It was such a joy to start another school year! Our new First Graders are all wonderful and amazing! Although the August school month was short, First Graders were busy bees!
During the month of August, First Graders were eager to learn about all the exciting things that will happen this school year! Here is what we covered:
Leadership and Responsibility:
First Graders practiced their leadership skills through our Early Childhood/First Grade Buddies program. During this time, First Graders worked to set a good example of what it means to be a Rohan Woods student. In addition, First Graders displayed positive leadership qualities during our Senior Kindergarten/First Grade Math Buddies times.
Every week, the students in First Grade rotate classroom jobs. This allows students to demonstrate responsibility and leadership in the First Grade. An example of one classroom job is the "Student Teacher". This student takes on a strong leadership role each day. The Student Teacher is in charge of leading our daily Pledge of Allegiance, daily calendar and weather tracking, passing out materials, and any other odd jobs that may arise. First Graders are already demonstrating a strong sense of pride for their classroom. They want their room to look nice and our belongings to be treated with kindness.
Reading:
During the month of August, First Graders learned about spelling patterns. First Graders also began using their Sight Word Journals! The students began using Reading A-Z, in order to test on what reading level is "just right" for them. At the end of the month, students began using the Daily 5 program for reading. They are AMAZING at Read to Self, which is independent reading with books that are "just right" for each students. First Graders learned how to appropriately "book shop" and how to pick books that were not only interesting to them, but level with their abilities. Students started both individual and class reading logs, in order to practice reading both at home and school!
Spelling:
First Grade is the first year students are able to take weekly spelling tests. Students were so excited to learn that they can also test "Mighty Words" (challenge words), such as elephant and sketch! First Graders learned the expectations of test-taking during the month of August and did an excellent job on their first spelling test! Students are working on a Second Grade curriculum and are currently covering short-vowel sounds.
Math:
Students love the Singapore Math program in First Grade! Singapore Math focuses on concepts and skill development through hands-on instruction and practice of basic facts, mental math, and weight. It is a challenging program that gives First Graders the foundation he/she will need to prepare for future grades! During the month of August, First Graders reviewed reading and writing numbers and skip-counting. At the end of the month, First Graders were introduced to number bonds to add single-digit numbers.
Handwriting:
In August, students began using their new Second Grade handwriting books! First Graders worked on proper letter formations of both lower and capital letters, appropriate finger spacing, and practiced the four keys to legibility: shape, size, slant, and spacing.
Project Approach:
First Graders work with the Second and Third Grade students during Project. Students used team-building activities to come together. They work through trial and error to discover ways to work as a team, develop personal responsibility, and learned new strategies to communicate within small groups.
August was such a great month! Stayed tuned to hear about all the exciting learning that happens next month!
– Ms. Coleman
