Mrs. Swisher's First Grade Class: Weekly Update ~ 3/11/12

What a busy week of learning and fun we had in first grade!

Language Arts

- In Language Arts, we read several stories about having fun with family members. Our main selection story, Gram and Me, sparked some great conversations and stories about the many things we do with our grandparents!

Our focus skill was identifying character and setting, which we further explored through each story we read. Who is your favorite story or movie character? Why?

*BONUS CHALLENGE*

Write a story about your grandma or grandpa. Be sure to include a setting.
Please include a picture too!

Extending the Learning in Language Arts

For additional practice, check out the following sites:

Character and Setting Review: http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/setting.html

Parts of a Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLn_VYodqa4

Vocabulary: http://www.mhschool.com/vocab_games/mmh_games/content/Grade1/Unit4/w2v1/index.html

http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/media/repository/protected_content/COMPOUND/50000020/31/63/comprehension_launch.html?defaultSkill=3&stateCode=PA&defaultGrade=1

Spelling

-In Spelling, the students were introduced to long e, spelled with letters -e, -ea, and -ee. The students took part in many spelling activities throughout the week to practice their new words. Please be sure that your child completes his/her nightly spelling homework neatly! Also, the children should be using proper letter formation in their daily writing.

Spelling Smiles

Word Work with Wiki Stix

Extending the Learning in Spelling

For additional practice, click on the following links:

http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/media/repository/protected_content/COMPOUND/50000024/78/21/phonics_launch.html?stateCode=PA

http://www.mhschool.com/vocab_games/mmh_games/content/Grade1/Unit4/w2s1/index.html

Grammar

-Our Grammar lessons focused on accurately using has and have verbs. We also had a lot of fun as we reviewed compound words.

Extending the Learning in Grammar

For more practice, check out the following links:

http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=641

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/match/dragflip.asp?filename=kderittecompound

http://www.spellingcity.com/compound-words.html

Math

-In Math, we focused on addition and subtraction strategies as we completed chapter 13. The students compared objects to find the difference. They enjoyed writing their own word problems and using number sentences to solve them. The students also took part in a Lucky Charm activity which involved sorting lucky charms by marshmallow type, creating a bar graph to display the data, and then completed addition and subtraction problems related to the data. The students had a wonderful time working with their first grade friends!