(718) 326-8261 Fax: (718)
Principal Jeanne Fagan
PS/IS 119Q “Realize the power of your dreams” 74-01 78th Avenue Glendale, NY 11385 Telephone: (718) 326-8261 Fax: (718) 456-9523 First Grade September/October Newsletter
English Language Arts: We will be reading narrative texts in reading and writing personal narratives in writing. We will also be studying story elements, such as characters, the central message in a story and setting (where and when the story takes place). You can work on this at home by retelling stories, including a description of the characters, setting and the events that take place in the beginning, middle, and end. We will also discuss both internal and external character traits, as well as character feelings. In writing, we have begun generating ideas for personal narratives. We will be working to write a complete personal narrative that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end with detailed characters, a descriptive setting, a problem, and a solution. Towards the end of the unit, we will edit and revise our work to check over capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and adding and/or deleting sentences to make our writing pieces sound their best. Math: 101/102 – We are working on completing algebraic equations, such as 3 + ___ = 12. We are also working on number bonds, number riddles, and writing word problems. In addition, we are working on problem solving strategies, such as counting on, counting down, drawing pictures, and working backwards. Please reinforce these concepts at home by completing daily homework. In addition, students can work on extension assignments. 103/104 – We are working on addition concepts, including adding zero, adding in any order, counting on, and making 10. We are also modeling addition and using pictures to add. Please reinforce these concepts at home by completing daily homework. In addition, students can work on extension assignments. Social Studies: First grade has gotten off to a wonderful start in social studies! We began the year talking about classroom rules and why it’s so important to have rules. The children learned how to use a circle map to organize their ideas and worked in groups to think of rules that are important for us to follow. We are now moving into our first unit of study, which is all about families. We will talk about who can be in a family and how families can be different, as well cultural family values. We will also discuss how families teach values and influence family members. Science: We have begun working on exploring the five senses and how they are an important part of studying science. As we progress we will be moving into our unit of study on exploration and investigation. Reminders for September/October: 1. All homework assignments will be posted on eChalk (psis119.org) under each individual teacher’s name
2. No School – October 9th 3. We will be having a 5-10 minute snack each afternoon. Snacks should be quick, easy and healthy. Please do NOT send in anything that contains nuts; we have students with allergies. 4. Any notes for teachers can be sent in your child’s homework folder. Please check homework folders every night. Take out notices and classwork daily. 5. There is a mandatory uniform policy – Please make sure your child is dressed in dark/navy bottoms and white tops daily. 6. Children are required to wear sneakers on gym days 7. Please only send ELA homework notebooks to school on Friday 8. Students names need to be on all assignments and materials 9. READ every night with your child for 15-20 minutes and fill out the reading log. This is a very important part of first grade. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. We are here to help! Thank you, First Grade Teachers
PS/IS 119Q “Realize the power of your dreams” 74-01 78th Avenue Glendale, NY 11385 Telephone: (718) 326-8261 Fax: (718) 456-9523 First Grade September/October Newsletter
English Language Arts: We will be reading narrative texts in reading and writing personal narratives in writing. We will also be studying story elements, such as characters, the central message in a story and setting (where and when the story takes place). You can work on this at home by retelling stories, including a description of the characters, setting and the events that take place in the beginning, middle, and end. We will also discuss both internal and external character traits, as well as character feelings. In writing, we have begun generating ideas for personal narratives. We will be working to write a complete personal narrative that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end with detailed characters, a descriptive setting, a problem, and a solution. Towards the end of the unit, we will edit and revise our work to check over capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and adding and/or deleting sentences to make our writing pieces sound their best. Math: 101/102 – We are working on completing algebraic equations, such as 3 + ___ = 12. We are also working on number bonds, number riddles, and writing word problems. In addition, we are working on problem solving strategies, such as counting on, counting down, drawing pictures, and working backwards. Please reinforce these concepts at home by completing daily homework. In addition, students can work on extension assignments. 103/104 – We are working on addition concepts, including adding zero, adding in any order, counting on, and making 10. We are also modeling addition and using pictures to add. Please reinforce these concepts at home by completing daily homework. In addition, students can work on extension assignments. Social Studies: First grade has gotten off to a wonderful start in social studies! We began the year talking about classroom rules and why it’s so important to have rules. The children learned how to use a circle map to organize their ideas and worked in groups to think of rules that are important for us to follow. We are now moving into our first unit of study, which is all about families. We will talk about who can be in a family and how families can be different, as well cultural family values. We will also discuss how families teach values and influence family members. Science: We have begun working on exploring the five senses and how they are an important part of studying science. As we progress we will be moving into our unit of study on exploration and investigation. Reminders for September/October: 1. All homework assignments will be posted on eChalk (psis119.org) under each individual teacher’s name
2. No School – October 9th 3. We will be having a 5-10 minute snack each afternoon. Snacks should be quick, easy and healthy. Please do NOT send in anything that contains nuts; we have students with allergies. 4. Any notes for teachers can be sent in your child’s homework folder. Please check homework folders every night. Take out notices and classwork daily. 5. There is a mandatory uniform policy – Please make sure your child is dressed in dark/navy bottoms and white tops daily. 6. Children are required to wear sneakers on gym days 7. Please only send ELA homework notebooks to school on Friday 8. Students names need to be on all assignments and materials 9. READ every night with your child for 15-20 minutes and fill out the reading log. This is a very important part of first grade. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. We are here to help! Thank you, First Grade Teachers
