Week 8
This week in Reader's Workshop, we introduced Partner Reading! Partner reading allows for more time to practice strategies, build fluency, check for understanding, hear their own voice and time to share in this learning community. It also increases reading involvement, attention and collaboration.
In our word study this week, the first graders studied the "ch" sound at the ends of words. Through this, they were introduced to the "catch/lunch" rule! When we hear a word with a "ch" at the end, how do we know if it's -ch or -tch?! We listen to the sound before it! If it's just a short vowel sound, we need the -tch to protect it! If the short vowel has another sound after it, or if it's a long vowel sound then we just need the -ch! Of course with all rules, there are some rule breakers - the first graders found out that "rich" breaks the rule :)
On Tuesday, I was able to spend the whole day reading with students! Our new reading assessment, Benchmark Assessment System (BAS), uses leveled books to assess reading fluency and comprehension. While I got to spend the day reading with all the incredible first grade readers, Mrs. McGrady was with the class creating adorable pumpkins that are now on display in the hallway!
Last week we learned about the moon and space, this week we ended with a Mystery Science lesson about the sun! We learned about the sun’s daily “path” across the sky, including how the sun rises on the eastern side of the sky, and sets on the western side.
You can encourage your child’s curiosity by helping them make the personal connection to these directions, as seen from their own home. Give them a clear sense of where east and west are, in relation to: the driveway or sidewalk, any front-facing windows, bedroom walls, etc. For example, you might say, “If you can imagine your walls were invisible, where would you see the sun in the morning?"
If you yourself are unsure, here are two simple ways to find out: 1) If you have a smartphone, many of them come with a built-in “compass” app. 2) You can do it the old-fashioned way, and just notice the sun’s position at sunset and/or at sunrise.
The week ended with the Missoula Children's Theater performance of "The Emperor's New Clothes." It was a great way to end the week! Congrats to all of the first grade performers -- they did an amazing job!
Reminders:
10/26 -- Art Literacy @ 8:30am - If you are available to help out, let me know!
10/26 -- Fall Fun Night @ 6:30pm
On Tuesday, I was able to spend the whole day reading with students! Our new reading assessment, Benchmark Assessment System (BAS), uses leveled books to assess reading fluency and comprehension. While I got to spend the day reading with all the incredible first grade readers, Mrs. McGrady was with the class creating adorable pumpkins that are now on display in the hallway!
Last week we learned about the moon and space, this week we ended with a Mystery Science lesson about the sun! We learned about the sun’s daily “path” across the sky, including how the sun rises on the eastern side of the sky, and sets on the western side.
You can encourage your child’s curiosity by helping them make the personal connection to these directions, as seen from their own home. Give them a clear sense of where east and west are, in relation to: the driveway or sidewalk, any front-facing windows, bedroom walls, etc. For example, you might say, “If you can imagine your walls were invisible, where would you see the sun in the morning?"
If you yourself are unsure, here are two simple ways to find out: 1) If you have a smartphone, many of them come with a built-in “compass” app. 2) You can do it the old-fashioned way, and just notice the sun’s position at sunset and/or at sunrise.
The week ended with the Missoula Children's Theater performance of "The Emperor's New Clothes." It was a great way to end the week! Congrats to all of the first grade performers -- they did an amazing job!
Reminders:
10/26 -- Art Literacy @ 8:30am - If you are available to help out, let me know!
10/26 -- Fall Fun Night @ 6:30pm
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