Literacy
In both reading and writing, we are studying non-fiction. Students are reading and writing non-fiction texts. They are eagerly exploring a range of topics and are just as eagerly sharing their new knowledge. The class is really enjoying the National Geographic series of books. Many of these books include word play/jokes that you may begin to hear at home.
SPACE
We have launched (pun intended) a unit on Space. We will be primarily focused on Earth, the Sun, the Moon and stars. We will develop observation skills and begin to use our observations to make predictions. This week we have begun to learn about the Moon. Ask your child what he/she has learned about the moon. If you are outside after dark and have a chance, look at the night sky and see what you can observe.
Book Bags
Many book bags have not been returned in quite some time. My goal in sending home book bags is to help provide books that are "just right" for your child to read independently. The books in the bags are usually books that I use for reading instruction. When the bags are not returned in a timely manner, the books are not available for others to use. If you have a book bag, please return it to school. If you prefer your child not bring books home, please let me know.
I strongly encourage children to read outside of school as it helps them gain confidence and reading stamina. Ideally, students would read to themselves (or to someone) and be read to on a daily basis. I understand that this can be difficult to fit in daily but it really does help especially as students begin to transition into chapter books. Students that read outside of school have been shown to develop stronger vocabulary and reading skills
Sharing
Beginning Monday, January 9th we will have have a regular time to share during our day. Each student has been assigned a day for his/her share. If a student forgets his/her share on share day, the next opportunity for that child to share will be the following week. Some weeks, I may cancel share due to schedules or special events.
The purpose of sharing is to increase students’ speaking and listening skills. Share is not intended to be a time to “bring and brag”. Please remember that items brought to school should be appropriate for school and should not be highly valuable. Every effort will be made to keep items safe but things do happen. If your child wants to share about something too fragile or precious to bring to school, emailing photos or video clips is a great alternative.
As students become skilled at sharing and listening to each other, I will be assigning topics for share. On the weeks that there is an assigned topic, shares should be related to the topic. The topics will typically be broad ones such as something related to nature or something related to reading.
Monday: Adeline, Annabelle, Ember
Tuesday: Forrest, Garrett
Wednesday: Ila, Jacob, Kaitlin
Thursday: Leo, Margo, Noah
Friday: Taylor, Tessa, Violet
Winter Wellness
Information and forms for this year's Winter Wellness program were sent home today. The program will be held on Tuesday afternoons in February. (We will reschedule our ECO sessions) Forms should be returned no later than Wednesday so that groups, staffing and transportation can be arranged.
Students in first grade are able to select from 3 choices this year:
- Winter Activities - like sledding and fort building. This group stays at EMES.
- Skating - This group goes by bus to the Civic Center.
- Downhill Skiing at Bolton For the downhill skiing option there is a requirement that a parent or other responsible adult attend and ski with the student. This is for the safety of everyone. Please note this adult must complete volunteer paperwork prior to the start of Winter Wellness.
For additional information and specifics please refer to the form that was sent home. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Sherwin.
