May11, 2010

DearFamilies,

Wehave finished our vertebrate unit in science. The children have been working ona vertebrate report.  Some have completedthis research project and some are near completion. 

We’vebeen working on 2-D shapes and comparing their sides and angles.  We have also been working on measuring usingone inch squares and one inch rulers. Our new math unit includes fact families and problem solving using additionand subtraction.  At this time in firstgrade the children should  know theidentity and value of the penny, nickel, and dime.  We will introduce the quarter soon.  If your child still has trouble countingmoney or identifying coins and knowing their value, please work with him/her athome.   It is an important lifeskill.  We’ll continue to work on this atschool also.

OurMay spelling tests will be on May 21st and May 28^th.  Mayspelling words are:  father, mother,name, four, seven, purple, orange, blue, white, yellow, green, gray, bright,tan, violet.  However, we will behaving our BIG spelling test on the first 100 high frequency words on June2,3,4, and 7. I’ll give the children 25 words to spell each day.  These words are used so often that we feel itis very important for the children to know how to spell them.  Please help your child review thesewords.  The list was sent home lastmonth.  If you need another list pleaselet me know and I’ll send it home.

Thanks,once again, for sending your child’s Book It calendar back to school.  Please send the May Book It calendar back byJune 1^st

Weare starting to do a lot of “end of the year” assessments.   I know the children have a lot going ontowards the end of the year.  It’s hardto keep our minds on school when there’s so much to do outside.  However, please help your child remember thatschool is still very important and homework must still be done.  Keep reading each night, even if it’s a quickstory or two! 

Thanksfor your support!  Have a wonderfulmonth. 

Sincerely,

Connie Wilde 

Datesto put on your calendar:

MonthlySpelling Tests:  May 21 and May 28

100Word Spelling Test:  June  2, 3, 4, and 7

FieldTrip to Mystic Aquarium: June 1