This week is short but sweet. Winter Break starts Tuesday at 2:00! Don't forget that school is one hour early out on Tuesday!
This week there is no homework and no spelling. We will be doing holiday activities and fun!
On Tuesday we will have pajama day and have a fun time drinking hot chocolate and watching the Grinch!
I hope everyone has a super winter break! School resumes Tuesday January 3rd! :)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Week of December 12
There are only 7 more school days until winter break! Can you believe it?! I can't! Wow!
We will be busy, busy, busy until then.
In Social Studies we will be learning about Christmas this week.
In Math we are starting Unit 5. We will be learning about place value and greater than and less than.
In Reading we will be learning about compound words, the -nk and -ng endings, and punctuation. The high frequency words are: own, ever, sure, were, enough, every, and any.
Friday is hat day, I will be sending more info via email later in the week. Friday is also the last Secret Santa shopping day.
We will be busy, busy, busy until then.
In Social Studies we will be learning about Christmas this week.
In Math we are starting Unit 5. We will be learning about place value and greater than and less than.
In Reading we will be learning about compound words, the -nk and -ng endings, and punctuation. The high frequency words are: own, ever, sure, were, enough, every, and any.
Friday is hat day, I will be sending more info via email later in the week. Friday is also the last Secret Santa shopping day.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Week of November 5
This week we will be learning about Kwanzaa in Social Studies.
In reading we are starting unit 3. We are learning about CV (consonant vowel) words. (ie go, hi) and the letter y as a vowel. The high frequency words are things, everything, stays, nothing, become, day, and always. We are learning about verbs.
In math we are learning about "Fact Power" or doing addition facts without using a number line (quick recall). We will be reviewing and taking our unit 4 test on Friday.
Wednesday is an early out day. Dismissal is at noon.
In reading we are starting unit 3. We are learning about CV (consonant vowel) words. (ie go, hi) and the letter y as a vowel. The high frequency words are things, everything, stays, nothing, become, day, and always. We are learning about verbs.
In math we are learning about "Fact Power" or doing addition facts without using a number line (quick recall). We will be reviewing and taking our unit 4 test on Friday.
Wednesday is an early out day. Dismissal is at noon.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Week of November 28
I hope everyone had a safe, fun, and delicious Thanksgiving. I hope everyone enjoyed all your children's hard work on their Thanksgiving writing and crafts! They did a great job! :)
This week we are finally back into normal routine. Since it is the month of December this week we have a new author of the month. This month, instead of a traditional author, it will be holiday books. We will read one a day until the winter break (can you believe it is only 18 school days away!)
In social studies, we will be learning about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas and completing crafts and activities for each winter holiday. It should be a fun 18 days until break!
This week we will be reading "Honey Bees" in our reading curriculum. The phonics skill is long e with one and two e's (i.e. we and seed). We will also be reading longer words by splitting it into smaller pieces (i.e. tablet--tab+let). We will also be reviewing syllables, nouns, -ed words, long u, and long e words.
The high frequency words are some, family, also, new, other, and their. We are done with every word on the unit 2 list, so please practice at home!!
We will be taking our unit 2 benchmark test, as well on Friday.
This week we are finally back into normal routine. Since it is the month of December this week we have a new author of the month. This month, instead of a traditional author, it will be holiday books. We will read one a day until the winter break (can you believe it is only 18 school days away!)
In social studies, we will be learning about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas and completing crafts and activities for each winter holiday. It should be a fun 18 days until break!
This week we will be reading "Honey Bees" in our reading curriculum. The phonics skill is long e with one and two e's (i.e. we and seed). We will also be reading longer words by splitting it into smaller pieces (i.e. tablet--tab+let). We will also be reviewing syllables, nouns, -ed words, long u, and long e words.
The high frequency words are some, family, also, new, other, and their. We are done with every word on the unit 2 list, so please practice at home!!
