First Grade News October 26, 2015

Curriculum Highlights

Math finding patterns, hypothesizing rules

Writing the parts of a narrative
Word Study - Long a - ai
Reading - fluency and expression
Science - weather

Reminders
October 30 Halloween Dress-Up Day. Grade One Lives Ethically please
dont buy anything new causing unnecessary strain on our natural resources.
See our email about getting creative to reuse or create your own costumes
instead.

News From Ms. Tindalls Class

We have covered quite a few word study concepts in class. Word study is about
finding patterns, hypothesizing and testing out rules that might be applied to the
spelling of other words. You can help at home by making connections to words that
you see in the environment. EG, Listen, this word has the long // sound, it uses
<ay>, or Look! The words <two>, <twin> and <twenty> all begin with <tw> and they all
have something to do with <2>, or <painted>, <jumped> and <called> all end with the
<ed> suffix. I wonder how <ed> changes the meaning of the base word? Help your
child to look for patterns in words. The more brains learn to compare, analyze and
notice similarities and differences in words, the better able they will be when faced
with new words.
In partnership, Ms. Tindall

Monday

Reading: Look at the fluency and expression checklist in your folder (and attached to this
newsletter 2 pages). What clues do you see in your reading books to guide your fluency
and expression? Reread your book focusing on fluency and expression.
Math: Play shop. Label some items in your room with prices. Play paying for the items
using the correct amount of coins or getting change if need be.
Tuesday

Reading: Work on fluency. What strategies are you using to build fluency?
Math: Practice skip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. Using a number grid, try skip counting by
3s and 4s.

Wednesday

Reading: Work on fluency. What strategies are you using to build fluency?
Math: Write yourself 5 addition and 5 subtraction problems. Use a number line or grid to
solve them.
Thursday

Reading: Work on fluency. What strategies are you using to build fluency?
Word Study: Search for words with the long a sound in your reading books. What are
some different ways you find to write the long a sound?
Math: Compare numbers by asking the questions How many more? How many fewer or
less? EG. Take the spoons and forks from the drawer. Line them up. Count them. How
many more/ fewer in each group? Do the same with coloured cubes/ socks/ shoes/
cashews/ almonds
Friday
Reading
Poem Collection: Recite poems to friends and family. Use your best fluency and
expression, and presentation skills to wow them. Return the poem collection to school on
Monday.

Wow Poetry Recital!

Loud, clear voice
Words clearly pronounced
Expression
Medium speed
Sometimes fast or slow if
appropriate for the poem
Rhythm
Eyes on audience
Facial expression
Hand actions
Say title
Knows poem by memory
Created by Monica Tindall