Math: During our math time this week, we continued to solve missing partner and missing total stories. We also stretched our thinking by using the Make a Ten strategy to solve equations and math stories with three addends or partners. After we looked for two partners that could make a ten, we found that adding the third partner to ten was a snap!

We are also working on counting and writing numbers up to 120. To help your first grader practice this skill, have him/her start at any 2 digit number and then count out loud to 120. This could be a great activity to do together in the car. As an extra challenge, you can even have your child write the numerals up to 120!

Writing: We have been adding leads and endings to our stories. Leads hook readers into our stories. We can use weather, season, and time of day for a strong lead. Some of our leads include: One day… When I was little… Last year in Kindergarten… and more!

Our endings wrap up our stories and signal to the reader that we are finished. Our favorite authors often wrap up their stories with a lesson or heart of the story at the end. Here are some endings that we have used in our stories: “I wish that I never get sick again.” “I hope that we get to play Four Corners again soon.” “I learned that I should never wander off at the store again.”

Reading: This week we practiced checking for understanding. After each page or two in our books we stop and check to make sure that we remembered what is happening. If we forgot, we practiced going back and rereading. We have also been working so hard to read ALL of the words in our books. After being able to read the words, we can focus our attention on fluency. Rereading a book helps our reading sound smooth and we can discover new learning.