Attention Parents:
On Monday, December 15th we will be watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Please be sure to read and sign the form located in your child’s Friday folder. I must receive the signed form back on Monday if you would like for your child to participate in watching the movie.
On Tuesday, December 16th we will be watching The Polar Express. Your child is welcome to wear his/her pajamas to school on this day. We will watch the movie in our pajamas and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate :)
In addition to watching the films, we will be making ornaments and finishing up our holiday activities.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Updates
First of all, I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated canned goods for our grade level project. The students have really enjoyed helping construct the fire truck and most importantly, they have shown so much interest in helping people who are in need of these items. I'm truly amazed at how many boxes we filled! The Fuquay fire department will be coming tomorrow (Friday) at 2:00 to pick up all of the canned foods. The students will have the opportunity to visit with the firefighters and even see the fire truck. Thanks again for all of your support with this project!
Reminder: Please, please, please send your child to school with a coat every day! We go outside almost every day-even when it is cold outside. Thank you!
FYI: Report cards will be going home on Tuesday. Please sign and return the envelope when we return back to school after the holiday break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Reminder: Please, please, please send your child to school with a coat every day! We go outside almost every day-even when it is cold outside. Thank you!
FYI: Report cards will be going home on Tuesday. Please sign and return the envelope when we return back to school after the holiday break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Dear Parents,
As part of our social studies curriculum, the first grade students have been studying wants and needs. As part of our discussion, we learned that there are people in the US who aren’t able to get what they need. The kids were very concerned over this, and wanted to do something to help. One child even suggested buying them a new house!
We explained that helping doesn’t need to be a big thing, but that we can help in smaller ways. From this discussion we decided that we would do a community service project and collect non-perishable foods for the Fuquay-Varina Food Bank. We have partnered up with the FV Fire Department, and will be collecting canned and other non-perishable foods here at school for the next 2 weeks.
The students will be working towards the goal of, “constructing a fire truck” with canned goods. We would like to build a fire truck with our donations, and when this happens, the FV Fire Department will pay us a visit, teach the kids about fire safety, and pick up the food that was donated. The food drive will run until Friday, December 16th. Each child has a goal of at least 6 cans, but we will happily collect any amount that you are comfortable donating.
Thank you in advance for your help in collecting food for those in need! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know!
~The First Grade Team
As part of our social studies curriculum, the first grade students have been studying wants and needs. As part of our discussion, we learned that there are people in the US who aren’t able to get what they need. The kids were very concerned over this, and wanted to do something to help. One child even suggested buying them a new house!
We explained that helping doesn’t need to be a big thing, but that we can help in smaller ways. From this discussion we decided that we would do a community service project and collect non-perishable foods for the Fuquay-Varina Food Bank. We have partnered up with the FV Fire Department, and will be collecting canned and other non-perishable foods here at school for the next 2 weeks.
The students will be working towards the goal of, “constructing a fire truck” with canned goods. We would like to build a fire truck with our donations, and when this happens, the FV Fire Department will pay us a visit, teach the kids about fire safety, and pick up the food that was donated. The food drive will run until Friday, December 16th. Each child has a goal of at least 6 cans, but we will happily collect any amount that you are comfortable donating.
Thank you in advance for your help in collecting food for those in need! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know!
~The First Grade Team
Sunday, December 4, 2011
December Spelling Words
December
said, up, so, her, no, now,
if, out, these, two, make, people,
do, them, would, than, my, will,
then, other, him, first, made, each,
she, into, see, been, over, about,
many, has, time, its, did, how,
some, more, could, who, down
said, up, so, her, no, now,
if, out, these, two, make, people,
do, them, would, than, my, will,
then, other, him, first, made, each,
she, into, see, been, over, about,
many, has, time, its, did, how,
some, more, could, who, down
Friday, December 2, 2011
Banks Road Community Outreach Project
December 12th-20th the front office will be collecting gently used books for students in our community. We are partnering with the YMCA to distribute these books on Jan. 12th. The more books we collect the greater opportunity we have to distribute appropriate leveled texts to our students. Thank you in advance for your support!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Special Picture
On Friday, December 2nd our class will be taking a special picture, but the reason is a secret :-). If possible, please have your child wear a red or white shirt for this picture. It does not need to be solid, just something with red or white on it if possible! Santa hats are also welcome...
Friday, November 18, 2011
Homework for Week of November 21st
Math-Students will only have one worksheet to complete this week since we are not in school on Thursday and Friday. Please return the completed math worksheet and homework folder back to school on Wednesday!
Reading-Students should continue to read for at least 10-15 minutes each night. Please remember to fill out the reading log so that your child will earn his or her free pizza coupon. Continue to focus on the retelling stories read (see retell questions on the worksheet that was provided before track out)
Spelling-Continue to practice reading and writing the assigned words for this month. The spelling assignments do not need to be returned back to school.
Reading-Students should continue to read for at least 10-15 minutes each night. Please remember to fill out the reading log so that your child will earn his or her free pizza coupon. Continue to focus on the retelling stories read (see retell questions on the worksheet that was provided before track out)
Spelling-Continue to practice reading and writing the assigned words for this month. The spelling assignments do not need to be returned back to school.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Don't miss our Barnes & Noble bookfair this Thursday, November 17th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm! It is being held at the Barnes & Noble Cary location directly across from the Cary Town Center mall. The profits will be used to replace lost and damaged books for the media center. There is a lot going on that night!
Here is a schedule of events:
5:00pm to 6:00pm Shop in the store
6:00pm to 7:00pm Scavenger Hunt/Read to Guido, the therapy dog
7:00pm to 7:30pm Holiday program sneak peek!
Don't miss all the fun! The Barnes & Noble cafe is creating a special drink called the "Banks Road Blazer" just for us! Come out and try it! Remember all purchases that evening will benefit our school media center, including those in the cafe! All you need to do is show the cashier your voucher! If you can not attend, you can shop all day at any Barnes and Noble with our school voucher and we will benefit! Vouchers will be available at the door that evening! You can also shop online from November 17th to November 22nd using the bookfair ID#10542132. Pass the bookfair ID# to your family and friends throughout the United States - online shopping can be done at anytime during that timeframe using that ID#.
The classroom that has the most students attend will receive a plate of cookies from Barnes & Noble! We hope to see you out there for a great evening of fun and friendship!!
Here is a schedule of events:
5:00pm to 6:00pm Shop in the store
6:00pm to 7:00pm Scavenger Hunt/Read to Guido, the therapy dog
7:00pm to 7:30pm Holiday program sneak peek!
Don't miss all the fun! The Barnes & Noble cafe is creating a special drink called the "Banks Road Blazer" just for us! Come out and try it! Remember all purchases that evening will benefit our school media center, including those in the cafe! All you need to do is show the cashier your voucher! If you can not attend, you can shop all day at any Barnes and Noble with our school voucher and we will benefit! Vouchers will be available at the door that evening! You can also shop online from November 17th to November 22nd using the bookfair ID#10542132. Pass the bookfair ID# to your family and friends throughout the United States - online shopping can be done at anytime during that timeframe using that ID#.
The classroom that has the most students attend will receive a plate of cookies from Barnes & Noble! We hope to see you out there for a great evening of fun and friendship!!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Spelling Words to Practice at Home
November
the, you, are, this, had, we,
of, that, as, from, not, there,
and, it, with, but, can, he, his,
have, what, an, to, for, they, or ,
all, your, in, was, at, by, were, like,
which, is, on, be, one, when, their,
December
said, up, so, her, no, now,
if, out, these, two, make, people,
do, them, would, than, my, will,
then, other, him, first, made, each,
she, into, see, been, over, about,
many, has, time, its, did, how,
some, more, could, who, down
the, you, are, this, had, we,
of, that, as, from, not, there,
and, it, with, but, can, he, his,
have, what, an, to, for, they, or ,
all, your, in, was, at, by, were, like,
which, is, on, be, one, when, their,
December
said, up, so, her, no, now,
if, out, these, two, make, people,
do, them, would, than, my, will,
then, other, him, first, made, each,
she, into, see, been, over, about,
many, has, time, its, did, how,
some, more, could, who, down
Welcome Back!
I hope all of you are enjoying your track out. I am looking forward to tracking back in on Monday!
