January 12, 2014

First Grade News

lstefferson@cfsd16.org *209-7900* Website: sites.google.com/a/cfsd16.org/sunrise-first-grade/

Highlights

Weekly

Happy New Year!

Upon returning
back to
school last week,

students continued to
study objects in the sky,
with an emphasis on the
moon. They enjoyed
learning more about
objects in the sky
through non-fiction text
and fun, educational
videos (Storybots!).
Through literature and
observations, they
discovered that the
moon appears to
change shape over time,
but the shapes they see
are shadows and light
reflected from the sun.
During social
studies, students began
sharing their digital
winter tradition posters as
an introduction to our
communities unit. We
discussed the
importance of
appreciating the cultural
diversity of our class.
They will continue to
learn more about our
community over next
few weeks.

Reading/Writing

Students word work

focus continues to be
on blends (a
combination of two
consonants that make
a predicable sound
together).
Students wrote about
their winter break and
also wrote a New
Years Resolution!
During Read Aloud
Book Club, they
practiced the
comprehension
strategy of asking
questions (wonders)
that were relevant the
text, If You Decide to
Go to the Moon.

Math Corner
Students played
number games to
promote a deep
understanding of
number combinations
(i.e. number
combinations that = 7
and 9). They continued
to work diligently on
strategically solving
problems and showing
their thinking/justifying
their answer using
drawings with number
labels and words.

Please note:
- Please continue to support
your child as they observe and
record the night sky. Since the
moon is coming out past
bedtime, a great option is to
review the moon phase calendar
and/or use a computer to see
what the moon will look like later
on in the night. If you have a
tablet or smart phone, there are
several free apps that track the
moon phases.
- Our walking field trip is this
Thursday, January 15 from
9:45-11:30. We will visit several
businesses around the Swan and
Skyline intersection.
- If you are volunteering to
chaperone the trip, please arrive
at our classroom by 9:30.
- If you have not already done so,
please fill out your childs
permission slip and medical
form. They cannot participate in
the field trip if these forms are
not complete.
- A Star Party is being held at
Ventana Vista Elementary on
Friday, January 23 from 6-8pm.
Students are becoming more
skillful in the mathematical
practices that will support their
overall proficiency in math. More
on these mathematical practices
to come!