Mrs. Bernhardt's First Grade

A Look Ahead...

Memory: We will be working on our Advent Service part in school

Religion: Advent

Word Work: the welded team -nk

High Frequency Word: they
Writing: fact and opinion

Core Knowledge Building: Aztec Civilization

Math: using learned strategies to solve number sentences

Science: animal adaptations

Social Studies: maps
Handwriting: Capital Letters

Art: Christmas Art

As you may have noticed we are no longer reviewing Kindergarten concepts (first quarter) now we have begun learning new concepts and material. The work is starting to get more difficult and the pace increases. I tell the class that we can do hard things. We are working on grit and staying on task. Please continue to work with your child on becoming independent and a problem solver.

Another way you can help your child and me is to work with them at home when needed...

If you notice that your child's math papers have a minus and then an ok that means that he/she had to redo the paper at school. I usually work with a small group on reteach and then have them correct the paper. I try to send math papers home each day in the keep at home side of the red homework folder. When you see this you may want to spend time in the evenings review the math concept.

If you notice your child has a lower spelling assessment grade, please use the UFLI Home Practice sheet.

I gave them out at Parent Conferences. Check the blog to see what the pattern is for the next week. If you need the packet let me know.

Some students are beginning to struggle with reading fluency. I work on this at school but don't have time to sit with each child everyday individually. If you see a bee READING AT HOME paper in the Friday folder, please work with your child when the decodable papers that come home during the week. The blue paper will explain how to help them. If you didn't get a blue paper then your child's fluency doesn't need extra practice right now.

Advent begins this Sunday.
Advent is a time that we prepare for the birth of Jesus our Savior.
At school we will have an advent wreath to help us count down the weeks till Christmas.

You child made a special Advent Candle devotion center for your family.

Mrs. Kuhlmann and I have purchased special devotions for you to do at home as well. Look for both in your child's book bag today.

We will celebrate St. Nicholas in the classroom on Wednesday, December 6. This is a German tradition that I grew up with and I like to share with my students. Traditionally on the night of December 5 you put your shoes outside and St. Nicholas comes and fills your shoes with candy, fruit, and coins. I want to give you a heads up in case your child puts his/her shoes outside on Wednesday night.

1st/2nd Grade Advent Service

We are working on our Advent Service. We continue to practice our special Bible verse part and songs.

-Our Advent services will be Wednesday, December 14th in the Zion Sanctuary.

-The students will be leading the Advent chapel during school at 10 am and they will need to wear their normal standardized dress.

-Students will also be leading the church service at the 7 pm service that evening. Please have your child arrive at 6:45 p.m. in the church basement. Teachers will not be in the church basement until this time, so please stay with your child until a teacher arrives. Students will need to be wearing standardized dress or church clothes. Please keep your child's coat and belongings with you because after the service you will be meeting your child in the narthex/welcome center area near the sanctuary.

-Your child will need to be in attendance at both services; parents and family are welcome to come to either service.

Advent is such a fun time. I really enjoy preparing for Jesus coming with my first graders. Ask your child next week about some of the special things in our classroom!

If you are looking for unique Christian gifts for Christmas my sister and I will be at Our Savior's Christmas Market. We use wood to make Christian art; Easter Tombs, Nativities, and Bible verses on reclaimed wood.