Starting this month, our spelling homework is going to look slightly different. Instead of assigning weekly lists (2 lists with 5 words on each list), I am going to assign one list each month. On the list you will see that some of the words have three letters and other words have 4 or more letters. Please make sure your child is able to read and write the 3 letter words before learning the 4 letter words. I suggest having your child focus only on 4 or 5 words that he/she doesn't know each week.
Reminder: Spelling homework does not need to be returned to school. This is practice for your child at home and he/she is encouraged to practice these words at least 2-3 days a week for 5 or 10 minutes each session.
Starting this month, our spelling homework is going to look slightly different. Instead of assigning weekly lists (2 lists with 5 words on each list), I am going to assign one list each month. On the list you will see that some of the words have three letters and other words have 4 or more letters. Please make sure your child is able to read and write the 3 letter words before learning the 4 letter words. I suggest having your child focus only on 4 or 5 words that he/she doesn't know each week.
Reminder: Spelling homework does not need to be returned to school. This is practice for your child at home and he/she is encouraged to practice these words at least 2-3 days a week for 5 or 10 minutes each session.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Snack Time
FYI
When we track back in, we will begin having our snack time each morning at 10:45. We will only have 5 to 10 minutes each morning for snack, so please encourage your child to bring something from home that he or she can eat/drink within the time allotted. Thank you.
Please note: while we will no longer have an asigned afternoon snack time, your child is welcome to eat a small snack during our recess time (2:30-3:00) if he/she chooses to do so.
Thank you and I hope you all are having a wonderful track out!
When we track back in, we will begin having our snack time each morning at 10:45. We will only have 5 to 10 minutes each morning for snack, so please encourage your child to bring something from home that he or she can eat/drink within the time allotted. Thank you.
Please note: while we will no longer have an asigned afternoon snack time, your child is welcome to eat a small snack during our recess time (2:30-3:00) if he/she chooses to do so.
Thank you and I hope you all are having a wonderful track out!
Monday, October 10, 2011
new website
Thanks to Mr. Tart for sharing this website! The students asked me to post this website on my blog so that they could visit it from home. Thanks :)
http://www.storylineonline.net/
http://www.storylineonline.net/
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Scholastic Books
In your child's Friday folder you will find an order form for November. If you are interested in ordering books for your child, please send in the exact amount (checks made payable to Scholastic Books) by Friday October 21st.
If you turned in an October order form and money, your child's books should arrive within the next week or two.
Thanks so much for your orders! Each time you order, you are helping us earn free books for our classroom!
If you turned in an October order form and money, your child's books should arrive within the next week or two.
Thanks so much for your orders! Each time you order, you are helping us earn free books for our classroom!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Math Problem Solving (optional homework)
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
#1 Our class has 18 students. Pretend we working on a program to present to the school. Half the children will stand, half will sit. How can we arrange the children?
#2 Bill is at the zoo. He sees 14 legs. How many storks? He sees 4 giraffes. How many
legs? Then he sees 8 legs, how many elephants? If he sees 6 zebras, how many legs?
#3 Make up your own stroy problem:
What is the question?
1. The answer is 2. What is
the question?
2. The answer is 5. What is
the question?
3. The answer is 10. What is
the question?
#4 Kevin has earned 10 stickers for reading books. He can trade the stickers for items in the class store. What can Kevin get with his 10 stickers?
1 sticker - bookmark
2 stickers - eraser
3 stickers - pencil
4 stickers - notepad
#5 If 4 children are sitting at a table, how many feet are under the table? If there are 6 children- how many feet?
#6 Mom is baking a cake for Erin’s birthday party. She needs 8 eggs.
She has 6. Grandma gave her 1. How many more does she need?
#1 Our class has 18 students. Pretend we working on a program to present to the school. Half the children will stand, half will sit. How can we arrange the children?
#2 Bill is at the zoo. He sees 14 legs. How many storks? He sees 4 giraffes. How many
legs? Then he sees 8 legs, how many elephants? If he sees 6 zebras, how many legs?
#3 Make up your own stroy problem:
What is the question?
1. The answer is 2. What is
the question?
2. The answer is 5. What is
the question?
3. The answer is 10. What is
the question?
#4 Kevin has earned 10 stickers for reading books. He can trade the stickers for items in the class store. What can Kevin get with his 10 stickers?
1 sticker - bookmark
2 stickers - eraser
3 stickers - pencil
4 stickers - notepad
#5 If 4 children are sitting at a table, how many feet are under the table? If there are 6 children- how many feet?
#6 Mom is baking a cake for Erin’s birthday party. She needs 8 eggs.
She has 6. Grandma gave her 1. How many more does she need?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Pizza Hut Book It
Pizza Hut offers a program called Book It. This is a reading program that rewards students with a free pizza each month for meeting their monthly reading goal. Starting in October, I would like for parents to begin signing off on a reading log each night to document your child's nightly reading. This form will be located in your child's homework folder. Please do not take the form out of your child's homework folder. I will take the forms out at the end of each month and reward your child with his/her free pizza coupon if he/she met the monthly goal. I have explained to the students that they do not have to read a different book each night. They are welcome to read the same book 2 or 3 times to help strengthen their fluency and comprehension skills. It is not necessary for you to write the title of the book down on the reading log. Please do initial the reading log each night when your child completes his or her reading assignment. Each student should read for a minimum of ten minutes and retell story elements to an adult. Story elements include: character descrition, setting, events in sequential order, problem, solution, connection. Please refer to the list of fiction and non fiction questions that was sent home previously. Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Field Trip Permission Form and Money
Field Trip Reminders:
The cost of riding the bus and attending both field trips will be a total of $18.00. We are collecting money on the following dates: September 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, and 28th. We will also collect money on October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Please send either exact change, or a check made out to Banks Road Elementary School as soon as possible (we cannot make any change!). In addition, you may also pay online at http://osp.osmsinc.com/wakenc
Tuesday, November 29th: Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Glasgow, and Mrs. Sinnott in house science field trip with High Touch High Tech
Friday, May 25th: Ms. Bethel, Mrs. Bishop, and Mrs. Sinnott to Poe Health Center
The cost of riding the bus and attending both field trips will be a total of $18.00. We are collecting money on the following dates: September 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, and 28th. We will also collect money on October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Please send either exact change, or a check made out to Banks Road Elementary School as soon as possible (we cannot make any change!). In addition, you may also pay online at http://osp.osmsinc.com/wakenc
Tuesday, November 29th: Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Glasgow, and Mrs. Sinnott in house science field trip with High Touch High Tech
Friday, May 25th: Ms. Bethel, Mrs. Bishop, and Mrs. Sinnott to Poe Health Center
Apple Day
Our class will be participating in apple centers on Friday, Sept. 30th. We are currently in need of the following items:
-apple stickers
-apples (red, yellow, green)
-apple cider
*Thank you in advance for any items that you are willing to donate for these fun learning centers!
-apple stickers
-apples (red, yellow, green)
-apple cider
*Thank you in advance for any items that you are willing to donate for these fun learning centers!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Banks Road Team Time
On Tuesday, October 4, 2011 we will begin a school-wide Team Time. This intense, focused instructional time will be used to provide support for every student through remediation or enrichment activities based on students' needs. Team Time will take place from 9:20-9:50 on
Tuesdays, Wednesday's, and Thursday's each week. Our new lunch time will be from 12:15-12:45 starting Oct. 4th.
Tuesdays, Wednesday's, and Thursday's each week. Our new lunch time will be from 12:15-12:45 starting Oct. 4th.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Homework for the Month of October
Homework for the Week of October 3rd
Sight Words
List A: got, had, her, his, mom
List B: right, same, show, small, thing
*Each night (Monday-Thursday) students should complete the following:
-read for at least 10 minutes and retell major events to an adult
-practice your sight words by completing one suggested activity each night
-complete math worksheet in homework folder
Homework for the Week of October 10th
Sight Words
List A: now, put, am, as, by
List B: again, another, because, change, different
*Each night (Monday-Thursday) students should complete the following:
-read for at least 10 minutes and retell major events to an adult
-practice your sight words by completing one suggested activity each night
-complete math worksheet in homework folder
Homework for the Week of October 17th
Sight Words
List A: cat, dad, has, how, or
List B: does, even, hand, kind, large
*Each night (Monday-Thursday) students should complete the following:
-read for at least 10 minutes and retell major events to an adult
-practice your sight words by completing one suggested activity each night
-complete math worksheet in homework folder
Homework for the Week of Sept. 26th
Homework for the Week of Sept. 26th
Sight Words
List A: be, day, did, dog, eat
List B: give, great, live, much, name
*Each night (Monday-Thursday) students should complete the following:
-read for at least 10 minutes and retell major events to an adult
-practice your sight words by completing one suggested activity each night
-complete math worksheet in homework folder
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Field Trips
Our field trips for the year have been planned and scheduled. The first will be an in-house field trip with a company called High Touch High Tech. This is a group of scientists that will be coming to our classroom and will be conducting hands-on experiments with pebbles, sand and silt. The second field trip will be to Poe Health Center in the spring to learn about healthy tooth habits. More information will be coming home soon!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Picture Retake Day
Picture retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th. If you would like for your child to have a retake, please let me know (please send a note in your child's daily folder or send me an email). I have received order forms for retakes but I do not have enough forms to send home with every student. I'll be glad to send home an order form with your child if needed. Thank you!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Additional Problem Solving Activities (optional)
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Problem #1
Our class is working on a program to present to the school. Half the children will stand, half will sit. How can we arrange the children?
