August & September Curriculum
Language
During the first week of school we began doing initial assessments on reading simple English words and identifying alphabet letter names and sounds.
We are starting journal writing. Journal writing will be an ongoing activity during grade 1. Students are encouraged to practise sounding out simple words on their own in order to gain independence. We also have picture dictionaries in our classroom to help students spell words. Your child is encouraged to try reading some English books at home. Try http://starfall.com for some great activities for early readers. Every week our class does a shared reading of a new Poem of the Week. Each student has a poem book at school. If you would like to practise reading our Poem of the Week at home, you can find links on the Homework tab.
Unit 1: Relationships, Rules, and Responsibilities
We have been discussing school rules in order to establish classroom routines. We will also assign classroom jobs, on a rotational basis in order to develop students' sense of responsibility. We encourage you to talk to your child about rules and responsibilities at home. Please help your child to develop responsibilities at home - such as packing their own school bag, cleaning up their toys, etc. We have also been discussing relationships with family and friends, and are making an "All About Me" class book. The Arts
In art class, we decorated our bulletin board with patterned hot-air balloons. Check out the gallery tab for photos!
Mr. John is teaching our class music this year. Students have been enjoying learning new sounds and moving around to various types of music. |
Math
Unit 1: Sorting & Patterns
Students are learning how to identify and make repeating patterns. They are learning about different types of patterns (colours, shapes, letters, numbers). In this unit, we will be learning how to identify the pattern core (the part of the pattern that repeats over and over), and the pattern rule. This math unit also focuses on sorting. Students are learning how to sort a group of objects by different attributes (example: sorting buttons by shape, size, colour, etc.) You can help your child by looking for patterns at home and in the community. Students can also practise sorting objects (ie. toys, markers, buttons, coins, etc.) at home. Unit 2: Exploring Numbers Students will examine number relationships and practise counting and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. We have also introduced the terms "more," "less," and "equal to" when counting and comparing groups of objects. You can help your child at home by practising to skip count, and count forwards to 100, and backwards from 20. Science
Unit 1: Understanding Life Systems
We are learning about the human body and the 5 senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch). Students will examine the needs and characteristics of living things. We have learned that all humans need air, water, food, rest, and exercise to keep their body healthy.
We have been focusing on safety in the gym, and playing cooperative games. Please remember to bring reusable water bottles to gym class every Monday.
Swimming is an important part of the Physical Education program. Please make sure your child is ready for swimming class every Wednesday. Ms. Heather will be our swimming teacher this year. In health class, we are discussing healthy eating and learning about the 4 food groups: dairy, meat, grains, and vegetables/fruit. |