Grade 1

Happy Valentines Day:

Let us pray for all of our family members who have taught us to love following the example of Jesus.

Thank you to Mrs. De Cotiis and all of the moms who helped with the cookie baking.  Thank you to Father Richard who allowed us to use the big ovens in the fall.  Father Richard, Sister Marisol, and Father Eduardo came to see the children and enjoyed the cookies very much.  The children enjoyed the activity very much and were so responsible and careful during the activity.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! 

February 14:  Valentines Day is character dress-up day.  Remember to dress up as your favorite character and bring the book with you to school.  As well, on Valentines Day children will be able to pass out their valentine cards to their classmates.  The grade one students will also have a little party to say thank you to the grade five students who helped them make their button blankets.  I ask that every grade one student bring one special treat to share with their grade five buddy.  I will bring some juice boxes and fun food to share during the "party".  This will happen in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m.  As well, the grade five students will go with us to the library to share our character dress-up books.  Thank you in advance!

UNIFORMS:  *SWEATERS OR VESTS must come to school every day!  The children may keep them in their bags but must bring them.  As well, a few children are not always wearing their white shirt--white shirts or polo shirts must be worn every day.  Thank you. 

GYM:  Thank you for sending the children to school in their gym strips.  This gives Mr. McCloskey more time for the lesson and the children know and are ready for what is to come.  As the cold weather approaches, the children may wear their jogging pants instead of their shorts.  *When the children return to class, they have opening exercises and then math.  Before recess they begin to change into their school uniforms.  For some children this takes considerable time and they may miss part or all of their recess time.  At home, help your child to learn to dress quickly or encourage them (especially in the cold weather) to put their uniform over their gym strip.  Through the year, the children should be able to dress more quickly.

*The boys in particular are losing clothing, picking up the wrong clothing, or not bringing their clothing home.  Please make sure names are on all pieces of clothing and check your child's clothing when they do bring the pieces home.  Thanks so those parents who quickly return wrong items.

Missing Clothing:  Please let me know when something goes missing.

Math: In the addition and subtraction unit,  we have moved on to finding the missing number.  Such problems as:  5 + ?how many more = 11.  We have been using strategies such as counting on, using a number line, drawing a picture, and using cubes to make combinations.  Some children are having difficulty as we have just started this and more practise would be beneficial.  Subtraction will be coming up soon.  When subtraction begins, a few children will confuse the two operations.  Continue to have regular practice solving addition and subtraction equations using counters.  We have also touched on the zero rule, one more rule, two more rule, and the doubles rule.  At home, practise solving doubles from one to ten (1+1, 2+2, etc.).

READING:   The students are mostly working in "Magic Afternoon" and "Sun and Shadow".  We must improve in our ability to listen and follow directions, find answers within the text of the story, read the questions carefully, and give complete answers using words from the questions.  Sequencing events to match the story line and identifying the main idea are also difficult but necessary skills which are being worked on.  Please check any work that is sent home with your child so that you can see how they are handling independent written work.  Remember:  NF means not finsihed within the given time, NFD means not following directions, and W/H means completed with the teachers help.  HOME READING PROGRAM--Some children are reading so many books!  Check each day to make sure your child has a new book.  As well, make sure your child is choosing books that are not too hard or easy.  Hopefully, your child is moving up through the levels of books.  If the books are too hard the children may get frustrated or discouraged.  Always be watchful of their reading choices.  Thanks so much for helping with this project as it can help children stretch their skills and abilities. 

PHONICS:  The short vowel sounds will continue to be studied and worked on during term two.   (e.g. a as is cat, i as in it, u as in sun, o as in on, and e as in pet).  Short vowels sound knowledge is crucial in your child'a ability to sound out words in writing and reading.  Some children will be working independently on the short vowel sounds and will move on to long vowel rules.  It is very important that you see and hear your child sounding out words and blending sounds when trying to figure out unknown reading words.  Check to see that your child is applying the correct vowel sound in these situations.

SPELLING:  During term two, most children will be working on the Primer Dolch words.  Visit the Dolch Sight Word website for some activities and further word lists. Some children have been tested on the Primer Dolch List and will move on to the grade one word list.  Make sure your child brings home the weekly spelling list and please be aware that there are now three different lists being used. 

WRITING:  The children have been creating storyboards (pictures in the correct order that tell a story) and then writing sentences to match the pictures.  Encourage your child to use their agenda to tell stories or recount events in their lives.  We have also started studying how an author plans to write a narrative story.  An author plans the beginning by introducing the characters (who), the setting (where), and the problem (the action that grabs our interest and makes us want to read on.  In the middle, the author uses interesting and exciting events to show how the characters try to solve the problem--usually with things getting worse!  At the end, the author usually has a plan to solve the problem and most stories end on a funny or happy note.  This is called story grammar.  We will explore several stories to discover the story plan and identify the necessary information.  Keep reading to your child and help them identify the various parts and special events in the stories.  Have fun!

SCIENCE:  The button blankets are beautiful.  When you have a chance, please come into the school to see the beautiful art work.  Some of the blankets are upstairs and some are on the best board downstairs.  We have started the Force and Motion unit and have conducted our first experiment.  The children really enjoy the hands on activities.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  We are now studying our identity and culture.  We are looking at the various roles that Moms, Dads, and children have in their families.  Help your child to remember special celebrations that your family particiaptes in during the year.  Photos or drawings of these celebrations will come in handy later in the unit.  We have started comparing information about our families.  Please discuss your favorite games, places to visit, books, movies, tv shows, vacation spots, etc. 

GETTING USED TO EACH OTHER:  The children are usually respectful and friendly towards one another.  They must be reminded to keep their hands by their sides and to use only gentle gestures.  Our problem solving process includes:  1.  Use words to ask a classmate to stop an unwanted behavior.  (If they stop then they are respecting you.)  2.  Use your words again and immediately go to get a teacher.  The teacher will help the children solve social problems and consequences will be assigned.  If your child comes home with a problem, please let me know so that I can help the children discuss the matter in respectful ways.  Being sorry and forgiving others are difficult but necessary lessons.

GOOD WORK HABITS:  The children are learning how to work independently but this is not easy.  We encourage the children to listen carefully to the directions, work silently, stay in their own seats, and seek help from the teacher.  Encoruage some independent work at home as well.  Make sure your child has a quiet work area and understands the instructions before beginning the work.  Try a few math equations especially those which involve finding the missing number.

WEBSITES:  For extra practise, either remedial or enrichment, please see the websites under Students, then go to Resource, and look for the subjects you would like to try.  Thank you.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

 February 10:  Assembly for Jump Rope for Heart.  There will be no gym so children should wear their school uniforms. 

February 14:  Valentines Day party, sharing, and grade five party to say thank you.

February 22:  Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:00 a.m.  Please join us if you can.

Thank you for your continued support and help.  You are raising beautiful, loving children who are trying their best to be good. 

Mrs. S. Radford