Problem #2
Bill is at the zoo. He sees 14 legs. How many storks? He sees 4 giraffes. How many legs? Then he sees 8 legs, how many elephants? If he sees 6 zebras, how many legs?
Problem #1
Our class is working on a program to present to the school. Half the children will stand, half will sit. How can we arrange the children?
Problem #2
Bill is at the zoo. He sees 14 legs. How many storks? He sees 4 giraffes. How many legs? Then he sees 8 legs, how many elephants? If he sees 6 zebras, how many legs?
Homework for the Week of September 19th
Sight Words
List A: she, so, too, was, an
List B: also, around, before, every, follow
*Students should read for a minimum of ten minutes each night
*Students should choose a spelling activity to complete each night
Monday-Complete math page 49 (students only need to cut out the nickel strip if they need it to help them complete the activity)
Tuesday-Complete math page 50
Wednesday-Complete math page 51
Thursday-Complete math page 52
Friday-No homework-have a great weekend!
List A: she, so, too, was, an
List B: also, around, before, every, follow
*Students should read for a minimum of ten minutes each night
*Students should choose a spelling activity to complete each night
Monday-Complete math page 49 (students only need to cut out the nickel strip if they need it to help them complete the activity)
Tuesday-Complete math page 50
Wednesday-Complete math page 51
Thursday-Complete math page 52
Friday-No homework-have a great weekend!
Monday, September 12, 2011
In literacy, we have been learning how to read and write CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words. For the next 2-3 weeks we will be focusing on words with diagraphs (ex. wh, ch, sh, th, ck). We also continue to focus on retelling stories that we read. This is a concept that we will focus on throughout the school year. We focus on retelling stories read both in small and large group. I sent home a copy of the questions for you to focus on at home as your child reads. Retelling stories is a skill that all first grade students need a lot of practice and repetition with. I suggest focusing on one component of the retell each week. For example, this week you may want to focus only on making connections. Next week you may want to focus on retelling the events in sequential order.
In math, we have been focusing on math vocabulary. I am starting to see many of the students use big words such as visualize and vertical/horizontal. We have been focusing on problem solving that involves addition and fair shares. This week we will begin to focus on problem solving with subtraction. While many of the students are able to add and subtract single digit numbers, it is important that they are able to apply this skill in word problems.
In social studies, we are focusing on citizenship and in science we are learning about rocks. The students really enjoyed working as scientists and experimenting with the rocks last week!
Thank you for all that you are doing at home to support your child’s learning!
In math, we have been focusing on math vocabulary. I am starting to see many of the students use big words such as visualize and vertical/horizontal. We have been focusing on problem solving that involves addition and fair shares. This week we will begin to focus on problem solving with subtraction. While many of the students are able to add and subtract single digit numbers, it is important that they are able to apply this skill in word problems.
In social studies, we are focusing on citizenship and in science we are learning about rocks. The students really enjoyed working as scientists and experimenting with the rocks last week!
Thank you for all that you are doing at home to support your child’s learning!
Scholastic Books for October
I will be sending home a Scholastic Books order form in your child's Friday folder this coming Friday. If you would like to purchase Scholastic Books for your child, please send in the exact amount (checks made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs) by Monday, Sept. 26th. Thank you!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
More Problem Solving (optional activites) for the week of September 12th
Problem #1
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers. Faye has 2 nickels and 15 pennies. Her brother has lots of nickels and dimes. Faye trades equal value for different coins. What could she have traded? She trades once more with her mother. What do you think she has
now?
Problem #2
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers. This morning you got out your
socks and sneakers. You had a pair of blue sneakers and a pair of black sneakers. You had a pair of red socks and a pair of green socks. What different ways could you have worn them?
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers. Faye has 2 nickels and 15 pennies. Her brother has lots of nickels and dimes. Faye trades equal value for different coins. What could she have traded? She trades once more with her mother. What do you think she has
now?
Problem #2
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers. This morning you got out your
socks and sneakers. You had a pair of blue sneakers and a pair of black sneakers. You had a pair of red socks and a pair of green socks. What different ways could you have worn them?
Homework for the week of September 12th
*Students should choose a spelling activity to complete each night (see the suggested activities in your child's homework folder)
*Spelling homework does not need to be returned to school.
*All students should be reading each night for a minimum of ten minutes. Please look in your child's Friday folder for a list of questions to ask when your child reads at home. I suggest focusing on one of the questions each week. For example, ask your child to tell you the setting (when and where) every night for a week. The following week you may want to focus on having your child make a connection to the main topic each night. Retelling the events in sequential order with details requires lots of practice. We focus on this in class a lot but this is definitely a concept that all first grade students need to practice at home. Thank you in advance for working with your child on these skills!
List A: we, no, not, out, up
List B: also, around, before, every, follow
Monday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 35
-Choose a spelling activity to complete
Tuesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 36
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Wednesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 47
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Thursday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 48
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Friday
-No homework, have a great weekend!
*Students should choose a spelling activity to complete each night (see the suggested activities in your child's homework folder)
*Spelling homework does not need to be returned to school.
*All students should be reading each night for a minimum of ten minutes. Please look in your child's Friday folder for a list of questions to ask when your child reads at home. I suggest focusing on one of the questions each week. For example, ask your child to tell you the setting (when and where) every night for a week. The following week you may want to focus on having your child make a connection to the main topic each night. Retelling the events in sequential order with details requires lots of practice. We focus on this in class a lot but this is definitely a concept that all first grade students need to practice at home. Thank you in advance for working with your child on these skills!
List A: we, no, not, out, up
List B: also, around, before, every, follow
Monday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 35
-Choose a spelling activity to complete
Tuesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 36
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Wednesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 47
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Thursday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 48
-Choose a different spelling activity to complete
Friday
-No homework, have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Questions to ask when reading
As your child reads stories at home each evening, please focus on the following with your child:
-character descriptions
-setting (when and where)
-main topic (what is the book mostly about?)
-events in sequential order with many details (this can be a challenging concept for many first grade students) Students can look back in the book to help them retell the events.
-making a connection to the main topic (What does the book remind you of?) In class we have been talking about making connections to things we have seen or done in real life. We have also discussed how connections can be something we have seen on tv or read about in another book.
-problem and solution (if applicable to the book)
-character descriptions
-setting (when and where)
-main topic (what is the book mostly about?)
-events in sequential order with many details (this can be a challenging concept for many first grade students) Students can look back in the book to help them retell the events.
-making a connection to the main topic (What does the book remind you of?) In class we have been talking about making connections to things we have seen or done in real life. We have also discussed how connections can be something we have seen on tv or read about in another book.
-problem and solution (if applicable to the book)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Box Tops
FYI
Our school is collecting box tops again throughout this school year. We have already had several students turn in box tops and thank you! One parent wanted to share with you all that now through Sept. 6th, you will get 20 bonus box tops when you buy any 5 participating General Mills Products using your MVP card. Please consider sending in box tops throughout this year and help us possibly be the class that turns in the most! Thank you!
Our school is collecting box tops again throughout this school year. We have already had several students turn in box tops and thank you! One parent wanted to share with you all that now through Sept. 6th, you will get 20 bonus box tops when you buy any 5 participating General Mills Products using your MVP card. Please consider sending in box tops throughout this year and help us possibly be the class that turns in the most! Thank you!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
More Problem Solving (optional activities) for the week of Sept. 5th
Problem #5
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Five children are playing on the playground. The teacher called the children in for a snack. She
had 20 cookies. How many cookies did each child get?
