A Message From Ms. O

The school year is moving right along, I can't believe it will be October this weekend! We are having so much fun in Mrs. Koenig's class. I have been teach morning meeting, writing, and word work time and it has been wonderful learning with your children. I will be taking over science starting next week while we continue our weather unit! We have been working on building our community and getting our brains ready to learn for the day. In writing we have been working on adding details to make our stories shine! We have finales wrapped up our vowel unit and ended with our friend letter u today. I absolutely love working with your students and watching them grow into such caring and independent learners! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and will see you next week at conference!

Coming home today!

- Information about next week's book fair
-Pictures - if you ordered

Habit #4

Here are some books that go along with Habit #4:

The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins

The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle

Let’s Be Enemies by Janice May Udry

Science

Our meteorologists have been hard at work in science! Last week we learned how to record the daily weather. We observe 1. Cloud cover 2. Temperature 3. Precipitation. Students are recording the weather in their science notebooks. Students also learned to read a thermometer. They created their own model thermometer. Students made flags and we talked about measuring wind speed. We graphed the wind speed for a few days. This week students will learn about some other weather tools meteorologists use. Students will continue practicing using thermometers to measure the temperature of air and water. We will also begin learning about the water cycle!

At home, engage your child in looking at the daily weather! We are learning why it is important to know about the weather and how we use it to plan ahead. There are a lot of interesting weather happenings going on around the world right now, too. Hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.

We have a very exciting guest coming in next Wednesday, October 3! A real life meteorologist from KMOV - Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton will be coming to speak to the students! We have never had the pleasure of inviting a meteorologist in, so this is a very exciting opportunity for students to further their weather learning! Be sure to ask students what they learned!

Dates

September 28 - 4th Gr Field Trip
October 2nd-5th - Book Fair (M,T 9am-5pm)(W 11am-5pm)(Th 9am-8pm)
October 4 - Late Start Day (11:05) (Drop off begins at 10:50)
October 5 - Parent / Teacher Conferences (4:30-8:30 pm)
October 9 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
October 10 - Presentation on Anxiety by Dr. Chad Sylvester (7-8 pm)
October 12 - Kindergarten Field Trip
October 12 - Kickball with Dads (5-6:30 pm)
October 13 - Fall Picture Retake Day & Candids (9:15 am)
October 14 - SVE Beautification Day (8am-12pm)
October 18 - Board of Education @ Central Middle (7pm)
October 19 - Great ShakeOut (earthquake drill @ 10:19 am)

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Mon = A) (Tues = B) (Wed = C) (Thurs = D) (Fri = E)

Math Vocabulary

Your child should be bringing home math vocabulary cards for our next topic in math. Keep them handy ;)

Book Bags - Home Today!

 Reading bags will begin coming home with your child today.  The books they choose to bring home each evening are at their independent reading level, which means they should be able to mostly read them on their own.  Please encourage them to read them to you every night.  They will then return the book the following day and check out a new one.  They will not be able to check out a new book unless the one from the previous day is returned.  As they get into the higher reading levels the books will become longer and they may have to spend more than one day with a book. Also...please note that I have not completely finished testing children on current reading levels.  Therefore, your child's books they are bringing home may not be their exact independent level at this time.  However, I thought it was more important to begin getting books into their hands to be reading at home!  I would ask that you do 3 things to support your child's reading at home.
1. Ask them to read their book to you that they bring home nightly.
2. Ask them a few comprehension questions after they finish reading.  (Some examples: Who were the main characters?, What was the problem in the story?, etc...)
3. Praise them for their successes and effort!

Whole Body Listening

We have been working on whole body listening on the carpet during lessons. We are working very hard on this. Today our guidance counselor did a lesson on the topic and students created a book about it! Ask your child about what it means to have whole body listening. :0)

Math Learning

Here are some math skills we are working on:

- Use addition and subtraction to solve word problems(CCSS, page 88, table 1).
- Solve one-step word problems with the unknown in any position.
- Solve word problems that call for adding three whole numbers.
- Represent a problem in multiple ways including objects, drawings and equations.
- Add and subtract within 20.
- Add and subtract within 10 fluently.
- Use a symbol (e.g., ? or ⃞) to represent an unknown in an equation.

Classroom Help

We are in need of a parent to come in and help with our classroom library books. The time for volunteers is 1:50-2:45. Any day except Wednesday will work. If you want to help, let me know!

It's a Dream Come True!

