Unit 2 Week 2 - 10/7/19

So far, we've introduced you and your children to the Circle Map, the Bubble Map, the Double-Bubble Map, and the Tree Map.  Our THINKING MAP  for this week is again the BRACE MAP.

Here is an example of a Brace Map.   We will soon be planting seeds in our gardens. We will also do a short unit on plants.    Here is a GREAT way to share/review some of the information many already know about.

***You can also use a BRACE MAP to break apart YOUR favorite pizza or food.

Be sure to state that it's YOUR favorite.  Example - Meat Lover's Pizza ( crust, sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, Canadian bacon).  That's it.  Do not shift into "types" of toppings, sauces, crusts, etc.  That's going back to our TREE MAPS.

WHOLE    PARTS

I'd like to THANK all of our parents who are taking the time to go over and review their children's work daily.  It really shows in the progress they are making.

A number of the children are returning to school with their folders UNCHECKED.
Here are some AWESOME ways to help your child succeed in First Grade.

1.  Have your child bring you their binder/folder.
2.  Tell your child to show you their work sent home.
3.  Check for and go over incomplete or missed worked.
4.  Check your child's HW
5.  Clean out work brought home daily.  

** Signing their behavior chart lets us know that. 


Dear Family Member:

This week our class will be focusing on different kinds of buildings. Your child will discuss what the buildings are made of and the importance of these buildings.

Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing.

Contractions: with  -  "is"
**We will NOT have covered all the contractions found in this game.  Others will be introduced, but not focused on this week.  So PLEASE sit with your child if you choose to allow them to play this game.
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/contractions/

Word Workout

• Words to Know Help your child use the words to tell about different buildings you and your child have seen.
• Spelling/Phonics: short u Help your child change the first letter of each word to make new words. This week’s phonic sound is the short u sound, as in cup, hug, and fun.

Comprehension: character, setting, events

Help your child read sentences about pictures, then fill in a chart to name the characters, setting, and events that they read about.

Accelerated Reader:

Our 2nd Nine Weeks begins today.  The children will have a new AR goal set on Wednesday after their STAR test.  Your child should be bringing home at least one book per night to read and be ready to take a test on the following day.  Books should be read three times for proficiency, fluency, and comprehension.  Please continue to work on reading at night and to remind your child that they need to take tests at school! Thank you for your support!

Spelling Test-

Please remember to log into spellingcity.com to practice the spelling words! 

I also wanted to point out that we will be grading your child for spelling accuracy on the first 12 spelling words. The other 8 spelling words are enrichment words for all students. Should they be spelled correctly, will earn them 1 point for each correctly spelled word.  We would hope that they will practice all of them and do their best to remember them. This could help them to earn the points back if they misspell one of the first twelve!

Weekly Test-

Our weekly test will cover skills we have learned in class. These skills can be practiced on http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do.  Login using the ID cards sent via message on Dojo.

Please be sure to have your child reread their leveled reader as well as the other stories associated with this week. These leveled readers can be accessed on Connected.

My Math-

We will be testing on Chapter 2 and then begin Chapter 3 - Addition Strategies to 20. Please look for the chapter letter and Math Vocabulary sheet to be sent home to see what skills will be covered in this chapter.

Science/ Social Studies

This week we will be talking about nutrition and the Food Pyramid.  We will be learning about fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy. 

********STAR Student of the Week*********

  Lizzy Nickelson

      

Next Week's:  Jake Phinney   

Important Dates & Information:

2nd Nine Weeks begins October 7th.

Fall Break is October 21-28th

Field Trip - From Farm to Table is October 31st  

****Permission slip and $$ is due 10/18/19****

New Book orders to be submitted before Fall Break. 

  **Here is the online code for placing your order***

***Use class code MCR4Z ***

Your order will ship to the school and appear with your child's name on the invoice.

*First Grade will be performing our 6th annual performance of  The First Thanksgiving.  Parts are being handed out this week.  The play will be on November 21st beginning at 10:00.

For those of you whose child did not attend Belmont last year, it's a big deal!  We also have a "feast " of our own after the play.  More info and details to come soon.

Again, thank you very much for your continued support.

UNIT 2 - WEEK 1 - Week of September 30, 2019

UNIT 2 - WEEK 1      -       Week of September 30, 2019

Wonders-

This week our class will be focusing on the different kinds of jobs that need to be done in a community. Your child will discuss how community workers help the people who live in their community.

Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing.

Word Workout

• Spelling/Phonics: short e Help your child practice the spelling words, then have your child add words to the list with the same vowel sound as in hen. This week’s phonic sound is the short e sound, as in men and bread.

