"Peek at the Week" September 8-11

We had another busy and fun week together in room 126!  We are starting to settle in to the routines and expectations of first grade!  Here is what we were up to:

Reader's Workshop

We worked hard at continuing to build our reading stamina this week.  We learned that readers need to think about what they need to focus and do their best reading.  We learned how to choose 'the perfect reading spot' in our classroom.

We also learned that readers need to keep their eyes AND minds focused on their books.  We need to make sure our minds are thinking about the stories as we read.  This will help us stay engaged in our books and help us to build more reading stamina.  This week we build 16 minutes of stamina!  Way to go first graders!


Math Workshop
This week we started building some of the important aspects of our math workshop routines.  Math talk is a huge focus in first grade - we want to be able to explain our thinking to others.  We practiced this during our small group mini lessons.  We focused on looking at some 'quick images' of counters in ten frames.  These images were displayed for a few seconds, and it was our job to determine what number we saw and HOW we saw it.   I was blown away at some of the great thinking that took place!

Next, we learned several math games and activities.  These will be used frequently throughout our first unit in math to reinforce beginning addition concepts.

One More

Shake and Spill

10 Frame Top It

Number Mats

We also spent some time reviewing number writing.  We were reminded that the digits 1-7 all start in the STARTING CORNER.  This will help eliminate number reversals :)  The digits 8,9, and 0 all start in the center.  This is a great way to remind your children when they are writing numbers at home!

Writer's Workshop
We officially launched our writer's workshop this week!  We will spend the first few months together focusing on writing personal narratives, or small moment stories.

This week we learned how writers write a story.

We also learned that a writer's job is NEVER done!  We learned a fun 'catch phrase':  When you think you're done, you've just begun!  

We enjoyed sharing all our writing with a partner!  We were so proud of the work we did! :)

Word Work
This week we reviewed the K5 word wall words.  Next week we will begin adding our 1st grade words to our word wall!

We also continued getting to know our friends this week.  We had 4 new Queens of the Day!

Please don't forget that Parent Information Night is on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00pm.  (If you only have one child, you will be able to leave at 7:15.)  Parents will begin in the gym to listen to a quick message from Mrs. Grimm-Nilsen, followed by two 45 minute grade level orientations.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend - I'm sure many of you are excited about the return of football season :)

Love, Mrs. Hogue