Mrs. Adler’s and Ms.

Zimmermann’s First Grade

Weekly Review
January 12, 2018

Past Week’s Review

WELCOME TO THE FIRST GRADE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We loved seeing everyone’s smiling faces at school

this week!!!
In Language Arts, we rang in the New Year by writing our wishes or resolutions for 2018.
They are up on display in our classroom for all to see! The children did a phenomenal job on their
vacation journals! They enjoyed sharing them with the class! This week our phonics lessons
focused on adding ‘es’ to words. During Reader’s Workshop, we learned that readers use
everything they know to solve a word and they check by self- monitoring. In Writer’s Workshop, we
continued persuasive writing. It is a form of writing in which the writer uses words to convince the
reader that the writer's opinion is correct in regards to an issue. Persuasive writing sometimes
involves persuading the reader to perform an action, or it may simply consist of an argument or
several arguments to align the reader with the writer's point of view. We discussed the importance
of stating our opinion clearly and then providing reasons and examples for our judgement. The
more reasons and examples we provide, the stronger our writing will be.

In Spelling, we had our spelling test on words that began with s, t, and st. The students were
challenged by our two bonus words: January and New Year. The three sight words this week
included: saw, talk and some. Please make sure that you are continuing to review these words
with your children.

In Math, we completed our unit on measurements and began our next unit on comparing
numbers. We also introduced taking Sprints which is a way for the children to improve their math
computations. The children will have around a minute to complete 30 math problems. We will do
this on a daily basis. Lastly, please continue to practice addition and subtraction MATH FACTS
with your child every night! Flash cards are a great way to reinforce the skill!

In Social Studies, we continued our unit on maps and globes. We learned the four main
directions and using a compass rose. Our ‘Weekly Reader’ was called “Dr. King’s Wise Words”.
We learned how he helped change America. Some places, blacks and whites were kept apart by
segregation. He wrote letters to the president. He led marches and gave speeches. He said the
laws were wrong and he told people how the world could be better. Many people worked hard to
change the laws. Dr. King led the way and the laws were changed. Our ‘Studies Weekly’ was called
“Thanksgiving Traditions.” We reviewed when and why the Pilgrims came to America. Also, who
helped the Pilgrims and what they taught them. The first Thanksgiving was a big feast to show
their gratitude for all their good fortune.

Last but not least, if there is one thing we can suggest or encourage for you to be doing at
home is to read with your child every night. It is important that you let your child read to you so
he/she can practice reading aloud. This is a wonderful bonding time for you and your child. Please
make sure that you are also recording in the daily reading log what your child is reading at home
and returning the reading logs to school on Monday’s. Please make sure that your child is reading
for at least 15 minutes every day.

Important Dates Ask Your Child

 Monday, January 15th, school will be
closed in observance of MLK Day.
 Wednesday, January 17th –Group
Pictures. Dress Uniform required.
 Wednesday, January 17th is the Next Year
Preview meeting. It is from 9:00-9:45.
 What is your New Year’s resolution?
 List 3 facts about Martin Luther King Jr.
 List 3 words that you would add an ‘es’
to make them plural.
 In which direction is Texas located on
the map?

Important Info

 Please remember to send snacks with your child every day! They get very hungry and a mid-
morning, as well as mid-afternoon, snack helps out! These should be healthy snacks that
can be eaten in a 5-minute time frame!

 Every Monday is Spirit Dress Day! Students may come dressed in a spirit dress shirt and
jeans! If there is no school on a Monday, Tuesday becomes Spirit Dress Day.

We love school!