! The recipe is down below if you would like to try and make it again at home! Check back tomorrow for our "recipe" writing and pictures from the Luncheon! We're SUPER EXCITED!!!   This week has been awesome during math workshop! The first graders have been engaged in many conversations about ordering a set of numbers and quantities, comparing quantities up to 10 and seeing which is larger, as well as developing an understanding of how the quantities in the counting sequence are related. For instance how each number is 1 more or 1 less than the number before of after it. During their math stations they have been comparing dots with a partner, building staircases, reviewing 10-frames, as well as using the app BIG NUMBER to play the math game Start With/Get To. Here they have been reviewing how they can count upwards, or downwards using a number-line as a tool for counting. Take a look at them in action!  Today during writing we did not just have a lesson in revision we learned about elaboration. We took a closer look, using our eyes and ears in a different way, and read former first grade students work. We talked about what we saw using the "Did I do it like a first grader" writing checklist, and how these writers were able to make a beginning for a story, put their pages in order using transitional words (first, next, then, last, and, so, then), writing an end to a story, and writing a story across three pages or more. Then we got right to work looking at our own pieces. We added more details in words- which we learned means elaboration!!! Wow we were so proud!!!
As we continue to move about with our classroom routines and lessons, the students have been engaging in their learning. This week in reading they have learned that partners can remind readers sometimes. Readers have many ways to remind themselves to use their "good habits". First graders have been practicing this strategy by whispering, "Don't forget to..." They have also been working on building good habits of reading MORE and MORE during independent and partner reading. Today they did a little bit of "book shopping" before our mini-lesson and chose three books that either they wanted to read or reread. We then sat on our books so they would not be a distraction. Once we were all settled and our books were tucked away, we talked about how it is pretty impossible to get good at something--really, really good--- when you do it just once! We talked about the first time we played soccer, or danced, or even when we learned how to ride a bike. It did not just happen. And we did not just do it once! And the strongest reader did not just read one book. This new habit we learned during reading time was how readers always-every day- push themselves to get stronger and stronger as readers. And one way we can push ourselves to get stronger is we must work to read more and more books!  Dear First Grade Families, Our first grade class has been eager to begin independent reading at home. In our classroom, we just officially kicked off reading groups! At this time, I will be assigning students reading homework using the app Raz-kids, which can be downloaded for free on itunes. Raz-kids can place the focus on reading for fluency, comprehension, or even for pleasure! Your child will have access to a decent number of set texts, under a variety of topics and styles. There's a lot of material for them to engage with independently. Please have your child read daily to you and record a book of their choice from their “Raz-kids book room” at least once a week! “Just-right” books from your child’s reading bin will be sent home in the upcoming weeks, as well as a writing journal. Take a look at this “How-to” about how your child can use Raz-kids at home. The best part is your child has created this “How-To” video in class! Check out their video at: How to use Raz-kids at home! I have also included a “Weekly Reading Log” for your child to independently write in the title of book they read each night. Please send it back into school each morning! Please let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy Reading! Miss Gleason Good evening first grade families, I just would like to say thank you for joining us this evening for Open House. It was wonderful sharing moments about your child's day, watching your child engage with you while they "showed off" all their work and classroom areas, as well as answering questions about what will be happening next! I am very excited for this year and all the learning experiences we will conquer together. In this entry, you can view electronic versions of the curriculum that were in the classroom, as well as a power point presentation that gives a much condensed version. You can also review it at any time under the "Parents" tab. I update my classroom Weebly blog weekly. Here you can view all the learning and information about what is happening in our classroom. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by email or phone. Thank you again! Enjoy the rest of your evening! Best, Miss Gleason The start of first grade is a time for dusting off the skills and habits that children learned during kindergarten. In our first reading unit, Building Good Reading Habits, we will reinforce our learning from kindergarten, and establish ability-based partnerships that tap into the social power of working together to help each other become more strategic as readers! Today was day 2 of practicing our "partner" reading! Look at us in action and ask us how we have been a good reading partner!  |
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