Well, we are off to a great start. This past week consisted of a lot of rules, expectations, and classroom management. This will continue, strongly, through the next few weeks. I encourage parents to review the expectations and encourage good CHAMPS behavior. Good behavior goes hand in hand with good study habits and  steady learning. Check your child’s planner each day for a “Busy Bee” stamp that indicates good behavior. If your child moves to yellow or red, I will write a brief note in the yellow box. Please initial so that I know you have reviewed this each day. Also, read what your child writes in the planner. There will be a message each day. If there is something you need to let me know, please write it in the planner. I check these every morning and it is more reliable than the phone.

This week in reading, the students will be learning how to transition into Guided Reading stations. As they become familiar with this, I will begin testing for reading levels. Each child will be bringing home a book and their reading log beginning Monday. Be patient with me. If the book is too easy, read it several times to improve fluency. If the book is too hard, just read it to them. It will take me a couple weeks to get all of their reading levels for a better choice of take home readers. Please list the book, comments and initial the reading log each day and send it back to school the next day.

In math, we will be counting groups and combining them using different types of tools; ten-frame, number line, hundreds grid, counters, etc.

In writing, the students will get their first set of spelling words: the, a, and, of, to. Practice these at home and the spelling test with dictation will be on Friday. We also will begin penmanship and an author study of Kevin Henkes.

I hope all of you have signed up for the “Remind” texting app. This is a great way to relay simple messages to parents. Parent Orientation is set for September 15th at 6:00. I hope everyone can be there so I can go more in-depth of first grade expectations and answer your questions.  Thank you for everything you’ve done to help make this a great beginning of school.

You matter,

Mrs. Benson