We will be taking our unit 2 benchmark test, as well on Friday.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Week of November 21
This week is a short week! It will be full of pilgrims, turkeys, and fun!!
Yay!
We don't have spelling or homework this week! Hooray for a break!
We will be making lots of cute art projects and learning about the first Thanksgiving.
We will also be continuing with our measurement unit in math.
Remember, Wednesday is dismissal at 2:00!
Yay!
We don't have spelling or homework this week! Hooray for a break!
We will be making lots of cute art projects and learning about the first Thanksgiving.
We will also be continuing with our measurement unit in math.
Remember, Wednesday is dismissal at 2:00!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Week of November 14
Thank you for everyone who came to conferences!!
This week we are learning about long u and long e. We are also talking about the -ed ending to words that make them past tense. The high frequency words are: grow, food, around, find, water, and under.
In social studies we will be talking about traditions and starting our holiday studies.
In math we will be starting our measurement unit: We will be talking about thermometers, rulers, tape measures, etc.
We will continue reading books by Audrey Wood and books about Thanksgiving!
This week we are learning about long u and long e. We are also talking about the -ed ending to words that make them past tense. The high frequency words are: grow, food, around, find, water, and under.
In social studies we will be talking about traditions and starting our holiday studies.
In math we will be starting our measurement unit: We will be talking about thermometers, rulers, tape measures, etc.
We will continue reading books by Audrey Wood and books about Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week of November 7
It's conference week! There are only two days of school! Enjoy your fall break! I am excited to meet with everyone at conferences!
This week we don't have our "regular" curriculum, as it is a short week.
In math we will be doing candy corn activities and reviewing for and taking our unit 3 test.
In reading we will be doing lots of reading and writing about fall, turkeys, and veterans.
There is no homework or spelling words this week!
Thank you!!
This week we don't have our "regular" curriculum, as it is a short week.
In math we will be doing candy corn activities and reviewing for and taking our unit 3 test.
In reading we will be doing lots of reading and writing about fall, turkeys, and veterans.
There is no homework or spelling words this week!
Thank you!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week of October 31
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Beggar's Night! I know your kids were sure excited about it and their costumes!
This week we are busy, busy, busy gearing up for conferences. If you are not sure of your time please email me and please send back the preparation form so I can help serve your needs better.
This week we are reading about dinosaurs in a story called "Big Circle." We are working on the long o sound and starting contractions (n't, 'm, 'll). Our high frequency words are down, inside, there, and together.
In math we are continuing addition and subtraction (with addition frames and pattern adding (i.e. add 2 each time)). We are also continuing with odd and even, time to the half hour, and adding dimes to our money.
Thank you for all your support at home! I really appreciate it! :)
This week we are busy, busy, busy gearing up for conferences. If you are not sure of your time please email me and please send back the preparation form so I can help serve your needs better.
This week we are reading about dinosaurs in a story called "Big Circle." We are working on the long o sound and starting contractions (n't, 'm, 'll). Our high frequency words are down, inside, there, and together.
In math we are continuing addition and subtraction (with addition frames and pattern adding (i.e. add 2 each time)). We are also continuing with odd and even, time to the half hour, and adding dimes to our money.
Thank you for all your support at home! I really appreciate it! :)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Week of Oct. 24
This past week was a great one! On Friday the kids earned a whole class party for good behavior. They voted on a "Halloween" themed afternoon. We made creepy popcorn hands, painted for the beginning of an Eric Carle pumpkin art project and Mr. Graff came in and showed some bones (as he is in medical school) and taught them some bone names. They are big, hard words but the kids memorized a lot of them! I was impressed. See if your child remembers any of them from their tarsals to their cranium! :)
This coming week we will be focusing on the long i sound. We will also be learning about the -wh, -ch, and -tch digraphs. The high frequency words are live, out, people, who, and work.
In math we will be continuing learning about addition and subtraction on a number line and number grid, odd and even, and telling time to the half hour.
