First Grade Updates!
Second Semester Content Covered:
In Literacy, we have learned how to recognize, read, and write our long vowel rules, as well as other vowel rules. For long vowels we learned the Magic E rule, open syllables, and vowel teams. Each of these rules has an easy to remember saying. We have also learned about our R-controlled vowels and diphthongs. Other than long vowel and ‘other vowel’ words, we have also learned how to break down words into syllables, both breaking them down verbally, as well as using our open and closed syllable knowledge to break down words written down. As for comprehension, students learned how to retell and summarize a story by talking and writing about the parts of a story.
In Math, we learned how to compare the lengths of two objects both directly and indirectly. First, we used non-standard units, such as paper clips or cubes, to measure objects. Then we transitioned into using standard units, inches, to measure length more accurately. We then learned how to use non-standard units to measure and compare weight using a scale and cubes. Throughout the second semester, we also learned how to add and subtract within 100. First, we used place value charts and place value blocks to help build a strong foundation and understanding of what each digit signified when in a number. Then we moved into practicing regrouping when adding and subtracting using stacked equations. Next, we learned about graphs and how to collect, organize, and show data using a picture graph and tally marks charts. Lastly, we learned about money. We focused our learning on the four main coins used in U.S. currency (quarter, dime, nickel, and penny). In this unit, we also covered the start of financial literacy and how we save, spend, and make money.
In Hebrew, students learned all of the letters of the aleph bet as well as all of the vowels (patach, kamatz, shva, chirik, cholam, chirik, kubutz, shooruk). Students used these sounds to decode basic Hebrew words and sentences. Students listened to and read short Hebrew stories, learned and used new vocabulary, and wrote their own Hebrew sentences with illustrations. Students completed a Hebrew dictionary to help reinforce the vocabulary. Students played various games, worked in small groups, and completed their workbooks to help increase fluency and comprehension. Students learned about Israel, including the symbols of Israel and Jerusalem and important landmarks. They also heard what it is like to live in Israel. Students listened to popular Israeli songs in Hebrew and were able to connect to Israel and the Jewish culture. Students were encouraged to speak Hebrew whenever possible, from answering questions about stories to expressing their needs in the classroom.
In Judaics, students learned about the holidays that fell during the semester, including Purim, Passover, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Lag B’Omer, and Shavuot. Students created books, learned songs, and did art projects related to these holidays. Students learned the origin and meaning of the holidays as well as the blessings and customs associated with each holiday. Each week, students learned the weekly Torah portion. This included the story of the golden calf, receiving the ten commandments, and many of the Jewish laws. Students discussed the meaning of the events in the Torah portions and lessons they could learn from the story. In Tefillah, students completed their own siddurim and received their first siddur at Chagigat HaSiddur. Students learned the meaning of the tefillot and shared their knowledge during Chagigat HaSiddur. Students also wrote a first grade prayer. Students learned about gratitude, community, and discussed the meaning and importance of Tefilah. Students learned the Prayer for the State of Israel and about their connection to Israel and the Jewish people. Students also learned the blessings recited before eating various foods. We celebrated Shabbat each week in the classroom with blessings, music, and challah. Middot were also a big part of our curriculum and we implemented these Jewish values into our daily classroom community culture.
In Social Studies, our unit this semester focused on celebrating Women's History Month. For this unit, we learned about these leaders: Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We researched every woman and practiced writing important facts about each. Students illustrated pictures of each woman. We discussed how each of these women worked hard to make the world a better place; and, we took it a step further to examine how we could each make a difference in the world. Students wrote their own paragraphs detailing their vision for making the world brighter. They wrote rough drafts and then received editing and revision feedback from teachers which they applied to their final drafts. Learning about these inspiring women inspired each of us to become more thoughtful citizens and humans.
In Science, first graders focused on the life cycle of the butterfly. This unit ties in our previous knowledge of what a cycle is and how it works. First graders used their knowledge of the life cycle to observe this cycle take place with our caterpillars and that turned into butterflies, and then released to finish their cycle.
In our Tikkun Curriculum this year, we implemented the new Tikkun curriculum into all of the traditional first grade subjects. The Jewish Family Services Refugee Resettlement team came to speak with first grade about newcomers to Colorado and how we can welcome them. In Judaics, we learned about the importance of welcoming people into our community. We learned that our patriarch, Abraham, is known for hachnasat orchim or welcoming guests and how he treated his guests with respect even when he was not feeling well. In Hebrew, we learned the vocabulary for clothing. In Social Studies, we learned about important women in history and how they helped make the world a better place. This inspired first graders to host a dollar pajama day to raise money for Clothes to Kids who also work with refugees and newcomers families in Colorado. We are proud of the money we raised.
