Election Week
It was wonderful to
finally meet with each of you to discuss the amazing progress your daughters are
experiencing in First Grade. A strong parent-teacher relationship can make so
much difference in a child’s education. Please do not hesitate to email or call
with any concerns or questions. I hope that these weekly updates are keeping you
well informed.
Math: Our ambitious learners were outside this week jumping on a
life-size number line! As mentioned in the conferences, our math program offers
many resources to meet the various learning styles in our class. Manipulatives
continue to be a daily part of math concept development. It is highly
recommended that all parents remain informed about the current math topics and
methodology by reviewing the family letters included in the math homelinks book.
Spelling: A review of the short vowels “a” and “e” this week allowed for a
bit of a challenge in the spelling words by adding blends to these mastered
vowel sounds. I spoke with many of you in conferences about adding additional
challenge words. At this time I will be evaluating where each child is with
respect to applied knowledge and proper usage in daily independent writing.
Mastering the spelling of words is one component in our program. It is in the
application that we see evidence of mastery, however. In January, our list of
spelling words grows to 10, including more sight along with high level
vocabulary words taken from each child’s independent reading and writing
experiences.
Reading: You have all been given clear indication as to your daughter’s
current reading level and progress. Direct reading instruction at the
instructional level occurs 4-5 times weekly, with Mrs. Janet Harris assisting in
the Reading/Centers time. We will target instruction to develop word decoding
and comprehension skills as well as extension activities designed to foster
cooperative learning and provide opportunities to see reading as the social
event that it is. Daily writing continues and it is here that we often see
reading come to life for first graders. Remember: literacy involves reading,
writing, speaking and listening.
Social Studies: We will begin exploring neighborhood professions and
community helpers through picture books and discussions. If you would like to
come in to read a book and/or talk about your profession please let me know.
Morning meeting is at 9:00 daily, but the end of the day would also be a good
time for you to visit. We hope
for visitors to come between November 15th and December 12th. This is an
excellent opportunity to be part of your daughter's education.
Classroom Support: You may be hearing about a new face in our classroom,
Ms. Rebecca Ocel, known to the girls as Miss O. Ms. Ocel is a Speech
Pathologist from Albany City School District who will be coming into our
classroom four times weekly during our morning Reading/Centers time.
Social Development: Two years ago the Lower School division began to
receive training in using the program, Interplay. If you are interested in
reading more about the program, I encourage you to read the book, "Ready to
Learn" by Dr. Jeanne Shub. The Happy Forest is the unit we are currently
involved in. The units use metaphorical stories and role playing to further
develop particular skills, depending on the grade level. All grades in the
Lower School participate in this amazing program. The girls are all learning to
“stay on the path.” We hope the “animals” will reach their peaceful home before
Thanksgiving break. The targeted social skills are self-monitoring, developing
coping skills, helping others when needed, giving classmates space and respect
when appropriate, and following the everyday rules and school expectations
within a supportive environment. This month’s character trait, presented at our
last Monday Assembly, is RESPECT. The girls have been practicing a song, and we
will be discussing what this looks like at school. I encourage you to take this
opportunity to reinforce the concept at home. When the animals reach their
“Happy Forest,” we will have a celebration in school.
Share time: Starting next week, we will begin sharing something about
ourselves with our classmates. The intent is for us to hear from the “heart;” a
chapter in the story of who they are. Sometimes props are appropriate, such as
a special souvenir from a family trip, or a favorite book that Grandma has
given. Favorite toys ARE welcome, as long as they are the prop and not the
share! The focus will be on the “story” behind the prop. We can learn, admire,
and respect our friends by hearing the story of their lives, not by seeing their
possessions. The girls will know ahead of time when their day will come, so
please make sure to “rehearse” with the girls. This is an opportunity
to further public speaking skills within our classroom, so students will be
comfortable and successful speaking in our divisional assembly.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support,
Ms. Buchanan