Did you hear the news? PTO has graciously provided Dreambox access for us! Before long, I will be sharing more information with you about the program and how it will work for your first grader. If you are curious about learning more, here is some helpful information for parents: http://www.dreambox.com/at-home Explore the subheadings for lots of great info about how it works! Very excited about this development!

Homework

Students are doing an excellent job completing homework and turning it in on time! Please make sure that the reading log on the front page is being filled out and signed each week. Nightly reading is super important! Beginning Wednesday, children will begin bringing home a book bag each evening with a book from their book box. These books will be at each child's independent level for practicing fluency and expression. Thanks a ton for making this a priority!

Constitution Day!

Today is Constitution Day! We will be talking about this important day and creating a minibook to bring home.

Habit 3

This week Habit #3 - Put First Things First is our focus. Here are some books which help teach this habit:

HABIT 3: FIRST THINGS FIRST

Leader in Me books

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Alejandro’s Gift by Richard E. Albert

Jamaica’s Find by Juanita Havill

Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (chapter book)

Dates

September 19 - Chick-fil-A Fundraiser Night (5-8 pm)
September 22 - Walk / Bike to School Day (8:20-8:50 am)
September 28 - 4th Gr Field Trip
October 2nd-5th - Book Fair (M,T 9am-5pm)(W 11am-5pm)(Th 9am-8pm)
October 4 - Late Start Day (11:05) (Drop off begins at 10:50)
October 5 - Parent / Teacher Conferences (4:30-8:30 pm)
October 9 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
October 10 - Presentation on Anxiety by Dr. Chad Sylvester (7-8 pm)
October 12 - Kindergarten Field Trip
October 12 - Kickball with Dads (5-6:30 pm)
October 13 - Fall Picture Retake Day & Candids (9:15 am)
October 14 - SVE Beautification Day (8am-12pm)

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Mon = A) (Tues = B) (Wed = C) (Thurs = D) (Fri = E)

Coming Home 9-15

- Spelling bee info and list
-freebie book for all students (earned from our scholastic order)
-Run for Fun info
-Walk and Bike to School Day
-Spirit Night @ Chik-Fil-A
-Community Ed. info

Message from Ms. O

Hello!

Things are moving right along at school, I can’t believe it is already the middle of September! I don't think I can express enough how wonderful it is being in class with your students. They are truly making my experience one I will always remember and cherish. We have been practicing all types of greetings in morning meeting from games, questions, chants, you name it! The students work so well with one another and are always excited to participate in everything we do. We just finished up learning about short vowel E last week and short vowel I this week in Word Work. The students have brought home a vowel game that would be great (and fun) practice for all of them. I'll make sure to send another one home for the weekend too! Next week we move on to short vowel O and will be doing all sorts of activities. Mrs. Koenig is handing over another subject to me starting next week, dun dun dun….

Just kidding. I will start teaching writing on Monday! I'm very excited to start writing with your children and reading all the stories they have and will write over the semester. It is going to be great. Thank you all again for allowing me the opportunity to work with such a great group of kids! Have a great weekend!

Ms. Oglesby

Math Update

This week we have introduced subtraction and also done some work with part-part-whole mats. The part-part-whole model is a visual that helps students see the relationship between addition and subtraction as it relates to composing and decomposing numbers. As we move into finding a missing addend, this model can be helpful in problem-solving. Here is what it looks like:

We do a lot more work with subtraction in first grade than was done in kindergarten. It has been a little tricky for some of the kiddos. If you notice your child struggling with the concept, encourage them to draw it out. When students are learning the concept it is really helpful for them to "see" the number as represented by circles and then physically cross them out to find the difference.

Writing Checklist

This week students have learned to think about using the components of a personal narrative as they create their 'small moment' stories. They are using a visual of a checklist to make sure their stories are the best they can be. Here are the items on the checklist:

I wrote about something I did ___

I tried to make a beginning for my story ___

I put my pages in order ___

I found a way to end my story ___

I wrote my story on three or more pages ___

As you read with your child at home, have conversations about how authors structure and develop their stories. We learn how to be good writers by reading real books and noticing what authors do!

Date for Passport Night -- CHANGED

Please note International Passport Night will NOT take place as previously announced, October 19th. It WILL BE HELD on January 9th.

