November 3-7

Dear Families,
Happy November! Here's a sneak-peek at our week:
During Writer's Workshop, we turned to mentor authors to see what they do in their writing that we would like to try in our own writing. We also turned to our writing partners who are helping us to make our writing pieces the best they can be. Ask your first grader to share with you some craft moves we noticed Rachel Vail use in Sometimes I'm Bombaloo and Mo Willems use in Knuffle Bunny. Also ask your first grader what craft moves s/he tried this week and what s/he wants to try next. 
















In Reader's Workshop we began our look into story elements. We focused this week on characters (main and supporting) and setting (where and sometimes when). Ask your first grader to tell you why it was important for us to note both the where and the when of the setting in Cynthia Rylant's book Henry & Mudge in the Family Trees. 

During Partner Reading time, we were sure to discuss the setting and characters when retelling our books!

 

During Word Work time we were introduced to Making Words. We read Leo Lionni's book The Alphabet Tree which inspired us to use letters to make words. We discovered that we could create more words by focusing on word families. In this particular sort, they were the -an and -at families. 

This week we'll continue to focus on the same word wall words from last week since they were so tricky! We'll also begin our close look at vowels beginning with short and long a.

when

went

were

your

said

In math this week we finished up unit 2 with a focus on relating addition and subtraction. We also learned what a vertical form is. We also learned that it's important for us to include a category or label with our answers to number stories. 

All of this work with addition and subtraction equations is helping us become 

fluent with addition/subtraction to 10 and beyond!

Reminder:
Please keep in mind that our recess time has been extended, and the kiddos are outside for quite a bit of time. It's wise to keep hats/gloves in backpacks just in case. With the wind on Friday, it was incredibly cold out there. Thanks!

Mark Your Calendars!
November 12: Early Release Day
November 14: Picture Re-takes
November 21: Betty Brinn Field Trip 9-Noon *A bag lunch would be appreciated on this day if at all possible. However, hot lunch/milk WILL be available.
November 25: Informance at 2pm
November 26: Half Day - Student dismissal at 12:30pm
November 27 & 28: NO SCHOOL. Happy Thanksgiving!