Problem #6
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Beauty is trying to tell the Beast about apples. He knows only about oranges. What would you
tell the Beast about ways an orange is like an apple and how they are different. He knows
about grapes, but not bananas. Compare grapes and bananas for the Beast.
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Five children are playing on the playground. The teacher called the children in for a snack. She
had 20 cookies. How many cookies did each child get?
Problem #6
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Beauty is trying to tell the Beast about apples. He knows only about oranges. What would you
tell the Beast about ways an orange is like an apple and how they are different. He knows
about grapes, but not bananas. Compare grapes and bananas for the Beast.
Homework for Week of September 5th
Sight words
(list A) you, big, do, get, go
(list B) these, were, work, would, after
Monday
No Homework
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 38 and 39
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 43
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 44
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
(list A) you, big, do, get, go
(list B) these, were, work, would, after
Monday
No Homework
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 38 and 39
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 43
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 44
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
More Problem Solving (optional activities)
*If you are choosing to solve these optional activities, please be sure to send them in on Friday. I would like to see your work. Thanks!
Problem Solving #3
Mary likes to dress up her dogs. One wears a hat, one wears a coat, and one wears a scarf. Their
names are Spot, Tag, and Barney. Tag loves to wear a scarf. Spot won’t wear the coat. Match each dog with what it wears. Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Problem Solving #4
I have 6 coins worth 51¢. What coins do you think I have? Is there more than one answer? Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Problem Solving #3
Mary likes to dress up her dogs. One wears a hat, one wears a coat, and one wears a scarf. Their
names are Spot, Tag, and Barney. Tag loves to wear a scarf. Spot won’t wear the coat. Match each dog with what it wears. Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Problem Solving #4
I have 6 coins worth 51¢. What coins do you think I have? Is there more than one answer? Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Homework for the Week of August 29th
Sight words
(list A) my, on, the, see, like
(list B) call, first, know, many, more
Monday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 31
-Choose an activity to complete with your spelling words for this week (see suggested activities in the homework folder)
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 32
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 33
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 34
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
(list A) my, on, the, see, like
(list B) call, first, know, many, more
Monday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 31
-Choose an activity to complete with your spelling words for this week (see suggested activities in the homework folder)
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 32
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 33
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 34
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Scholastic Book Clubs and Scholastic News
In your child's Friday folder next week you will find an order form for Scholastic Books. If you are interested in ordering, please send in your order form and money back to school by Wed. August 31st. If writing a check, please make it payable to Scholastic. If sending in cash, please send in the exact amount. In addition, if you choose to order online, please see the class code written at the top of your child's order form. We do earn a free book for our classroom each time a parent orders online. I will continue to send home order forms each month if I see that students are purchasing books from Scholastic.
Scholastic News is different from Scholastic Books. Scholastic News is the magazine that our grade level has decided to use this school year. Thank you to those who have already sent in the requested $5.00 for Scholastic News. If you have not already sent in your child's money, please do so as soon as possible. I plan to mail in one payment for our class to Scholastic by the end of this month. Thank you!
Scholastic News is different from Scholastic Books. Scholastic News is the magazine that our grade level has decided to use this school year. Thank you to those who have already sent in the requested $5.00 for Scholastic News. If you have not already sent in your child's money, please do so as soon as possible. I plan to mail in one payment for our class to Scholastic by the end of this month. Thank you!
Spelling Homework
There are many different ways to practice learning words other than just saying them aloud or writing them on paper. Be creative and have fun! Here are some examples:
-Write on a steamy mirror after taking a bath
-If you have dusty furniture, have your child write in the dust and then dust your furniture
-Write words in the dirt or sand box with a stick
-Put dry Jell-O on a pan and write the words
-Write on a plate smeared with pudding
-Circle words in newspapers or magazines
-Write the words with crayons, markers, paint, etc.
-Practice while getting ready for school, at breakfast, in the car, while taking a bath, etc.
-Type each word on the computer 3 times
-Write each word on black construction paper using chalk
-Write all of your words in ABC order
-Create a word search with your words
-Make word triangles with each word
c
ca
cat
-Write your words forwards and then backwards
-Write words 2 times each and draw a :) instead of vowels
-Write words in order from the shortest to the longest
-Translate spelling words into a phone number using the phone keypad
Ex. stay (7829)
-Write a sentence for each of your words
-Write a story using as many of your words as you can. Write your spelling words in a different color.
-Write on a steamy mirror after taking a bath
-If you have dusty furniture, have your child write in the dust and then dust your furniture
-Write words in the dirt or sand box with a stick
-Put dry Jell-O on a pan and write the words
-Write on a plate smeared with pudding
-Circle words in newspapers or magazines
-Write the words with crayons, markers, paint, etc.
-Practice while getting ready for school, at breakfast, in the car, while taking a bath, etc.
-Type each word on the computer 3 times
-Write each word on black construction paper using chalk
-Write all of your words in ABC order
-Create a word search with your words
-Make word triangles with each word
c
ca
cat
-Write your words forwards and then backwards
-Write words 2 times each and draw a :) instead of vowels
-Write words in order from the shortest to the longest
-Translate spelling words into a phone number using the phone keypad
Ex. stay (7829)
-Write a sentence for each of your words
-Write a story using as many of your words as you can. Write your spelling words in a different color.
FYI and Homework for the Week of August 22nd
Welcome back track 3 first grade! I hope you all have enjoyed your track out. I enjoyed spending time with my son Christopher. I am now looking forward to tracking back in and getting started with our 4th week of school. We will have parent/teacher conferences at the end of the first 9 weeks. Please be sure to look in your child's Friday folder for a sign up sheet. I'm asking that you choose 3 times that work best for you and I will send out a finalized schedule for parent/teacher conferences. If you feel the need to conference with me before the scheduled date/time, please be sure to let me know.
Below you will find your child's assigned homework for the week of August 22nd. By the end of this school year, your child should be able to read and write at least 100 high frequency words. To help your child reach this goal, I am assigning at least 5 words each week for your child to focus on. You and your child may choose to focus on either list A, list B, or both lists. If your child is not able to read and write the words from list A, then I suggest focusing on this list first. List A includes words that have 2 or 3 letters and list B includes words that have 4 or more letters. In addition learning the high frequency words, your child should also focus on reading color words and number words to 99.
Assessments in first grade are on-going. While I am not currently giving a spelling test or having students turn in spelling homework, I do assess in a variety of ways and I am aware of which words to focus on with each individual student. The words that we focus on in class may or may not be the same words that I assign each week for homework. I thank you in advance for working with your child on these assigned words at home. It will make a big difference in your child’s reading and writing!
Please note: If your child is currently able or becomes able to independently read and write all of the 200 words, please let me know so that I may assess him or her. Once I have seen that your child is able to read and write the 100 words, I will begin to send home additional words for your child to focus on.
Homework:
Sight words (list A) but, in, is, it, me
(list B) been, other, could, want, find
Monday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 27
-Choose an activity to complete with your spelling words for this week (see suggested activites in the homework folder)
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 28
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 29
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 30
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Below you will find your child's assigned homework for the week of August 22nd. By the end of this school year, your child should be able to read and write at least 100 high frequency words. To help your child reach this goal, I am assigning at least 5 words each week for your child to focus on. You and your child may choose to focus on either list A, list B, or both lists. If your child is not able to read and write the words from list A, then I suggest focusing on this list first. List A includes words that have 2 or 3 letters and list B includes words that have 4 or more letters. In addition learning the high frequency words, your child should also focus on reading color words and number words to 99.
Assessments in first grade are on-going. While I am not currently giving a spelling test or having students turn in spelling homework, I do assess in a variety of ways and I am aware of which words to focus on with each individual student. The words that we focus on in class may or may not be the same words that I assign each week for homework. I thank you in advance for working with your child on these assigned words at home. It will make a big difference in your child’s reading and writing!
Please note: If your child is currently able or becomes able to independently read and write all of the 200 words, please let me know so that I may assess him or her. Once I have seen that your child is able to read and write the 100 words, I will begin to send home additional words for your child to focus on.
