Oops!

I was trying to cram so much into our shortened day that I forgot to have the boys and girls circle Set 3 for the spelling test this week.  I did tell them as they scurried out the door. :)   The pink spelling words are high frequency words that usually can not be sounded out.  Please remember to have your child prepared to spell any/all of the words Sets 1-3. 


We began working in the first grade reading books today by talking about author, illustrator, and table of contents.  The class also enjoyed studying the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea.  Our new reading series provides ample opportunities for the boys and girls not only to read but also to express themselves verbally and in written form.  It is tons of fun to read what they write and also to watch as they develop into accomplished writers. 


In addition to the reading series, I also used a separate phonics program called VoWac.  Back in the 1970's Mrs. Straight and I were both trained in the Orton-Gillingham phonics.  We have relied on that tried and true approach during our entire careers.  This program is scientifically researched based and is the foundation for the VoWac phonics program.  It is built on the premise that a child learns best given the opportunities to use any/all learning modalities including the visual (sight), auditory (hearing) , and kinesthetic (movement).  Every child is a unique gift with his/her own learning style.  As their teacher, I provide a learning environment in which they may choose how to learn.  For example, some students learn best listening to a story on CD and then reading it, others read the visual words, while some need to spell those words by air writing, etc. before reading the story.


We also began our new vocabulary study today.  One of our special words is unique.  Try to work that word into your conversations with your child this week.  I am thankful for my unique and helpful group of students and parents this year!


Your partner in education,
Ms. Loetscher