Daily 5 is alive in 1H! During the past week of school the first graders added "Read to Someone" as another option within our language arts block. They learned how to read with a friend in a way that benefits both readers. They were taught how to choose books together and the different ways to read when two voices are involved. The children know to sit next to one another (elbow, elbow, knee, knee), use whisper voices, and check for understanding when their partner is reading. This week during Daily 5 I will be meeting with students to check their knowledge of word recognition and ability to read a short passage without the help of a picture.

In writer's workshop the first graders practiced writing a rubric to score their work. They used their seat sacks as a starting point by creating a written description of the neatest, most organized seat sack. Then, knowing the requirements they set up, they cleaned their own seat sack to reach the highest level of neatness and organization. This coming week the children will work at creating a rubric for their writing in the same way. Our rubric will continue to be added to throughout the year as the children learn all the traits of excellent writing. Having the first graders design the rubric (the assessment tool) will help ensure they know the expectations and give their best effort.

This week will serve as a review week to reteach important concepts in spelling, grammar, and reading. Therefore, our typical homework may look a bit different this week.
Our spellling words for the week of Sept. 26 - 30, 2011:

1. they
2. like
3. does
4. there
5. the
6. are
7. with
8. was
   
9. and
10. you