Homework:
Sight words (list A) but, in, is, it, me
(list B) been, other, could, want, find
Monday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 27
-Choose an activity to complete with your spelling words for this week (see suggested activites in the homework folder)
Tuesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 28
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Wednesday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 29
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Thursday
-Read for a minimum of 15 minutes
-Complete math page 30
-Choose a different activity to complete with your spelling words for this week
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Weekly Math Homework Challenge (optional)
Looking for a math challenge? If so, please be sure to check out our classroom blog by Sunday evening of each week for additional math problem solving activities. I will post at least 2 activities each week. These activities are optional. However, if your child chooses to complete the activities, please have him/her complete the activities independently. In addition, I would love to see how your child solves these problems, so please be sure to send their problem solving work to school each Friday in their homework folder.
Problem Solving Activities for the Week of August 22nd
Problem #1
You have the following digits…7, 5, 2, 4, 6, 3. What is the largest 2-digit number you can make?
What is the smallest 2-digit number? What is the largest 2-digit number you can make with the digits that are left over? the smallest? Show your work. Explain with pictures,words, or numbers.
Problem #2
How can you use a calculator to help you count by twos backwards from twenty?
How can you use a calculator to add two numbers? What partners of ten can you show on a calculator?
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Problem Solving Activities for the Week of August 22nd
Problem #1
You have the following digits…7, 5, 2, 4, 6, 3. What is the largest 2-digit number you can make?
What is the smallest 2-digit number? What is the largest 2-digit number you can make with the digits that are left over? the smallest? Show your work. Explain with pictures,words, or numbers.
Problem #2
How can you use a calculator to help you count by twos backwards from twenty?
How can you use a calculator to add two numbers? What partners of ten can you show on a calculator?
Show your work. Explain with pictures, words, or numbers.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Student Access to Online Books
I am excited to share that your child can access online books from home! Please visit http://www.tumblebooks.com/ Go to the tumblebook library and type in the username and password.
Username: banksrd
Password: books
This is a fabulous site for your child to visit. He/she can read books online and then take a quiz to make sure he/she is comprehending what is read. There are also fun games on the site for your child to play.
Enjoy!
Username: banksrd
Password: books
This is a fabulous site for your child to visit. He/she can read books online and then take a quiz to make sure he/she is comprehending what is read. There are also fun games on the site for your child to play.
Enjoy!
Batteries Needed
We are in need of both double A and triple A batteries for our classroom. We use these batteries for our Tag Pens and for flash light reading! If you have any batteries at home that you are willing to donate to our classroom, please send them in. Thanks so much!
Scholastic News
Dear Parents,
This year, one of the special classes that the students are attending is library. During this time, Ms. DiBona will be focusing on fiction and non-fiction reading skills, while also incorporating instruction in social studies, science, helpful living, technology, and writing.
The students will be using Scholastic News as the basis for these lessons. This is a newspaper full of current events that is strictly tailored for 1st grade students. After instruction, they will be taking the newspapers home to share with their family. They will receive 4 newspapers per month, beginning in September.
Please send in $5.00 no later than August 31st to cover the cost of your child’s subscription for the year. If possible, please write a check made out to Scholastic News. If you would rather send cash, please send in the exact amount, as we will not be able to make change.
*If you would be willing to donate $5.00 into a scholarship fund for those who may not be able to order a subscription, please indicate below, and we will contact you if this is needed.
We are excited about having this wonderful resource, and appreciate your help in obtaining it!
~The First Grade Team
This year, one of the special classes that the students are attending is library. During this time, Ms. DiBona will be focusing on fiction and non-fiction reading skills, while also incorporating instruction in social studies, science, helpful living, technology, and writing.
The students will be using Scholastic News as the basis for these lessons. This is a newspaper full of current events that is strictly tailored for 1st grade students. After instruction, they will be taking the newspapers home to share with their family. They will receive 4 newspapers per month, beginning in September.
Please send in $5.00 no later than August 31st to cover the cost of your child’s subscription for the year. If possible, please write a check made out to Scholastic News. If you would rather send cash, please send in the exact amount, as we will not be able to make change.
*If you would be willing to donate $5.00 into a scholarship fund for those who may not be able to order a subscription, please indicate below, and we will contact you if this is needed.
We are excited about having this wonderful resource, and appreciate your help in obtaining it!
~The First Grade Team
Open House
Open House is scheduled for track 3 on August 18th from 5:00-6:00. We will review the classroom/first grade procedures and expectations. This will be a time for you to ask any general questions that you may have. Your child will also have the opportunity to show you around our classroom and school. Hope to see you then!
Friday, July 22, 2011
What are we learning about in first grade?
We have been working very hard to establish our daily routines and procedures. I am very proud of the progress we have made!
Math-We have spent the last 2 weeks reviewing number writing, patterns, shapes, color words, and addition. We have spent a lot of our math time learning about "partners." We use this term to help students understand the concept of addition. For example, 2 and 4 are both partners of 6. We have worked on problem solving twice this week in our math notebooks. One problem involved addition (15 + 7) and another problem involved fair share (15 pencils to share fairly with 5 friends). We will continue to work on problem solving each week. Please be sure to ask your child about the problem solving activities we do in class each week. These problems are not sent home for you to see each week because they are kept in our math notebooks here at school.
Literacy-We spend a lot of time working on our reading and writing each day in first grade. Reading and writing is integrated into everything we do-even math. So far we have spent time reviewing letters, sounds, and handwriting (as you have seen the sheets coming home). While these activities may seem simple for your child, it is very important that they are producing the sounds and forming the letters correctly. These are the basic fundamentals for building on what we are going to be learning. You may hear your child refer to Wilson’s Fundations at some point this year. Wilson’s Fundations is a literacy program that we are using each day in first grade to help us learn to read and spell words correctly. In addition to this program, we have a time each day to practice our reading and writing, both in large and small groups. Your child should be able to tell you all about our writer’s workshop and work stations that we do every afternoon.
Social Studies-We have been learning about ourselves and our friends-how we are alike and different. We are also beginning to learn about how families and groups are alike and different.
Math-We have spent the last 2 weeks reviewing number writing, patterns, shapes, color words, and addition. We have spent a lot of our math time learning about "partners." We use this term to help students understand the concept of addition. For example, 2 and 4 are both partners of 6. We have worked on problem solving twice this week in our math notebooks. One problem involved addition (15 + 7) and another problem involved fair share (15 pencils to share fairly with 5 friends). We will continue to work on problem solving each week. Please be sure to ask your child about the problem solving activities we do in class each week. These problems are not sent home for you to see each week because they are kept in our math notebooks here at school.
Literacy-We spend a lot of time working on our reading and writing each day in first grade. Reading and writing is integrated into everything we do-even math. So far we have spent time reviewing letters, sounds, and handwriting (as you have seen the sheets coming home). While these activities may seem simple for your child, it is very important that they are producing the sounds and forming the letters correctly. These are the basic fundamentals for building on what we are going to be learning. You may hear your child refer to Wilson’s Fundations at some point this year. Wilson’s Fundations is a literacy program that we are using each day in first grade to help us learn to read and spell words correctly. In addition to this program, we have a time each day to practice our reading and writing, both in large and small groups. Your child should be able to tell you all about our writer’s workshop and work stations that we do every afternoon.
Social Studies-We have been learning about ourselves and our friends-how we are alike and different. We are also beginning to learn about how families and groups are alike and different.
More Information Regarding Homework
Attention Parents:
Homework folders and homework are due every Friday. Most of the students turned in their homework today-thank you! We did however have a couple of students forget to return their homework today. If your child did not return his/her homework today, please have him/her return it on Monday. It is very important that the students are getting into the homework routine. Students should begin taking responsibility for completing their homework and returning it back to school every Friday.
Starting next week, I will begin to hold each student accountable for their homework on Fridays. Each Friday afternoon after recess, we will begin having free choice time. The students really enjoy this time with their classmates. Friday free choice will only be allowed for students who turn in their completed homework on Friday. If your child forgets to turn in his or her homework on Friday, he/she will complete the homework during Friday free choice time (even if he/she has already completed it once at home). I do understand that mistakes happen and we all forget things from time to time. This policy will only be implemented once your child has not returned his or her homework for the second time. Thank you for your support and understanding.
J. Bishop
Homework folders and homework are due every Friday. Most of the students turned in their homework today-thank you! We did however have a couple of students forget to return their homework today. If your child did not return his/her homework today, please have him/her return it on Monday. It is very important that the students are getting into the homework routine. Students should begin taking responsibility for completing their homework and returning it back to school every Friday.