April 15th-April 19th
Reading
This week in reading we learned five new heart words: goes, always, because, own & only. When we learn heart words we focus on the parts of the word that are irregular to help us remember how to read the word. This week we were also introduced to the suffix-ed which can say /ed/, /d/, or /t/. We practiced reading words with these endings. We have also been working on vowel teams such as, ai, ay, oa, igbh, ee, ea, y. Students are getting really good at reading the long vowel sound when they see these teams.
Writing
In writing, we have been working on our PBL Unit: Women's History. We have learned about six important women: Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. These powerful women have each contributed to making the world better. This week students reflected on their own learning and wrote about how they want to make the world a better place. They came up with ideas like, being a good big sister, becoming an artist, an astrounaut, and a doctor. This group of kids is really going to light up the world and make it brighter. Please ask them at home about how they plan on making the world a better place.
Math
In math, we have been busy measuring anything and everything with non-standard measurement. We have been comparing our heights, measuring chairs, measuring friends, and measuring tables with base ten blocks and cubes. Next week we will learn more about standard measurement and begin measuring with rulers using inches and centimeters.
Hebrew
In the last two weeks, we have been working on our fifth Hebrew workbook.
We moved on to the sound EH. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
We have been practicing reading sentences and short stories and checking our comprehension of the story at the end by answering questions about the story.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As soon as your student finishes our Hebrew reading practice they can bring it into school for a prize. Please work on some Hebrew reading practice at home!
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah. Students are using their new siddurim and love them. They know the page numbers and names of the prayers as well as the prayers themselves. Kol hakavod!
Students continued learning about the holiday of Passover. They learned many songs, including the 4 questions, Avadim Hayinu, and a song for about the 10 plagues.
Students worked on their Passover hagaddahs, which they brought home. I hope you will be able to use them over the holiday.
We did bedikat chametz, a tradition where we search for chametz before the Passover holiday using a feather, candle and spoon.
Students played some Passover games including a quiz show, memory, and find the afikoman.
Students celebrated Shabbat in the classroom.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Congratulations to first grade on a beautiful Chagigat Hasiddur. The students are very excited to be using their new siddurim during tefillah time. They love all of the hard work you put into making their siddurim special.
Students started learning about the holiday of Passover. Students learned that there are 14 steps to the seder. We are learning a song to help remember these steps.
Students are learning the 4 questions.
Students are working hard on their own Passover hagaddahs. I hope you will be able to use them over the holiday.
Students played some Passover games including a quiz show, memory, and find the afikoman.
Students learned the parshiot of Tzav and Shemini
March 11 - March 15
This week we have moved on to work in our third Hebrew workbook.
We worked on the sound ee. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will continue working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
We completed our paper siddurim, have been making decorations for Chagigat HaSiddur, and are practicing hard for our celebration next week! We are looking forward to showcasing all of our knowledge.
Students learned the Purim story. They saw a puppet show, played games, and are working on a book in honor of the holiday.
Students learned the parsha of Pikudei, which reviewed the vessels for the mishkan.
Students celebrated Purim with fun filled stations. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim to everyone!
February 21 - March 8
Reading
We have been practicing the schwa sound that makes the /uh/ or /ih/ sound. We also having been practicing reading one-syllable words with long vowels spelled Vowel-Consonant-e. This week we learned five new heart words: little, ask, over, long, very. We practiced writing these words and identifying where the heart would go above the sound (in the letter that we can't easily sound out). Students have been working hard to identify open and closed syllables to sound out multi-syllabic words. It's very impressive! Ask your student about what the vowel-consonant-e or what the schwa sound is to learn more about phonics at home.
Writing
This week in writing we wrote our goals for our academic blocks. Students had to write one goal per subject and explain why it was their goal. They are very excited to share these goals with you at parent teacher conferences starting next week. We have also been working hard on writing multiple sentences and expanding our sentences with details.
Math
Math is getting tricky as we have been adding and subtracting up to 40 in multidigit numbers. We have taken what we have learned about place value to add and subtract multidigit numbers by lining up the numbers appropriately. We have also practiced the skill of regrouping in addition, where we learned that ten ones, regroups into one ten so it changes the entire number. Ask your mathematician to show how they can add and subtract teen numbers!
Hebrew
This week we continued our work in our second Hebrew workbook.
We worked on the letters Pey, Kuf, and Mem. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will continue working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
We continued our unit on Tefillah. We spoke about what tefillah means to us. We also continued to work on our paper siddurim.
In conjunction with the Shema prayer, students observed someone putting on tefillin. Thank you Jonathan Kochavi for helping with this. Students also learned about tzitzit and how they are made. They watched a video about how techelet is made.