ON MONDAY YOUR CHILD WILL BE TAKING HOME A CONFERENCE PREPARATION FORM. It should be in their folder on Monday. It will have your conference date and time, as well as a form to fill out, preferably before conferences, so I can prepare and use the time to best serve your questions and concerns. Thank you!
This coming week we will be focusing on the long i sound. We will also be learning about the -wh, -ch, and -tch digraphs. The high frequency words are live, out, people, who, and work.
In math we will be continuing learning about addition and subtraction on a number line and number grid, odd and even, and telling time to the half hour.
ON MONDAY YOUR CHILD WILL BE TAKING HOME A CONFERENCE PREPARATION FORM. It should be in their folder on Monday. It will have your conference date and time, as well as a form to fill out, preferably before conferences, so I can prepare and use the time to best serve your questions and concerns. Thank you!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Week of October 17
Sorry I am running a little late this week, I try to post on Sunday, but here we are Monday night. I have been getting over a bad cold and losing my voice, I will be better next week!
This week we are really amping up our literacy learning. Today I introduced "bossy e" and we are starting our learning on long vowel sounds. This week we are learning about long a sound in (CVCe or consonant, vowel, consonant, silent e) words.
We are also learning about when c sounds like /s/ and g sounds like /j/. We are talking about proper nouns. The high frequency words are be, could, horse, old, and paper. Thank you so much for helping your kids out at home with their homework. The first grade curriculum speeds up really quickly from here on out! They will be pro readers before you know it!
In math we are talking about patterns, odd and even numbers, number grid patterns, and continued work on additon and subtraction on a number line and skip counting.
Some things you could work on at home are skip counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's and counting change (especially nickels and pennies).
We are having a great time in first grade! I sure love teaching your kids! :)
This week we are really amping up our literacy learning. Today I introduced "bossy e" and we are starting our learning on long vowel sounds. This week we are learning about long a sound in (CVCe or consonant, vowel, consonant, silent e) words.
We are also learning about when c sounds like /s/ and g sounds like /j/. We are talking about proper nouns. The high frequency words are be, could, horse, old, and paper. Thank you so much for helping your kids out at home with their homework. The first grade curriculum speeds up really quickly from here on out! They will be pro readers before you know it!
In math we are talking about patterns, odd and even numbers, number grid patterns, and continued work on additon and subtraction on a number line and skip counting.
Some things you could work on at home are skip counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's and counting change (especially nickels and pennies).
We are having a great time in first grade! I sure love teaching your kids! :)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Week of October 11
Happy Columbus Day! I hope everyone had a nice day off! :) Ask your children about Christopher Columbus and have them show you the map they took home to name the continents and show you what Columbus did and what he discovered!
This week is Fire Prevention week. On Wednesday we will be doing centers with the fire men! I think it will be fun!
We are officially in Unit 2 of our Reading Street Curriculum. Your children should now be able to read all the sight words from unit 1 on the green sheet I sent home.
Our focus skills this week are the -sh and -th digraphs at the beginning and ending of words. We will also be talking about the -all sound. The High Frequency Words are catch, good, no, put, and want. We will also be learning about nouns.
In math we will be continuing to count money with nickels and pennies, as well as solving basic addition and subtraction story problems. We will be taking our unit 2 test on Thursday to assess these skills.
We will continue to talk about Columbus and Eric Carle.
Let's have a fabulous four day week!
This week is Fire Prevention week. On Wednesday we will be doing centers with the fire men! I think it will be fun!
We are officially in Unit 2 of our Reading Street Curriculum. Your children should now be able to read all the sight words from unit 1 on the green sheet I sent home.
Our focus skills this week are the -sh and -th digraphs at the beginning and ending of words. We will also be talking about the -all sound. The High Frequency Words are catch, good, no, put, and want. We will also be learning about nouns.
In math we will be continuing to count money with nickels and pennies, as well as solving basic addition and subtraction story problems. We will be taking our unit 2 test on Thursday to assess these skills.
