August News #1

  One of my goals for the upcoming school year is to communicate with you through a classroom newsletter about what is happening in our 1st grade classroom. Every two weeks, I will update the blog with classroom news and send a paper copy to those who requested that. My newsletter will highlight some of the interesting things that have happened in our classroom, and inform you of upcoming events.
  To start, I'd like to tell you a little about myself. This is my 24th year of teaching, and my 22nd year teaching 1st grade at Fairview. Before teaching in Carroll, I taught my first 2 years in Spencer. I thoroughly enjoy the teaching profession, and I look forward to working with your child. Besides teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband Mike and I live on a farm north of Carroll, and he is a grain and livestock farmer. We have 3 boys: Brett, who just turned 19 and a freshman at ISU, Garrett is 16 and a junior at CHS, and Adam who is 11 and a 5th grader. Besides teaching and being a mom, I enjoy jogging and reading.
  I'd like to extend a big thanks to all of you, for getting your child organized for 1st grade and for returning all those forms promptly. Thanks!!
  During the first two weeks, the kids adjusted to getting back into a routine, and having to sit more than they've been used to. We have learned classroom rules, as well as expectations for the lunchroom, bathroom, hallway, playground, and locker area. We have also implemented a positive behavior plan at Fairview and all students in the building have the same expectations in the areas listed above. The kids also have the opportunity to earn tickets for making good choices and these tickets can then be exchanged for coupons.
  We've been busy reviewing the alphabet and the sounds. We are beginning a new math series this school year called "Go Math". Our first lessons have focused on understanding the process of addition and applying this to problem solving/story problems. Last week, we learned about the "bar model" a visual that will help the students understand how 3 numbers are related. For example, some of our story problems did not ask for the sum, we had to figure out one of the missing addends. Placing what we know in the "bar model" will help us find the missing addend. This is tricky, but with practice it will help us become more proficient in understanding these kinds of problems. The students also received a journal, which will be written in almost daily. We have even started handwriting. We will use the Zaner-Bloser method. Please encourage your child to practice their letters on lined paper at home if you notice they may need extra practice. Please practice first and last name too. Handwriting is on the first grade report card. Printing letters and numbers correctly will be encouraged on all classroom work. On Monday I will send home a page showing you the correct formation for all letters. This can be kept at home.
  This week, we will have fun learning about the four stages of the monarch butterfly's life cycle. I'm hoping to find a monarch caterpillar, so that this unit will be more realistic.
  This week, we will also start our reading block; which is seatwork, centers, and guided reading. Last week, I benchmarked each student to determine an independent reading level. Our reading block will be from 8:30-10:40 each day. During this time, your child will rotate between centers, seatwork, and small group reading instruction. A large group reading instruction will also take place using the basal program called "Treasures".
  Centers are a time for your child to explore and work hands-on. 10 centers are set up at one time, and your child may have the opportunity to get to each area. Examples of centers are: listening to a story on tape, a writing center, working with words, the computer/ipad, and the pocket chart. I also have a variety of learning games that I have created to reinforce skills that we are working on, or have worked on. A reading corner is set up with pillows, puppets, and books. Many more fun learning activities will be implemented throughout the year. Centers will change every two weeks to give your child a variety of learning experiences, and to reinforce concepts that have been taught. The most important time for your child is when they are a part of an instructional reading group. A green letter about guided reading came home with your child on Friday in their reading ziploc. During small groups, I will be working on decoding words, introducing new words, reading from leveled readers, and introducing skills that will help your child become a successful reader. The students will be working with children who are at a similar reading level. It's very important for your child to feel comfortable, as well as challenged when learning to read. Seatwork is when your child works independently at their desk on a project, or activities related to skills taught in the classroom.
  I'd like to share with you a part of a handout I received at a workshop, I feel these words express well what it's like learning to read. "A child learning to read needs to feel safe and willing to take risks. As in learning to ride a bike, the child must first have the confidence that it can be done. He or she has had many opportunities to watch others ride successfully. The child also needs to be willing to take risks. It is likely that there will be a few accidents before perfect balance is achieved. A child will have to try and try again. Learning to read happens in much the same way. First, a child must have the confidence that it is, something that can be done. Children who have watched successful readers find pleasure in books, and will have the desire to read themselves. Also, as in riding a bike, your child's first attempts will be met with degrees of difficulty. A child needs to know that reading will sometimes be hard and mistakes are a part of the learning process. Encourage your child to keep trying. Success will come with practice."
Let's work together this year as we help your child acquire a lifelong love of reading. You can help by going over word lists, listening to your child read, as well as reading to them.
  We have designated the "Green Folder" as our take-home folder. Please remind your child to return this folder daily. I will send home a class list and schedule in their mailbox this week.
  Soon, your child will be asked to say their address and phone number. You may want to practice this at home. Thanks!!
  If you need to contact me, I can be reached at school or by e-mail- knees@carrolltigers.org
I check e-mail at least twice during the school day.