Spelling Practice - Word Pyramids

Word pyramids are a fun way to practice spelling at home. (Thanks Erica, for the tip!)

Let's say your child is practicing the word "think"

Here's how the word pyramid works:

t
th
thi
thin
think

Then - write the word in a sentence!

We think spelling practice is really important. :)

Writing in secret code!

Today during our Post Office work, some of us tried writing letters in secret codes! We had so much fun using symbols and numbers instead of letters.  Here are two of the codes we tried today. Maybe some first graders will want to try this at home! Or...make a code of their very own!

Math Assessment

On our recent math assessment, all of our students showed us how much they know about addition and solving story problems.  It was a really difficult math assessment, and our students did really well!  They worked really hard and persisted even though the problems were tough.

Here are two problems that caused confusion amongst some first graders.


There were five boys at Jake's party.  Some more came after basketball practice.  Then there were 9. How many boys came to Jake's party after basketball practice? Draw a picture to help you solve the problem. Draw a complete number bond that goes with this story. Write an addition sentence to match this story.




Monica says when the unknown is 4, it makes this number sentence true: 5 + 3 = ___4__ + 4.
Terry says she is wrong.  He says 8 makes the number sentence true.

a) Who is correct? Explain your thinking using pictures, words or numbers.

b) Monica says that 3 and 5 is equal to 5 and 3. Terry says she is wrong again.  Explain who is correct, using pictures, numbers or words.

c) Next, Monica tells Terry 8=8. Terry says she is wrong one more time.  Explain who is correct, using pictures, numbers or words.

d) Terry decided to share 8 carrot sticks with his friend Monica.  Monica put 5 carrot sticks on her plate and some more in her lunch box. How many carrot sticks did Monica put in her lunch box?

Post Office Study

We launched our post office study through drama last week. Our students met Post Office Polly - she used to work at a post office until it was closed due to budget cuts! After listening to Post Office Polly, our students decided to help her by opening up a post office here in our school! After reading an article about post office closings and reading "The Post Office Book" by Gail Gibbons, we came up with a list of things we will need to build and make to sustain a working post office. We are so excited for this work!

Solve & practice math facts

Thank you from Maggie

January's Homework

We are so pleased with all of the writing the first graders did over their winter vacation! This weekend, we will take the journals home and give them back with feedback next Monday.  We are really impressed so far!

This month's homework packet will be available on Wednesday, January 8th. In the meantime, make sure your child is reading their book baggie books at home.