We will continue to talk about Columbus and Eric Carle.
Let's have a fabulous four day week!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week of October 4
Can you believe it is October already!! Wow!
Our Author Study this month is about Eric Carle. We will be reading his books, learning about him, and making Eric Carle art this month!
This week we will start learning about Christopher Columbus (and some next week too!)
This week we are focusing on the short u sound and final blends (like first, tent, bend,help, etc.). We will also be talking about cause and effect, animal habitats, and antonyms.
The sight words are: home, into, many, and them.
In math, we will be talking about money (pennies and nickels) and number models (equations for addition and subtraction).
Build with Bags has started, see email I sent out or flyer that came home Friday!
No School on Monday, October 10 for Columbus Day.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to ask!
Our Author Study this month is about Eric Carle. We will be reading his books, learning about him, and making Eric Carle art this month!
This week we will start learning about Christopher Columbus (and some next week too!)
This week we are focusing on the short u sound and final blends (like first, tent, bend,help, etc.). We will also be talking about cause and effect, animal habitats, and antonyms.
The sight words are: home, into, many, and them.
In math, we will be talking about money (pennies and nickels) and number models (equations for addition and subtraction).
Build with Bags has started, see email I sent out or flyer that came home Friday!
No School on Monday, October 10 for Columbus Day.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to ask!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Week of September 26
Monday is Johnny Appleseed's Birthday! We will be making crock-pot applesauce ( a big thank you to everyone who brought in apples). We have had a lot of fun learning about the life cycle of an apple and classifying our apples. We will be doing even more this week by taste testing different kids and looking at the inside and outside of the apples.
In reading the high frequency words are small, saw, tree, and your.
The phonics skill is shourt e and intital blends.
We will also be talking about birds and animal habitats.
In math we are starting to tell time to the hour and starting money.
Thanks for all your support at home!
In reading the high frequency words are small, saw, tree, and your.
The phonics skill is shourt e and intital blends.
We will also be talking about birds and animal habitats.
In math we are starting to tell time to the hour and starting money.
Thanks for all your support at home!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Week of September 19
Just a few friendly reminders:
Wednesday is an early out day.
Book Orders are due Wednesday.
Please bring 2 crisp apples to school by Monday, September 26 to help us celebrate Johnny Appleseed week.
We have library on Wednesday, please help your child bring back their library books!!
This week we will be starting Unit 2 of our math program. We will be focusing on using number grids and number lines, numbers all around (like phone numbers, dates, and addresses), the 10 fact family, and unit labels for numbers. We will continue counting by 2's and 5's.
In reading we will be learning about Johnny Appleseed and the parts of the apple. We will be learning about animals and their babies. We will also be discussing the -s and -ing endings.
In science the kids are learning about solids, liquids, and gasses.
In social studies we are learning social skills like cooperation and sharing.
Wednesday is an early out day.
Book Orders are due Wednesday.
Please bring 2 crisp apples to school by Monday, September 26 to help us celebrate Johnny Appleseed week.
We have library on Wednesday, please help your child bring back their library books!!
This week we will be starting Unit 2 of our math program. We will be focusing on using number grids and number lines, numbers all around (like phone numbers, dates, and addresses), the 10 fact family, and unit labels for numbers. We will continue counting by 2's and 5's.
In reading we will be learning about Johnny Appleseed and the parts of the apple. We will be learning about animals and their babies. We will also be discussing the -s and -ing endings.
In science the kids are learning about solids, liquids, and gasses.
In social studies we are learning social skills like cooperation and sharing.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Week of September 12
I hope everyone enjoyed some great Football this weekend! At school this coming week we will be focusing on the short o sound and on plural words adding -s. We will be talking about ways animals help us, as well. Our High Frequency words this week are help, use, and get.
In math we are learning about solving number stories, weather, temperature, and counting by 2's, 5's, and continuing work with tallies and greater than and less than. We will be having our first math test on Thursday, as well. No need to study at home, your child should be fully prepared at school! :)
We are also starting our Science, Social Studies and Writing rotations.
