Our first graders have had many experiences writing a variety of literature types.  One opportunity the students had was to use their senses to write a poem about fruit.  The goal of this piece was to be descriptive by adding many details to their writing.

As we are now amidst the holiday season, we have the opportunity to share our family’s traditions and customs.  In November, first grades completed interviews and activities that helped us learn more about our families.  In December, we will continue our study on the many different holiday traditions and customs that people celebrate.

Over the past few months, we began our study of addition.  Student understanding of this new concept was supported through the use of manipulatives and visual aids.  First graders are encouraged to use the “counting up” strategy when practicing addition.  Please see our math tip for ideas to practice strategies at home.

First Grade Math Tip:
You can provide opportunities to practice addition at home by creating stories for your child to solve.  For example, while at the grocery store, you might say, “There are 16 apples in this bag.  I will put 3 more apples in the bag.  How many apples in all?”  The children can use the “counting up” strategy to solve this problem.  They would count by starting with 16.  It would sound like this: 16, 17, 18 19.

Webpages created by Bob Schultz
updated 11/24/2002 by Mrs. Baldwin, Miss Gleason, Miss McMullen and B. Schultz