Students learned the parshiot of Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, and Vayakhel. This included the clothing the kohen gadol (high priest) wore and the golden calf. We continue to review the vessels used in the mishkan as well as other facts about the parasha through games and conversations.
Students have been practicing for Chagigat HaSiddur.
February 5 - February 16
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
We started our unit on Tefillah. In conjunction with the tefillah Modeh/Modah ani, students learned about gratitude. We spoke about things we are grateful for in life including our families, friends, and having a place to live.
In conjuntion with the tefillah of Mah Tovu, students learned about community. We brainstormed ways to make our community a better place including helping our parents with cooking and gardening, including everyone, and giving tzedakah.
Students started working on their own paper siddurim which will help reinforce content learned.
Students learned the parshiot of Mishpatim and Terumah. This included the various rules about property and injuries as well as the building of the mishkan.
Students have been learning songs for Chagigat HaSiddur, which we practice daily.
January 22 - February 2nd
Reading
Learned new heart words: him, look, into, put, and has
Practiced reading and writing new heart words
Talked about open syllables that do not end in a consonant and say the long vowel sound
Read open and closed syllable words
Broke words into syllables using two strategies: whale breath and stomping it out
Practiced building words with both open and closed syllables
Writing
Remembered what we had learned/activities we did in January
Wrote in January I remember
Practiced writing using at least three sentences and proper writing conventions: finger spacing, capital letter at the beginning of the sentence, proper punctuation at the end
Math
Began Chapter 7: Calendar and Time
Practiced reading and writing dates for different months of the year
Made a new February calendar with our important dates on it
Learned how to tell time to the nearest hour
Played a new telling time game with our new math buddies
Discussed different times of the day and our schedule using digital and analog clocks
Hebrew
We celebrated 100 days in school and wrote 100 words in Hebrew.
This week we started our second workbook! I am so proud of our student's work on their Alef-Bet workbooks.
We continued working with the letters Mem, Mem Sofit, and Resh. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will continue working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
We completed our mini unit on Noah's Ark
We learned about Tu B'Shvat. Students learned the parts of a tree in Hebrew, learned a song to help them remember these parts, and did a craft where they labeled the parts of a tree.
Students learned what trees give us and did a craft to help reinforce this.
Students enjoyed grape juice, dried apricots, and oranges to celebrate Tu B'Shvat
We started our unit on Tefillah. This unit will prepare us to better understand the meaning and significance of the prayers. We will showcase our knowledge at Chagigat HaSiddur.
Students designed the covers they would like for their siddurim.
Students learned the parshiot of Beshalach and Yitro. This included the splitting of the Red Sea, the Jewish people complaining that they don't have water (twice) and food, as well as the Ten Commandments.
Students have been learning songs for Chagigat HaSiddur, which we practice daily.
Semester One 2023-2024 Content Covered
First Grade
Here is an overview of the content that has been covered across academic areas over the course of the first semester:
Literacy
In literacy, we have learned how to recognize the difference between long and short vowel sounds. We focused on how to read and spell open and closed syllable words. We learned how to read and write words with our short vowel spelling rules like; digraphs, trigraphs, and double trouble rule. First graders understand the concept of multisyllabic words, as well as how to break down multisyllabic words using varied strategies. We learned how to segment and read syllables in words using the closed syllable rules as well as using the open syllable rule. As for reading comprehension, we learned to tell the difference between fiction and nonfiction text. We also learned how to retell a book in order, using signal words.
Math
In math, we started the year learning new strategies for addition and subtraction within 10. Some strategies included number bonds, number lines, objects, and fact families. We then moved into learning about place value and what the tens and ones spots signify. While learning about numbers up to 20 we practiced finding missing numbers in a number pattern. Next, we continued to practice adding and subtracting within 20. By November we worked on identifying and describing 2D and 3D shapes using their attributes. Included in our shapes unit was learning whole, half, and fourth/quarter fractions. Just before winter break, we began learning how to add numbers within 40 without regrouping.
Hebrew
In Hebrew, students spent the first semester reviewing the letters of the aleph bet. Students learned the vowels patach (ah), kamatz (ah), and shva. Students used these letters and vowels to decode basic Hebrew words and read sentences. First graders listened to short Hebrew stories, described pictures in Hebrew, and learned and used new vocabulary. Students are creating an illustrated Hebrew dictionary that introduces Hebrew vocabulary and uses these words in sentences. Students are also becoming familiar with the concepts of masculine and feminine and singular and plural in Hebrew. Additionally, this semester we had the pleasure of welcoming our Israeli shinshinit Roni into the classroom, who led engaging lessons with the students about Israeli songs, games, and culture. Our lessons are taught Ivrit b'ivrit, using only Hebrew in the classroom to expose students to as much Hebrew as possible. It’s been so wonderful to see the growth our students have exhibited in their Hebrew language skills.