Mrs. Aldridge is the Science teacher and will be starting a unit on Solids, Liquids, and Gasses.
Mrs. Scallon will be teaching writing using the six traits.
I will be teaching social studies and we will be working on social skills and working together.
Let's have a great week! Good luck with the fundraiser!
In math we are learning about solving number stories, weather, temperature, and counting by 2's, 5's, and continuing work with tallies and greater than and less than. We will be having our first math test on Thursday, as well. No need to study at home, your child should be fully prepared at school! :)
We are also starting our Science, Social Studies and Writing rotations.
Mrs. Aldridge is the Science teacher and will be starting a unit on Solids, Liquids, and Gasses.
Mrs. Scallon will be teaching writing using the six traits.
I will be teaching social studies and we will be working on social skills and working together.
Let's have a great week! Good luck with the fundraiser!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Week of September 6
Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is enjoying their four day weekend!
Math: This past week we were working on using a number line and on tally marks. This week we will learn about the calendar, temperature, and weather.
Reading: This past week we learned about the short a sound, and the -ck sound and spelling patterns. We read the story Sam, Come Back. This coming week we will be working on the short i and -x sound and spelling patterns. We are reading the story Pig in the Wig.
School Pictures are on Friday! So don't forget to dress nice and return your order form if you are purchasing pictures!
School Fundraiser Kick-Off is on Thursday, more information to follow.
Math: This past week we were working on using a number line and on tally marks. This week we will learn about the calendar, temperature, and weather.
Reading: This past week we learned about the short a sound, and the -ck sound and spelling patterns. We read the story Sam, Come Back. This coming week we will be working on the short i and -x sound and spelling patterns. We are reading the story Pig in the Wig.
School Pictures are on Friday! So don't forget to dress nice and return your order form if you are purchasing pictures!
School Fundraiser Kick-Off is on Thursday, more information to follow.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Week of August 29
Check your child's folder for their homework. This is due on Friday and should be done with guidance from the parent! This past week we worked on routines and started to get into the groove of centers and awesome behavior. This week we started the Reading Street reading program and will be learning all about pets and how to be responsible for them. We are working on the -a and-ck spelling patterns. In math we are working with number lines and talking about less that, greater than, one more, and one less concepts.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Welcome to First Grade!
Welcome to our First Grade Blog! I am so excited to be your child's teacher this year! First grade is a year full of learning and growth. I am just so amazed how much kids grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically during these early elementary school years.
By way of introduction, my name is Ashley Graff. I went to school at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I then taught one year as a second grade teacher in Heber City, Utah. Last summer we moved to Iowa where my husband is going to medical school at Des Moines University. I have spent the last year substitute teaching in Norwalk and several other districts in the area. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work here at Oviatt!
I have an open door policy. Please feel free to contact me WHENEVER---at home or at school.
Here is my contact information:
email:agraff@norwalk.k12.ia.us
work phone: (515) 981-1005
cell phone: (253) 579-2174
Also, please check this blog every week. I will post every weekend about the happenings of the past week along with important information, announcements, and reminders. :)
Thanks for letting me work with your child! I look forward to a fabulous first grade year!
By way of introduction, my name is Ashley Graff. I went to school at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I then taught one year as a second grade teacher in Heber City, Utah. Last summer we moved to Iowa where my husband is going to medical school at Des Moines University. I have spent the last year substitute teaching in Norwalk and several other districts in the area. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work here at Oviatt!
I have an open door policy. Please feel free to contact me WHENEVER---at home or at school.
Here is my contact information:
email:agraff@norwalk.k12.ia.us
work phone: (515) 981-1005
cell phone: (253) 579-2174
Also, please check this blog every week. I will post every weekend about the happenings of the past week along with important information, announcements, and reminders. :)
Thanks for letting me work with your child! I look forward to a fabulous first grade year!
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