Dear Parents,                     April 11, 2016

This week in first grade, we are learning…

Language Arts: We are starting theme 9 in our reading series – Special Friends. Our reading strategy this week is “monitor/clarify”. The comprehension skill that will help us with this strategy is noting details. Using the text, pictures, and paying attention to the “extras” in a story will help us better understand what we read. Our phonics focus this week, is sounds for y. Y is usually a consonant, however, it sometimes acts as a vowel. When y comes at the end of a short word, the y sounds like a long /i/ (try), while y at the end of a long word sounds like a long /e/ (funny). Our grammar focus this week, is the proper usage of the words, is and are.

Spelling: Our spelling words this week, are from unit 29 and all have a y that sounds like a long /i/. The words are posted to spellingcity.com. Don’t forget to play the games and take practice tests!

Math: We are continuing with unit 8. This week we will introduce equal shares and fractions, as well as how to make change with money.

Religion: We will be reading from our religion books this week: Jesus Sends Us the Spirit.

Science: In science we will be learning about spring and fall weather.

Social Studies: We will be wrapping up our Social Studies unit this week with our final lesson and test at the end of the week.

Homework for the Week:

• Monday: Rainbow Write 2X and Math Worksheet
• Tuesday: Spelling p. 203-204
• Wednesday: 7 Sentences and Math Worksheet
• Thursday: Spelling p. 206 and Math Worksheet
• Friday: Read 2 Times

Reminders for the Week:

• PE Uniforms on Monday and Tuesday! Music will be on Wednesday and Thursday (there is a slight change in schedule to accommodate a middle school field trip!)
• Please remind your child to bring their library book on Tuesday so that they may check out a new one.
• $1 Free Dress on Wednesday. Proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
• Friday is a half day and school-wide centers. Please email me if you are interested in volunteering!
• Keep your eyes open for a field trip form this week!

Upcoming Events:

• Last Day to order In-n-Out and Dippin Dots is on April 21^st! No late orders will be accepted. This is a fundraiser for our school and we encourage all those who can, to participate in a fun-filled lunch period on April 25th! I hope to see you there!
• Please remember to order your yearbook by April 22^nd!

Have a great week!

                                                     Ms. Manning