www.raz-kids.com. It is an online library of leveled reading materials. Raz-Kids helps students improve their reading skills as they listen to a book read for modeled fluency. Then, if the computer has a built-in record function, they can record themselves reading the same book. Or, students can read the book to themselves or aloud for practice. Interactive quizzes are available at the end of each book to check for understanding.
Here is how to access the website and your child’s reading assignment from any computer connected to the Internet:
1. Go to www.raz-kids.com from your Internet browser and click on .
2. Type in the teacher’s username mkibbea and click Go.
3. Find your name or symbol on the chart and click on that symbol.
4. enter your text password: (first and last name initials)
5. The books in your child’s assignment and stars earned appear on a personal
assignment page. Your child can choose to listen, read, or take a quiz by clicking on
the symbols below each book. I recommend they listen first, then read the book, then take the quiz. I am able to monitor how much they are reading! When they read all the books in their level, it automatically bumps them into the next level. Remember, the more your child reads, the better reader he or she will become! Please try to get on the website to check it out with your child this weekend.
Writing: We are reading lots of narratives to learn the elements. We are also listening for how authors start and end their stories for ideas in our own writing. We discussed characters in stories so last week we were reading books to explore different characters. This helps us get ideas on characters in our own writing. Next week we will be learning to plan and write a narrative. Up till now we have focused on stories that were real to us, real events in our lives. Now we will try to put our skills together to write fictional stories. This sounds like fun, but still challenging.
Spelling - We continue with our Word sorts! I am holding them accountable more for using not only the word sort practice but the chunks we have learned in combination with our word wall. Keep up the practice at home!! I am noticing more awareness in sounds they hear and connecting them to their daily sorts. Yay!
Math- Now is the time to get out those fact cards. We want them to get familiar with ten facts, doubles, doubles +1, adding 3 numbers together. I sent home a math strategy folder. KeeWe have been talking about Doubles facts the past 2 weeks. It is still challenging for some. We ended the week with some relay games with Doubles and Doubles plus 1! While before we have been learning strategies and practicing applying them, now is the time to start some flashcards of doubles and 10s facts. We want it to become more automatic. Get those fact cards out and start practicing!! The doubles +1 facts just help to broaden their scope of facts. If you know 5 +5 = 10 than 5 + 6 is just one more so its 11. Next week we will apply 10s and doubles to adding 3 numbers together!
Continue to practice these addition and subtraction strategies at home:
using a number line
drawing a picture
using objects
touchpoints
tens and ones
some subtraction strategies:
drawing a picture, counting back on a number line, comparing to subtract. Keep practicing writing number sentences horizontally and vertically.
3D shapes; money, time to hour and half hour
Social Studies- Last week we discussed inventors and their important contributions! The class loved this and found them fascinating. Continue learning about inventors at home through Pebble Go!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
February 14th - Valentine Party!
20th - Student Holiday!
March 12-16 Spring Break!
Birthdays
We are happy to help celebrate your child's birthday at school. Treats must be store bought! You can send them in the morning with your child for me to distribute or you are welcome to come up and bring them. We will do birthdays at 2:15. If your child has a summer birthday, we can celebrate their birthday either in now at the beginning or in May. Just let me know so we can schedule the birthday time!
P.E. & Recess
PE will be staying inside the first few weeks but students are encouraged to bring water bottles, hats, sunglasses and TENNIS SHOES to school everyday. These same items will be very useful for recess when weather permits.
CAFETERIA
SNACKS: First graders are allowed to purchase snacks with their lunch. They can get quite expensive though. I discourage the kids to get snacks (Rice Krispie
treats, fruit roll ups, ice cream, ice cream pops, chips, etc) from the
cafeteria until they can tell me they have discussed it with you. I encourage you to regulate this by getting in
contact with the cafeteria and letting them know any purchase restrictions. Example: ice cream/snack only on Fridays
Lunch: Please discuss the menu with your child prior to getting to school. Make sure they know which tray they are getting...1, 2, 3or 4 or if they are lunch from home. We want to try to avoid their confusion or anxiety.
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