October 1, 2015
Dear Parent(s),
The first month has flown by! It’s hard to believe we have started the month of October
already. We continue to work on classroom rules, emphasizing the importance of being good
listeners, following directions as soon as they are given, using inside voices while working,
remembering to raise hands to share in class discussions and to be responsible and respectful
students toward classmates and adults. We are noticing a lot of untied shoes. For safety and
independence we encourage the children to do this for themselves.
We were so pleased to meet and visit with you during our orientation day at the beginning
of the school year. We hope the handouts were helpful. We look forward to meeting with you
again at the end of the month to share with you the progress your child has made. Information
about scheduling your child’s conference time on-line will be coming soon.
On Wednesday, October 28, we will celebrate Halloween with some special activities in
the classrooms. Children will not be dressing in costumes or bringing any treats that day.
We would like to update you on some new ‘happenings’ in first grade.
Religion
We have completed the first two chapters from our Religion book. During October we will
study Mary, Mother of God. The children will begin memorizing the Hail Mary and learn how to
pray the Rosary. Children have been practicing the correct way to make the Sign of the Cross, the
Morning Prayer, Prayer Before and After Meals, and how to genuflect, as well as manners to be
used in church. During October we will also cover chapters about Jesus working among the
people, Jesus teaching us about love, and the Church year.
Reading
The children have enjoyed the many stories we have read so far. They are working hard
on the skills we cover in class and applying them as they read independently. The children have
been working to build stamina while reading to self and with a partner. During October we will
begin our second theme-Surprise! During this month we will work on blending words that have the
short vowel sounds of e, o, and u. We will also work on the following comprehension strategies:
noting details, fantasy and realism, monitor and clarify as one reads, summarizing, story structure
(characters, setting, problem and solution) and rereading for understanding. We will also continue
to work to build a sight word vocabulary. Please continue to practice any vocabulary lists that are
sent home. Children should be able to recognize the word, know the meaning of the word, and be
able to use it in an oral sentence. As an added challenge, students may also try to spell the words.
Also, as your child brings home a book in a bag to share with you, please return it in the plastic bag
along with the reading log that has been filled out. Children have also been busy reading
additional books from the school library and the classroom library. All students are working to
reach their AR goal.
Handwriting
We have worked on writing first and last names correctly, recognizing that there is a
difference between uppercase and lowercase letters. We have practiced writing numbers and also
started practice on the lowercase letters. When practicing the lowercase letters we work on correct
formation, making letters the correct size, and trying to keep letters on the writing line. You may
notice your child making some letter and number reversals. At this age, it is quite common. We do
bring it to their attention and remind them to check the alphabet cards and the number cards
hanging in the room. We will also continue to monitor for a functional pencil grip and correct
posture.
Math
We have started work on in our new Math series. This Math series includes a lot of
problem solving and higher level thinking. It may take the children some time to get used to
thinking about problems in a new way. Our first chapter focused on addition concepts through 10
with a big emphasis on problem solving. We have just started work in Chapter 2. This chapter will
cover subtraction concepts through 10 along with an emphasis on problem solving. We strongly
encourage the children to be listening closely and following directions during instruction time.
Manipulatives are often used during class and the children must try hard to use them for what they
are intended for, which is to solve problems.
Science
We will begin investigating properties of various objects.
Social Studies
During October we will focus on Fire Safety.
Other
o Picture Day is Thursday, October 8th.
o Spirit Apparel Day is October 5th
.
As you can see, first grade is a very busy time. Thank you for all you do to help!
Mrs. Burke
Mrs. Weig