Hello Colleagues, Parents, Friends, Students, and Bloggers,
Wow !!! The first two weeks have slipped by like icing melting on a warm cupcake. Ok, that metaphor may not have been the best :-) (was only trying to keep things aligned with my whole sweet cupcake theme) , but needless to say, the first two weeks of school have gone by so quickly and I am excited to start a new school year with my sweet group of students. 
My class is so eager to learn and discover everything there is to know about being successful as first graders. For the first week of school my students were like little “sponge cakes”, soaking up all the rules and expectations of the class and school (walking the halls in STEPS, showing attentive listening during whole group instruction, morning routine, how to earn rewards, etc.). They are so inquisitive about everything and love aiming to please me. As their teacher, I love all their positive attitudes and it makes me smile to see how interested they are to learn new concepts.
Some of the concepts first grade is focused on right now are the following:
In Math we are learning about graphs and analyzing data on graphs, such as “the most”, “the least”, “how many more”, and “how many fewer”. An ongoing concept that is very important, involves understanding the relationship of numbers and being able to see objects and numbers in groups. For example, if you think about the way the dots are displayed on a cubed die to represent the number 6, I would question my students by asking, “How did you see that number?” Some students might respond by saying, “I see three dots on one side and three dots on the other side, and I know three and three make six.” Encouraging students to see objects and numbers in groups is the goal, so that when concepts such as addition, subtraction or problem solving are introduced, students truly understand the relationships within numbers.
In Science we are learning the role of being explorers and scientists and the tools scientists need to complete their jobs. We are also learning the importance of our five senses and how our senses allow us to experience the world.
In Social Studies we are learning what it means to be a good citizen and a leader. We are learning why rules are important and how they keep us safe in our school, community and world.
In Language Arts we are reviewing parts of a book, making inferences in stories read, and making connections from events in stories read.
I look forward to more fun, exciting, “icing on the cake” moments this year, and can’t wait to share them.
Last night’s “Open House” was a success. I was excited to have all the parents visit my classroom, eager to discover the expectations for their children. I want to thank all the parents that took out the time in their busy schedules to come out and support their children. I look forward to other school events with my parents, in an effort to keep them informed and knowledgeable of the curriculum and other expectations for First Grade.