Comprehension: character, setting, events

Play a game with your child in which you make up characters, identify settings (where the story takes place), and create stories and events about them.

Accelerated Reader:

AR testing this week was much better than the previous weeks! Thank you all so much for your cooperation! We are still working on making sure that we make 80% or better on the tests for mastery. For five question tests, mastery must be a 100%.

******************************************************************************* Some of our children are STILL behind in their AR Points.  They need to be reading EVERY NIGHT a book that they will have read multiple times and are able to come in and test on the following day.  Your child SHOULD NOT come home without a book EVERY  DAY.  Again, this can be a combination of books read to them, with them, or by themselves.
********************************************************************************

Spelling Test-

Please remember to log into spellingcity.com to practice the spelling words! 

We also wanted to remind you that we will grade your child for accuracy on the first 12 spelling words. The last eight spelling words are enrichment words for all students. We would hope that they would all practice them and do their best to remember them. If they get them right, they will earn a point for each word spelled correctly. This could help them to earn the points back if they misspell one of the first twelve!

Weekly Test-

Our weekly test will cover skills we have learned in class. These skills can be practiced on http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do.  Login using the ID cards sent home. 

My Math-

Please remember to log in to http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do to practice skills in chapter 2- Subtraction Concepts. 

PLEASE play the vocabulary game for this chapter. Go over the cards sent home at the beginning of the chapter.  Practice vocabulary online at My Math from ConnectEd.  
*****MATH VOCABULARY TEST & MATH CONCEPTS are on THURSDAY!!!

Science/ Social Studies

This week we will be what Freedom means and as it pertains the Declaration of Independence.

Jobs within the community will also be the focus of this week in Social Studies.

If you have a job that you would like to come in and tell our class about, please send me a message on DOJO or text me at 
407-340-1313

****************STAR Student of the Week**************

HARPER MOWRY

           Next Week's:  Lizzy Nickelson

Important Dates:

Nine Weeks ends October 3rd. 

9 week's AR goal MUST be met by then!

No School on Friday

Order your Scholastic Books online!

New Book orders to be submitted before Fall Break. 

  **Here is the online code for placing your order***

***Use class code MCR4Z ***

Your order will ship to the school and appear with your child's name on the invoice.

 

Just a Note : 

Perfection through persistence...........

Our classes have been talking about how our school's mission statement should carry through in to the classroom. A good attitude and willingness to ask questions for the success of their own learning is a big part of becoming a SUCCESSFUL student.  



If we persist when things are hard, and expect to success, even when things are difficult, we will succeed. We do have empowered students, teachers and parents at Belmont! Without the support from our parents, the students and the teachers would not be quite as empowered. You make the difference for us and we thank you very much!

Again, thank you very much for your continued support.

Unit 1 Week 5 - September 16, 2019

UNIT 1 - WEEK 5              September 16th, 2019


So far, we've introduced you and your children to the Circle Map, the Bubble Map, the Double-Bubble Map, and the Tree Map.  Our THINKING MAP  for this week is the BRACE MAP.

Here is an example of a Brace Map.   We will soon be planting seeds in our gardens. We will also do a short unit on plants.    Here is a GREAT way to share/review some of the information many already know about.

***You can also use a BRACE MAP to break apart YOUR favorite pizza or food.

Be sure to state that it's YOUR favorite.  Example - Meat Lover's Pizza ( crust, sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, Canadian bacon).  That's it.  Do not shift into "types" of toppings, sauces, crusts, etc.  That's going back to our TREE MAPS.

WHOLE    PARTS

Wonders-

This week our class will be focusing on the different ways we can move our bodies, such as running, kicking, waving, and hopping.

Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing.

Word Workout

• Words to Know Have your child show and tell the meaning of the words, and then write a sentence using each word.
• Possessive nouns: Mom's hat, the boy's bat; the dogs' bowls;
• Spelling/Phonics: beginning consonant blends Help your child identify the two beginning sounds that blend together in each spelling word. This week’s phonic sounds are beginning r- and s-blends, as in the words stop, grin, and drip. Help your child think of other words that begin with the same sounds.

Accelerated Reader:

Your child should be bringing an AR book home every night to read. If they forget, please provide them one to read.  They must read the book at least 3 times in order to take an AR test.  Please TELL your child after listening to them read and asking them questions about the book whether or not YOU feel they are ready to take the test.
If your child is ready to take a test, he/she must bring the book back to school.  Having the book with them is important when taking the test so that they are able to use TEXT EVIDENCE.   Please encourage your child to test on books frequently so that they are able to make it to the AR parties! The first 9 weeks is being used to practice the skills for AR and get used to doing it. We want to use our in-school time wisely!

