The start of October

Greetings Owl Families!

Happy Friday!  We have made it through our 5th week of school!  This post is just an update on what is happening in first grade.

Language Arts:  Every week we have a new sound of the week and words of the week.  This past week our sound was the /k/ sound.  We know that sometimes when we hear the /k/ sound it can be the letters ck.  We focused on words like lick, pick, stick, etc.

  

Social Studies:  We will be focusing on the social units of family and school.  We will talk about many important concepts such as rules, responsibilities, basic needs, wants, change and diversity.  We started by comparing ourselves from the past to the present (kindergarten to first grade).  We will then move to comparing our families and how family rules and responsibilities ensure families live and work together safely and effectively.  Finally, students explore similarities and differences between school and family.

Math:  We have started unit 2.  This unit will focus on addition, subtraction, and equations.  These concepts are introduced with stories that capture children's interest and help them to see adding and subtracting as real-life processes.  At the beginning of the unit, children show a story problem by drawing a picture of objects.  If they are adding 4 balloons and 2 balloons, for example, their pictures might look like the top one shown below.  If they are subtracting, their pictures might look like the bottom one shown below.  In a short time, children will show objects quickly with circles rather than pictures.  From there, children are asked to show partners (4+2) as well as give the total (6).  Then they will be a small step away from writing the equation, such as 4+2=6 and 6-4=2.

A couple odds and ends to update....

•    Please be sure to check your child's folder every day!  I have seen a couple folders this week that have come back looking the same.  Sometimes, there are important notes from me!

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, I will be in the Dancing with the Teachers show Saturday night, tickets are $5 and it supports the Zeeland High School Dance Ensemble!  There is also a pumpkinfest parade downtown Zeeland at 3 PM!

Have a great fall weekend!

Mrs. Vos :)