Baggie Books
Each student will bring home a set of Baggie Books. The bags contain 1-3 books to read at home. If the books are longer, I will not put as many books in the bag. Children should read until they are familiar with the words. This is typically three reads. Each time you read the book with your child, initial the form in the bag. When they have read each book 3 times, return the form and bag of books to school. Another set will be sent home in a day or two.
Students will read 3-6 sets of Baggie Books at a level. The level should be challenging, but not too difficult. They should need to figure out a few words in each book. If the set is way too easy, or much to hard, send me a note. We are still trying to find the just right book level, and your input is greatly appreciated!
It may take a few days to return the set, that is ok. Please try to make time to read at least two sets each week.
Students will read 3-6 sets of Baggie Books at a level. The level should be challenging, but not too difficult. They should need to figure out a few words in each book. If the set is way too easy, or much to hard, send me a note. We are still trying to find the just right book level, and your input is greatly appreciated!
It may take a few days to return the set, that is ok. Please try to make time to read at least two sets each week.
Raz-Kids
I have a few months left on my Raz-Kids subscription from last year. These books are similar to baggie books, but they can be read online. Students can take quizzes, and accumulate points to use in Raz-Rockets, an online reward system.
Student will use Raz-Kids at school, but they can also use it at home! Just connect through the Students Tab, and your child can Login and READ! If you would like access to their Raz-Kids success, go to the Parents Tab and fill out the Raz-Kids Registration form. I will enter your email address on Raz-Kids, and you will be able to access your child's reading reports!
I only have this program until November, so let's use it every chance we can until then!
Student will use Raz-Kids at school, but they can also use it at home! Just connect through the Students Tab, and your child can Login and READ! If you would like access to their Raz-Kids success, go to the Parents Tab and fill out the Raz-Kids Registration form. I will enter your email address on Raz-Kids, and you will be able to access your child's reading reports!
I only have this program until November, so let's use it every chance we can until then!
Accelerated Reader (AR)
Once your child has moved beyond Baggie Books they will use trade books or library books. Many of the books have quizzes available through Accelerated Reader. Each quiz passed with an 80% or higher will earn the student AR Points. Picture books are valued at 1/2 of a point, and chapter books vary from 1 point and up, depending on the length and level of the book. Students can earn small prizes for the points they accumulate throughout the year.
MANY students are not ready for AR testing until January or February of first grade. Students need to log onto the program, read and understand the questions, and answer correctly in an independent manner. This process takes many skills beyond reading a book, and parents should not be concerned if their child is not yet taking AR tests. I will teach the students these skills throughout the year.
MANY students are not ready for AR testing until January or February of first grade. Students need to log onto the program, read and understand the questions, and answer correctly in an independent manner. This process takes many skills beyond reading a book, and parents should not be concerned if their child is not yet taking AR tests. I will teach the students these skills throughout the year.
How Much Do We Read?
It is recommended that children read a minimum of 20 minutes each night. At this age, they will usually need to read to an adult, and use strategies to figure out words. Take a few minutes to discuss the books too!
Students should have a special place to keep books they are familiar with reading. It can be a shoe box, a magazine holder, or a zip bag. I will occasionally send home little paper books for them to keep, and the books can go there. It is good for a child to read familiar books over and over, and they can read these books independently, which builds up their confidence!
I will begin adding Reading Strategies each week to help you read with your child at home. It does not matter if it is a Baggie Book, Raz-Kids, a library book, or an AR Book...just make sure it is a good fit for your child, and Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read!
Students should have a special place to keep books they are familiar with reading. It can be a shoe box, a magazine holder, or a zip bag. I will occasionally send home little paper books for them to keep, and the books can go there. It is good for a child to read familiar books over and over, and they can read these books independently, which builds up their confidence!
I will begin adding Reading Strategies each week to help you read with your child at home. It does not matter if it is a Baggie Book, Raz-Kids, a library book, or an AR Book...just make sure it is a good fit for your child, and Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read, Read!
Spelling Words
Each week students will have 12 words to practice and learn. I hold students accountable all year for spelling High Frequency (Sight Words) correctly in their writing. The test is only a one time sample of your child's ability to spell a word. They will need to spell these words each time they write. I will place an asterisk (*) next to the words that will be used for writing accountability. You may see extra practice through out the year if your child has been unable to transfer spelling from a weekly test to daily writing. This weeks 12 words are below. Tests are on Mondays. First test: Monday, September 23rd!
at* cat an* can* had* mad | am* ham as* has* and* hand |
Math
We will continue to work on Number Bonds this week. We are extending our math skills through the sum of 10. This is a very important skill that builds on a lifetime of mental math capabilities. We will spend a few weeks on this process, as it is a critical skill.
We are also using our math journals to answer tough questions about math. Students are working hard to complete their journals, and they are thinking about math in a real world way! I am very proud of them!
Please do not panic if you don't see worksheets in your child's folder each night. Math is often completed in a journal. Most of what we are learning is not done on a worksheet, so you will not see many coming home.
Student journals will be sent home at the end of each trimester for you to keep. Students will be referring back to their work often, and need to keep it at school.
We are also using our math journals to answer tough questions about math. Students are working hard to complete their journals, and they are thinking about math in a real world way! I am very proud of them!
Please do not panic if you don't see worksheets in your child's folder each night. Math is often completed in a journal. Most of what we are learning is not done on a worksheet, so you will not see many coming home.
Student journals will be sent home at the end of each trimester for you to keep. Students will be referring back to their work often, and need to keep it at school.
Field Trip
First grade students attend a program called Safetyville. It is just for first grade students in Jackson County. The field trip is scheduled for October 25th (Friday). I am working on adding a local stop to our trip, but do not have anything confirmed at this time.
If you would like to attend the field trip, you will need to complete the Volunteer Forms and submit to the office two weeks prior to the trip. Also, please let me know if you would like to attend. I will need 6 to 8 volunteers.
Thank you!
If you would like to attend the field trip, you will need to complete the Volunteer Forms and submit to the office two weeks prior to the trip. Also, please let me know if you would like to attend. I will need 6 to 8 volunteers.
Thank you!
The Weekly News
The Weekly News will not typically be this long! In the first few weeks, I want to be sure that you understand my classroom set up and processes. By October the blog will be a place to find important information. However, you can look back to these first weeks for reference throughout the year.