Two Weeks of Virtual Learning

 We have finished our second week of virtual learning.  I have learned a lot over these past two weeks about technology and the best way for student's to access everything that they need to to make our learning in first grade successful.  I appreciate your patience and grace as we navigate this new world a virtual learning together!

Seesaw

Everyone now has Seesaw!  I am so excited about this!!  Friday was the first day that I was able to give out assignments and all students have the capabilities to be able to turn in their assignment to me.  Please let me know if your child is having difficulty getting into Seesaw.  Here is the Digital Technology Flyer that has login information.

Library Checkout

Schools are working on developing a system so that students can have library checkout.  Rock Bridge's Library Checkout is up and running and Midway's Library Checkout will be ready in a couple of weeks.  I will be sharing all the information as I get it.

Rock Bridge Elementary Library Checkout

• Reading Interest Inventory
• Video on the Library Checkout Process

Free Tutoring

A Way With Words and Numbers is a tutoring program that is run by graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Missouri.  Graduate students work within the College of Education to provide assistance to students in the areas of reading and math.  If this is an opportunity that you would like for me to set up for your child - please let me know!  You can find out more information about this program on their website.

Our Learning

Fundations

• During the first three weeks of Fundations, we are focusing on being able to identify (including the sound) and write all the lower case letters correctly.  When writing the the letters, I am really focusing on making sure the letters are formed correctly.  Letter reversals are still considered developmentally appropriate, but when a student forms a letter incorrectly (or backwards) it is still important to bring attention to their mistake so that it can be fixed.

Reading/Writing/Social Studies

• Our essential questions during literacy will be: What is a family?  What are my family's needs and wants?  How does my family get our needs and wants?  We will be reading The Family Book, and A Chair for my Mother.  
• Reading: We will be discussing comprehension questions, making text-to-self connections, and retelling the stories.  
• Writing: We will be writing a book about our family.
• Social Studies: We will also be discussing needs versus wants.

Math

• Our essential questions during math will be: What are the numbers 0-30 composed of?  How can I use patterns with numbers (skip counting) to help me add?  We will be practicing skip counting by 10's and utilizing different strategies to solve math problems.

Science

• Our essential questions during science will be: What are habitats? Are there different types of animal habitats around the world?  What animals live in my local habitat?  We will be learning about animals, their habitats, and what animals need to survive.  We will be discussing different habitats: desert, forest, grasslands, arctic, ocean, rainforest, and wetlands.

Trailblazer Time

Next week, during Trailblazer Time I will continue to be working with students one-on-one, and will be focusing on math assessments.  Your child's time will not change over the next couple of weeks until I have established small groups for reading and math (which will be done by early October).  If your child's time does not work, please let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend & please let me know if you have any questions or need anything!

Ms. Mottaz