Week of 9/27-10/1

Wow was this past week a busy one! So busy in fact that I'm just getting this updated now. I apologize for the delay. Here is what we were up to:

Reading:
We started working on the short /i/ sound this week
We read words like big, dig, sit, pin, pig, did..you get the idea!

We also talked about inferences. That is sure a big word, but we practiced it a lot, using lots of fun examples. We also went on a fall walk to observe sights, smells, and sounds. We then began working on a writing piece all about saying hello to the fall!

We also began Flex reading groups this week. That means we shake it up in first grade and your child may be going to a different teacher at that time. You should also see Flex book bags begin to come home soon, with a book for you to practice reading each night.


Math:
We are continuing to work on basic addition. We have practiced this lots of ways, using cubes to make number trains, and even our bodies to show number sentences. We talked about how two differents parts make up a whole in a number sentence. We learned about turn-around facts too, how you can flip the numbers and the problem stays the same.

There are lots of opportunities to practice simple addition around your house. If you're setting the table, put out three plates, and then two more, and talk about how many plates are on the table. If you are picking up toys, pick up a couple, and then a few more, and count how many. You get the idea! :)


Other:
We also went on a fun fall walk this week. We are SO lucky to have such a beautiful setting around our school. We were very observant scientists as we explored all of the fall things and changes going on around us. We collected baggies of leaves, and are beginning a fall writing piece this week.

We also painted fall trees on Friday. We used sponges to paint, and even got to use glitter paint. They turned out beautiful. We are going to hang them up here to enjoy for awhile and then we'll take them home!


News:
In big news, our JES Read-A-Thon kicked off on Friday morning. We started our day off with a guest reader from Chaska High School Honor Society who read us a funny book about Polar Bears. You child should've brought home information on Friday about the Read-A-Thon. It ends October 28th. If you have any questions in the meantime, let me know and I'll be happy to try to help.

Also, one more reminder. Mrs. Bahn is done tying shoes October 28th! We have quite a number of students who still need to practice this skill. It sounds like a silly thing but stopping to tie shoes is slowly taking up lots of learning time. If they still are having trouble in November they will have to find a friend, or wear other shoes that don't tie. We especially want to have this mastered before snow boot season! Thanks for your help in working with your child on this.

MEA break is also just a few weeks away. Remember, there is no school October 21 or 22. The following week is conferences. A reminder will be coming home shortly.

I do have a few pictures from this week but the batteries are dead. :( I will try to get them up tomorrow!!! Have a great week!!