It has been a wonderful first week! Students are getting accustomed to being back in the classroom.  We have been getting to know one another by sharing about our families and favorite summer memories.

LITERACY- We have been having such a good time reading books written by Kevin Henkes!  We talk about the characters, plot and setting. Mrs. Meaney and Mrs. Bear are assessing reading skills of all students during the first two weeks of school. This information will be used to form our first grade literacy groups. We have been writing about our summer, and our hopes and dreams for first grade. Nouns begin our grammar unit, which will cover verbs and adjectives also.

MATH- We have spent time learning about the different math tools we will be using in class, including connecting cubes and ten frames. We have had a picture talk, which involves finding math in a given picture. We have played some homemade math games, and are becoming familiar with our calendar routine. Next week, students will be introduced to the concept of a number bond, which helps one see the part-part-whole relationships in a number.

BIBLE- We spent time introducing/reviewing the five School-wide Rules. Ask your student to name them for you. They are: 1) Put God first. 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. 3) Be a responsible learner. 4) Use self-control and 5) Be a good steward. Our Bible focus in September is the story of Moses. We began with the story of Moses being hidden in a basket.

SCIENCE- First grade alternates spending chunks of time studying history or science. We begin with science. As part of the native Virginia plants and animals unit, our class is focusing on box turtles.  Tommy the Turtle has not yet made it to our room yet, but he will be visiting next week.  Students shared times when they have seen a box turtle in its natural habitat.  Next week, we will talk about what we already know about turtles, look at non-fiction turtle books, and spend some time taking a closer look at Tommy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, September 1- NO SCHOOL, Labor Day

-Wednesdays- 8:30-9:00-Please join us for Chapel!

For the school-wide Convocation next Friday, September 5th, drop off your  child/ren at the Upper School between 7:40 and 8:10.  They will be greeted by the Lower School teachers/administrators on the curb. Parents are invited to attend Convocation, which starts at 8:30 a.m.  Students will be returned to the Lower School via buses. The Upper School is located at 175 Hickory Street. Students should wear their Covenant uniform, bring backpacks and lunches.

-Sept. 18- First grade field trip to Ivy Creek Natural Area. We will go on a hike and attend a talk about turtles. Our bus is full, but if any of you wish you meet us there, just let me know!

-Sept. 18- Back-to School Night, 6:15pm- Please attend to learn what your child is doing throughout his/her first grade day.