Bryson's 1st Grade Kick-Off at Hunter

We love Bryson's school at Hunter College Elementary School. Here are photos and updates from his teachers, Ms. Guss and Ms. Leal:

First Grade Curriculum. You can find a copy of the curriculum here.

Update #1

Reading:

We are learning all about characters. We have been discussing character traits and how characters change.   We read Strega Nonaby Tomie dePaola, listed the character traits of both Strega Nona and Big Anthony. We also talked about what Big Anthony learned from his mishap.

On Friday, we read That is Not a Good Idea! By Mo Willems. Our discussion was focused on how a character may not be exactly what they seem.

 

Word Study:

Our study of long vowels has commenced. Our focus is long a and the purpose of silent e. We explored the _ake and _ate word families.

 

Writing:

Writer’s Workshop has begun. We have talked about the parts of writer’s workshop (mini-lesson, independent writing, and closing). We also discussed our jobs during writing.

 

Mathematics:

We have finished our beginning of the year math assessment.

Our focus has been on equations that equal ten.

 

Handwriting:

The class has begun handwriting practice. We have been writing our first and last name, making sure to start our names with capital letters.

**Please work with your child so she/he knows how to spell their last name.**

 

Science:

We read Iggy Peck Architect. Our discussion focused on the importance of trying different methods and learning from things that don’t work the first time.

On Friday, we began our STEAM Build a Better Backpack challenge. The class learned two vocabulary words that we will use during our STEAM challenges: structure (part) and function (purpose). We read The Handiest Things in the World by Andrew Clements. Our discussion focused on how numerous inventions help us. We also talked about the parts of an umbrella and their purpose.  Next, the children were given a card with a picture of a handy tool. They are working on listing each structure and function.

 

Update #1

Reading:

 

We have enjoyed a number of books.  We have read some new books, as well as revisited a few favorites from Kindergarten. Ada Twist, Scientist and Iggy Peck, Architect have become favorites. 

 

We are assessing the children and launching our reading groups soon.  

 

Writing:

 

1-Guss loves writing stories!  We reviewed the three parts of a story; beginning, middle, and end.  The children wrote and illustrated short stories.

 

We will be launching Writer’s Workshop next week.  Stay tuned for more details!

 

Math:  

 

Our mornings begin with the Number of the Day.  We are reviewing different ways to represent numbers.  

 

We have also started the first unit of Investigations.  The class is exploring using the number line.  They have enjoyed playing Guess My Number.  The class uses clues to figure out the secret number.  

 

Here’s an example:

 

The number is:

 

• between 79 and 89
• Odd
• Less than 88
• The sum of the two digits is 9

 

(answer: 81)

 

Science:  

 

We are full steam ahead this year!  And by STEAM we mean Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.  We kicked off the first day of school with our first STEAM challenge of the year; Maze Mania.  

 

The children have also had the opportunity to explore our September Maker Mat.  Each month, a new mat with various maker actives will be available for the children to explore.  There are 8 actives and a free choice square.  Children have to try three activities before opting for free choice.