Judaic Studies
In Judaics, students learned about the Jewish holidays that fell during the semester. This included all of the Tishrei holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah) as well as Chanukkah. Students created books, learned songs, baked, and did art projects related to these holidays. They learned the origin and meaning of the holidays as well as the blessings and customs associated with the holiday. Each week, students also learned the weekly Torah portion. This included the story of creation, Noah’s ark, Jacob and the birth of the 12 tribes, as well as Joseph and the coat of many colors. Students discussed the meaning of events in the Torah portion and also lessons they could learn from the story. In Tefilah, students are learning the basic prayers, including Modeh Ani, Mah Tovu, Adon Olam, Shma, and parts of the Amidah. Students learned about gratitude, community, and discussed the meaning and importance of Tefilah. Students also learned the blessings recited before eating various foods. We celebrate Shabbat each week in the classroom with blessings, music, and challah. Middot are also a big part of our curriculum and we implement these Jewish values into our daily classroom community culture.
Science
In Science, we learned about the properties of matter. We predicted whether an object would float or sink and then carried out experiments testing these predictions. In the same way, we observed the color mixing of primary colors to produce secondary colors. We asked questions about these processes and formulated answers, which we then compared to the results of the experiment. We also learned about the life cycle of living things, including plants, insects, and birds. We learned to differentiate between mammals and non-mammals.
Social Studies
In social studies, we studied the significance of important people and holidays. One important person we learned about was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We reflected and discussed the positive impact and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We used this knowledge to write our own dream to make the world a better place.
Physical Education
In first grade, we completed soccer, throwing and catching, and volleyball units during our first semester, along with plenty of physical activities in between. For our soccer and volleyball units, we spent a lot of time learning basic fundamentals to gain a strong understanding of how to play each game. We worked on footwork in soccer by dribbling with the inside, outside, and top/laces of our feet. In volleyball, we improved our passing abilities by bumping and setting. We fostered a passion for volleyball through games like Newcomb and Messy Backyard. Our sports units were intended to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and learning to find positive takeaways regardless of the outcome of the game. In between units, the overall goal of our P.E. games were to get students up and moving and help them find a passion for physical activity.
Art
The 23-24 school year started with community week, where everyone created a shrinky-dink creature based on the idea of kindness. In first grade, we learned about the paintings of Piet Mondrian. He used geometric shapes and primary colors in his artwork. We also learned about primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) then painted paper to collage with. We read a book about the artist Alexander Calder and his kinetic (moving) sculptures. Then we created our own kinetic puppets with the same methods. Kindergarten through fifth grade all put a lot of work and effort into Chanukkah drawings for the Intermountain Jewish News Coloring Contest. Our final project of the semester was to look at the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian Jewish artist who often painted busy patterns on buildings, both on canvas and in real life. He was very inspired by St. Basil’s Cathedral in Russia. We cut and glued shapes with different patterns to make a big tower complete with an “onion dome” on top.
Music
In the first semester, first-grade students learned through the themes of respect and kindness in music class. Students learned about expectations in music and how to respect each other. We also used creative dancing with a variety of musical compositions. We learned songs for the Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Chanukkah. For Kabbalat Shabbat, students performed “Olam Hesed Yebane.” Students were introduced to different rhythms by playing music sticks and creating their unique rhythms. Students used new Hebrew vocabulary words from their Hebrew class and created songs with those words. We also learned about Itzhak Perlman and his biography from the book “A Boy Who Loved the Violin.” Students were introduced to his violin playing by listening to the different composers. Students also created songs on xylophones and played them in music class. At the end of the semester, students showed their talents in our talent show including singing into the microphone and playing the instruments or dancing. We are looking forward to learning about composers and their music, playing percussion instruments, singing different songs, and doing creative movements in our second-semester music class.
Technology
In the initial phase of the academic year, our first graders embarked on a journey of digital literacy, emphasizing the importance of Digital Citizenship. We focused on instilling an awareness of "just right" websites and technology activities tailored for their age group. This foundation laid the groundwork for responsible and informed use of digital resources. Delving into the world of coding, our students engaged with coding concepts through interactive games on Seesaw. They were introduced to fundamental principles such as algorithms, conditional statements, decomposition, and variables. These concepts were presented in a playful and accessible manner, ensuring that young learners grasped the basics of coding while enjoying the learning process. A significant highlight of our curriculum was the introduction of keyboarding skills. The students eagerly embraced the keyboard layout, identifying letter keys, numbers, and basic symbols. Through targeted exercises, we focused on developing fundamental finger movements. Students practiced tapping each key with the correct finger, starting from the home row — a foundational skill that will be reinforced and mastered in the coming years. I am excited about the continued exploration of digital literacy and coding with our first graders. Nurturing these skills not only prepares them for the digital landscape but also fosters a love for learning and curiosity that will serve them well in their educational journey. I anticipate continued growth and success in their technological proficiency in the years to come.
