St. Christopher School

     September was a very busy month in First grade.  It was difficult getting used to being at school for 6 hours, but we did it!  We're doing great and are working so hard!  We have completed 3 stories in our new R reader and 3 spelling lessons.  We are adding to our Word Wall each week.  We are wrapping up Chapter 1 in Math and cannot wait to start the new addition unit next week.  I will be listing on the homework sheet math facts that need to be studied each night.  Flash cards may be purchased or made with index cards and markers.

     My goal is to make your children "dynamite" readers this year.  They have started out wonderfully!  They are so excited to read to me.  I only wish I had more time to spend with them.  I'm sure they would be just as excited reading to you each evening.  They love to read for stickers.  If your child reads to you - jot me a quick note and I'll give them a sticker for their sticker book.  We will have completed our R reader by mid October and will receive our Level 1 reader.  (There are 6 books in First Grade.)  Occasionally, I will send home books for your child to read for homework.  Please be sure they are returned (in the book bag) the next day.  These books will compliment and enhance our Reading curriculum.

     Our new reading series is excellent in introducing English skills.  We are able to determine if a group of words is a complete sentence and put a group of nouns under the correct category - people, places, things or animals.  In October, we will be working with verbs and adjectives.  We will also be starting to pay attention to capitalization and punctuation in sentences. 

     This month, we will be doing a mini-unit on weather.  The weather can change drastically this month.  I remember snowflakes on 2(!) October 23rds.  We will also be talking about fire safety and firemen.  We will also be discussing animal groups - mainly bats, owls and spiders.  (Do you see a Halloween theme here?)

     October is such an exciting month for children.  The moment I put up the October calendar, they start the countdown to Halloween.  We will be doing many fun craft activities this month - culminating with our Halloween festivities.  Look forward to your child's marvelous take-home treats

     Have an awesome October!!  Enjoy the beautiful foliage and crisp fall days.                Mrs. Durant