Starting next week, I will begin to hold each student accountable for their homework on Fridays. Each Friday afternoon after recess, we will begin having free choice time. The students really enjoy this time with their classmates. Friday free choice will only be allowed for students who turn in their completed homework on Friday. If your child forgets to turn in his or her homework on Friday, he/she will complete the homework during Friday free choice time (even if he/she has already completed it once at home). I do understand that mistakes happen and we all forget things from time to time. This policy will only be implemented once your child has not returned his or her homework for the second time. Thank you for your support and understanding.
J. Bishop
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Homework for the week of July 25th
Homework for the week of July 25th
Sight Words: Starting this week, I will assign both a list A and a list B. Students should self-assess themselves to see which list to focus on. If your child can read and spell the words in list A independently, then he/she may choose to work on list B. Your child may also find that he/she needs to focus on several words from each list. Please note: students are not expected to work on both lists. The goal is for students to be able to independently read and spell as many of these words as possible.
List A
-can
-if
-he
-to
-of
List B
-about
-they
-from
-which
-there
Monday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 15
-Make flash cards for each of the sight words
Tuesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 16
-Practice reading the 5 sight words
Wednesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 17
-Choose one of the following activities to do with your sight words: type the words on a computer, write the consonants in black and vowels in red, or write each word in a sentence. This assignment should be placed in your child’s homework folder and returned back to school on Friday.
Thursday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 18
-Continue to practice reading and writing the 5 sight words if you are still having difficulty. This assignment does not need to be returned back to school.
Friday
-No homework-have a fabulous track out!
Sight Words: Starting this week, I will assign both a list A and a list B. Students should self-assess themselves to see which list to focus on. If your child can read and spell the words in list A independently, then he/she may choose to work on list B. Your child may also find that he/she needs to focus on several words from each list. Please note: students are not expected to work on both lists. The goal is for students to be able to independently read and spell as many of these words as possible.
List A
-can
-if
-he
-to
-of
List B
-about
-they
-from
-which
-there
Monday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 15
-Make flash cards for each of the sight words
Tuesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 16
-Practice reading the 5 sight words
Wednesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 17
-Choose one of the following activities to do with your sight words: type the words on a computer, write the consonants in black and vowels in red, or write each word in a sentence. This assignment should be placed in your child’s homework folder and returned back to school on Friday.
Thursday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 18
-Continue to practice reading and writing the 5 sight words if you are still having difficulty. This assignment does not need to be returned back to school.
Friday
-No homework-have a fabulous track out!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Ronald McDonald
In Your Community…
RONALD McDONALD !
"It's Book Time with Ronald McDonald!®" is an entertaining and
inspirational Ronald McDonald show that addresses the topic of
reading in a fun and relevant way for elementary school students.
Through the use of magic, music, puppets, audience participation,
and, of course, lots of laughter, Ronald McDonald brings a very
powerful message to the children around the world – the value of
books and the enjoyment that comes from reading.
Tuesday, July 26 @ 6:30 pm
Tarboro Road Community Center
121 N. Tarboro St.
(919) 831-6505
RONALD McDONALD !
"It's Book Time with Ronald McDonald!®" is an entertaining and
inspirational Ronald McDonald show that addresses the topic of
reading in a fun and relevant way for elementary school students.
Through the use of magic, music, puppets, audience participation,
and, of course, lots of laughter, Ronald McDonald brings a very
powerful message to the children around the world – the value of
books and the enjoyment that comes from reading.
Tuesday, July 26 @ 6:30 pm
Tarboro Road Community Center
121 N. Tarboro St.
(919) 831-6505
Monday, July 18, 2011
Homework
Homework for the week of July 18th
Sight words: a, and, all, are, at
MondaySight words: a, and, all, are, at
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 9
-Make flash cards for each of the sight words
Tuesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 10
-Practice reading the 5 sight words
Wednesday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 11
-Choose one of the following activities to do with your sight words: type the words on a computer, write the consonants in black and vowels in red, or write each word in a sentence. This assignment should be placed in your child’s homework folder and returned back to school on Friday.
Thursday
-Read for at least 10 minutes
-Complete math page 12
-Continue to practice reading and writing the 5 sight words if you are still having difficulty. This assignment does not need to be returned back to school.
Friday-No homework-have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Classroom Information
Congratulations, we have all survived our first week of first grade! The students have worked very hard this week learning the classroom rules and procedures!
I am pleased to hear that many of the students were excited about having homework. While your child may be anxious to work on all of the homework in one or two nights, my goal is for students to work on homework every night. Starting next week. I will be attaching a brief explanation of which assignments your child should complete each night. Please do not send homework folders back to school until Friday of each week. Thank you!
On days that we have PE it is very important that your child wear appropriate shoes. Our class specials schedule can be found on our classroom blog page. Please remember to visit our classroom blog each week for updates. My goal is to post updates by Sunday of each week.
http://bishopbres.blogspot.com/ *If you do not have access to the Internet, please let me know so that I can print off a hard copy of the updates I post on my blog each week. Unless I receive a request from you in writing, I will not plan to send home a hard copy with your child.
Please remember to send a healthy snack with your child daily, as I do not have extra snacks on hand. Thank you for your help with this!
If you are interested in being a classroom volunteer, please be sure to fill out a volunteer application and let me know when you have been approved by the county for this school year. Our work stations (centers) are scheduled each day from 1:15-2:30. We can always use help during this time.
Our class will have media (library) as a special this school year. Students will be asked to return books only on this day. Please make sure your child brings back his/her library book on our assigned library day.
Specials Schedule for this week and the next 2 weeks (until we track out)
Monday-Media
Tuesday-Music
Wednesday-Art
Thursday-PE
Friday-Media
Visit the Banks Road Art Room blog! This blog will be a place to discover interesting online activities, and fun community arts happenings, as well as show off what our Banks Road Artists have been up to! Check it out at http://banksart.blogspot.com
Physical education has a BLOG! Follow the link below for news and information about the PE program. Ms. Williford will post bi-monthly “Home Play Activities” for your children to try. Please check it out!
http://bankspe.blogspot.com/
I am pleased to hear that many of the students were excited about having homework. While your child may be anxious to work on all of the homework in one or two nights, my goal is for students to work on homework every night. Starting next week. I will be attaching a brief explanation of which assignments your child should complete each night. Please do not send homework folders back to school until Friday of each week. Thank you!
On days that we have PE it is very important that your child wear appropriate shoes. Our class specials schedule can be found on our classroom blog page. Please remember to visit our classroom blog each week for updates. My goal is to post updates by Sunday of each week.
http://bishopbres.blogspot.com/ *If you do not have access to the Internet, please let me know so that I can print off a hard copy of the updates I post on my blog each week. Unless I receive a request from you in writing, I will not plan to send home a hard copy with your child.
Please remember to send a healthy snack with your child daily, as I do not have extra snacks on hand. Thank you for your help with this!
If you are interested in being a classroom volunteer, please be sure to fill out a volunteer application and let me know when you have been approved by the county for this school year. Our work stations (centers) are scheduled each day from 1:15-2:30. We can always use help during this time.
Our class will have media (library) as a special this school year. Students will be asked to return books only on this day. Please make sure your child brings back his/her library book on our assigned library day.
Specials Schedule for this week and the next 2 weeks (until we track out)
Monday-Media
Tuesday-Music
Wednesday-Art
Thursday-PE
Friday-Media
Visit the Banks Road Art Room blog! This blog will be a place to discover interesting online activities, and fun community arts happenings, as well as show off what our Banks Road Artists have been up to! Check it out at http://banksart.blogspot.com
Physical education has a BLOG! Follow the link below for news and information about the PE program. Ms. Williford will post bi-monthly “Home Play Activities” for your children to try. Please check it out!
http://bankspe.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Welcome to First Grade!
I just want to say welcome and thank you so much for taking time to visit our class blog! Please check back this weekend for classroom updates. My goal is to post updates by Sunday of each week. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Homework
I have informed the students this this is the last week of homework and they are very excited! Students have only 3 math worksheets to complete this week. While I am not assigning any required homework for the last 2 weeks of school, students are still highly encouraged to continue reading and practicing their writing at home. Students should continue to focus on summarizing what they read each night.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
End of Year Activities
Dear Parents,
Today I sent out an email to some of you requesting items for the last week of school. There is some confusion about the email. The email indicated that there is an event for you and other guests to attend. Well there is actually not one event-there are several activities that will take place in class that week. We are not asking for any parents or guests to attend because it is not an end of year party. We are just having some fun learning activities that week. I apologize for the confusion. This is my first time using the online sign up and I did not realize that it had an RSVP. However, if you are still willing to send in the requested item(s), please do sign up and send in the item(s) by the requested date. Thank you for your understanding and please let me know if you have further questions.
