Incoming First Grade Suggestions

In order to ensure that your child has a smooth transition into first grade, I’d like to offer a few suggestions. First, please read to them everyday. If your child is already reading, allow them to read to you. If your child doesn’t already have a library card, please go to your local library to get one. The library is a great resource, and it’s absolutely free. Most libraries have great summer reading programs that promote reading. Make going to the library a weekly event over the summer. Allow them to choose their own books, but select a few of your choosing as well. A reading list is being sent home through the office that may help you in your book selection.

Please go over the list of kindergarten skills to review over the summer. Please make copies of the 100’s grid and have your child practice writing their numbers to 30 to review kindergarten skills. Then practice writing numbers to 100 to give them an opportunity to practice a first grade skill. We will be learning math facts in first grade. If you’d like to give your child a head start on their math facts, you can purchase flash cards, or make some of your own, and practice over the summer. You may also go to my website listed below and there are some math learning links where your child can practice their math facts ( www.factmonster.com is a good site to practice math facts as well).

Kindergarten Skills to Review at Home

• Review all skills sent home by Ms. Kathy in end of the year packet.

• Tie shoes—All children should be able to tie their shoes upon entering first grade…Please practice over the summer.

• Write first and last name neatly

• Write all letters neatly

• Know all letters and letter sounds (vowels included—long and short)

• Count and write numbers to 30

• Know high frequency words ( see website and summer packet)

• Practice reading word family words attached

• Write neatly and use two finger spacing when writing words in sentences

• Know phone number and address

• The Pledge of Allegiance

First Grade Skills to Practice:

• Write numbers to 100

• Math facts

• Know coins, their names and values

• Count by 2’s to 20, by 5’s and 10’s to 100

• Know these basic prayers—Our Father, Hail Mary, Angel of God, Glory Be, Grace

• Read every day or read to your child every day. Ask the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story. Ask your child who are the characters, what is the setting, what is the problem and how was it solved, what was the story about and what was your favorite part.

• Begin to practice first grade high frequency words.

Practice reading at starfall.com

Check out the learning links at the bottom left hand side of my webpage.

Mrs. Donaghho's dog, Molly

Mrs. Donaghho's dog, Peanut

1994-2007

Peanut was a giver of love, comfort and joy. She will be missed.

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