FIRST GRADE FOOTNOTES

Dear First Grade Families: 5/7/10

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! What a great week to be an Elmer School Teacher! Mrs. Johnson and I would like to thank you and all the kids for the flowers, cards, beaded necklaces, popcorn, coffee and bagels, candles, frames, drawings, homemade items, kind words, and hugs of appreciation. You all made us feel special!

Here’s an overview of what’s been going on in First Grade this week:

MATH: We began Unit 8 and a review of money. This week we added the dollar bill to our “bank” and learned place value for 100’s, 10’s, and 1’s using our coins and dollar bills. We put our money where our mouth is this week and had the students “buy” their daily class snack (even if they brought their own from home) with their “play” money. These real life money examples really helped some children strengthen these math skills. Please continue to reinforce these skills at home by having them add various amounts of coins together. Ask them to show you how to make a certain amount at least two different ways. Many students still need more practice than what a school day can provide.

READING: This week’s science fiction story “My Robot” was enjoyed by all the students. I hope you got to hear the story of Cecil the robot. The students enjoyed creating their own robot with a partner and sharing their dreams for the future of robotics with the class.

Next week’s nonfiction story, “On the Job with Dr. Martha Smith” is an interview with a veterinarian who works at an animal shelter.

BOOK BAGS: Continue to read them at least 2 times over the weekend and return them on Monday. Send a note when you return the books to let me know how they “fit”. Remember the goal is to read independently at Level “I” by the end of First Grade. Many of our students are already at that level or past that level! Keep up the good work!

SPELLING: This week we continued to work on alphabetizing our spelling words and sentence dictation.

Next week’s spelling words will be /ou/ow, ou words:
cow, how, now, down, out, round, nice, face, does, once
Bonus (high-frequency) words: any, Dr., busy, care, eight, took

ART: We’ve been busy, busy, busy! This week we completed a project with “Chi Chi” Carman, completed our bug kites with MK, made insect walking puppets with MK, and finished another in-class art project.

PROGRESS REPORTS: It’s hard to believe there are only about 30 school days left of First Grade! Look for the updated Marking Period 3 (MP 3) report to come home. Please review, sign, and return. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me or send in a note.

UPCOMING DATES:

5/18 – Kite Launching event
**5/17 – Talent Show ** - New Date
5/21 – First Grade Class Trip to the Philadelphia Zoo
6/17 – Last full day of school
6/18 – 1:00 dismissal/Field Day
6/21 – 1:00 dismissal
6/22 – 1:00 dismissal/last day of school/whole school picnics

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions/concerns. Feel free to send a note in the homework folder or email me at dmahoney@elmerschool.com.

Thanks again for all the ways you showed you care! Enjoy your weekend!

Mrs. Mahoney/Mrs. Johnson