Science

This week we are beginning our first science unit - weather. To kick off our science time and to introduce the idea of science, I posed a question to the students. I asked them "what is science?" They had a lot of great ideas. We brainstormed a web of what "science" means to them. We talked about how scientists use tools, they read/write/draw about their discoveries, they ask questions, they share information, they collaborate to complete experiments, and they are continually learning about their world. After our discussion, the students drew in their science notebooks what they think a scientist looks like. There were many different depictions. The students enjoyed sharing their ideas about science and scientists.

The essential questions for our science unit are:

- Why is it important for people to know about weather?

- How do temperature, wind, cloud cover and precipitation help us to understand the weather?

- How do we get information about the weather?

Sign up for a conference!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fa5ae22a4fa7-fall

Scholastic order is on its way!

The book order has shipped. As soon as it arrives, I will send books home with students.

Word Work

This week our focus is on the short "i" sound.

Instagram

Unfortunately my phone is out of commission. I am in the process of getting a new one, but it may take a few days. Hopefully it won't be too long until I can update!

Begin with the End in Mind

This week's habit is #2 - Begin with the end in mind. Here are some read alouds we may be reading this week which demonstrate this habit:

The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin

Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle

Galimoto by Karen Williams

Dates

September 11 - Patriot Day
September 12 - Room Parent Meeting (6:15 pm)
September 12 - PTO Meeting (7-8 pm)
September 12 - 5th gr Celebration Meeting (8 pm)
September 17 - Biathlon (7:30 am) (Fun Run starts at 8:30 am)
September 19 - Chick-fil-A Fundraiser Night (5-8 pm)
September 22 - Walk / Bike to School Day (8:20-8:50 am)
September 28 - 4th Gr Field Trip

Coming Home Friday 9-8

1. Panther Pledge Envelope
2. Biathalon Information
3. Short E Game board: optional activity for home practice
4. Passport Night Info

To work on at home...

Often I have parents ask what they can be doing at home. Some skills that I would say are very valuable at this time are:

1. Tying shoes
2. Writing first and last name
3. Practicing spelling first grade accountable words
4. Practice math facts up to 10 (or 20 if facts to 10 are mastered)

International Passport Night

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 19th to travel 'around the world' at Shenandoah Valley! Last year was our first International Passport Night and it was so much fun! I anticipate even more fun opportunities this year! Students will have the chance to take their passport and travel to different areas of the school buildings where different countries will be represented. If you and your family are interested in hosting an area, I know that will be greatly appreciated as well! Students will get to learn about different countries, languages, art, food, games, and more about each country. More information coming home this evening :0)

Biathlon Volunteers Needed!!

Is your family excited about the upcoming Family Biathlon? SVE is having our second annual biathlon on Sunday, September 17th! The committee is in need of volunteers for various jobs on that day. If you are able to volunteer, please sign up on the link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uh0KmltxAZrRLuN8B5wjfUd4dyDHA05RCYMQxW2vRKc/edit

Fish Items....

This may be a long shot, but it's worth asking! I inherited a fish tank I would love to get set up in our classroom. I am in need of a filter (for a 6 gallon tank) and an aquarium light. Does anyone have either item lying around they could donate to us? :)

Online Resources

The first grade team is working on getting all the online resources in one convenient spot for home and school use. We have MATH resources collected and ready to share. Many parents like to know how they can offer additional support at home. These games are fun, engaging, and go along with many first grade concepts. We will be adding ELA, Science, and Social Studies websites throughout the year. Please note that these are not required, simply an option if you feel it is appropriate for your family.

Follow the link to our symbaloo page. All the BLUE tiles represent Math websites. :) Please let me know if you have any questions!

https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/firstgradelinks32

Book Order Due FRIDAY

Class Code - J6ZT4
Order Due Date -  09/08/17

Dear Families,

I want your child to be a successful reader—and for that, I need your help.

When children choose their own books to read for pleasure, they enjoy reading more and spend more time doing it. The more your child reads, the better they will do in school and in life.

Scholastic Book Clubs flyers are made for you and your child to shop for books your child will love to read. Each month, the flyers are filled with trusted, excellent quality, age-appropriate books chosen by Scholastic for prices as low as one dollar.

Plus you will be helping our class when you order: Scholastic matches each order you place with FREE BOOKS for our classroom to share.

Thank you for helping your child become a successful reader.

Sincerely,
HEATHER KOENIG

Social Studies - What is a Citizen?

Students will begin first grade social studies with the study of citizenship, rules, rights and responsibilities.  The classroom and school contexts will be used to help students understand how these things help to create a system of order and justice and that they contribute to the overall common good of the school. Students will learn about school and classroom rules, why schools/classrooms have rules, and how they are enforced.

