Our Decoding Strategies

This week, the grade ones were introduced to their first two decoding strategies.  We use these strategies to help us read new words.  We use Eagle Eye to look at the pictures for clues.  We can use Lips the Fish to cross check and make sure the picture matches the word on the page.  Try using our new reading strategies at home!

Library Schedule

This year, students will be visiting the library every 2 weeks.  Our first visit was this past Tuesday so students can enjoy their books until Tuesday October 10!

Headphones

We are starting to use our classroom iPads and listening centre on a regular basis.  If each child could bring in a labelled pair of headphones (nothing fancy) for classroom use in the next few weeks, it would be greatly appreciated!

Grade 1 Homework

Our Grade 1 homework was sent home today (Wednesday).  Attached to the duotang are student passwords and login information for Google Drive, RAZ Kids and Dreambox.  If you're having trouble logging on or locating any of these programs, please let me know and I'd be happy to send home more detailed instructions.

Terry Fox Walk/Run

Our annual Terry Fox Walk/Run is this Friday.  Please make sure students are dressed to participate and have a labelled water bottle.  The event will take place block 4 (2:50 - 3:30).  This will also be our first school spirit day.  Students are encouraged to dress in our school colours!

Alphabet and Number Review

We have been busy these past few weeks reviewing letter names and sounds.  Here are a few favourite videos we've been using:

We have also been counting to 100 by 1s

Patterns Everywhere!

This week, the grade ones started exploring patterns!  We are working on creating a pattern with one changing attribute and describing the pattern rule.  Here are a few we came up with...

A pattern with SIZE changing:

A pattern with COLOUR changing:

A pattern with SHAPE changing:

Can you find the pattern rules?

Signs of Summer

With all of the beautiful weather we've been having, some special grade one scientists headed outside for a walk to look for signs of summer.  Here are a few of the signs we found.  What signs can you find at home in your own yard?

Sorting Fun!

The grade ones have started their first math exploration on Sorting.  They have been working in their math groups to sort items.  We have discovered that we can sort by attributes like colour, size and shape.  Discuss at home other attributes that can be used for sorting.

Richmond Fair Reminders

Our annual trip to the Richmond Fair is Friday!  The buses will be leaving as soon as attendance is done and we are all loaded.  Students are to pack a pocket snack (something they can easily carry with them) to enjoy at the fair.  All students must return to school on the bus.  We are looking forward to a great morning!

Outdoor Mass Thursday

Thursday morning's mass is an outdoor mass.  Students should bring a hat and wear sunscreen as we are outside for the entire mass.

Welcome Grade 1s!

I am so excited to welcome you all to our grade one class this year!  The students had a jam packed day learning many of our new routines.  We will continue to get to know our new friends and routines throughout the week!

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We do have desks this year, so students may bring in a pencil case if they'd like, however, we do have all the materials students will need for the classroom available to them.  If pencil cases are brought in, please try and label as much as possible so things do not get lost.

Lastly, any donations of Kleenex and large ziplock baggies would be greatly appreciated!

We are looking forward to a great year!