Happy Holidays

 

It is hard to believe that this is the last post of 2023!  Like most people, Mrs. Underwood and I find ourselves wondering how another year has passed so quickly. And, like some people, we find ourselves taking time to reflect upon the paths that we traveled on this trip "once around the sun".  There are many things that we are thankful for in 2023, including our families, our friends, and our health. We are hugely thankful for the opportunity to teach your children at Woodstock Elementary School. Each day we learn as much from them as they learn from us, and it is this type of connection with our students that makes first grade such a fulfilling place to spend our days. We appreciate all you do to support your children in their learning and readiness for whatever the day brings, and we honor the trust that you place in us to guide their development as learners and as people.  This post sends our best wishes for a happy, safe, and peaceful new year.

Literacy: Suffix -s and The Little Red Pen

During word study students have been introduced to the concept of base word and suffix. They have learned that when suffix -s is added to a word it sometimes says /z/ like in the word bugs.  First graders have been taught about using a suffix to make a word plural or to use in an action word.  Heart words for this unit include: were, are, who, what, when, where, there, here.

In Literacy students are examining the book, “The Little Red Pen.” First graders are learning to identify characters' feelings using evidence from the illustrations and text.  They continue to learn about habits of character.  This week’s focus question was, “What work does initiative help the characters do?”

WES Spirit Week: Kindness

WES Spirit Week was focused on kindness in our classroom, school, and community. First graders participated in activities, events, and read alouds that helped them "Be A Light" in our world. 

PBIS Classroom Celebration: Thanksgiving Craft

 

It's Time to Gear Up!

After a warm and dry autumn, colder and snowier weather seems to be here to stay.  First graders go outside everyday, so please make sure your child has appropriate gear for chilly mornings and cold playground conditions as well as can manage outerwear independently!  Thank you. 

Math: Math Menu

In the past two weeks, students have been introduced to a new practice called Math Menu. Math Menu is a component of the math block where students have a menu of activities and problems to select from. At the top of the menus  you will see the "have to" selections that must be done each week and then down below there are additional "mathematicians' choice" selections. First graders are still getting used to the routine of managing their menus so we expect that all of the required sections may not be complete at this time. On Menu 1 students were asked to select  one windowpane problem each day and one activity from the choice section. Currently, this has expanded to include problem solver story problems and a writing prompt. Menu items are designed to be independent work that is completed while the teacher meets with a small group of students for targeted work. Please be sure to ask your student to explain the different parts of the menu to you, it is becoming a highly engaging part of our day!