Team Ward had many exciting experiences in January!
*In writer's workshop, we learned how to write opinions about collections we own. Next we are moving on to writing reviews of our favorite things, like toys, movies, video games, and books. As one student said, "It's like we're writing our own commercials!" Exactly! By the end of this unit I am hoping that every first grader will be able to clearly state his/her opinion and give at least two reasons for it with some elaboration. We're also having fun learning how to write "catchy" introductions and endings. I hope the children have enjoyed being able to use their iPads at home. They produced some of their best writing to-date with the help of their pictures of collections. I hope that trend continues!
*Our most recent social studies unit focused on needs and wants. Children learned what families need and want and how they make decisions about buying these items. We concluded this unit by going to the Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove where we learned about how families lived 100 years ago in this area. Thanks to all of our parent chaperones who helped with this experience!
*In reading workshop we focused on author's purpose, learning that authors have different reasons for writing. We focused on three main purposes: to inform, to entertain, and to persuade. We also had lessons on non-fiction features and how to use them. When children read non-fiction they don't always understand how to use or read features like the index, glossary, charts, headings, and captions. This is something we will continue to focus on throughout the school year.
*We're still in chapter 8 in our Math in Focus curriculum. This chapter introduces children to the idea of using different math strategies in addition and subtraction. This can be tricky at first, but having this foundation will help them do more difficult math down the road. It is very important that first graders have a good handle on their ten facts (7+3=10, 8+2=10, etc.) and double facts (1+1=2 up to 9+9=18) in order to be successful with these strategies.
Have a great weekend!!
Mrs. Ward
*In writer's workshop, we learned how to write opinions about collections we own. Next we are moving on to writing reviews of our favorite things, like toys, movies, video games, and books. As one student said, "It's like we're writing our own commercials!" Exactly! By the end of this unit I am hoping that every first grader will be able to clearly state his/her opinion and give at least two reasons for it with some elaboration. We're also having fun learning how to write "catchy" introductions and endings. I hope the children have enjoyed being able to use their iPads at home. They produced some of their best writing to-date with the help of their pictures of collections. I hope that trend continues!
*Our most recent social studies unit focused on needs and wants. Children learned what families need and want and how they make decisions about buying these items. We concluded this unit by going to the Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove where we learned about how families lived 100 years ago in this area. Thanks to all of our parent chaperones who helped with this experience!
*In reading workshop we focused on author's purpose, learning that authors have different reasons for writing. We focused on three main purposes: to inform, to entertain, and to persuade. We also had lessons on non-fiction features and how to use them. When children read non-fiction they don't always understand how to use or read features like the index, glossary, charts, headings, and captions. This is something we will continue to focus on throughout the school year.
*We're still in chapter 8 in our Math in Focus curriculum. This chapter introduces children to the idea of using different math strategies in addition and subtraction. This can be tricky at first, but having this foundation will help them do more difficult math down the road. It is very important that first graders have a good handle on their ten facts (7+3=10, 8+2=10, etc.) and double facts (1+1=2 up to 9+9=18) in order to be successful with these strategies.
Have a great weekend!!
Mrs. Ward
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