HOMEWORK

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Our Professional Development Day went well. I ran a workshop on a new program we will be using to guide reading comprehension instruction. I then went to Francis Wyman and learned some great relaxation and brain stimulating yoga activities to try in the classroom. Afterwards, I came back to Memorial School and refreshed my morning meeting list of activities. Lastly, I was able to spend the afternoon collaborating with Mrs. Burnham & Ms. Huebner preparing for Readers' Workshop centers.
Homework got sent home today. I just wanted to remind you that it gets sent home on Monday (or in this case Tuesday due to no school on Monday) and is due back on Friday.
Also, just a reminder that our library day is Tuesday so if your child forgot his/her book, please be sure to send it in tomorrow morning in order to take out a new one.
We started switching for Readers' Workshop today and went GREAT!! The students will be switching Monday through Thursday. This week we are reviewing the rules and routines of each classroom and learning the different independent work stations. Next week we will begin guided reading groups.
As always, call or email me with any question or concerns.
Enjoy the week, I know we will!

Open House

It was a busy week in first grade this past week. The students were very busy helping to get things ready to share the greatness of first grade with their parents. Thank you to everyone who was able to take the time to come and meet me and learn what first grade is all about. I have included the video I took of what our days look like.
Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday due to professional development. On Tuesday we will begin switching classrooms for reading. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the video :)

Becoming STARs

This past week in room 107, a lot of time was spent on discussing and practicing the rules and routines of the classroom. It is a lot of work but is one of the most important pieces to work on at the beginning of the year to help shape a safe learning environment for the rest of the school year. The goal is if more time is spent on practicing the expectations at the beginning of the year, less time is needed to focus on them throughout the year and more time can be spent on teaching and learning.
As you may have noticed, I use the theme STARs in my classroom which is an acronym for Students That Are Responsible. Studies show that when students are independent and take on responsibilities, they become more engaged in their environment and in their learning.
This past week we practiced using and taking care of classroom materials, learning the different jobs of the classroom, what it means to be a good student and friend, and I timed the students in working independently.
After discussing my expectations for their independent work times the students practiced "building their stamina." Once we begin to teach reading through guided reading groups, students are expected to work independently at centers for approximately 40 minutes (20 minutes at 2 centers). Building their stamina simply helps them learn how to stay in one spot and work quietly in one spot for 20 minutes.
This past week, they were able to work at one center for 5 minutes on the first try!
Reading independently was more difficult and we got to 32 seconds. This is typical and is why I try to practice everyday :)
I hope this information is helpful and I will definitely talk more about this at Back to School Night but wanted to let you in on how things are going and what we are doing. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.
It was a fantastic week---I am so excited for this school year and am so proud at how hard all of my students are working to be a 1st grade STAR!
Next week, we will finish up the introduction to color words and begin our learning about mammals through a bear theme.
Enjoy the weekend...GO PATS!

First week down!

It was great meeting all of the new students this week. They are working really hard at learning and following all of the new rules and routines. The children are beginning to make nice friendships and are learning to become STARs (Students That Are Responsible).
Many important papers went home this week that need to be filled out with important information about your child. Please be sure to send those back as soon as possible.
Next week, the students will learn and practice writing and recognizing color words, we will begin the FUNdations and Investigations programs, and we will talk about the importance of reading and learning to read. They will also practice working independently while being timed. The goal is for each student to be able to sit in one spot and work or read independently for 20 minutes. We call this "building stamina." Last year, my class started at 3 seconds the first day but by the end of the week were able to work for close to 10 minutes :) It takes a lot of work, but it's a great goal!
Please feel free to email me any time should you ever have any questions or concerns. This weekend I will be updating the calendar with important dates you need to know for the school year.
Enjoy the long weekend!