November 16, 2009 (for the weeks of Nov. 16 and 23)

 

Thanksgiving is almost here!  Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?  How did the tradition of Thanksgiving begin?  These are several of the questions we will explore during the next 7 days of school.  During Social Studies, Reading, and Writing time, we are working on an integrated unit about research.  The students will learn about how to read non-fiction (expository) text, to ask questions, do research and write about our new learning as we discover how different life was when the Pilgrims first came to America.  I’m sure they will have some very interesting facts to share with you!

 

Looking ahead ...  There will be no spelling test or math facts test for the week of Nov. 23.  There will also be no newsletter update next week, and no Tuesday folder coming home on Nov. 24.  If there is any information from the office, I will send it home with your child.

 

First graders will share their November reading projects beginning Nov. 30.  Please check that section of the web page to see when your child will share his/her project!  Also, please make note of the special instructions that go with this project, such as writing in complete sentences!

 

Picture re-takes will occur on Wednesday, December 2.  If you would like to have your child’s photo retaken, you must send in the packet that went home last week.  If your child was absent on Picture Day, photos will be taken on December 2.  Order forms are available in the office.

 

We’re going on a field trip!  The first grade classes will be going to the Paramount Theater on Tuesday, December 8 to attend a performance of “A Glow in the Dark Adventure”.  The cost of attendance is $6.00.  Please check this week’s Tuesday folder for the permission slip.  Note that the permission slip and fee is due no later than Friday, December 4.  Thank you!   

 

Please check the Tuesday folder for a special request from the teachers concerning Pringles cans that will be needed for a holiday project!

 

What a busy 2 weeks we have in store!

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Reading:   We are reading plays during our small group reading time!  Each reading group will learn a special play to help the children build fluency, as well as develop vocabulary and comprehension skills.  Once we have had plenty of time to practice, we will be performing the plays for the rest of the class!

 

During whole group reading lessons, we are learning about features of expository text and discovering that the reading process during non-fiction reading is very different from fiction reading.

 

Writing:  We’ll be writing several question and answer books as we learn about the research process.  The first book will be a class book all about our class.  The second book will be an individual book about knowledge learned about Thanksgiving. 

 

Spelling:  Check out the new spelling patterns on the webpage! 

 

MATH

This week, memorize the addition facts for 5. We are making great progress!

 

To help prepare us for place value, we will focus on skip counting by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s.  We’ll learn how to count forwards and backwards using the 100’s chart and search for patterns on the 100’s chart.  Finally, we’ll explore odd and even numbers.

 

SCIENCE / SOCIAL STUDIES

The children will learn the history behind Thanksgiving.  They will find out about the Pilgrims coming to America, how the Native Americans helped them, and how the Thanksgiving tradition began.  We will be able to compare life today to life back then.  As a special treat, the first graders will also learn about Native American symbol writing and participate in Native American games one day during recess.

 

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK of Nov. 16

1. Read every day 10-15 minutes.  Don’t forget to record the titles you read in the planner! 

2. Practice spelling patterns daily.

3. Practice Math facts daily.

4. November reading projects are due beginning Nov. 30.  Please practice reading your project before your sharing day!

 

SPECIAL STAR   Siddhant is our Special Star this week!

11/18 – School Thanksgiving Meal during regular lunch times

11/25-27 – Thanksgiving Holidays

12/2 – Student Photo Re-takes

12/4 – Grade 1 Science Day

12/8 – First Grade Field Trip

12/9 – Early Release – 12:45 dismissal