- Spelling homework begins this quarter. Handwriting counts as separate grade.
- pretest given before words introduced.
- time will be spent learning what a margin is,how to number a paper,what to do when one runs out of paper but has more to write. Everyone has needs in this area.We're working on it and getting wiser.
- math homework looks obvious but is a review of formatting....where to put the symbols,how to line up the problem vertically and horizontally,counting up instead of starting at one each time we want to add and are unfamiliar with the combination of addends.
- We assembled collected weather data for Oct. Homework is to graph the results.Please, supervise,even have child touch lines to check if information has been filled in .
- A primary goal of first grade is to work indepdently and know that I can depend on myself to find the answer within.Outside input is not always necessary. I can trust myself and my significant adult has enough faith in mean,also believes I have the answer so they let me do it myself.
- Of course, you're there for redirection and cheering on when necessary.
- Spelling tests will require the adult to dictate the words and superise checking or giving hints you find helpful...spacing,letter formation.
- I'll leave the campaign posters in the hall until next week,if you happen to come by on Friday.Election day is tomorrow.
- One child may be out of town. I asked for an absentee ballot to be cast(never miss a chance to teach about democracy and opportunity).
- If(when?) we have a tie,I've lined up a judge to supervise our run-off election.
- Once the Yam Candidate has been named and growth is observed we'll measure size of sprouts weekly in inches and centimeters,predict how much will be next based on gathered evidence.
How To Help Practice For the Spelling Test
- child numbers paper adding period
- child looks at you( so can reinforce sounds of letters visually,and you have complete attention)
- Say the word
- Follow with brief three or four word sentence
- repeat the word
- child says word(aural,oraly and motor reinforcement )
- child write the word...some need to say each letter as writes it
- repeats it.
It's important to write the words,though repeating them orally in the car is valuable. Initially,I 'll give a pretest on Thursday for them to discover that they need to practice. Eventually,that will be eliminated.They can do that at home.
The spelling pages from Hougton Miffilin require specific skills to be learned or kinds of questions often asked. Words are simple but frequently misspelling in journal or other writings. As single word in test,it's easy. My tests include a dictation sentence developing short term memory skills,and holding one idea in mind while recalling the spelling.Child add own sentence using spellng word. Eventually,more complex sentences,questions,quotations will be required.
My child's area of strength is not spelling.
A metal cookie sheet and magnetic letters...capital and small helps.
Separate the consonants from the vowels..maybe in separate labeled plastic bags. Let child sorts. You just check.
You say the word. Child repeats word,touches letter, makes on metal sheet. Reinforce..may wish to then put onto "fridge to practice again but in different spatial position.
After done in magnets,write on paper.Support with saying letters before or as write.
As with other subjects,spelling will be leveled. More challenging words in addition to essential words from the Houghton Mifflin series will eventually be given to those who need a little push up to the next step. Everyone should be challenged and have the experience of working for success. The conquest of difficult material provides strength and courage to the conqueror. But difficult is individually defined. We must respect talents and challenges treating them appropriately.
Don't accept sloppy,hurried work. Handwriting,thoughtfulness counts.
