Mrs. Eichberger's First Grade Newsletter

October 7, 2004

Quality of Work

High quality work is something that is learned and modeled from your child's teacher throughout the year.

You will notice comments on the back of your child's Five Senses Flip Book and Story Map. These observations are goals that we will work towards through out the year. Also being sent home is a writing completed today about yesterday's fire department field trip.

COMMUNICATION

I welcome all inquiries regarding your child's progress in first grade. I look forward to developing shared goals and supporting each other this year. Your child's year in first grade is on of the most important years of their life. The foundation for the rest of their school career is being established. The following information was taken from a research based material.

Physical Development in First Graders

MOTION

As you have probably noticed, most first graders are in constant motion. Even when they are "sitting still" they still seem to want to move. The muscle growth at this age and the need to exercise turns into an age of gusto. We start each morning with a stretching routine. We are also in the process of learning exercises that will not disturb others as we work.

LISTENING/SPEAKING

First graders also appear to be strong auditory processors. They learn by listening to others and to themselves. They often repeat everything out loud so they can understand it. During guided reading time, I ask that all students use their "working whispers." This is so we can concentrate easily as we learn to read.

Fine motor control has not yet matured in most first graders. Therefore, formal writing can be agonizing for them. Also, writing on the lines is difficult for some first graders. Their writing tends to be sloppy, large, and inconsistent. It is important to remember that the handwriting process is ongoing.

Usually by spring, those muscles are under more command, and you'll see a greatly improved product. Also, writing on the lines is difficult for some first graders. I recommend a three sided pencil gripper. Finally, it is common for some first graders to interchange upper and lower case letters when writing, as well as reverse the letters b, d, p, q, g, t, and j. If your child reverses their letters, they will receive small group practice with myself or a Title I teacher.

Emotional Development in First Graders

INDEPENDENCE

Independence is a hallmark for 6 and 7 year olds after the tendency to cling and the need to check in that was so prevalent in kindergarten. It is seeming independence, however, because first graders are still very dependent on their parents and teacher for support and approval. As they venture out, they need to know that things are intact at home.

ROUTINES

Rituals and routines help your first grader feel safe and cared for. They need the comfort of predictability when they themselves are changing so rapidly.

A morning routine with an affectionate good-bye and a night routine that includes a bedtime story are important. Making sure your child knows what will happen after school and who will be home is also very important. Any uncertainty about home can keep her distracted all day at school.

Word Wall Words

Many parents have asked for a list of words that first graders should know by the end of the year. Attached to this newsletter is a list of words.