What+to+Expect+in+First+Grade

Welcome to first grade. This may be a very difficult for both you and your child. Your child is getting used to doing more structured work, nightly homework and weekly tests. You are getting accustomed to well, pretty much the same. I try my best to make first grade fun but in all honesty, it's a hard grade.I think the hardest part is learning to wait their turn. Not calling out, talking during class, and jumping out of their seats to visit a friend is tough and unfortunately I have be tough on them for a while. I apologize in advance but it's all so they can become better students. A child who is listening is apt to retain more knowledge and perform better on assessments.

Enough of the tough love, let's move to more exciting things. Homework! Usually there will be spelling, math and religion. Religion is just going over the page we did that day. Math is typically a page from the workbook. Spelling is a tic-tac-toe like form. I will print out a copy and tape it into the "H" copybook. The directions are on each page. Your child is to choose one block and complete the directions. One benefit with this assignment is that if your child has an activity one night, the spelling homework can be done a night ahead of time or the following night. All I ask is that three blocks are done by Friday. Spelling tests will be given on Fridays. Most of the spelling homework is to be done in this copybook. Obviously, if the square suggests using chalk on the sidewalk, it's not going to be in the copybook. Just sign the square so I know it was completed.

How to study- It is very important to start your child out right with study habits. The religion book will be sent home every night so your child can review the contents we learned earlier. Math worksheets should be kept in a folder at home so your child can look over them the nights leading up to a test. Spelling words should be gone over every night. **__DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE TO CRAM FOR A SPELLING TEST.__** The best way to get the children to retain the spelling words is to review them daily. Flash cards are a good idea as is the Spelling City website. There is a link on the wiki website page.

Tests- Spelling tests are given on Fridays. If it is a shortened week, the test may be moved up. Reading tests are also given on a weekly basis but are given the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Religion tests are administered every week and half or so. Please check the Monday memo and homework page for exact dates.

Some activities we will do this year are: Solly Bros. trip, Halloween party with 8th graders, Thanksgiving Feast, Gingerbread houses, Christmas pageant, Catholic Schools Week, and a school favorite - Chicks and butterflies! This year we will be fundraising to make money to buy the fertilized eggs. I will be asking for suggestions and help.

I am excited to be teaching this class and we are going to have a great year. I look forward to seeing you all as well.

Annette Baird