Learning Update

Here is an update of our learning this past week.

Math:

We worked on a new “Make a Ten” strategy to solve equations. For example, 9+3=12 can also be solved as 10+2=12. Although this strategy is not “speedy fast”, it does help to internalize the concept of regrouping numbers to make a 10. This thinking will improve number sense and build a foundation for future computation skills.

We have also been studying doubles facts. Many first graders know the first 5 doubles in a snap (1+1, 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, 5+5), but the final 4 doubles were a little tougher (6+6, 7+7, 8+8, 9+9). Doubles are important because they can be used to solve other equations. Sometimes there is a set of doubles hiding inside an equation. If we can find the hidden double, we can just add one or subtract one to solve the equation. To help your first grader with this math skill, please review the doubles facts at home. Practice makes permanent!!

Writing:

We began our new unit on How To writing, nonfiction writing which teaches a skill. Characteristics of How To writing include: a title, steps/directions, pictures, materials or ingredients, and a conclusion or warning. Our first graders have used their expert knowledge to write some very creative How To’s. Some fun ideas that they have written about are: how to build a snowman, how to tie your shoes, how to score a goal, how to make pancakes, and how to make toast. We will continue to stretch our first graders’ writing skills as we add more details to our How To’s.

Social Studies:

We are learning about maps and globes in Social Studies. We studied the colors on maps and globes, learning that green is land and blue is water. We also created maps that were from a “bird’s eye view.” Since we look at maps from a different angle, it is necessary to include a key with symbols. Next week, we will start practicing our addresses. If you haven’t done so already, please start practicing your address with your first grader. Make sure to practice the city, state, and zip code.

Reading:

First graders continued to study nonfiction books. The kids have learned so much from nonfiction books already and they LOVE sharing what they have learned. They have been tracking their thinking in their readers’ notebooks and sharing their reactions to information that they have discovered. They have found facts that are cool, interesting, gross, amazing, dangerous, and scary!

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