As you have probably noticed, the students have been working on building their math facts. This gives them a concrete understanding of two partners creating a whole. The students first build, then record, and finally create a number sentence to match what they built. Check out some of our designs for partners of 7!
During the first two weeks of school our class learned that reading has four very important components:
Last week the students examined plants more closely. They identified plant parts, discovered what everyday items are made from plants, and dissected a bean seed. What did they find inside the seeds? Each seed housed a small plant embryo. They also found out the rest of the seed contained food to give that little plant a healthy start. Each table group also planted a bean seed. Hopefully the plants will grow so we can observe each step of the plants life cycle!
With help from the folk tale character Goldilocks, the first graders are learning to choose "Just Right" books to practice reading. Goldisocks (as she is called in the book) introduced a strategy called the Five Finger Rule to help us. Our class has been practicing. Below is some information to help your child pick a "Just Right" book when you are at home, the library, or your local book store. Five Finger Rule For Picking Out "Just Right" BooksSometimes it is difficult to know if a book is going to be too easy or too hard by just looking at it. A strategy called the Five Finger Rule is one way to "test" a book before you spend too much time with it and get frustrated. 1. First choose the book you think you would like to read. 2. Find a page of text somewhere in the middle of the book. Find a page with lots of text (words). _ 3. Begin to read the page. It is best to read the page aloud or in a whisper if possible while doing the test so you can hear the places where you have difficulty. 4. Each time you come to a word you don't know, hold one finger up. 5. If you have all five fingers up before you get to the end of the page, wave the book "good-bye." It is probably too difficult for you right now. Try it again later in the year. 6. If you have no fingers up when you finish the page, then the book may be an easy read for you. 7. If you have less than five fingers but more than one or two fingers up when you finish reading the page, the book may be just what you need to grow as a reader. **Source: http://www.booknutsreadingclub.com/fivefingertest.html We successfully completed our first day of first grade! We got to know one another, learned both classroom and school expectations, played with friends at recess (a favorite by many), and sang a number of silly songs. I truly enjoyed spending the day with your children and I am certain we are going to have a great school year! Please visit often as I will be updating pictures and information regularly. |
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August 2019
AuthorMrs. Ely's First |