November 12, 2024

Hi 1A families,

Thank you so much for meeting with me for a conference over the past couple of weeks. I truly enjoyed talking to everyone about their wonderful kids!

Thankful Show - November 27

Today, the first graders came home with an official invitation to our Thankful Show. We will be holding the performance on Wednesday, November 27, at 9:00am in the Kittredge gym. Families are welcome to attend! The kids will sing a couple of songs and we will watch a brief slideshow where they can show us what they are thankful for. The show will be about 30 minutes long. I hope you can attend! :)

Food Drive

Last Friday, the students came home with a flyer for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The first grade is collecting boxed stuffing and bread mixes. All donations are very appreciated! The collection will continue until November 22.

Here is a quick look at what we've been learning about in first grade:

• We wrapped up module 1 of the Wit and Wisdom curriculum, How Books Change Lives around the world. Next we are learning about Creature Features. We read a fiction book titled Seven Blind Mice and discussed the central message of the story. Now we are focusing on a book titled Me...Jane that tells the story of how Jane Goodall became a scientist. The kids love it and we are having some excellent discussions.
• In conjunction with that material, the students are learning about paragraphs. So far, they have learned that a paragraph is a collection of sentences that center on a specific topic. Today, they practiced identifying the topic sentence, the supporting details, and the conclusion. We use the analogy of a hamburger to explain it to the kids. Over the next couple of weeks, the students will learn to write their own paragraph using this structure.
  
• In math, the students have been working with addition and subtraction story problems. They have started using a math journal, which they seem to really enjoy. Ask them to tell you about it!
• Another skill that I have introduced is alphabetical order. We have been working on this a few times a week as it can be tricky for first grade students.
• The most recent trick words (sight words) that the kids learned are: you, your, I, they, was, one, said, have, from
• The first graders also learned that quotation marks indicate when a character is speaking. 

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, November 20: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Wednesday, November 27: First Grade Thankful Show at 9:00 am (families invited); half day (11:50am release)
• Thursday and Friday, November 27/28: No school - Thanksgiving break
• Wednesday, December 4: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Wednesday, December 11: Early release at 1:45 (teacher professional development)
• Friday, December 13: Picture retake day
• Date TBD: 1A holiday craft party
• December 20: Term 1 report cards released
• December 21 - January 1: Winter break

Thanks for all that you do to support your child's learning. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Katie Barnett