Library
In first grade, we want the library to be a welcoming space to build up reading skills, a love for reading, and curiosity for new things. Scholars in first grade explored books through read-aloud. After I read to them, we talked about the story and drew pictures of their favorite parts. It is crucial to build up a love of books, explore different types of books and feel comfortable in the library in order to set the tone for library classes for the coming years. First graders have enjoyed gaining confidence in reading the Learn to Read books, and love Pokeman themed stories. They like exploring different genres, including graphic novels and science, and cozy up with a good book in a comfortable spot in the library. Combining creativity and learning is an important factor in learning to think outside the box. Scholars are urged to not just scratch the surface for information, but dig much deeper. That’s where the real learning happens; scholars get really excited when the real “aha” moment happens, and a lifelong tool is added to their toolbox.
Farmette
In the fall semester, first graders explored everything that was growing on the farm, did lots of taste testing of a variety of fresh produce, and harvested frequently. This class really loves their tomatoes! Our big Farmette endeavor was the building of our hoop house. First graders assisted with filling the raised beds, finishing the flooring at the sidewalls, and spreading the mulch floor. Additionally, we put in an extensive daffodil bed where students took part in laying down tarps to kill the weeds initially, then spreading the topsoil once planted. They planted garlic and fall root vegetables. Together we ate farm fresh foods prepared by older students - pesto, pickled veggies, pumpkin pancakes, and zucchini muffins. Students put in the hard work of raking leaves, covering beds for winterization, and changing out animal straw bedding. Before winter break, we learned all about compost and students were extremely hands-on. They sifted our compost pile, collected worms, and stored our fresh compost for use in the spring. They have regular time each class to play with the animals and collect eggs, demonstrating care and respect for all aspects of our Farmette.
December 15 - January 19
Reading
We had a very exciting week in literacy. This week we learned how to divide words into syllables. Each syllable has one vowel. Then, we learned how to read multisyllabic words! The first graders are amazing readers!
Learned two ways to figure out how many syllables a word has: whale talk and syllable stomp, ask your child to demonstrate
Lots of reading on Reading A to Z
We learned 5 new heart words: so, some, then, these, many
Writing
In writing, we learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his lasting legacy. Students wrote their own dreams to make the world a better place. They came up with ideas like, "My dream is everyone is safe, My dream is the world is kinder, my dream is to that everybody doesn't litter"
We have continued to practice writing responses with at least three sentences and correct writing conventions such as, finger spacing between words, capitalization at the beginning of the sentence, and punctuation at the end of the sentence
Math
We have been very busy in math!
We wrapped up Unit 5 and took our unit 5 assessment
Reviewed everything we had learned up until this point in the year
Began Unit 6 where we have been working on counting up to 40, writing numbers up to 40, and place value up to 40
Continued playing math games and activities in math centers
Every week we draw names and switch math partners so students get the chance to work and play with everyone in our classroom community
Hebrew
We have continued our work in our Hebrew workbooks this time working with the letters Alef, Gimel, and Dalet. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will continue working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
We started a mini unit on Noah's ark. Students reviewed the story and did a sinking/floating experiment. We also made a walking rainbow to remember the rainow, the sign that G-d would not bring another flood.
Students made their own ark from a paper plate and attached the blessing for when we see a rainbow.
We made get well cards for soldiers in Israel.
Students learned the parshiot of Vayigash, Vayechi, Shemot, Vaeira, and Bo. These parshiot tell the stories of Jacob being reunited with Joseph, Pharaoh's dreams, and the 10 plagues.
Students have been learning songs for Chagigat HaSiddur, which we practice daily.
Next week, we will start learning about Tu B'Shvat.
December 4 - December 15
Reading
Students have been working hard in reading!
We have learned ten new heart words: how, their, want, will, up, an, come, which, she, do. Students have practiced reading and writing these words and can identify the tricky part in each word.
First graders learned to identify the letters all as a chunk that always spells the sounds /ol/
Students also learned that the letter a followed by a single l at the end of a single syllable word is pronounced with the short a sound, as in pal
We learned the Double Trouble rule: when the letters f, l, and s occur in a single-syllable, short vowel word right after the vowel and at the end of the word, they are doubled. For example, puff, sell, miss
Differentiated reading groups are going very well and every group has been reading a lot and working on specific skills.
