We are on the downhill slide to Thanksgiving break but our days are still packed with lots of learning! Here are a few things we have been working on in first grade:
- Reading-This week we wrapped up our unit on Veterans Day and began our unit on Thanksgiving. We read A Turkey for Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holiday books! We will continue to use this book in our reading time next week.
- Writing-We are working on writing informational texts. This week, students began choosing what topic they wanted to write about. Students had to choose a topic of which they knew at least three facts. We talked about how this makes them an expert on that topic! We are continuing to work on the format of our informational books (topic sentence, at least 3 facts, and a conclusion). We are also working on adding details, headings, and transition words.
- Math-We are wrapping up Topic 5 this week. Topic 5 is one of the most challenging units we have in first grade math. Students are asked to find the missing number in an equation, determine if equations are true or false, and balance equations to make them true. We have spent lots of time reviewing in class and will take our Topic 5 Assessment today!
- Science-We are continuing to explore weather and weather phenomena. This week we focused our learning on clouds! We are using a RAN (Reading Across Nonfiction) chart to record our learning of each type of weather. Students recorded things they already knew about clouds (or thought they knew). Then we read a couple of nonfiction books about clouds and watched a couple of short videos. After learning, we looked at the things we thought we knew and reevaluated them. We could confirm some of our learning, but some things had to be moved to the column 'We don't think this anymore.' Students also had a chance to record some new learnings and wonderings they had about clouds! On Wednesday, we created a cloud in a jar with the other first grade students. We used hot water in a glass jar, a bag of ice, and a match.
- November 21-Picture Retakes (If your child is needing to have their picture retaken, PLEASE let me know before Tuesday!)
- November 22-24-NO SCHOOL (Happy Thanksgiving!)
- November 30-Book It Forms are due
- I will be sending home holiday book orders. If you would like to order books for a Christmas gift, let me know and we can arrange a secret delivery/pick-up. Holiday book orders will be due Friday, December 8!