Number Talks
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| Image captured from the Promethean Board. Not all students represented. I call on different volunteers daily. |
We
have Number Talks every morning to start our day (morning meeting).
Today, our investigation focused on the number 6. I asked students to
generate number sentences ( + tally marks) that = 6. This is not a
competitive activity. The differentiation is built-in. They generate
sentences based on their comfort level and level of understanding. As
students share and learn new strategies, they challenge themselves and
each other during future Number Talks. To read more about Number Talks, click here.
First Grade Parent Orientation
This
is your opportunity to become familiarized with the first grade
curriculum. Learn about your child's school day.The program will begin
in the auditorium, with a welcome from administration and grade level
chair, and conclude with an information session in our classroom. This
is a parents only event. Click here to RSVP today.
Essential Agreements
Essential Agreements are a powerful way of bringing out the best in students. They are a collection of positively framed statements devised by those who will be directly affected by them. Each year begins with students developing their own class Essential Agreements.
Spelling Tests
Our
first spelling test is on Friday, August 22. Rather than having the
students memorize lists to store in their short-term memories, we are
incorporating a methodology called Orton-Gillingham. Students will not
have to study phonetic concepts or spelling rules due to the constant
review and application based on previous knowledge. It is the
non-phonetic (red/sight) words that must be studied weekly. Weekly
spelling tests will contain both phonetic (green) and non-phonetic (red)
words, as well as sentence application. Please visit my Sarah Smith Teacher Page and click the homework tab for spelling information each each week.
Celebrating Birthdays
As you make plans for
sharing birthday treats, please remember that a few of our students have
severe peanut, tree nut, and corn allergies. Even small amounts of peanuts, tree nuts, or corn in foods are enough to cause a reaction. Therefore, please
continue sending in foods that are free from peanuts or tree nuts
(pecans, cashews, almonds, pistachios, etc). Thank you very much for
your cooperation. Unfortunately, if I cannot verify with the parent
supplying birthday cupcakes (or other treats), I will have to supply
alternative treats for these students.