Writing
This week in writing students wrote their 2023 in review. They wrote about starting first grade, celebrating Chanukkah, celebrating their birthdays, making new friends, etc.
First graders published their opinion writing books. I am so proud of their hard work! Please keep an eye out next week when they will be coming home.
We have been really practicing using capital and lower case letters appropriately. We always start with a capital letter and unless it is a name the rest are lower case letters.
First graders are working on writing three complete sentences with correct punctuation.
Math
First graders have been practicing subtraction strategies in which they have been: subtracting by counting back, subtracting by grouping into a 10 and ones, and subtracting using addition facts
We have been practicing number bonds and identifying the missing number in the part, part, or whole
Students have been moving fluently between addition and subtracting problems, using what they know about number relationships to solve for missing numbers
First graders have been partnering up with various classmates to play math games. Every week, they are partnered with a new friend.
Hebrew
Your students have done an amazing job with our writing project on Chanukah. Please be sure to check out their beautiful writing on Chanukah foods that is on display in the hallway!
This week, we enjoyed meeting with Roni our shinishinit from Israel who prepared fun games and activities for us related to Chanukah.
We have continued our work in our Hebrew workbooks this time working with the letters nun, hey and nun sofit . In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will continue working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Students completed their 3D dreidel, a velcro chanukiah, and their Chanukah books. I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Students heard stories and played games including quiz games and memory to help reinforce the Chanukah story and traditions.
Students saw a demonstration on making olive oil given by Rabbi Engel.
Students had a Chanukah party with stations including Chanukah games, fun pages, dreidel, Kahoot, and more!
Students learned the parshiot of Vayeshev and Miketz. This included the story Joseph and the coat of many colors, Joseph's brothers throwing him into a pit and selling him to merchants, and Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and the dreams of his butler and baker.
November 13 - December 1
Reading
Students have been working hard in reading!
They learned about trigraphs this week. A trigraph is when three letters come together to make one sound. We learned tch which says /ch/ and dge which says /j/.
Ask your first grader to name some words with either trigraph.
We have also learned ten new heart words: an, come, which, she, do, your, can, said, there, and down. Students have practiced reading and writing these words and can identify the tricky part in each word.
Differentiated reading groups are going very well and every group has been reading a lot and working on specific skills.
Math
We wrapped up Chapter 4: Number to 20 where we practiced counting to 20, place value, comparine and ordering numbers, and number patterns.
First graders have started Chapter 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 20
We have discussed ways to add fluently using the strategies: add by counting on, and add by making a ten, add by using doubles and doubles plus one facts, and add in any order.
Next, we will learn how to subtract fluently using the strategies: subtract by counting back, subtract by grouping into a 10 and ones, and subtract by using addition facts.
Hebrew
We have continued our work in our Hebrew workbooks this time working with the letters Lamed and Chet. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
We are looking forward to a short unit on Chanukah where we will learn some key Hebrew vocabulary words for the holiday and complete a small writing project.
As the year progresses we will be working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Students brainstormed some Chanukah traditions and worked on a 3D dreidel. This will be sent home before Chanukah to be used as decoration.
Students learned the story of Chanukah and started working on their Chanukah books.
Students heard stories and played games including quiz games and memory to help reinforce the Chanukah story and traditions.
Students learned the parshiot of Toldot and Vayishlach. This included the story of the birth of Esau and Jacob and Isaac giving the blessing to Jacob. It also included the story of Jacob and Esau's reconciliation.
October 30 - November 10
Reading
This week we were busy reading! We have been doing our small differentiated reading groups and students are loving them. Each group works on a different skill such as, digraphs, l blends, CVC words, etc. We also learned five new heart words: what, when, we were, and all. We have also been working on the main idea and supporting details in a story and we read two books this week. Then we identified the main idea or lesson and the supporting details.
Math
This week in math we wrapped up Chapter 3 on flat and solid shapes. We had a math test and by now students are pro's at showing what they know. Our next unit Chapter 4 is numbers up to 20. We practiced counting on by circling ten objects and counting on from there. We also watched a fun brainpop on place value and practiced identifying the place value of teen numbers.
Hebrew
The past two weeks we have continued our work in our Hebrew workbooks this time working with the letters Bet, Shin, and Tav. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
For the past couple of weeks, we have been discussing seasons and weather in conjunction with our seasons unit. We have read some books on weather in Hebrew. Then, we worked to produce some Hebrew writing on our favorite season.
As the year progresses we will be working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Students learned a song about gratitude, which they performed for the residents of Modena.
