Sunday, September 29, 2019

9-29-19

Week at a glance

Monday: B Day (Gym)
Tuesday: C Day (Music)
Wednesday: D Day (Late Start, Music)
Thursday: E Day (Art)
Friday: F Day (Gym, Art, and Laps for Lincoln!)


Volunteering this week:

Tuesday: 9:15-10:00 for Math Rotations
Friday: 3:10-3:35 for Tinker Time

Academic Updates

Phonics: We are learning about digraphs (th, wh, ph, sh, ch). Be on the lookout for words with these patterns as you're reading with your Firstie.  They are VERY good at spotting them!
Reading: We are practicing finding the main idea and details in non-fiction books. We've been talking a lot about fiction vs. non-fiction.
Language: We have spent a fair amount of time talking about what makes a sentence, including capitalization and punctuation.  Soon we will start learning about nouns.
Science: We will begin our first unit of study this week called, "Spinning Sky."  You'll probably hear a lot about shadows.
Social Studies: We are learning about families.
Math: We will begin looking at using different strategies for addition, including counting up and the commutative property affectionately known as, "the turn around rule."

Reading at Home

In First Grade we encourage parents to read every day with your child.  There are many ways to approach this time together to keep it light, interesting, and fun.  Firsties benefit from reading along with you.  This helps with their inflection, recognition of punctuation, and general fluency.  Additionally, it helps to prevent frustration when they're reading harder texts.  In school we call this "Choral Reading."  Check out the attached video to see what I mean.



Sunday, September 22, 2019

9-22-19

Week at a Glance

Monday: C Day (Music)
Tuesday: D Day (Music)
Wednesday: E Day (Late Start, Art)
Thursday: F Day (Gym and Art)
Friday: A Day (Gym and Library)


Thank you

We had a great turn out last week for Back-to-School Night.  I have received many generous donations in response to my requests.  Thank you!


Volunteering this Week

If you find yourself with extra time we would love to have you during the following times:
Monday: 9:00-10:00 (Math Rotations)
Tuesday: 10:40-11:40 (Math Rotations)
Thursday: 9:30-10:30 (Math Rotations)
Friday: 3:00-3:30 (Tinker Time)


Laps for Lincoln

A collection envelope and information sheet were sent home Friday.  This is our one and only fundraiser.  Please take a look at the info and let me (or the PTO) know if you have any questions.  The PTO supports the teachers and students in many wonderful ways.  Most recently our classroom was given funds to purchase an easel! In addition to raising money, the PTO is hoping to promote The Bear Necessities over the next few weeks.  Staff will be on the lookout for students working hard to make Lincoln the best school it can be. Students can earn charms for their good deeds.

Homework

Something I did not discuss at Back-To-School Night is my homework policy.  Generally speaking I am not a fan of homework for Firsties.  I recommend that students spend time outside, play board games, cook with their parents, and just plain old kid stuff.  We have a long school day during which they already work very hard.  The article in this link- Homework - talks about research that supports the idea that homework at this age is not beneficial.  That said, (here's the BUT) students should spend time reading EVERY day! 15-20 minutes each night does wonders to improve students' reading development. In the coming weeks I will share one idea for reading at home in each blog post.

I will occasionally (maybe every six weeks or so) send home some small task for homework.  It may be a math game, a particular books to read, or something to complete as a family.

Conferences

If you have not signed up for a conference time please follow this link and fill out this survey. I look forward to meeting with each of you!
Conference Sign up


Tuesday, September 17, 2019

BTSN Information

Back to School Night Information

If you missed Back to School Night read on for a synopsis of the evening.

Field Trips
I need signed permission slips for each child to attend the field trips.  If you were not at school on Monday evening I will be sending home a permission slip for you to sign.  We will be going to:
  • Upton Planetarium (no parents)
  • Sarett (parents!!)
  • Calling all Colors (no parents)


Report Cards
We use the 1, 2, 3, 4 grading scale.  Scores are based on end-of-year learning goals.  A 1 or 2 in November is not necessarily indicative of a problem, but rather notification that your child does not yet have that skill mastered. You will receive report cards in November, February, and June.


Conferences
Schedule your fall conference now.  If you were not in attendance on Monday, please complete this Google Form: Conference Sign Up I will post the finalized schedule to the blog for your reference and will send a reminder a few days before our scheduled conference. 

