We Are Finally Finished Testing!

I think I can say that we are finished testing!!! We have tested basic skills, reading levels, and all the necessities for AIMSWeb for the fall. So, if you would like to meet in person I would gladly set up a time that we can get together or if you would rather me send a copy of the AIMSWeb printout, the basic skills assessment, and your child's reading level home I can do that. Then if you have any questions or concerns, we can meet. I will tell you that overall, I am very pleased with the beginning reading levels. Our goal as a first grade is to have every child reading at a level 10-12 by Christmas and at least a level 18 by the end of the year. If they come to us now reading a level 1-2 that means they can follow a pattern and are ready to begin reading. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read with your child and to continue working on those sight words. Once we begin adding 3-6 new words a week it will be essential to stay on top of it. You will be amazed at how much your child with grow as a reader throughout the year! As far as the AIMSWeb you will be able to see how they did last year at the benchmarks: fall, winter, spring, and this fall. Some areas were not tested every time. Please do not hesitate to contact me!!!

We are in Great Shape in Scott County!

I just have to share a story that I heard one morning on the radio on my way to school this week. One elementary school in Alabama due to budget cuts had added toilet paper to all of the class supply lists. The intermediate grade kids were very embarrassed to be bringing toilet paper to school in front of their peers and were begging their parents to carry it in for them. I guess things can be a lot worse off financially!!!! Next it may be light bulbs! When your kids come home and start complaining that Mrs. Napier gives soooo much reading homework you can say to them, "Well at least she doesn't make you bring toilet paper to school!" :)

Kindergarten Sight Words

This week in your child's homework you will find the list of sight words below.Your child worked on these words last year in Kindergarten. It may be helpful to make flashcards and focus on three or four at a time if there are some they are struggling with. Please remember this does not have to be like pulling teeth! You can turn this into a fun experience. You can play a matching game by making cards with the words that they don't know or go fish. You can use magnetic letters on the refrigerator to form words to work through the sounds of the letters. Don't spend too much time all at once and take frequent brain breaks. We will begin learning new words in three weeks and it is essential that they know as many of these as possible so that they are not overwhelmed by adding new words.

• a
• am
• little
• I
• the
• one
• to
• have
• is
• two
• three
• we
• my
• like
• for
• he
• four
• me
• five
• with
• she
• see
• look
• they
• you
• of
• are
• that
• do
• here
• go
• from
• yellow
• said
• what
• green
• was
• where
• blue
• come
  
  

We Survived Week One!

I have wanted to blog so badly all week, but was afraid that if I did I would jinx myself!!! This has truly been an amazing week! I have been counting my blessings everyday...all twenty-two of them!!! Does this mean that we are perfect? No, but this means that we are each unique, first graders that their teacher finds absolutely stunning with limitless potential! I have already had an overwhelming amount of parental support and that by itself makes all the difference in the world. The children have shown an interest in learning and a compassion in one another. We are off to a great start! Thank you!

Sneak Peak

Open House is almost here and I believe that I have everything close to being ready!!! I put names on everything and when I say everything I really do mean everything. I have cubbies to get ready, the door, word wall, birthday board, bucket filler board, transportation tags, lunch sticks, computer cards, take home folders, water bottles, and tables. I am sure I am forgetting something, but you get the picture. I hope I didn't misspell any names :) All in a good few days (weeks) work!