Classroom News

Grade One

Mrs. Descoteaux

First Grade News

Summer has come to a close and despite the heat and humidity first grade got off to a good start. The students are getting adjusted to the many differences from kindergarten. They figured out very quickly that first grade is a lot harder than kindergarten. Yet, they have settled in and are hard at work.

The children have been busy learning some sight vocabulary words. They are also working on short vowel rhyming words. Both the students and I were excited when we read the first story in our reading book. We'll be doing lots of fun and exciting things in reading this year.

In phonics we are reviewing all the consonant sounds. When we have some extra time at the end of the day we play phonics games. The children really enjoy these learning games.

English has been a tough subject. It's hard learning about sentences and the naming and the action parts. We'll keep working on it and I am sure it will all start to make sense.

The children are working on addition in math. I hope they will practice and "learn" their math facts. We are also learning how to become good problem solvers.

In science we are doing a unit on plants and animals. We'll be including activities and discussions about fall.

In religion we will be learning about Jesus the "Good Shepard." The children enjoy listening to stories about the life of Jesus.

Most of the children's parents joined us for an Open House at the school. At that time I was able to tell the parents what to expect of first grade and give them some tips on how to help their child.

There is so much to do in first grade. It will surely be a busy year. We plan on doing lots of fun things along the way. We are already looking forward to our Halloween party and the Christmas pageant. Before we know it 2008 will be upon us. I am looking forward to a great year with a great bunch of children.