First Grade News #2
by Tara DeWitt
September 25, 2009
First Grade News #2
August 28, 2009
We have had a wonderful first week of First Grade!
The students have done many activities to show me how much they remember from Kindergarten. We have copied sentences, drawn pictures, written the days of the week and even written numbers to 100!
Our calendar in first grade has a lot more activities. We are graphing the weather daily and writing the date. We will gradually move on to counting by 10’s, 2’s (even and odd), 5’s, and 100’s. We will explore patterns, tally marks, coins, time, and time of day.
On Tuesday, we did an activity to teach respect. I gave each student miniature toothpastes and told him or her to squeeze all of the toothpaste out on a paper plate. Once each child had all of the toothpaste on the plate, I gave each child a Q-Tip and told him/her to put every drop of toothpaste back in the tube. They, of course, struggled and complained that it was impossible! Eventually, we talked about how the toothpaste is like unkind words. Once they are out of our mouths, we can’t put them back in. Disrespect still leads to hurt feelings.
Thank you for checking your child’s folder each night. It really helps with communication and the kids love to show you what they did at school!
*******Homework: Homework will be given almost everyday. It will almost always be a math assignment. In first grade math, there is a sheet we do together in class and on the back is a homework sheet. The students will write down the homework they have in their assignment notebooks. Starting next week, I ask that an adult (parent, g-parent, older brother/sister, aunt/uncle, etc.) sign the assignment notebook, beside that day, each night. This will show me that your child is responsible for showing you their notebook and that you have seen that they have homework (or not). Please contact me if there are any questions about homework or the assignment notebook. Remember, we have grades this year!!
*Unfortunately, some adults tell students the answers on their homework. Please encourage your child to think for his/herself and to write out their homework on their own. You may, of course, guide and help with homework, but they need to do the thinking, too. I also ask that homework be done in pencil, please. If you need a pencil sent home, just ask.
Thank you!
