FIRST GRADE

Mrs. Jeanne Fry
Email: jfry@stmarysgreensburg.com

 
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HOMEWORK FOR MAY , 2008

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Click here to download the Current Newsletter

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First Grade is an exciting and important time in a child’s life.  There are many new concepts and skills to learn and practice.  Our study of our Catholic Faith, and learning about God is an important part of our day.  Language Arts, which include reading, writing, spelling, grammar and phonics are a major focus of first grade.  Math concepts and skills are also very important.  There is a strong emphasis on learning the basic addition facts.  In the second half of the year, science and social studies are brought into the curriculum in a more structured manner.

Our day usually begins with prayer and talking to God, followed by a religion lesson, or liturgy or a prayer service.  I write a “daily letter” to the students which reviews or practices concepts we are working on in class.  We read this letter together, and do calendar activities.  The majority of the morning is focused on Language Arts.  This might include reading a story as a class, or in small groups, and working on phonics and reading skills.  The afternoon begins with math lessons and many hands-on activities to help the students understand the math concepts.  We also practice our spelling words and handwriting skills.  “Discipline with Purpose”  activities are part of the afternoon as well.  Below is a schedule of our “special” classes and activities:

MONDAY            Music—9:10-9:40 am

TUESDAY           Art—8:20-9:10 am

WEDNESDAY    All School Mass—8:30 am

THURSDAY        Library—8:30-9:00 am

FRIDAY               First and Second Grade Prayer Service—8:30 am

                             P.E.—9:10-9:50 am

We also do many special lessons and activities during the year to celebrate the seasons and holidays.  These include the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.  Each first grader has a special friendship with a sixth grader—we call them our sixth grade buddies.  The first graders interact each day with the second graders at recess and at our Prayer Services on Friday.

I feel that the parents are the first and most important teachers in the students’ lives.  I want the parents to be aware of the concepts and activities that the students are taking part in, in our classroom.  Each Friday, the students take home their Friday Folders which include the students’ papers from the week and a newsletter from me.  The newsletter is also available through this webpage.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and concerns about your child, or about the lessons we are doing.  Together we can work to make this a great year for your student.  Thank you!