*If you did not receive the email, but you are willing to send in a requested item, please let me know. Thanks again!
Jessica Bishop
Today I sent out an email to some of you requesting items for the last week of school. There is some confusion about the email. The email indicated that there is an event for you and other guests to attend. Well there is actually not one event-there are several activities that will take place in class that week. We are not asking for any parents or guests to attend because it is not an end of year party. We are just having some fun learning activities that week. I apologize for the confusion. This is my first time using the online sign up and I did not realize that it had an RSVP. However, if you are still willing to send in the requested item(s), please do sign up and send in the item(s) by the requested date. Thank you for your understanding and please let me know if you have further questions.
*If you did not receive the email, but you are willing to send in a requested item, please let me know. Thanks again!
Jessica Bishop
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Track Out
We do have school on Monday. This is our track out day! I hope everyone has a fabulous track out. Please, please, please make sure that your child is practicing his/her reading, writing, and math over the break.
Your child is encouraged to read both fiction and non-fiction books on his/her level each day. As we have discussed, the end of year benchmark is a level 15/16. Also as we have discussed, please make sure your child is focusing on retelling the stories read. The school library is an excellent resource for you to use if you need assistance finding books on this or any other level. Parents are allowed to check out 5 books at a time. The librarian or assistant can help you locate the books. I do suggest calling ahead of time to make sure the library is open and that an adult is available to assist you if needed. The school phone number is 890-7333.
I also suggest that your child keep a daily writing journal. He/she is encouraged to choose a topic and write. Your child may want to write about what they do each day in their journal. Students should focus on spelling word wall words correctly and applying correct capitalization/punctuation. We have also spent a lot of time working on using describing words and transition words in the stories that we write.
In math, please work on the skills that we discussed at your child's student led conference. The handout that I provided is also another resource for you to refer to.
Please feel free to email me with any questions/concerns. I do try to check my email over the break at least a couple of times a week.
As always, thank you for all that you do to support your child's learning at home!
Your child is encouraged to read both fiction and non-fiction books on his/her level each day. As we have discussed, the end of year benchmark is a level 15/16. Also as we have discussed, please make sure your child is focusing on retelling the stories read. The school library is an excellent resource for you to use if you need assistance finding books on this or any other level. Parents are allowed to check out 5 books at a time. The librarian or assistant can help you locate the books. I do suggest calling ahead of time to make sure the library is open and that an adult is available to assist you if needed. The school phone number is 890-7333.
I also suggest that your child keep a daily writing journal. He/she is encouraged to choose a topic and write. Your child may want to write about what they do each day in their journal. Students should focus on spelling word wall words correctly and applying correct capitalization/punctuation. We have also spent a lot of time working on using describing words and transition words in the stories that we write.
In math, please work on the skills that we discussed at your child's student led conference. The handout that I provided is also another resource for you to refer to.
Please feel free to email me with any questions/concerns. I do try to check my email over the break at least a couple of times a week.
As always, thank you for all that you do to support your child's learning at home!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Field Day
Field Day for tracks 1 and 3 will be on Thursday, April 21st. Please make sure your child wears appropriate PE clothes and shoes on this day. Please do not allow your child to wear flip-flops or sandals. Sunscreen is a great idea! Please be sure to apply sunscreen before sending your child to school. We are not allowed to apply sunscreen on the students. Thank you!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Weaving Residency
On Wednesday April 6th our class will participate in weaving their chosen item (brought from home) into the Banks Road Tapestry. Please remember that these items will become a permanent part of the Tapestry and the items will not be returned. However, students will get to see the items in the Tapestry every day at school! Unfortunately, items sent in after this date will not be accepted. Thank you and we all look forward to seeing the completed product!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spelling Homework
This will be the last week that I assign any spelling homework. Instead of completing spelling homework, I would like for students to focus on their writing at home. Students should now be able to write at least 4-5 sentences on topic (minimum). Students should also be consistently spacing between words, using legible handwriting, spelling word wall words correctly, and applying correct capitalization and punctuation. In class we have been focusing on using transition words (first, next, second, then, last, etc.) and editing our own work (finding our own mistakes). Be sure to ask your child about the writing rubric they use to score their own writing! Also in class, we have been creating pre-writing plans prior to writing our stories. The students have really responded well to this. We will continue to focus on all of these areas in class.
On another note, please make sure that your child is reading at home every night for at least 10-15 minutes. Students should be focusing on retelling stories that they read. In class, we have been focusing on describing the main character from the beginning to the end of the story. This is still difficult for some of the students. Students should also be able to identify the setting (where and when), many events in sequential order, topic (what the story is mostly about), and key concepts (what are the most important ideas to remember). In addition, students must be able to make connections to every story that they read. Please continue to focus on all of these elements at home. Thank you!
On another note, please make sure that your child is reading at home every night for at least 10-15 minutes. Students should be focusing on retelling stories that they read. In class, we have been focusing on describing the main character from the beginning to the end of the story. This is still difficult for some of the students. Students should also be able to identify the setting (where and when), many events in sequential order, topic (what the story is mostly about), and key concepts (what are the most important ideas to remember). In addition, students must be able to make connections to every story that they read. Please continue to focus on all of these elements at home. Thank you!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring Carnival Basket
This year, our Banks Road Spring carnival will be on Friday, May 20th. PTA has asked all classrooms to prepare them based baskets to auction off at our carnival. Several of the first grade classes, including our class, have chosen to create a water games basket. If you are willing to contribute to our water games basket, please send it items as soon as possible. Suggested items include: water balloons, pool towels, blow up water pools/slides, sunscreen, beach towels, books for reading by the pool, and/or floatation devices. PTA plans to have all baskets completed by May 6th. To help them reach this goal, I am asking that all donations be sent in before we track out on Monday, April 25th. Thank you in advance for helping out with this project. You are very much appreciated!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Panda Cam
Thanks to Mrs. Pettaris we were able to watch a 4 month old panda bear and it's mother at the Atlanta zoo. The students were very excited and I told them I would share the website with you. The cam is only available M-F 10:00-5:00
http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam
We also viewed other zoo animal cams at the following address: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/
http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam
We also viewed other zoo animal cams at the following address: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Seussville
FYI: We visited www.seussville.com today and the students loved it! Just thought I would share the website in case you had not seen it. The students also asked me to share it with you so that they could visit the website from home.
Another website for your child to visit: www.tumblebooks.com
Username: banksrd Password: books
I shared this site with you a couple of months ago but I wanted to remind you about it in case you had not had the opportunity to visit it. Students can listen to stories, play games, and take comprehension quizzes on this site.
Another website for your child to visit: www.tumblebooks.com
Username: banksrd Password: books
I shared this site with you a couple of months ago but I wanted to remind you about it in case you had not had the opportunity to visit it. Students can listen to stories, play games, and take comprehension quizzes on this site.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday 2-25-11
As you know, today was our field trip to Poe Health Center. We had a great time and the students learned a lot about nutrition and dental health. Please be sure to ask them about what they learned.
I am sending home progress updates with your child today. After reviewing the progress update, please sign and return it back on Monday. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. I try to check my email from home each weekend.
We still have some time before this third quarter ends. The main areas that we continue to focus on in literacy include retelling stories and applying correct capitalization and punctuation in our writing consistently. Please be sure to work on these 2 skills at home.
At the end of third quarter, I will be scheduling times for you and your child to come in for a student led conference. This will be during one of our track out days. If your child is currently not meeting the benchmarks in one or more areas, we will need to schedule a third quarter conference within the next couple of weeks. Until then, please continue to work on the areas noted on your child's progress update. Thank you.
I am sending home progress updates with your child today. After reviewing the progress update, please sign and return it back on Monday. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. I try to check my email from home each weekend.
We still have some time before this third quarter ends. The main areas that we continue to focus on in literacy include retelling stories and applying correct capitalization and punctuation in our writing consistently. Please be sure to work on these 2 skills at home.
