Reading: Benchmark Advance
Unit 8: Observing the Sky In this unit, students read and compare selections about the sky to understand the difference between night and day. They will develop the following Enduring Understandings:
- By observing and exploring, we develop knowledge about Earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
- In many cultures, people tell stories to explain what they observe in the night sky.
Foundations: Phonics and spelling is embedded into Benchmark. We have a daily focus on Phonics Word Study and Spelling instruction. Unit 8 is a focus on r-controlled vowels (ar, or, ir, er, and ur). When a vowel is followed by an r, the r changes the sound the vowel makes in a word. The vowel is called an r-controlled vowel or a “bossy r” because the r “bosses” the vowel to make a new sound.
Writing: In this unit we will be revisiting Opinion Writing. Students will learn how to distinguish between facts and opinions, and recognize the opinions of others. Students will continue to use sequential language to organize their writing. We will be practicing writing introductions, giving relevant reasons and writing a closing statement. We will also continue to focus on grammatical accuracy.
Math: In Everyday Math Unit 7, This unit will introduce Fact Families and Fact Triangles. Fact Families will help students master addition and subtraction facts within 20. Fact Triangles are tools used to help build mental arithmetic skills. You might think of them as the Everyday Mathematics version of flash cards. Fact Triangles are more effective for helping children memorize facts because of their emphasis on fact families. Students will learn about “What’s My Rule” which is a problem involving inputs, outputs, and a rule. This unit will also expand on fact families and subtraction fact strategies. Geometry will also be introduced in this unit by identifying defining attributes of shapes.
Social Studies: U.S. Symbols and Leaders is our next unit in the 1st grade Social Studies curriculum. This unit focuses on the traits of a good leader and team member along with exploring the significance of U.S. symbols and holidays. Students will explore and connect with various leaders that have made a difference in the United States.
We will continue to spend some time learning about Important African Americans and their varied contributions and accomplishments to move our society forward, often against tremendous odds. Our hope is by exposing our students to the history, culture, and accomplishments of African Americans, they will be more aware and accepting of people within our diverse country. This will be taught in lieu of Second Step this month. We will return to our final Second Step unit in April.
Important Dates:
Parent Principal Connect - Tuesday 3/11 @ 8:00 am
Staff Development Day - no school Monday 3/10
Book Fair - Tuesday-Thursday 3/11-3/13
Parent Teacher Conferences - 3/13 & 3/20
Eco-Cycle - Thursday 3/13
Boosterthon Kickoff - Thursday 3/20
Mwebaza Day Virtual Celebration - Friday 3/21
Boosterthon Fun Run - Friday 3/28
