August 26th - August 30th

What We Are Learning

Reading: We added the Work on Writing element to our Daily Five Literacy Café this week. We also continued to work on building stamina so that students are reading and writing completely independently.

Writing: This week we started our writer’s workshop. Your child is working on drafting small moment stories. Ask your child about the strategy Touch and Tell, Sketch, Then Write!

Math: During math this week we were busy learning about adding and subtracting numbers using a number line.  We also practiced counting and writing numbers to 120.  This is a skill I encourage you all to work on with your child. You can make it fun by using different movements or silly voices.

Theme: Your child was introduced to their poetry notebook this week.  We will use this to enjoy the rhythm and rhyming that poetry provides.  This notebook will also allow us to work on word work concepts throughout the year. Ask your child which poem they enjoyed the most this week.

Word Wall Words

Each week your child will be introduced to new sight words. Your child’s teacher last year probably called them Popcorn Words.  Willard is moving away from traditional spelling tests.  However, it is VERY important that you review these words with your child each week.  Even though they will not be tested on these words, please have your child practice reading, writing, and spelling them.  How well your child knows these words will be reflected on their grade card each quarter.  

This week’s word wall words:

the   I   to   a   is

Grade Cards

Your grade cards will look VERY different this year due to the change to standards- based grading. Please be prepared for that as well as information about how you can help your student at home. I will be sending home details about what your student is expected to be able to know and do this year. The first grade standards have been raised from last year; so we need to work together to support our students as much as possible. Please let me know what questions you have about this.

Dates to Remember

September 2nd- No School (Labor Day)

September 20^th- Dismiss at 12:30

September 25^th- First Tiger Pride Assembly

A Successful First Full Week of School!

What We Are Learning

Reading:  At Orchard Hills we integrate our reading instruction with a structure called the “Daily Five.” The five literacy components are Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Word Work, and Work on Writing. Students will circulate through at least 3 of these components on a daily basis, while I meet with Reading Groups based on reading level, individually conference with students, and meet with Strategy Groups. This week we focused on building stamina during Read to Self. I also began administering individual assessments to determine which letters and sounds your child has mastered and which we need to focus on.

Writing: This week we learned what writer’s workshop should look and sound like.  Next week we will start our first writing unit. Your child will draft several small moment stories. I can already tell we have some very talented writers in our class!

Math: During math this week, we stated our first unit.  This unit involves adding and subtracting numbers within 10.  I also began assessing students on number recognition.  This will help guide my instruction.

Theme: In order to establish a positive classroom community, we worked on several character building activities this week.  Ask your child about the book Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes and how words are like toothpaste!

Special Thanks

I want to send out a special thanks to all who donated items from our classroom wish list!  We greatly appreciate your generosity.  These items will help us have a productive year! Feel free to frequently view our classroom website where I will post items throughout the year as we need them.   

Special Class Schedule

Monday- Computers

Tuesday- P.E.

Wednesday- Music

Thursday- Art

Friday- Library

Always Remember…

I want you to always feel free to contact me through school (417-869-0600) or by e-mail (laurahappel@willardschools.net). If you have any questions, send a note in your child’s take home folder, and I will write a quick response back.

Dates to Remember

September 2nd- No School (Labor Day) 

Welcome First Grade Friends

  

Welcome to first grade! My name is Mrs. Happel.  I am very excited to get to know you and begin a new school year at WOHE.  Let me first tell you a little about myself.  This will be my fifth year teaching at Orchard Hills, but my first time teaching first grade.  I feel so blessed and privileged to be among fantastic teachers, supportive parents, and amazing students.  I recently ran my first marathon. My running partner, Mrs. Phinney, and I hope to complete more in the future! When I’m not running, I enjoy traveling, reading new books, and visiting my wonderful nephews. 

Meet the Teacher Night is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13^th from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  On this night you may visit the classroom, drop off school supplies, and fill out some important paperwork. Make sure you bring your school supplies that night, so our first day back will start off great. Our room number is 217. I hope to see you there!

Our first day of classes will be on Thursday, August 15th.  The first bell rings at 8:20 and school officially starts at 8:40 each day.  I am excited about meeting you and can’t wait to get our new year started.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you have before then. My new email address is laurahappel@willardschools.net, and the classroom blog is http://mrshappelslittleapples.blogspot.com/.  This website will provide weekly classroom updates as well as upcoming events, a class wish list, and other resources. I look forward to meeting you, and I anticipate this to be an exciting, fun-filled year of learning!