Your child should also be testing on two books on their tech lab day if they haven't done so during the week.  These books may not be showing up on your parent report but they are happening and going towards their point bank! The books tested are as follows: the leveled books ( Green, blue, purple, orange), and a story that we read in class. Please let us know if you have any concerns about AR. We are always happy to help!

You are able to (from home) see how they are doing on the tests mentioned above.  Simply log onto  Renaissance HOME CONNECT from the Belmont student links page and type in your child's AR username and password.  In the upper RIGHT-HAND corner, there's an email tab.  Enter your email there and you will receive notification that your child has taken an AR test and the score received.

Spelling Test-   

Please remember to log in to spellingcity.com to practice the spelling words!

Weekly Test-

Our weekly test will cover skills we have learned in class. These skills can be practiced on http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do .   Login using the ID information sent home. Be sure that the week showing is Unit 1 week 5.

My Math-

Our Math Vocabulary Test grade was not very good for many students.  

Math Vocabulary grade weighs just as heavily on your child's grade as does the Math Concepts test.  

PLEASE make it a daily plan to go over the vocabulary words.

We have begun our Subtraction Chapter. Please practice the Math Vocabulary words daily.  

Please remember to log in to http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do to practice skills in chapter 2- Subtraction Concepts.

Again, Math Vocabulary is an area that the children are tested on at the end of each chapter.  Please utilize the My Math link under ConnectEd to practice the vocabulary for each chapter.

If anyone is still having trouble logging into ConnectEd or Renaissance Home Connect, please send me a DOJO.

Science-

Earth's Surface

 ** Please send in supplies for Science Thursday BY WEDNESDAY.

****************STAR Student of the Week**************

KAYDN MALICOATE 

           Next Week's:   Gemma McKenzie

Important Dates:

***Use class code MCR4Z when ordering from Scholastic

Annie Hopkins

Unit 1 Week 4 - 9/9/19

Unit 1 - Week 4   -  Let's Be Friends       Week of September 9th, 2019

So far we've introduced you and your children to the Circle Map, the Bubble Map, and the Double Bubble Map. This week we are introducing a new Thinking Map called the... 
                   TREE MAP
Here are some examples.

The Tree Map The tree map is used for classifying and grouping things. This map is used to sort things or ideas, categories or groups. New categories can also be created.  This week our class will be focusing on what friends do when they play together. We will talk about how people interact and how we can resolve conflicts in a way that is fair. Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing. Word Workout Words to Know Help your child use the words to tell a story about playing with friends. Spelling/Phonics: short o Help your child spell each word as you say it and identify the one letter that is in every in the word. This week’s phonic sound is the short o sound, as in hop, log, and top. Comprehension: key details Help your child read sentences about a picture, and then choose the sentence that is true. Use Connected as a means of practicing the skills being covered this week. Spelling Test- Please remember to log in to spellingcity.com to practice the spelling words! It is also an app you can get called Vocabulary Spelling City If your child has mastered the initial words on Spelling List, please encourage them to choose a few enrichment words to challenge themselves. Weekly Test- Our weekly test will cover skills we have learned in class. These skills can be practiced on http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do .Login  using the ID cards sent home .   Make sure to select the appropriate week, Unit 1 week 4. AR POINTS CLUB: We have an Accelerated Reader (AR) Points Club.  This club recognizes the students who throughout the course of the school year will go above and beyond their classroom set AR goals.   For First Grade, the goal was and is to earn a total of 75 points or more with an accuracy of 90% or better over the entire school year. Last year's students were recognized with a host of awards for their accomplishments.  Not sure yet what this year's recognition will be, and I'm open to ideas, suggestions, AND donations.   We are in need of volunteers to help make connections with our local busineses.  If interested please let me know.  This is an achievable goal and we are asking for you to encourage your children to read, read, read! My Math-  Please keep in mind that their Math vocabulary grade weighs just as much as the actual math test.  60%  (ex. 100 on test + 50 on Math Vocab. = 75% overall grade for them) We have begun Chapter 2- Subtraction Concepts. Please look in your child's binder for a letter introducing the chapter and the vocabulary words that will be on the test.  The vocabulary cards are coming home on Monday.  Please use them regularly as a means of studying the vocabulary words for this chapter.  ** Remember, your child is tested on the vocabulary words as well as the concepts. Please also log in to Connected to practice the skills that we will be learning in this chapter. Science- Earth's Surface **Please don't forget to send in the rock for painting with your child this week (by Wednesday). Writing Narrative Writing:    Important Announcements: Please send a snack DAILY for your child.   **Thank you to those who have sent in snacks for the class.   ****************STAR Student of the Week************** Jackson Lofstrom                            Next Week's:       Kaydn Malicoate     Important Dates: September 10th- Scholastic Book Orders due! Field Trip - "From Farm to Table" - October 31st - Columbia County Fairgrounds   Cost: $2.00 **Field trip forms coming home this week. **First Grade Field Trip t-shirts available on Belmont 1st grade store later this week. ***PLEASE send in your Box Tops!  They are due in October!  Thank you. Annie Hopkins

