wynn_c

Mrs. Wynn's First Grade Class Notes

The Countdown Has Begun

The time is passing quickly. Enjoy each and every day with your child. They are precious treasures. I love each of them very much.

WE are approaching the last days of school.

Our FUN MAY days are filling us with joy. Please ask your child about our Fun May Days.

I do not expect any misbehaviors as we are trying to end our school year on a fine note.

Second Grade Teachers are watching and wishing for some of our precious ones who will soon fill their classrooms. We have made the grades, we have learned to read with great fluency, our writing is just superb, and our behavior is improved greatly. That is music to any teacher's ears. I can "graduate" with honors thanks to my precious ones!

Please, please remind your child that school is not over yet!! We are actually still learning some really neat things.

Read, read, read each night for about twenty minutes. We don't have any formal homework, so I urge you to just curl up with a good book. All children will be awarded for their achievements in reading and enjoy a lifetime habit of reading as well.

We are becoming more quick and accurate in our math facts. I am impressed with how well they use their doubles facts to solve facts which are plus one and minus one from the known double. It is obvious who is working with flash cards and/or calculators to become more accurate in our facts in a flash games.

Upcoming events:

May 20….was just wonderful. They children in our room sang and performed so nicely. I was so proud of them. Only three remained for the afternoon and they went to the movies with Mrs. Zackary next door! I heard all kinds of neat things that were planned for the afternoon which sounded like such fun!

Parent conferences.…I took a day off on May 5, to meet with each parent. I am sorry if you did not make that conference. I have called those who asked me to and tried to call those who did not respond. Please check with me concerning your child's progress if you have not met with me already by phone or in person. I need to give you your child's progress reports.

May 14….Progress reports were sent.

May 15….Last day for Library checkout.

May 16…. ALL books are due in the library. If one is lost, please be sure to pay for it so report cards can be issued.

May 21….Fundraiser products ARE HERE! Please pick yours up.

May 26….Memorial Day Holiday.

May 27…Reception for RETIREES….3:00-4:30…how nice…that's ME!!! It is amazing how YOUNG I feel after being around bright and smiling youngsters all these years!

May 29& 30….Early Dismissal.

Then a happy, happy summer vacation will follow

It has been said by a wise one…When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold TIGHT!!! That is exactly what I am trying to do! I am clearing many years of memories from my classroom and must admit, occasionally a tear or two cloud my eyes.

Remember: It is good to read TO your child. That sets the model for good expressive reading and for listening/comprehension. Your child also needs to read aloud TO you daily after practicing silently first. Practice is the KEY! Those who practice read with more fluency! First graders need to read with comprehension at the rate of 60 WPM at the end of first grade on level 18. MANY of our class members doubled that WPM rate. What good readers we have become!

Some highlights of our year have included:

Science/ Social Studies rotations, Field Trips, Brain Gym activities, the Waste Water Disposal Plant, the Fire Station on George Richey Road, Mother's Day and Father's Day surprises, Christmas party, Valentine party with the children serving each other, Easter parties, reading from Ron Clark's book frequently, special visits with our counselor, Mrs. Irwin, to learn Champs behavior and character ed., math fun, reading lab, good behavior parties, PLUS "FUN" FRIDAYS and M and M.

Watch for the Cookie Grams which ARE now being sent home. Your child will receive a cookie gram and a positive letter for showing exemplary CHAMPS behavior. They are redeemable in the school cafeteria.

PRACTICE IS THE KEY! REPECT is the answer!! TOGETHER, we can succeed.

Remember: As you go places as a family this summer, you may wish to discuss vocabulary that you see on signs and billboards. By having your child give you a quick definition or by having him/her use the word in a good sentence you are helping them keep and use their "new found" vocabulary. That makes the words come to life. When you return, have your child organize his/ her thoughts about that experience and write a story about the venture.

Thank you for sending me a sweet, well behaved, eager to learn first grader each day. That makes my day!!! AS one said today…it just tickles me!

Thank you for your positive reinforcement each day.

Ongoing suggestions for activities to enjoy with your child:

Go to the public (or your church) library regularly and read to and with your child each day.
Visit the zoo, museums, pet stores and nursing/assisted living homes. Elderly people enjoy having children visit and read to them or play games with them. You may be the only visitor that some of them receive.
Investigate places in the community where the children can make things like jewelry and decorative items from clay, etc. and expand their creativity.
Redeem the food coupons which your child received for having good days at school.
After these adventures, have your child write in his/her journal about it … and don’t forget to let them illustrate what they wrote! Children are such great and natural artists!
Watch the newspaper for special events which would be enjoyable for your family.

REMEMBER: THE BEST THING THAT YOU AND YOUR CHILD CAN DO TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS IS TO PRACTICE.

Very sincerely and with love,

Mrs. Wynn

- Email: cwynn@springhill.esc7.net