First Grade News

1. First Grade News In our reading and writing program we are starting a new unit called “Connecting to our World.” The big ideas of the unit are connections and relationships. In reading, the children will be learning that an informational text is written differently than a literary text and the informational text makes different demands on the reader. In writing, the children will be learning that different genres have different structures and conventions. They will also understand that living things have certain behaviors that shape them and allow them to survive. At the end of the unit they will write an informative/explanatory text. We are looking forward to watching our readers and writers grow! In math we have just finished Unit Three which concentrated on Addition Strategies. We will be starting Unit 4 which engages the children in Subtraction Strategies such as counting back, breaking apart and thinking addition to subtract. We also will start Unit 5 which involves addition and subtraction relationships. In this unit the children will be learning how to add and subtract within 20. They also will be identifying related facts, using related facts and finding ways to make 20. The children love using manipulatives such as counters, cubes and ten frames. We encourage you to use them at home! In Social Studies we are learning about holidays and families. We will be talking about Election Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. We are also learning about families now and long ago. We are discussing how different things have changed with families from long ago such as clothing, food, work, transportation, technology, education and homes. We have started Unit 3 in Fundations which focuses on constant diagraphs such as th, wh, sh, ch, and ck. The sample words for this unit are wish, chop and sock. The trick words for the unit are as, has, to, into, we, he, she, be, me, for and or. Continue to practice tapping with your child at home. Our trip to see the African Acrobats at Queens College is on Tuesday, November 12th. Please send your child in with lunch because we will be returning at 12:30 and eating in the classroom. Please send your child in with their P.S. 196 trip shirt if you purchased one. In Science our students are learning about the three states of matter- Solids, liquids and gas! They will be learning about the properties and conducting some hands-on activities. They are learning so much!!! Reminders: School is closed Tuesday, November 5th for Election Day , Monday, November 11th for Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th for Thanksgiving. Parent Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, November 14th the students will be dismissed at 12:00.