Upcoming Events
Early Release Day/ Teacher In-Service Day
Sept. 28 @ 11:30
Picture Day
Oct. 4th
No School
Oct. 5th
Teacher In-Service/ No School
Oct. 10th
WES Open House
Oct. 13th from 6:00-7:00
Readers' Workshop
In Readers' Workshop, the first and second graders are working on building up their independent reading stamina. Students have a variety of high interest books that they can read and/or gather information from the pictures. Students are also reading and talking with a reading partner. We spent time practicing expectations for what a kind and helpful partner does and says. The first and second graders are becoming more independent with all of these routines and expectations. We are right on track to begin small group targeted instruction in October!
Sheep, Shepherd and Wolf
This week, our class practiced a classroom Lock Down drill. On Wednesday afternoon, we played a game called Sheep, Shepherd and Wolf. Students practiced listening mindfully to my directions, found a quiet place to hide and then practiced lining up at our exit door in case of the need for an evacuation. I played the role of the the Shepherd and the students were my sheep. In 2022-2023 students already have an idea of who the wolf could be. It is such a hard conversation for me to have with the students. I aim to inform them without scaring them. We do process through questions students have, and I do my best to answer them!
The whole school will practice an evacuation drill in the coming months.
First Grade Math
In first grade math, we are continuing our study of Numbers All Around Us . This week, we practiced combinations that make 5-10. Students are using their number rack and learning to explain their strategy with clarity and precision. We played games to help us practice numeral writing, as many first graders still have numeral reversals in the beginning of the year.
During Number Corner, we are identifying multiple patterns on our calendar, learning to model numbers into the 20s, and have continued with our counting practice. The first graders LOVE working with coins, and have really enjoyed singing and identifying various coins and their values.
Check out this fun song we sing throughout the week!
Math Menu
During our Math Menu time, students were introduced to using their math journal! This week, we learned how to find our journal questions, where to store our journals, and ways to share our math thinking. Our first question was: what is your favorite part on Math Menu? It was really cool to see their responses.
We are continuing to keep our computational skills strong with our windowpane, are learning game variations and have really enjoyed working with our number path activities. Up next, we will begin using our laptops to access some games and begin to learn about Seesaw our online learning platform.
Spelling and Fundations
The first and second graders are learning the routines and structure of our spelling time. We begin with a warm up and review of letters and sounds. This week, we reviewed important sight words. Students then broke up into small groups to practice important phonics skills. Students have choices that include various games and worksheets to practice sight words after their small group practice. At this time we are working on writing the basic sight words from kindergarten and first grade.
Mindful Time
Mindful time continues to be an important time during our day. Students choose various activities to help regulate their bodies. Students can draw, color, rest or work on a puzzle during this time based on how they are feeling.
First and Second Grade PAWS Celebration
On Thursday afternoon, our class celebrated a BIG accomplishment. We have consistently followed our class meeting expectations. Students are learning to sit safely, take turns talking and raise their hand before shouting out, and tune-in to the teachers ( hush, look, listen and understand). We enjoyed lunch in the classroom and loved watching a Wild Kratts video together!
.png)
.jpg)
