Curriculum Update

So far, we have done the sounds/spellings for the following letters: short a, e, i, o, and u, b, c (spelled c and ck after a short vowel), d, f (spelled f), g, h, j (spelled j and dge after a short vowel), l, m, n (spelled n), p, r (spelled r), s (spelled s), and t. Since we haven’t really reached the point where we are doing all of the irregular spellings, you can practice the short vowel tricks with the kids if you want to help them (short vowel + ck and short vowel + dge). We expect the kids to be using these spellings correctly and that every sound has a symbol that makes sense (even if it isn’t completely correct).

In math, we have learned addition strategies and we are now on to subtraction strategies. We have learned counting on to add (say the biggest number and count on from there: 9+4= say 9, 10, 11, 12, 14). Using the same strategy for the inverse relationship, the kids have learned to count back (say the biggest number and count back from there: 9-4= say 9, 8, 7, 6, 5). The kids should NOT be using their fingers as a strategy at this point (for both addends anyway). They can also use a number line to count on and count back if that helps.

Academic Vocabular for math

Academic vocabulary is the words that we use to discuss specific concepts in school. Here are some of the vocabulary words that we've been discussing in math:

Sum: the answer to an addition problem

Difference: the answer to a subtraction problem

Addend: one of the “parts” in an addition sentence

Count on: a strategy for adding

Count back: a strategy for subtracting

Curriculum Update

During the past week, we have reviewed a lot of sounds and their spellings. Since we use the same reading program as Kindergarten (just a different level), the kids often say that they have already seen the sound card that we’re learning. The difference is that in Kindergarten, they learn the sounds and in First Grade, we build off of that and they learn the correct spellings and rules for each sound. I will always add the sounds/spellings to my curriculum part of the newsletter, so keep informed as to which sounds/spellings we expect the kids to know and use correctly. Thanks!
We learned short o, short u, c spelled c and ck (only after a short vowel), and r spelled r (no wr yet).

We also did several Writers’ Workshop lessons using ordering words (first, then, next, and last). We also did some free writings using various story starters. With writing, the more practice the kids get, the better. One really important part of becoming a good writer actually has to do with handwriting. Once the kids can form letters correctly and naturally, it doesn’t stop their train of thought when writing. We really stress correct letter formation so that they can get to this point and become successful writers. Your help on correct grip and letter formation at home is always helpful.

In math, we continue to count tens and ones as well as learn and review addition and subtraction strategies. Again, we discourage the use of “finger counting” at this point and encourage the kids to use the “counting on” or “counting back” strategies instead. As a reminder, counting on means that they put the bigger addend in their head and count on using their fingers. Counting back is the same thing but subtracting from the greatest number. One strategy for visualizing these strategies is using a number line to count on or count back. Instead of putting the number in their head, they point to it on a number line and jump up or back as they count on or back. Have the kids be your instructor!

In science, we are wrapping up our unit on plants and animals. The kids know the basic needs of plants (soil, sunlight, nutrients, and water). They should know the basic plant parts (flower, stem, leaves, roots, and seeds). They also learned the types of teeth and how they can be clues as to what that animal eats. They learned incisors, canines, and molars. We wrote all of these notes as well as other plant observations in our science notebook. The kids have done a really great job on their notebooks!