This week our class was introduced to our first set of weekly works. We practiced reading and spelling these words throughout the week. On Tuesday we “chant spelled” the words by clapping each letter and reading the word aloud (c a t cat). On Wednesday we unscramble three sentences that included weekly words. During this activity, we talked about how to be a 5 star writer when we check our writing.
5 Star Writing
Did I…
capitalization the beginning of the sentence?
put spaces between the words?
add a punctuation mark (. ! ?) at the end?
do my best spelling and neatest handwriting?
Does the sentence make sense?
Every Friday students will be assessed on their ability to read and spell the weekly words.
During Math this week we reviewed counting numbers 0 - 10 when counting objects in a set.
Math Vocabulary
1 one
2 two
3 three
4 four
5 five
6 six
7 seven
8 eight
9 nine
10 ten
Students practiced counting one object at a time by using ten frames. They also discussed their strategies for counting to find the total. Students were encouraged to use their index finger to practice careful counting.
Here are some strategies students used:
Counting by 1 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...)
Counting by 2 (2, 4, 6, 8…)
Counting On (5...6, 7, 8)
Some students noticed how the counters were organized on the ten frame and used addition to find the total.
We also practiced comparing numbers.
Math Vocabulary
more
less
greater than
less than
Students built number trains using connecting cubes and compared the numbers using our new Math vocabulary.
Students were introduced to Reader’s Workshop this week. Reader’s Workshop includes a mini-lesson, independent reading, and a closing. During a mini-lesson, I will introduce a new reading strategy or skill, which is the teaching point or focus of the workshop. Students will practice the skill by participating in a “turn and talk” with a classmate. Afterwards they will practice the skill during independent reading with a book on their reading level. I will meet with students individually or in small groups during independent reading for teacher/student conferences. Reader’s Workshop will end with our class meeting at the carpet and reflecting on what we learned.
This week we talked about caring for our books and keeping our classroom library organized, finding a smart spot for independent reading, and using the appropriate voice level during independent reading.
Smart Spot or Book Nook - This is a spot in the classroom where students can do their best, focused reading. Students pick their own smart spot for Reader’s Workshop. Once a student finds a spot to read, they need to ask themselves, “Is this a safe spot? Do I have my own bubble space?”
Voice Levels:
4 Outside voice
3 Presentation voice
2 Team Talk voice (normal speaking voice)
1 Whispering voice
0 Silent/No Talking
As a class, students agreed that a whisper voice (voice level 1) is a good voice level for independent reading.
We also talked about what to do to find a “just right” or “good fit” book. When students choose a "just right" book for independent reading, students will use our 5 Finger Rule to help them.
Students brought their favorite books to school this week. Reading will be an important part of our classroom and it was wonderful to watch our class share the books they love with each other!
Our focus for Writing this week was “Why Write?” We talked about different writing pieces and the reasons people write.
When I asked our class “Why do we write?” this is what they said:
- Write letters to friends
- Take tests at school
- Complete homework
- Write a story
- Get better at writing
- Explain something to someone
I shared different writing examples with our class and we talked about the purpose of each writing example (Why did this person write?):
- Letters
- Emails
- Nonfiction books
- Fiction books
- Posters
- Safety Instructions
- Comics
We learned that writing helps you…
- share with others. - You can write notes, cards, letters, and email messages to family and friends. You can share information with others.
- remember more. - You can write down interesting facts and make reports.
- learn about yourself. - You can write about your thoughts and feelings. You can write about your experiences.
- have fun! - You can write poems, stories, and jokes.
Afterwards, students picked a reason to write and created their own writing pieces.
We continued Star Student this week. This is an activity we started the first week of school. Star Student helps our class build community and helps students learn more about their classmates. We are learning that we are all different individuals and we respect each other's differences, but we are alike in a lot of ways too!
Star Student books were sent home today.
Today we started our first Science unit. This unit focuses on how scientists work. Each unit has a big idea to help lead our discussions and activities.
Unit 1 Big Idea: Scientists use inquiry skills and tools to help them find out information.
During the unit, we will discuss these questions:
- What are senses and other tools?
- How can we use our senses?
- What are inquiry skills?
- How do we use inquiry skills?
- How do scientists work?
During the week, we go to the park for recess. Our class loves going outside and spending recess with G1B!
On Thursday our school had a wonderful assembly! A band from Nepal performed for the students.