Students did a community activity with the residents of Modena.
Students learned about the fifth day of creation, where G-d created fish and birds. In conjunction with this day, students learned about the life cycle of a chicken and made a flip book.
Students learned about the sixth day of creation, where G-d created people and animals. In conjunction with this day, students learned about mammals and completed some mammal activity sheets.
Students completed their flip book for the days of creation. This concludes our unit on creation.
Students learned the parshiot of Vayeira and Chayei Sarah. In conjunction with the parasha of the week where G-d tells Avraham his children will be as many as the stars in the sky, students learned about Starry Night and made their own version. In conjunction with the parasha of the week where Rivka gives the camels water, students made their own camel silhouette.
October 16 - October 27
Reading
Two weeks ago, first graders began differentiated reading groups where small groups focus on specific reading skills
We learned 5 new heart words this week: or, from, have, at, and be
Students practiced tapping out sounds and writing words in Spell it!
First graders practiced building words with our magnetic letter kits
Students practiced reading phrases and sentences out loud while underlining each word as they read
Math
This week in math we have been exploring flat and solid shapes
Students have been practicing reading and writing the names of solid and flat shapes
Using manipulatives, students explored attributes of solid and flat shapes
We explored which solid shapes can stack on one another, which can slide, and which can stack and slide
Students used flat and solid shapes to make pictures and models
Hebrew
The past two weeks we have continued our work in our Hebrew workbooks. In our workbooks, we work on differentiating between opening sounds and recognizing the different sounds a letter may make depending on its vowel. This allows us to build the foundation for learning to read.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew. Our warm-ups vary but often we will try to describe a picture that we see in Hebrew and answer or ask a question in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will be working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Students learned a song about kindness and presented it at Kabbalat Shabbat.
Students went to Modena and sang a song to residents and then made a kindness poster with them.
Students learned about the second day of creation, where G-d separated between the waters above and the waters below. In conjunction with this day, students learned about three types of clouds: cirrus, cumulus, and stratus. They created a flip book about these types of clouds.
Students learned about the third day of creation, where G-d created land, plants, and trees. In conjunction with this day, students learned about the parts of a plant. They labeled a picture of plant and also made kindness flowers.
Students learned about the fourth day of creation, where G-d made the sun, moon, and stars. Students learned about the planets in conjunction with this day.
Students learned the parshiot of Noach and Lech Lecha.
Writing/Social Studies
We completed our first stories last week and everyone got a chance to share their stories in Author's Chair
We began new stories this week and students had many ideas about what to write about such as; trips to the park, losing a tooth, their dog stealing challah, picnic with grandma, going to Lava Island, getting a shot, losing a Pokemon card, climbing up the climbing wall.
While writing, we make sure to check that we started with a capital letter, used finger spaces, and have punctuation at the end
September 18 - October 13
Reading
This week we read The Smart Cookie and talked about how everyone is smart in different ways
We discussed the main idea and supporting details and students made their own main idea flowers
Students also learned five new heart words this week: are, on, was, he, and his
Math
We are wrapping up our unit on addition and subtraction
We have been working with number bonds and filling in the missing number
Students have been practicing addition and subtraction number stories
Students have been identifying whether a number story is true or false
We have been playing lots of math games that focus on adding and subtracting
Hebrew
The past two weeks we have begun working on our Hebrew workbooks. In our workbooks, we are focusing on differentiating between vowels that give koach (strength) to a letter and the vowels that keep the letter silent.
Every day, we begin with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew where we do the calendar together, talk about the weather, play a game, and do a short warm-up to practice our oral proficiency in Hebrew.
As the year progresses we will be working in leveled reading groups to develop our Hebrew reading proficiency.
Judaics
Students continue to have daily tefillah.
Students learned about the holidays of Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Students created a Sukkot book and decorated the sukkah at school. Some things students learned about Sukkot were the number of walls the sukkah should have, what the roof should be made of, and why we build a sukkah.
Students enjoyed visiting a mobile sukkah.
Students learned about the holidays of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Students made a flag to celebrate Simchat Torah.
Students learned a new song about kindness which we will present at the K-5 Kabbalat Shabbat on October 20 at 8:15 am in the Strear Family Gymnasium.
We started our new unit on the days of creation. Students learned what was created each day, did a sequencing activity, and will be doing a project about the days of creation to help reinforce this material.
In conjunction with the first day of creation, students learned about light. They watched a video about light and did an experiment creating a rainbow using a mirror, water, and light.
Students learned the parsha of the week, Bereishit.
