Mrs. Van Gorder’s Weekly News September Check out our class website! Math- This week we began Common Core Math Module 1. I am also sending home a newsletter that goes along with the module to give you an overview of what we will cover and the terminology used. We practiced using ten frames to make number bonds, counting on one more than a given number and practiced ways to make the numbers 5 and 6 using number bonds and turn around facts: 0+5, 5+0, 1+4, 4+1, 3+2, 2+3, and 0+6, 6+0, 1+5, 5+1, 4+2, 2+4, 3+3. We began solving number stories on white boards, using pictures, number sentences and number bonds to show our work. Reading- In reading we have been doing a wonderful job rotating through 6 literacy stations independently. They include: Computers- playing literacy based games, Poetry- reading, highlighting words, and drawing, Library- reading and recording on a book log, Writing- practicing handwriting and short response writing, iPad- using literacy based apps, Listening- hearing recordings of stories and completing comprehension activities, and ABC- practicing High Frequency snap words in fun ways (rainbow writing, magnet letters, white boards, stamps etc.) We use a noise meter app on the iPad to monitor volume to remind us to work at an appropriate volume. I met with each reading group at least once, and will begin sending book buddies home with books home that we read during group to reread and return. Writing- In writing this week we dove into sketching people. We began with drawing tiny facial details on how to make different shaped eyes, ears, noses, mouths, eye lashes, eye brows. We practiced drawing different types of hair and face shapes. Later in the week we drew different body stances in motion. We practiced drawing a person running, examining the direction each part is going in, drawing each joint separately. I have several how to draw books that we will explore throughout the year as we add details to our illustrations in our stories. Science- This week we watched a great video that explains what science is, and how we must use questioning and observing skills to study all that it encompasses. We made another observation on our caterpillar and noticed that it is growing larger and producing waste. Social Studies- We read our first issue of Social Studies Weekly. This is a new subscription for the district this year. It is filled with many great topics that cover standards for first grade. Please feel free to reread them at home with your child. It’s a great way to see what they can recall. Word Study- This w eek we began our word wall by adding our names to it. Each week we will be reviewing the Kindergarten snap words and adding them to the wall. We began handwriting review, and will be practicing letters in chunks that are formed in similar ways. On the reverse side is the verbal pathways we use. Additional Notes-October will be here next week. Stay tuned for upcoming events. I look forward to meeting you all at Curriculum Night on Monday October 5 at 6:00 pm.