First Grade Newsletter

Below you will find important information such as updates, field trips, special events, etc. that will occur each month.

First Grade Team:

Ms. Shirley (MCL), Ms. Marshall, Ms. Kretchman, Miss Kee, Miss Weir, Ms. Gonzalez (ELL), Miss Rogers, Ms. James (RA)

Calendars will be updated as new information and events are planned.

Ms. Brandi Shirley is the MCL (Multi Classroom Leader) for first grade this year. This means that she will be working with all first grade classrooms. Ms. Shirley's vision is to foster the love of learning and teaching for students and teacher alike. Through professional development, coaching, and modeling, her goal is to strengthen the content knowledge and instructional practices of teachers to reach their highest potential. Providing this support will increase student academic achievements and provide consistent instruction for higher student outcomes.

Math:

In quarter 1, students will learn number fluency through different counting strategies. Students will learn how to represent their math thinking with manipulatives and pictorial representations. Students will also count and estimate objects up to 30, make groups of tens and ones, compare and order sets of 30 or fewer, and become fluent in their oral counting. Part/Part/Whole problems will also be taught in the first quarter. Students will engage in meaningful experiences which will allow them to think flexibly and begin develop skills for automaticity. Students will also complete the beginning of year number sense screener assessment.

Language Arts:

In language arts, students will be using Bookworms, a comprehensive curriculum for reading and writing. The writing focus will be on becoming a writer. Students will also work on the foundations for building stamina to become fluent readers.

Social Studies:

First grade will alternate science and social studies units. In the first quarter, students will learn the traits of a good citizen, what Virginians do to help their communities, and about economics.

Science:

First grade will alternate science and social studies units. In the first quarter, students will learn what it means to be a scientist and learn about plant and animal needs.

The following is a list of math resources that students and families can use to practice and reinforce math skills at home. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DvFoq7yd48HOG5Eq1dba5bTMKJC7_JgWOADkF5xKPDg/edit?usp=sharing

Greg Tang Math:

Greg Tang Math is an online resource where students can reinforce math skills taught in the classroom. tangmath.com

It is imperative that students are exposed to reading and writing everyday. Please encourage your child by reading to them or having them read a book to you that is on their level.

Also, by the end of first grade, it is the goal that students will be able to both read and write the 109 power words listed below. As the year progresses, encourage your child to practice reading and writing these words at home.

Recess:

Please make sure that your child is wearing weather-appropriate clothing as we will go outside everyday as weather permits.

Attendance:

It is imperative that students are here at school everyday. If your child is sick and will not be at school, please contact your child's teacher and/or the front office to let them know.

Below you will find an Amazon wishlist that the first grade team has created with materials that will help to create a more fun and engaging learning environment for your child. If you wish to donate items to the first grade, please feel free to click on the link to check out some of the items. If you do not use amazon, but still wish to donate materials, some of the items are listed below.

Thank you for your support,

The First Grade Team

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/58F3ZIRBSLH9?ref_=wl_share

* Sidewalk Chalk

* Hand sanitizer

* Lysol Wipes

* Baby Wipes

* Fun pens to write with

*Tissues