This image is a poster we've built over the course of this introductory writing unit in our classroom. These are some of the things expected of first grade writers, and your child should be able to tell you about them. "Tap it out" is when students say their plan and tap the paper for each word (this helps with their spatial awareness). The ABC chart is a tool we use to help students access sounds quickly. Pardon my simple illustrations! 

Back to School Night is tonight! First grade is meeting in the library at 5:30. I hope to see you there! If possible, leave your children at home. This informative night is for the adults. Thank you!

Ask your student if he or she knows the Braly agreements! Braly students are safe, kind, and responsible. Today we discussed safety and what it means to be a safe student. Feel free to further discuss with your child!

We have a sight word song weekly in first grade. Sight words are high frequency words that first graders will learn to recognize quickly. We have already gone over this song in class, and you can ask your child to teach it to you. Even if your child is already an expert at this word, singing together will help his or her development! Also, our sight word songs increase in difficulty. A former student (now in middle school) once shared that he still uses our first grade sight word song to spell "because" correctly. Often sight words have parts that can help students spell other, more complex, words accurately, as well. 

Our first graders are continuing the good work in terms of learning our routines! Wishing you all a restful evening!

We had another great day! Ask your son or daughter if they know the first thing that writers do. The answer that we're looking for is "make a plan." We will continue discussing what writers do in our class, and I'll share more about how we can support first grade writers at a later date.

Please return the purple folder to school daily. We do this as a routine even if I occasionally send the folder home empty. Feel free to remove any papers that are inside.

Wishing you all a restful and happy weekend with your first graders!

We had a great first day! Thank you so much for all of the generous donations. If you haven't purchased anything yet, feel free to wait until further notice. We will let you know when we are in need of more/other supplies. Our whole grade level is now well-stocked, and it is thanks to all of your generosity!

Below are the stories we read today. Feel free to ask your child about the books. Perhaps he or she can name a favorite! 

​

*Blue painter's tape
*White copy paper
*Glue sticks
*Expo markers
*Tissue boxes
*Recess snacks
*Baby wipes

We provide crayons, etc, out of our classroom funds, and we ask for help from parents for some of these collective items. Thank you! If you can't find or are unable to afford all of these items please do not worry! We also will ask for other items as the year continues.