We are actively engaged in daily guided reading groups. Each child is placed into groups according to last year's DRA score and recent classroom observations. Children will be moved into groups as their skills develop. Each night your child will bring home a book bag with the book we have done in group. Your child should read this book each night to you and then the slip should signed and returned the next day along with the book. Practicing reading will help your child's fluency and build on skills we are working on in class.Please continue working with the kindergarten and first grade word lists that I sent home with your child. Having a strong bank of vocabulary words will make reading both easier and more enjoyable for your child. Working as partners will give your child every opportunity they need.

In math we are continuing to practice writing numbers, identifying number words, tallying daily, and placing numbers in order from least to greatest and greatest to least. We have been adding and subtracting using number lines and manipulatives. In unit 4 we have been working on identifying geometric shapes and measuring with non-standard units. We have also been working on problem solving using both our adding and subtracting skills. The children must show how they got their answer, write a number model for the problem, and be able to include a label or unit in their answer. We will take the post test for Unit 4 the week of January 15th, and then move directly into unit 5.

The children have been working on balancing thus far in science. They have learned the importance of finding the stable position using counterweights to do so. They have also learned to use different size discs and sticks to create tops that spin. Ask your children about these experiences and see what information they have retained.

Blackrock Elementary
Paula Jacquard