BACK TO SCHOOL!

Welcome to First Grade!

I am so happy to be teaching first grade this year! It is my first year teaching and I am so excited to have your child in my classroom not only so that I can teach them but also learn and grow with them. Who will be teaching my child is a question Im sure many parents have. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where I earned my degree in Elementary Education. I applied to the Academy for Urban School Leadership before graduating, was interviewed and then accepted into the program. I completed my residency year in a first grade classroom at Bradwell School of Excellence. My heart is in teaching first grade, and again I am so happy to be your childs teacher. If you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me! A wonderful year of learning lies ahead and I am thrilled!

Bradwell School of Excellence

Chicago, IL
Au g u s t 3 0 , 2 0 1 3 Volume 1, Issue 1

Ms. Madorskys Classroom Newsletter

Math News
This week in math we discussed how to use a ruler to measure various objects. Students practiced measuring their desk, their shoes, and even each other. Then we compared the lengths of objects to find out which was bigger and used evidence to prove it. We will be using rulers again and students will also practice measuring objects using inches.

Science News
Science was so much fun this week. We learned about predators and prey and the students really enjoyed it! We read several books and watched videos as well to help us really understand what predators and prey are. We played a game I displayed a picture of an animal on the board. Students had to explain whether or not it would be a predator or if it would be the prey and how they know. Then other students had the opportunity to give suggestions about what animals would be the prey or predator for the animal pictured. The students had a really good time and came up with some creative answers!

Literacy News
This week we practiced reading and writing words with a short a sound. Throughout the week we practiced our spelling words and making words that had the short a sound. The practice in the classroom and at home resulted in the majority of students passing their very first spelling test as a first grader! We also read a story about a cat named Sam that ran away from home. We discussed realistic fiction versus fantasy. Ask your child to explain what realistic fiction and how they know Sam Come Back is an example of realistic fiction!

Ms. Madorskys Classroom Newsletter Page 2

Looking Ahead
Questions to ask your child
How do you spell cat? How can you change cat to mat?
Monday No school! Enjoy the day off! Tuesday We will start practicing words with the short I sound, addition, and we will be learning about different habitats. Wednesday Students will continue practicing addition using dice. Thursday Students will get to choose one habitat and make their own version using provided materials. Friday Students will draw pictures to help them add. Students will also take their short i spelling test. Practice, practice, practice!

What are the Bradwell Be Attitudes? (Be respectful, be responsible, be safe, and be ready to learn.) (centimeters)

What does cm stand for on a ruler?

What do polar bears have that

keep them warm in cold weather? (blubber)

Birthdays
No birthdays next week!

Upcoming Events
No school There will be no school Monday, September 2nd. Enjoy the three-day weekend! Open House Open house will be Tuesday, September 17. I hope to see everyone there!

Reminders!
School starts at 8:45 and breakfast is served immediately. Please make sure your child is on time so that they do not miss breakfast. In addition, students with perfect attendance for three weeks in a row will receive a special prize from me. Please make sure that your child is wearing the appropriate uniform every day when they come to school. Every Friday students will be sent home with a book to practice reading. Have your child read to you, and remember they are due back on Monday! Contact information: lmadorsky89@gmail.com or 224-4060488

Reminders to Parents
Your child will need the following supplies this year: 1. backpack 2. pencils 3. crayons 4. folder 5. 1 box of Kleenex 6. School uniform on every day 7. scissors