Farmer of the Week
Each child will have an entire week to shine.  They will be notified the Friday before the start of their week.  Each day there is something special for the child to do such as present a poster (I provide a blank one for your child to complete), bring a book from home to share, show and tell, share a talent and receive a “brag” letter from home.  Students’ Farmer of the Week timing is independent of birthdays and completely random. 

“The Big Green Folder”
Please check your child’s folder regularly.  I occasionally send notes home and all important information and work samples will be placed in here.  The children know that it is THEIR responsibility to get that folder safely from home to school and back again. 

Tinker Time
On Fridays, please send in any paper towel/toilet paper rolls, tape, boxes, etc.  Friday afternoons children will have time to make and create. Due to spacing concerns I ask that supplies only be delivered on Fridays for use that day.

Snack
We have two snacks each day.  Please send something nutritious for your
child. I try always to have pretzels available for those who forget.  I’m always grateful for extra bags!

Volunteering
I have a variety of volunteer opportunities! I always need clerical-type work, help with various tasks with the children, and of course parties. A new background check form will need to be completed and on file in the office. Volunteers have to complete one annually.  If you’d like to volunteer let me know your availability and we will find something that works for you.

Mystery Readers
Shhh! Don’t tell your Firstie! Please sign up to read to the class as a surprise to your child.  A few days before your turn I’ll contact you for 3 clues about you that your child *might* know-nothing too specific. (Good examples: I have four sisters, I am terrified of mice, and I went to Australia).  We read the clues in class before you arrive. It’s so fun to watch the kiddos’ faces light up when the Mystery Reader is one of their grownups! This schedule will be posted to the blog as well. If you’d like to signup, contact me and I’ll add you. 

Gear
We go outside in all weather unless it’s pouring rain or too cold (below 10 degrees fahrenheit). Please send appropriate gear with your Firstie.  In the fall and spring when temperatures can change drastically throughout the day they may need a couple options. I don’t have a hard and fast rule about what gear to wear.  Some kids run nonstop through all of recess. So on a 55 degree day they may be sweaty and hot in a sweatshirt. Whereas another kiddo may draw with chalk and need a hat and scarf on a 55 degree day. We talk a lot about the temperature and I work with them on choosing wisely.  

Shoes
I would be very grateful if you could please make learning to tie shoes a bit of a priority at home.  I could probably do nothing but tie shoes and be busy all day! 

Communication
Email is the best way to reach me.  Feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns or just to share some information about your Firstie that would help me to serve them best.

Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up

If you did not sign up for a time to meet with me at Back-to-School Night, please complete this form.  I would like to meet with the family of each child during the month of October.

I will email you a confirmation as well as a reminder a few days before our scheduled time.

Thanks!

Conference Sign Up

Saturday, September 14, 2019

9-15-19

Week at a Glance

Monday: D Day (Music and Back-to-School Night)
Tuesday: E Day (Art)
Wednesday: F Day (Late Start, Gym and Art)
Thursday: A Day **Picture Day! (Gym and Library)
Friday: B Day (Gym)


Back-to-School Night

I'm looking forward to seeing you Monday evening at 6:00pm.  This is our chance to talk about what to expect throughout the year and I can answer any questions you may have.

Library

This year children will be able to check out 2 library books so long as they are returning them.  Our Library day is A day right after lunch.


Sunday, September 8, 2019

9-8-19

Week at a Glance


Monday: Art
Tuesday: Art and Gym
Late Start Wednesday: Gym and Library
Thursday: Gym
Friday: Music

What's the scoop?

We will continue to learn 1st Grade procedures for all the various pieces of our day.  In phonics we will begin a review of short vowel sounds. In math we will be practicing our counting strategies.  We will start our Daily 5 language block with "read to self" followed later in the week by "read to someone."

Homework

There will be minimal homework assigned in First Grade, but 20 minutes of reading at home is encouraged every night.

Snack

We will have 2 snacks each day.

Contact

Feel free to contact me any time at lfiesbeck@stjoebears.com


Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Specials Schedule

Fiesbeck Specials Schedule

A Day:
Gym
Library

B Day:
Gym

C Day:
Music

D Day:
Music

E Day:
Art
Computers

F Day:
Gym 

Art

First Grade Choice Board

Choice Board