Curriculum

Spelling words for next week
                                              
an            bad          can         add    
                                         
had          cat            ran         pass                                            

 Sight Words

away            call           come

every            hear         said

Math: We reviewed addition and subtraction and we introduced number combinations (number sets that add up to a particular number (2+1 = 3,  1+2 = 3,   3+0 = 3,  0+3 = 3 etc)). The number combinations is a very difficult concept for them. If you could help them to solidify this, that would be very helpful. They will have a test on everything we’ve covered so far this year next Friday. Please do their math homework with them and ensure they’re prepared for the test. Thank you J

Writing: We learned about adjectives of color this week.  We then learned how to use these in sentences to describe nouns. We wrote about trips and worked on editing. Next week we continue to solidify nouns, verbs, and adjectives and we will also continue to work on editing.

Social Studies/Science: This week we enjoyed learning about the tall tales of America (John Henry, Paul Bunyan, Annie Oakley, and Davy Crockett) – you should ask them about these characters – see if they can tell you about them.  Next week we’ll learn about Johnny Appleseed and have lots of fun activities with apples!

Reading: We read a book together as a class every week – this week it was Gus Takes a Train. We also read in leveled groups where I get to spend one-on-one time with each student and help them with reading strategies. Everyone is progressing and it’s awesome to see their development. Please continue to read with your children at home – this will greatly enrich and help to build their reading abilities. Please volunteer if you’re able on Volunteer Spot. Also, if the book is too difficult for your child, please let me know and we will find a book at a more appropriate level.

Friday Folders Please don’t forget to review your student’s progress report and review all material sent home. Thank you so much for your support and let me know if there’s anything I can do.

Curriculum

Spelling words for next week                                              

up               bug                  mud                                                

nut              hug                  tub                                                   

Sight Words

friend               full                   good

hold                many                 pull

Please study the spelling and sight words (sight words they should be able to read) with your children. They will perform much better on their tests if they practice regularly at home.

Math: This week we introduced subtraction. We learned how to subtract horizontally and vertically, on a number line, and with pictures. Next week will be review and we will have a test on addition and subtraction on Friday. Please help your children to be solid in these concepts.

Writing: We learned about adjectives of shape and size (small, big, long, short, narrow, wide, tall, round, square, oval, flat, curved).  We then learned how to use these in sentences to describe nouns. We also wrote about our neighborhood. Next week we will introduce adjectives for color.

Social Studies/Science: We continued with sound this week. The children now understand pitch and vibration pretty well. They loved making Maracas.  Next week we will move to social studies and study folk tales.

Reading: Please continue to read with your children at home – this will greatly enrich and help to build their reading abilities. Power Reader is now under way and it has been so awesome to have the parents in the morning. Please volunteer if you’re able on Volunteer Spot. Also, if the book is too difficult for your child, please let me know and we will find a book at a more appropriate level.

Friday Folders Please don’t forget to review your student’s progress report and review all material sent home. Thank you so much for your support and let me know if there’s anything I can do.

Brett Ward                          wardbj@fultonschools.org

Power Reader

Reading to your child is the single most valuable thing you can do. Why?

• it gives experience of different types of language, rhythms and sounds
• research shows that children who are exposed to plenty of language (books and conversation) tend to do better at school
• it teaches about many topics which wouldn't come up in conversation
• it is a wonderful way to bond with your child
• it is very calming

In your child’s backpack you will find his/her “Power Reader”.  Each night your child will be bringing home a book in a Ziploc bag.  Please read the book with your child each night and sign the sheet on the appropriate date.  Every morning a parent volunteer will come in and read with each child and check to see if his/her reading log has been signed.   Your child will then pick out a new book to bring home with him/her.  This book travels from home and school every night including weekends.  Please try to read every night. 

This program was funded by a grant given to the school to increase reading among first grade students.  If a book is lost, a fee of $5 could be charged.  Please make sure your child keeps the book and reading log form in the plastic bag.

Volunteers:

Your job will be to come and read a page with the students in the morning. You will pull them outside into the hallway, read with them, and assess their reading for the book. Mark their chart, give praise and encouragement, and get them a new book. I will help you out if you have any questions when you come for your first time.

If you have any questions please send me a note in the travel folder or e-mail me at wardbj@fultonschools.org.

Thank you for your support,

Mr. Ward

Curriculum

Spelling words for next week

yet                web                  pen  

wet               leg                    hen                                    

Sight Words

all                does                   here

me              my                      who

Please study the spelling words with your children. They will perform much better on their tests if they practice regularly at home.

Math: This week we introduced story problems with addition. I was very impressed with the students’ ability to grasp this concept. Next week we move into subtraction!

Writing: We added on verbs and proper nouns this week. The students are pretty solid as far as nouns are concerned; however, they still need help with verbs and proper nouns. If you could review these with your children here and there, that would be great. We also worked on writing simple sentences. The students are quickly improving their writing abilities. Next week we will reinforce these concepts and discus different kinds of sentences.

Social Studies/Science: This week we introduced sound. We had a lot of fun learning about pitch and the different kinds of instruments. Next week we will continue to learn about sound.

Reading: Please continue to read with your children at home – this will greatly enrich and help to build their reading abilities. Also, Power Readers is officially starting on Monday. We have volunteers coming in to help out (check VolunteerSpot if you’re interested in volunteering– there’s a link on the blog under calendars and schedules). Also, I will send out explicit instructions for Power Readers this weekend.

Friday Folders Please don’t forget to review your student’s progress report and review all material sent home. Thank you so much for your support and let me know if there’s anything I can do.

Brett Ward                          wardbj@fultonschools.org

Another Great Week

I have to say, the second week has been an excellent week. The students understand the expectations and rules and they are doing better and better at adhering to them. Great job kids! Curriculum night was awesome. Thank you all for coming and thank you so much for your supportive and positive attitudes. It is truly a blessing to have such a great group of parents.

Curriculum

Spelling words for next week

log                dot                  top

hot               lot                    ox

Math: We recently studied greater than and less than, adding with objects and models vertically and horizontally, and adding on a number line. The kids seemed to have grasped these concepts very well. Next week we plan to expand and solidify these ideas as well as introduce word problems with addition.

Writing: We have been working on generating ideas and writing captions. We also learned nouns and did a little bit of editing. This coming week we plan to continue writing captions, focusing on using essential parts of a sentence (verb and noun – we will introduce verbs).

Social Studies/Science: We discussed American symbols and basic geography this week (our continent, country, state, and city), and land forms. Next week we plan on covering sound.

Reading: Students have begun to check out books from the library. Please read with your children at home – this will greatly enrich and help to build their reading abilities.  

Friday Folders

Please don’t forget to review your student’s progress report and review all material sent home. Thank you so much for your support and let me know if there’s anything I can do.

Brett Ward                          wardbj@fultonschools.org