Week 10 - November 10, 2017

Report Cards

In the past, we marked every learning strand that we taught. For example, in math we would have marked every learning goal for both units that we have taught and we would not mark those again after the first marking period. A parent survey found that these cards had too much information that was not meaningful to parents.

Our new report cards are based on the end of the year goals for first grade. That means you will not be seeing straight 3's even if your child is progressing as expected at this time. Instead, it is likely that your child will be receiving a majority of 1's and 2's since they have not yet met (and we haven't taught/assessed) the end of the year goals. Using the example of math again, this marking period only assesses two learning standards, adding within 20 and subtracting within 20. We started teaching both of those standards this marking period but since our curriculum spirals, we will continue teaching those concepts throughout the year. Therefore, you will not see a 3 until we have finished teaching everything within that standard. The same goes for writing. We have started teaching writing informational writing and conventions, but we have not finished teaching them or assessing them, so even if your child is progressing as expected you will likely see 2s because we are not done teaching these skills.

Behavior, reading, social studies, and specials will be marked as they currently apply to your child so 3's are possible and are the goal for this time of year. It is common for behavior to fluctuate throughout the year and it's important for you to get an accurate portrayal of how their current behavior is.

Curriculum

Reading

This week we learned to decode unknown words using Stretchy Snake and Chunky Monkey. Next week, we will learn to use Skippy Frog and how to monitor and clarify the meaning of text.  Skippy Frog says to skip the unknown word and then come back to it to see if the sentence can help you figure it out.  In addition to decoding strategies, students will continue to explore words with blends.  We will learn to read and write words with the r blend (ie. crayon, crush, brush, brake, friend, frog, etc.)

Book Baggies:
Students have 6 books in their bag (two below their reading level to help them work on fluency, two at their level to focus on good reading skills, and two above level to continue to push and grow as readers).  These bags will stay at home all week for students to practice reading.  It is good to encourage reading and rereading of these books!  We will exchange books on Fridays, so please have students return these books next Friday.  (Just FYI, Library books are sent in on Thursday.)  If a student forgets or is absent one week, they will need to return them the following Friday. 

Writing
We started planning our second personal narrative this week.  Students also added transition words.  Next week we will look at adding feelings and dialogue to our writing.

Math
This week, we continued to practice solving addition word problems as well as find the missing addend in addition problems.  Next week, we will learn more about skip counting using frames and arrows or number lines.

Unit 3 Skills
o I can compare two numbers within 20 using >, <, =.
o I can solve parts-and-total number stories within 10 (word problems).
o I can solve frames and arrows problems with addition (skip counting).
o I can solve number stories using a number line.
o I can find the unknown number of hops between two numbers.
o I can use a number line to skip count.

Unit 3 Study Guide - You may use this to guide you in helping your child study for this Unit 3 Assessment.

Unit 3 IXL Skills - If you would like to, students may use IXL to help them practice these skills.

Science
We wrapped up our learning on sorting objects and began to explore magnets.  We read about them, watched a BrainpopJr video and played with them to explore and learn about them.

Purposeful Play
Students are really enjoying the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination.  I enjoy seeing the problem solving and collaboration that happens. Ask your child what he or she created!

Please see the Purposeful Play tab on the blog to learn more about our weekly Play Time and donation items we could use for it!

Homework

• Read every night
• Work on a math skill (i.e. adding and subtracting to 20 - play a board game for this, telling time, counting coins, measuring - length and volume -  have your child cook with you to practice this, talk about shapes - 2D and 3D - find items around your house, etc.) 
• November Homework - This is all "Play based" to encourage the students build fine/gross motor skills, creativity and imaginative skills.

Important Dates

November 14 - Conferences (to remind you of what time you signed up, you may go to the following link:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44a4a92ea5fe3-2017)
November 14 - 1/2 Day for conferences (12:30 dismissal - no lunch)
November 22 - 1/2 Day (12:30 dismissal - no lunch) - Thanksgiving break begins
November 23-24 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
November 27 - School Resumes