Unit 1 Week 3 - August 26th,2019

Unit 1 Week 3   

Week of August 26th, 2019

Reading - Wonders

Dear Family Member:

THINKING MAPS - Tools for Learning


Last week, we introduced you to the BUBBLE MAP. This week we are introducing the DOUBLE BUBBLE MAP.  

This map is useful in comparing and contrasting two things. It allows for qualities that are shared to be placed in between the two items while differences are placed on the outside of the items. Unlike the bubble map, the words in the circles do not need to be limited to adjectives. You may use any words or phrases that are appropriate. Color coding the similarities/differences may make the relationships more obvious to see.
Purpose: To understand relationships between two items; for comparing and contrasting
Key Words: compare/ contrast similar/ different

Here are a couple examples:

This week our class will be focusing on what makes pets so special. We will talk about living things and their basic needs.

Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing.

Word Workout

• Words to Know Help your child use the words to tell a story about a special pet he or she would like.
• Spelling/Phonics: beginning consonant blends Help your child sort words with the l-blend by writing the list words with the same blend in one column. This week’s phonics include consonant l-blends in words such as black, clap, flag, play, and slip. Then help your child add more words to each column.

Comprehension: key details

Try this activity to help your child read and number story sentences and pictures in the correct order.

Spelling Test-

You child has 12 words on each spelling test beginning this week.  Please remember to log into Spelling City to practice the spelling words! This can be done ONE time on Thursday evenings! It is not required to be done every night!

Please study ALL of the spelling words on your child's skill sheet! The main spelling words are located in your child's binder so you are able to review the words over the weekend and get a head start.  The enrichment spelling words are there to challenge your child NOT frustrate them! If you find that this is happening, please let us know!  They can earn extra points for any enrichment words that they spell correctly.  Enrichment words cannot hurt their spelling grade, only help it.

Weekly Test ( Selection)-

PLEASE REMEMBER: Every Friday there is a weekly assessment that your child will take that includes skills from these concepts that we are covering in reading! Continue to review with your child, login to CONNECTED, and do your homework!

Our weekly test will cover skills we have learned in class. These skills can be practiced on http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do  Login using the sticker placed in your child's homework folder/binder.

Be sure to select the appropriate week, Unit 1 week 3.

********* If you are reading this, then you please tell your child to come and whisper in my ear... that "ZEBRAS LIKE GRASS."**** for a treat/or a clip up!

My Math-


We are in the heart of Chapter 1- Addition Concepts this week. 

****Our Chapter test will cover Vocabulary and Math Skills.

 Please continue to work through the homework and use http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do  for practice and review. The login information is the same for Wonders.


Your child's test will include problems from every lesson as well as a vocabulary test. 

Please follow the link below to play the vocabulary review game to prepare for the test.

http://www.mhschool.com/mmh_games/content/na2013_games/g1/c1/index.html

The vocabulary test is a separate test.


Please let us know if there are any questions!

Math Facts in a Flash 

Mastery of Addition Review  0-5 is due by the end of the 1st 9 weeks.

Your child will be keeping track of this on a graph at school and you can also view their progress on Home Connect Ren-Place


Writing

We are learning about Narrative Writing this 9 Weeks.
Writing from their personal experiences ensures the beginning of a successful writer.

Science: 

This week we are learning about our 5 Senses  It will be another fun week!  We hope your children are enjoying our Science Labs on Thursday!

Important Announcements:



****************STAR Student of the Week**************


Mrs' Hopkins' Class     -     Nayson Huynh
                                           Next Week's:   Everleigh Jackson
Important Dates:

No School on September 1th - Labor Day Holiday

September 10th- Scholastic Book Orders due!

 

 Thank you.

 Annie Hopkins