1. What We’re Learning This Month
Ms. Garcia 1st Grade Classroom Newsletter
December 2016
Dates to Remember
12/5-9: State Testing
12/22-1/4: Holiday
What We’re Learning This Month
Reading:
Developing Readers and Writers Through Literacy Works
Spelling/Phonics:
Blends (e.g. bl, st, cl, fl, …)
Diagraphs (e.g. ch, sh, th, wh…)
Writing:
Verbs and Adverbs
Prepositions
Math:
Foundation of Numbers up to 99
Number Relationships up to 99
Science:
Investigating Force, Motion, and Energy
Social Studies:
Exploring Places
Helpful Tips
Please make sure to review your child’s homework packet daily, initial and sign
Practice Sight Word Sets 1-8 daily
Read, Read and Reread Daily to build fluency
Ask open ended questions to build comprehension
Ms. Garcia
Walker Elementary Website: (210)

2. SOUND IT OUT SPELLING VS. WORD CHUNK STRATEGY
Homework
Daily: Recite Fluency Phrases, Practice Previous Sight Words & Read
Monday: Spelling & Math
Tuesday: Write spelling words 5 times each
Wednesday: Write each spelling word in a sentence
Thursday: Practice spelling test
Friday: Homework packet due with parent initials & signature
20 points per day.
Anything left blank or incorrectly filled out deducts point toward your child’s total
homework grade.
 Reading Strategies
Get mouth ready for the first sound
Search for the chunks
Try a different vowel sound
Stretch it out
Slide though the word
Go back and reread
SOUND IT OUT SPELLING VS. WORD CHUNK STRATEGY
"How do you spell...?" My response is --I will not spell for you, but I will help you listen for the chunks. Here is what I ask them...
1. What is the first sound you hear? 2. Let's stretch it out. 3. What chunks do you hear?; What do you hear next? 
Notice--I try to not say "sound it out." The phrase "sound it out" was good in earlier learning, but serves more as a go-to crutch for 1st grade learners. And if the kids only use the sound it out strategy, they will be very limited in their reading and writing; and have a heavy reliance on adult help. Word chunk strategies will enable the students to apply their learning to more and bigger words!
Reminders
P.E.: Monday & Thursday
Art: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday
Please make sure to check your child’s folder for daily math homework which is due following day.
Folders are due daily.