We have been working on our classroom community and vocabulary terms related to citizenship for the past couple of weeks! We have had many class discussions and read books related to the topic. Students have learned what makes an effective community here at school and beyond!

Reading - Building Good Habits

This unit is designed to remind first graders of the skills they have learned and emphasize that readers have good habits.  The good reading habits that students will practice are organized in three categories-habits for reading long and strong, habits for solving hard words, and habits for working with a partner.  The emphasis on habits provides a framework for establishing norms, rituals, values and identities that can make a world of difference.  Our job is to create in the classroom a richly literate world that invites children to role-play their way into being the types of readers and writers we want them to become, inspiring readers to to believe that this will be their year for reading.

Writing - Small Moments - Personal Narrative

We are working on writing personal narratives. This unit is designed to encourage children to write about small moments.  Students will write with detail, including showing a character’s small actions, dialogue, and internal thinking.  Students will move with independence through the writing process, choosing an idea, planning their writing by sketching stories across the pages of a booklet, storytelling repeatedly until the story feels just right, and revising to bring more detail and life to their stories.  Ideally, students will write three to four booklets per week, each with the goal of several sentences per page.

Word Work / Handwriting

Our word work this week will be the short e sound. You will see some material coming home the children have completed in class.

We have also started some direct instruction on handwriting. We are using primary lined paper to practice proper letter formation. When we complete the book it will come home. :)

Morning Work

Every morning when your child arrives at school, there is a job ready for them to begin working on. We try to include math, literacy, and word work. Each month I have a monthly journal students will write in a couple mornings for morning work. This is a great way for me to see what's going on in your child's world and also focus on specific skill needs. Look for these to come home at the end of the month to see specifically what your child is working on. :)

Homework

This week we are beginning first grade homework packets. Thank you for making sure your child completes their homework each week and returns it on Friday!

Conference Sign Up

Follow this link to sign up for a fall conference! Conferences are the week of October 2. I am offering some times other than the evening of the 5th. Hopefully everyone can find a time that works for them!


http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fa5ae22a4fa7-fall

Food Allergy Awareness Walk

Here is some information on a fun family event to raise awareness of food allergies.

http://fare.foodallergy.org/site/TR/Walk/HeroesWalk?pg=entry&fr_id=1309

Class Reward Earned

We have been working since the first day of school to earn 5 golden paws. We earn a golden paw when everyone in class is showing Panther PRIDE. We met our goal! The students voted and would like to have a stuffed animal day. Friday, September 8th students can bring a (reasonably sized) stuffed animal friend to school. These need to be small enough to fit on a desk. Please let me know if you have any questions!

GP on Math pages

As you see math work book pages come home, if you see a "GP" at the top this means "guided practice" and we did it together. :0)

Family Photos and Family Flags

Two things I need your help with:

Please send in a family photo for our family picture wall. :0)

Friday I sent home a half sheet asking for any flags that represent your family's heritage. Please send these in. We will be displaying flags which represent all our learners!

7 Habits

This week we will begin our Leader in Me lessons! We are beginning with Habit #1 - Be Proactive. We will be reading books and doing activities to help children understand what habit 1 is all about! Our fourth grade buddies are also going to be helping us learn about habit 1. Teaching us is a great leadership opportunity for them :)

Here are some books that relate to the topic which we may be reading this week. Also, keep these in mind for your library trips! There are some great resources out there with book ideas, I will always share!

Book Orders

Scholastic book orders are coming home today. Please return slips or submit online by Friday, September 8th at 3 PM. Thanks!

Dates

September 6 - 2-Hour Late Start Day (11:05 am)
September 12 - Room Parent Meeting (6:15 pm)
September 12 - PTO Meeting (7-8 pm)
September 12 - 5th gr Celebration Meeting (8 pm)
September 19 - Chick-fil-A Fundraiser Night (5-8 pm)
September 22 - Walk / Bike to School Day (8:20-8:50 am)
September 28 - 4th Gr Field Trip

ABCDE Letter Days for the WEEK
(Tues = C)   (Wed = Late Start)   (Thurs = D)   (Fri = E)

Background Checks

Parents who wish to volunteer for field trips or other school events need to complete a background check each year. To fill out the form, please go to Parkwayschools.net and then click "employment". From there, select "volunteer packet". Please let me know if  you have any questions about this!