After a long needed, and appreciated, winter break Room 108 returns full speed ahead! I hope you all were able to relax and enjoy time with your family the same way I did. It seemed to me the children were anxious to get back to school because the room was full energy, enthusiasm and motivation!
All subjects started with a new unit guiding students towards the acquisition of new skills, broader understanding, and an introduction to all kinds of interesting new content. Open-Court reading started Unit 5 "Weather" and a quick review of long vowels sounds and spellings. Math also began Unit 5 focusing on the application of base-10 blocks and remediation of skills such as measuring, counting by twos and fives, basic addition facts, time telling (as small as 15 minutes intervals), and coin counting/exchange.
The science and social studies curriculums both started the second installment of content. The science unit is titled "Finding the Moon" and will focus on many aspects of the moon but will also expand into the basics of our solar system and Milky Way galaxy. The social studies unit is titled "Where We Live" and delves deeper into the surrounding environment of students and the terrain of the Earth.
You should have received, in your child's Mail folder, the first homework packet with an introduction letter and homework materials. As we move into the second half of the year, first graders are asked to begin taking more responsibility for their learning. This is an important step in child development and motivation for learning. When children take initiative to make choices relevant to their education, they begin to take ownership for their work and effort. Please take the time to go over the each homework packet with your child and encourage them to complete as much as possible on their own. If you have any questions about the packets or any of the new topics, information, and student work please contact me.
I look forward to the second half of the year and am excited to observe the continuing development and growth of your children and my students. Keep up all the hard work and support at home. It can make all the difference!
