Weekly Update: November 14, 2008

Yet another busy week in First Grade!

Our mathematicians conquered some difficult concepts this week. The girls manipulated pattern blocks within shapes, solved number problems using the number line, and practiced telling time.

Reading happens every day in many different ways. We begin each day reading a song on the chart, reading the morning message and the agenda, and following written directions in the literacy centers. Even the math books provide opportunities for reading! All of these activities further support the direct leveled reading instruction occurring daily. For word study computer games, please try one of these websites from the National Reading Association:
www.readwritethink.org/materials/contruct

www.readwritethink.org/materials/wordfamily

www.readwritethink.org/materials/wordplay

Also, www.pbskids.org/lions has stories and games for beginning reading/listening skills practice.

During writing workshop, the girls read their own work, and also the work of others. I have begun running small focus groups, helping to move our authors along in their understanding and practice of the writing process.

We begin our study of community professions this week, with our first visitor on Thursday. I encourage all who can spare a few moments to come in and talk about their work. We can be very flexible with our time, so please let me know if you are interested.

We welcome Mr. Pat Bryant to our classroom community four times each week to further support instruction and learning. Here is his self-introduction:
I have my Masters in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities from St. Rose. I've been employed with the City School District of Albany for over thirty years as a Special Education Teacher. I've worked directly and indirectly with a variety of students with special needs. I currently work as a Consultant Teacher on behalf of Albany with private and parochial schools. I use both a push in and pull out model to give support to students who have been referred though the Committee on Special Education. My son is a graduate of AA.

Thank you, as always, for your continued involvement and support! Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Ms. Buchanan