Classroom Activities

Bear Line
September Activities

Word Work: We will be using a program called Words Their Way. This program is to help students with reading and writing skills. Students will be assessed within the first full week of school to find their appropriate level. Once their level is found, we will begin word sorts by the end of September. The students will sort words that have common sounds such as: at, an, and ap words. They will be required to read and spell the words for a test on Friday's. The children will sort these words daily in school and at home for homework. The homework is routine based, which will help in knowing what is expected. You will receive more information during parent night.

Math: We will start math the first full week of school. We will be teaching math for one hour this year. Within this hour the children will have a whole  group lesson, centers with hands on material, and small group lesson for understanding. This year we will have leveled groups for math, which allows your child to work at their developing level. There will be math homework Monday thru Thursday. 
Our 1st topic is Understanding Addition. They will add numbers up to 6, 7, 8, and 9. We will begin Mad Minute practice in October. I give the students 2 minutes to start. Practice your math facts!!

Reading: We will begin the school year reviewing letters and their sounds. During this time I will be spending time with each child completing running records. This will give me an idea of what level books your child needs. In October we will begin Book in a Bag. This will be a weekly assignment that will be due on Fridays. Your child will bring home two books a week that they are expected to read nightly. We will be checking for fluency when your child reads to us on Friday. Your child will also be expected to complete a response to one of their books. This is typically done on Thursday nights. Everything will be returned Friday and your child will pick new books for the following week. We will begin our first Harcourt Story: The Hat. We will be working on short a word families, producing a sentence, and sequencing a story. 

Writing: Your child will be expected to write a personal narrative by mid-October. This will be a shorter piece (3-4 sentences) because we will be working on forming a sentence, using correct puncuation, and using details. This is a harder task for 1st graders in the beginning of the year. My expectation will increase as the year goes on. I want your child to enjoy writing and allow it to be a tool to show their creativity.
In September we will also be working on printing letters and writing their first and last name. I expect neat printing! We will spend most of September learning those expectations.

Science:
In September we will be discussing how to make an observation. We will use our senses to describe different objects that are all around us.


First Grade is a very busy year. It may feel overwhelming at times, but by June you will be so proud of how far your child has come in the skills he/she needs for school.