Expedition News

Case Study #2: Tell Me a Story

Long Term Learning Target: I can identify and describe the elements of a story.

         We are immersed in stories in First Grade! Our students have become experts at identifying and discussing the characters/setting/major events/problem/solution of the stories they listen to. In addition, they have delved into the magical art of storytelling and are learning to incorporate the elements of a good story into their own fictional creations. Last week each student hand-sewed a storytelling pouch, complete with symbols to remind them of the important story components. Small props are used in conjunction with their pouches to help them weave stories. Many thanks to our parents who were able to help with the pouch project–Kim Bradley, Kris Hansen, Kerri Flaherty and Erica Stein.

         On Monday and Tuesday, April 8th & 9th, we will be working with expert, Lucinda de Lorimier, to take our storytelling skills to the next level. Lucinda is a librarian at Truckee Library and has extensive experience as a professional storyteller. We are extremely excited for this opportunity!

         The first graders have brought this new knowledge of the elements of story to their writing as well. We are knee-deep in the writer’s workshop model–using pre-writing tools such as story maps, creating first drafts and learning about the revision and editing processes. The results are exciting! One of our goals in this case study is for your children to learn to author stories with clear sequences, dialogue and rich description. We are on our way!

         In math, we have been focused on the concepts of addition and subtraction. Through a variety of activities and games, your children have been working to master their basic math facts. At this point in the year, we expect the students to be able to quickly solve all +0/+1/+2/+10/+9/doubles/neighbors facts.   Please continue to practice these skills at home–especially over break! From personal experience with my children, I can tell you that helping them master the math facts in First Grade is a very wise investment in future math learning! 🙂 Just a reminder: “doubles” refers to 2+2/4+4, etc. “neighbors” refers to 2+3/4+5 (using “2+2 and 1 more” as a strategy). Here is a link to a grid of + facts to 10 that you can print out at home: http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/support-files/addition-grid-small.pdf   Together with your child, shade the facts that he/she knows. This will serve as motivation to master the remaining facts.

         Finally, a word about reading… Your children have become wonderfully skilled readers! It is breathtaking to watch them work through difficult words with confidence and know-how. As teachers, we have been making gradual changes in our program to reflect their growth. As such, you will hear your children talk of individual conferencing, “good fit books,” independent reading levels versus instructional levels, etc. We are priming them for their transition to second grade and teaching them how to be more independent in choosing books. Some nights your child will bring home a book they have self-selected and have not previewed with an adult; it should be easier than a book they have read in reading group with support. The best advice I can give is to not be focused on the number on the back of the book, but rather be excited to share the joy of each story with your child. Please ask them to retell the story–highlighting major events/problem/solution, etc. Let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

 

Crew News

Homework:

o Please support your child in reading his/her book bag and returning it promptly each day.

o Sight words–have your child practice reading/writing the sight words highlighted on the sheet we gave you.

o Math Facts–have your child practice these daily!!!

o Read aloud to you child! Choose a rich, descriptive chapter book and curl up each night together to enjoy it. This will further your child’s understanding of language and stories in many, many ways! (Some of my favorite authors: Roal Dahl, Kate diCamillo, Russell E. Erikson)


Adventure:

o We will be taking a 1-night camping trip to a local campground in May to celebrate 2 wonderful years together! Details to follow. Parents are welcome to sleep over with us. 🙂

 

SELS News

Spring Conferences:  April 15-18:  Goal-Setting Conferences-sign up online.

SELS 100 Capital Campaign:  Have you made your contribution to our SELS 100 Capital Campaign?  Remember, the goal is to achieve 100% participation for 100 days.  We are working hard to make our campus the best learning environment for our students.  You can help by donating online today.

Classroom Needs:

  • Literacy Time volunteers– 1-2 daily!  Our volunteer calendar is practically empty!  Sign up online, in the classroom  or just come in from 10-11 daily.
  • Boxes of tissue
  • Hand sanitizer (1 large bottle refill)

 

Dates to Remember

o Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9: walking fieldwork to Truckee Library to work with storytelling expert. Times TBA over break via email.

o Monday, April 15 – Thursday, April 18:  Spring Conferences

o Friday, April 19:  Arts for the Schools – Figures of Speech