Getting the Hang of First...

This week students got their feet wet not only from the rainy weather, but we kicked off Superkids ("Welcome Back" portion) and started math, which is focused on counting strategies, sequencing and showing numbers in various ways. Students have had the opportunity to write about themselves and get to know one another during our writing and unit study block at the end of the day.

With the support of our reading specialists, we are working on checking letter ID and sounds and students current reading levels using the BAS assessment. This will be done with your child throughout the month so we can provide differentiated support. We are reviewing Superkids and the letter sounds,  in addition to tapping out CVC (consonant-vowel-consent) words for both decoding and encoding practice. Students are also reviewing memory/sight words they learned in Kindergarten. We hope to have at-home access to Superkids reading soon if you are interested. We can talk more about Superkids and the curriculum at Open House on October 12th or we can meet too. 

In math students have been playing number games and showing me their ability to sequence numbers, add, subtract, compare numbers and even skip count. I am very impressed and know they must have worked very hard with their kindergarten teachers. Students practiced subitizing as well with quick looks and "chunking" or "clumping" dot patterns to do quick counting. Students also practiced showing numbers on rekkenreks and fingers.Students have been taking beginning of the year assessments, administered by our math specialist and they have been great sports and have done a fantastic job!

In writing students have been working on writing about themselves through numerous projects, such as their, "Hopes and Dreams" writing, "I like, I don't like", self portraits, and their "All About Me" posters. They have worked hard and done a great job focusing thus far. Next week we will go on our field trip to McCray's Farm to provide a shared experience we can all write about for our Small Moments writing unit. 

Reminders:

Please remember to send permission slips in with your child by this Friday. We need a lunch count for the cafeteria by end of day Friday. Please send $7.00 to cover the cost of the trip.A HUGE thank you to families who have donated extra and the chaperone volunteers we have coming with us.

Remember to read each night with your child and fill our reading logs. I will check them each Monday in folders. Keep sending in folders and any dismissal changes, just let me know with a note in your child's folder.

Thank you all so much for your kind donations to our classroom! Room 4 really appreciates it, especially me! We are in good shape right now but could use some Chlorox table wipes, *dry erase markers and cardstock paper-white or color.

Thanks, families!