Language Arts

What are we learning?

• Students have been learning to participate in our word learning community using a variety of phonics and phonemic awareness activities.
• We have also been busy establishing routines and expectations in building our community of readers and writers.
• We will soon transition into learning about print through characters and begin writing personal narratives.

Home/School Connection

• What can we learn from a character(s)?  Which character(s) would you want to be friends with?  How can we empathize (understand and share feelings with) our character(s) struggle(s)?  How can we develop ideas about how and why a character(s) feeling(s) change?  How can we build on another person’s ideas through discussions?
• Why do writers share stories about their own lives? How might we help others understand our stories?
• Discuss words that start with: (sh-, ch-, th-, & wh-). Brainstorm words with initial (l-blends ex: bl, cl, fl, or gl; s-blends ex: sk, sm, sn, or sp; r-blends ex: gr, fr, tr, br; and other blends).  As well as final (t-blends ex: ct, ft, lt, st;  l-blends ex: lp, lk, lf, or ld;  and other blends ex: nd, sk, sp, mp, or nch).

Math

What are we learning?

• Our Math focus has included counting and numbers (which we will visit more than once this year).  In this unit students have been practicing counting and writing numbers up to 30.  They have also explored counting both forward and backward to 30.  They work on describing patterns they notice in our number system.  As they develop more understanding about numbers they will work on counting and comparing sets of up to 110 objects and developing an understanding of whole number relationships, including grouping by five, tens, and ones.

Home/School Connection

• Activities that can be practiced at home include:  counting various groups of objects; practice counting by ones, fives, and ten; and writing and identifying numbers.

Science

What are we learning?

• Our first science unit should begin around Wednesday, September 15, 2021.  We will study how people interact with our world.  We will observe the effect the sun has on the surface of earth; thermometers and temperature; weather and types of precipitation; living and nonliving things; plants structures/leaves; seasons and seasonal changes; birds and animals; and the needs of plants and animals; as well as the role humans play in the use and protection of natural resources.

Home/School Connection

• Something you can do at home includes nature walks and conversations.  Talk about what they notice about the weather and signs of seasonal change.  If you have a pet or pets, have them talk about what they need to take care of them.  Have them discuss what plants need to survive.  If possible, consider visiting the Walker Nature Center along the Reston Trail.  Talk about man made structures vs. natural structures.

Social Studies

What are we learning?

• We began our school year with our Ethical and Global Citizen unit.  During our social studies time we talked about and established classroom/school rules, routines, and expectations.  We also talked about making good choices and how our choices affect others.  We talked about focusing on fair play, good sportsmanship, helping others, treating others with respect, using self-control, working hard in school, taking responsibility for one’s own actions, and valuing honesty and truthfulness in themselves and others.  We also developed ideas and class norms around being a good and responsible digital citizen.  Students are encouraged to be mindful of the digital footprint they create.

Home/School Connection

• Table talk conversation could be centered around rules and expectations at home, school, and in the community.  Also, how to use the computer or any digital device appropriately.  You and your child might choose to read books with a positive citizenship theme.  Many books can be found read aloud on YouTube.  MyOn and Tumble books on the Terraset Student Links are great resources.  You can also check the Reston library or school library for great titles.  
• Some suggested reads include:  If Everybody Did That; The Empty Pot; Recess Queen; Enemy Pie; Interrupting Chicken; and Carl the Complainer to name a few.

Important Dates & Reminders

• Important reminders:  
• Please remember to send a snack daily and mark it for your child.  
• Please send students with a clean mask daily and pack an extra mask or two in case they need to change it.
• Check with your child’s teacher about Scholastic Book order due dates.

Remember to submit any PTO Spirit Wear orders before the due date:  September 17, 2021.  See their order form for order and payment instructions.

Positivity Project

• Week of 9/13:  Curiosity
• Week of 9/20:  Teamwork
• Check out some family resources here! Password: P2

Click here to see what students are learning in Specials!