At the end of third quarter, I will be scheduling times for you and your child to come in for a student led conference. This will be during one of our track out days. If your child is currently not meeting the benchmarks in one or more areas, we will need to schedule a third quarter conference within the next couple of weeks. Until then, please continue to work on the areas noted on your child's progress update. Thank you.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
3rd Quarter Highlights for Literacy
What should my child be able to do in reading? Students should be able to read at least a level 11-12 book. They should also be able to retell stories read. When retelling, they should be able to identify and discuss the following: characters, setting, events with detail in sequential order, problem/solution, and make connections. Students are encouraged to make personal connections, which should be something that they have seen/done-this may be something they have seen on television or seen/read about in another book. In order for your child to continue to progress in this area, he/she must be able to comprehend and retell what he/she reads. We are working on retelling every day in the classroom. Please continue to work on this important component of reading at home each night. Thank you!
What should my child be able to do in writing? Students should now be able to write at least 3-4 sentences on topic. Students should now be applying consistent capitalization and punctuation as needed. Sight words that your child can read should be spelled correctly in their writing. Temporary spelling should include both some consonants and vowels. We are focusing on adding describing words and we will begin to spend time on creating a plan prior to writing a story. Progress updates are going home on Friday. Please remember that the 3rd quarter expectations are higher and the objectives are different that last semester. Your child has to continue to work hard and show progress in order to maintain a level 3 score. If your receives a 2 in this area, there is a strong possibility that he/she is having difficulty applying consistent capitalization/punctuation. Please continue to work on this area at home if your child is having difficulty with this concept.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you do at home to help ensure that your child is fully prepared for second grade!
What should my child be able to do in writing? Students should now be able to write at least 3-4 sentences on topic. Students should now be applying consistent capitalization and punctuation as needed. Sight words that your child can read should be spelled correctly in their writing. Temporary spelling should include both some consonants and vowels. We are focusing on adding describing words and we will begin to spend time on creating a plan prior to writing a story. Progress updates are going home on Friday. Please remember that the 3rd quarter expectations are higher and the objectives are different that last semester. Your child has to continue to work hard and show progress in order to maintain a level 3 score. If your receives a 2 in this area, there is a strong possibility that he/she is having difficulty applying consistent capitalization/punctuation. Please continue to work on this area at home if your child is having difficulty with this concept.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you do at home to help ensure that your child is fully prepared for second grade!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
School Wide Project-Note from Art Teacher Ms. Stephenson
“Weaving Your History, A Fabric Time Capsule”
List of suggestions that can be woven into the
Fabric Time Capsule
To all students, teachers and staff
Please bring to school an item(s) that represents who you are, what is important to you at this time in your life to weave into the Fabric Time Capsule. The item can be of sentimental value to weave into the tapestry. A 300-year-old loom is used during the weaving residency.
The items are a permanent part of the Tapestry. You do not get them back but are able to see them in the Tapestry everyday in school.
Teachers/Staff and Family members: Encourage your students, as often as possible, how we would love to see their items woven into this wonderful wall-hanging. They are welcome to get ideas from the list below as well as choose items that are not on this list. Teachers please gather items ahead of time and store in your classroom. Your involvement is a crucial part of the preparation.
Suggested items to bring: Please remember these items will not be returned
Scarf Scout scarf and badges, etc.
Belt Shoes (small)/socks
Paintbrush Musical Instrument Parts/Sheet Music
Costume jewelry Shoestrings
Ribbon Lace
Rick Rack Card (sports, playing etc)
Ballet shoes Toe Shoes
Costume parts Computer parts (mouse, cord, disc)
Hair ornaments (hair bands, clasps) rope/string
Plastic bags Silk or Plastic Flowers
Shiny paper or cloth Ruler, Yardstick
Small stuffed animals (Beanie Baby Size) Ties
Medals, award ribbons Dog Collars/Leashes
Pom Poms Swim Goggles
Jump Rope Sheet Music/Instrument strings
Match Box Cars or other very small toys Photos (small) must be laminated prior to class
Sports equipment, hockey stick, small ball, small child’s bat
Cloth strips: 18-36 inches long and width 1-2 inches wide/all colors and types/cut the ends at a diagonal
Please do not bring:
Drawings on paper unless they are 2in x 2in, Hats, pencils, pens,
Be creative and bring something special to you!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First Grade Team Time
Team Time- In our first grade PLT (which takes place every Wednesday before school) we work hard to develop interventions for our kids who need more support and are not meeting grade level bench marks, as well as meeting the needs of our kids who are working above grade level. Afternoons at 3:10, we divide the students up into several groups based on your child’s understanding of retelling, phonic skills, word families, and rhyming words, etc. Each teacher will teach a different lesson and challenge the group of students based on their level of understanding. We hope that this added time for differentiated instruction will allow all students to be challenged in reading and help with retelling and other areas your child could use extra assistance in. If you would like to help out during our grade level team time, please let me know. Thanks!
Spelling Homework
Spelling homework will continue when we track back in. Instead of focusing on rainbow words, I will begin to place a weekly list of spelling words in your child’s homework folder. Please have your child practice reading and writing these words at home each night. Your child may also continue to choose activities from the spelling contract to help him/her learn these words. In class we will spend time sorting these words and reading/writing these words as well. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
*If your child is not able to read all of the rainbow words, please continue to work on reading these at home. Thank you!
*If your child is not able to read all of the rainbow words, please continue to work on reading these at home. Thank you!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Valentines
WOW, I can't believe that I am already sending out a class list for Valentines! Since we are tracking out and tracking back in on Valentine's Day, I thought I would go ahead and share this information. Students are welcome to bring in valentines for their classmates on Valentine's Day. However, if your child chooses to bring in valentines, he/she must have a valentine for each student in our class. We have a total of 19 students. I will be sending home the class list in your child's Friday Folder. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Class Field Trip
I am sending home permission forms today for our next field trip to the Poe Health Center. There are not any additional fees, so we do not plan to collect any money for this trip. If this changes and any money is due, I will let you know. Otherwise, please go ahead and sign the permission form and return it back to school ASAP. Thanks so much! Have a fantastic weekend!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Reading Logs
Tomorrow (January 5th) will be the last day to turn in the December reading logs for your free pizza coupon for the month of December. Please turn in each monthly reading log by the last day of each month.
I am sending home the Januray reading logs today. Please fill out the reading log and return BEFORE we track out. I would like to prepare the January pizza coupons and have them ready for when we track back in.
Thanks so much for your help with this assignment!
I am sending home the Januray reading logs today. Please fill out the reading log and return BEFORE we track out. I would like to prepare the January pizza coupons and have them ready for when we track back in.
Thanks so much for your help with this assignment!
Sight Words Practice
FYI: Happy New Year! I am proud to announce that many of our students are starting the new year off being able to read all or many of the rainbow words (sight words) for first grade! However, I am finding that many of the students are not spelling these words correctly in their writing. If your child has not received all of the rainbow words to practice, I have now included them into their homework folders. Please have your child practice recognizing all of the rainbow words by the end of the school year if he/she is currently unable to do so. I suggest focusing on 5 words each week. If your child is currently able to read all of the first grade rainbow words, please see the two websites below for additional practice.
At this point in the school year, it is very important that your child spell these words correctly in his/her writing. For this reason, I am going to begin a word wall challenge each Friday. I will challenge the students on one color list each week. This challenge will be sent home for you to review with your child. Please practice spelling the words that your child has difficulty with on each challenge.
The order of the challenge will be as follows:
Week 1-Red Week 2-Orange
Week 3-Yellow Week 4-Green
Week 5-Blue Week 6-Purple
Week 7-Pink Week 8-Turquoise
*Once we have had a challenge on all 8 lists, we will start back over with the red list and move to orange, yellow, green, etc. again.
Websites for additional practice:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/languagearts/dolch-sight-words/
http://www.mrsperkins.com/dolch.htm
At this point in the school year, it is very important that your child spell these words correctly in his/her writing. For this reason, I am going to begin a word wall challenge each Friday. I will challenge the students on one color list each week. This challenge will be sent home for you to review with your child. Please practice spelling the words that your child has difficulty with on each challenge.
The order of the challenge will be as follows:
Week 1-Red Week 2-Orange
Week 3-Yellow Week 4-Green
Week 5-Blue Week 6-Purple
Week 7-Pink Week 8-Turquoise
*Once we have had a challenge on all 8 lists, we will start back over with the red list and move to orange, yellow, green, etc. again.
Websites for additional practice:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/languagearts/dolch-sight-words/
http://www.mrsperkins.com/dolch.htm
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