Writing/Social Studies
In writing, students have been writing their own stories with a topic sentence, beginning, middle, end, and closing sentence
We are publishing our writing next week and students will have a chance to share in Author's Chair
September 11th-14th
Reading
This week in reading we have talked about open and closed syllables. When we have a closed syllable we know that the vowel says the short sound. The opposite is true in an open syllable, which says the long vowel sound. Knowing about the two types of syllables helps first graders decode words. We also have been practicing our heart words: of, the, to, you, and. Ask your child about long and short vowels!
Math
This week in math we are studying number bonds! Number bonds are a fun way to practice addition and subtraction and an important foundation for the learning of the concepts. Students are first taught to identify the parts and the whole of a set. They are guided to separate a set of objects into two parts. Hence, students will realize that they can make different number bonds for a given number. This part-whole concept forms the basis for additon and subtraction strategies. We have been practicing these strategies while playing math games. First graders have also been enjoying math centers where they can play familiar activities and games with a partner.
Hebrew
Every day, we start our Hebrew class with a greeting and do our calendar together. The past few weeks we have been focusing heavily on a review of previous vocabulary and concepts to get us ready to start our first Hebrew workbook. This week, we worked with the Alef-Bet in a variety of ways and spoke about the concept of Koach (strength). The vowels help give our letters strength. this concept will be important moving forward as we begin putting letters and vowels together to form sounds and words.
Judaics
Students did a fantastic job performing at our Rosh Hashanah show. I am so proud of them! I hope they shared all of their learning with you.
Students continue to have daily tefillah. Some of the tefillot (prayers) we are learning are Modah/modah ani, mah tovu, Adon Olam, morning brachot, Ashrei, Shema, and parts of the amidah prayer.
Students finished their Rosh Hashanah books. They really worked hard on these and learned a lot about the traditional foods we eat and some of our traditions. I hope they will be able to use these on Rosh Hashanah.
Students did a directed drawing of an apple.
Students brainstormed things unkind things we would like to throw into the creek for Tashlich.
The shofar factory came and showed students how a shofar is made. It was very exciting!
Students performed for the residents of Modena. They also made Rosh Hashanah cards with the residents. It was a great experience for everyone.
Students made round challah for Rosh Hashanah.
Students went to the farmette to pick apples. Unfortunately, there weren't any, but we enjoyed apples and honey and spent time with the animals.
Students learned about the seasons of an apple tree and did a project to help reinforce their learning.
Writing/Social Studies
This week in writing, we have been writing about ourselves. What is our favorite color? What do we like to do for fun? Students were introduced to Author's Chair where they were able to sit in the teacher's chair and share their writing with the class. Then, classmates respond with compliments and/or questions.
As an ongoing writing project, first graders will be reflecting on their learning at the end of every month. This month we wrote, In August I remember. We drafted a long list of activities and things we had learned in August and students picked their favorite memory to write about.
August 28th - September 1st
Reading
We have jumped into reading and are reviewing all of the letter names and sounds. We have been discussing which letters are consonants and which letters are vowels. We have learned that the vowels say more than one sound. This week we will also be learning how to tap out sounds in a word using our fingers.
Math
Students have been busy in math comparing numbers and adding one or taking one away from a number. We have also been practicing writing our numbers on whiteboards, and today we made it up to 50. Many students continued to write to 100 and beyond.
Hebrew
We have gotten right back into the routine of learning Hebrew together. Every day, we begin class with a greeting and morning meeting in Hebrew. During this meeting, we review our previous knowledge and build new vocabulary. For the past few weeks, we have focused on a review of our Hebrew names, colors, and numbers. In the coming weeks, we will be reviewing the alef-bet, getting into the swing of things, and beginning our journey towards reading in Hebrew.
Judaics
We start each day with tefillah. Over the course of the year, we will learn the words and meanings of many of the morning tefillot. We currently recite Modeh/Modah ani, part of Mah tovu, and the first paragraph of the shema.
We have classroom Kabbalat Shabbat each week.
We learned the weekly parashiot of Shoftim, Ki Tetzei, and Ki Tavo. In Shoftim, we learned what a judge is and how a judge can be fair. In Ki Tetzei, we learned various laws such as building a guardrail on your roof so nobody falls and not plowing an ox with a donkey. Ki Tavo continues with these laws.
We started learning about Rosh Hashanah. Students will learn about traditional foods we eat and various customs around the holiday. They will also learn songs relating to the holiday.
Students learned the song Tapuchim U'dvash (Apples and Honey) and Shana Halcha.
Writing/Social Studies
In writing, we have been reviewing how to write all of our letters. We always start at the top! Each day, we have practiced two new letters in handwriting. Students circle their best one.
We have also practiced writing friendly letters and writing about our goals in first grade.