• Welcome To Mrs. Dunaj's  1st Grade!
     
     

     

    First grade is such an amazing time!  I can't believe we are already in the 4th makring period.  We have some exciting events coming up: our Field Trip to Algonquin Theater in Manasquan will be Friday, May 31, school is closed for Memorial Day Friday May 24 and Monday, May 26; and Field Day is coming!  If you haven't turned in your $5.00 for the T-shirt, please do so quickly.
     
     STEM Fridays continue, with great work happening.  Students are developing problem solving skills and working together with great results!  We conducted some fun STEM activities with marhsmallow peeps and jelly beans!
     
       We are continually adding strategies to our reading tool boxes.  As our reading levels climb, the words get trickier and trickier.  Our fabulous firsties are constantly working to solve these tricky words by asking themselves: Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense? We are becoming Word Detectives and demonstrating our word solving skills each day by solving reading mysteries! Book baggies are still being sent home.
    Please make sure they are practicing these books each night.
     
     Our opinion unit continues with review writing.  We are reviewing our favorite restaurants, games, movies, and toys.  Can you be convinced to share our opinions?  Ask your child the most important word in an opinion piece BECAUSE they can certainly tell you!

     

    In Math, we are continuing to develop problem solving strategies. We are comparing numbers using the vocabulary greater than and less than.  Students are modeling larger numbers using base ten blocks and are learning to describe those numbers using tens and ones. 

     

    Our focus with shift from Social Studies to Science.  Did you know that the Sun is a star?  Fabulous first graders do!  Ask why the Sun looks so much bigger than other stars.  

     

     As always, we love ending our week with yoga.  It is such a relaxing way to spend Friday afternoons.  Sit with your child and have them show you how to do their poses.  They can guide the family in some relaxing breathing.

     

    We have learned so much in Leader in Me thisyear.  Right now we are working on Habit 6: Synergize.  Students are learning that good leaders work together and value the opinion and input of others.

    We have a daily snack in our classroom. Please remember to send in a small, healthy snack each day.
     
    Our Specials Schedule is as follows:
    Monday: Music
    Tuesday: Art
    Wednesday: Spanish
    Thursday: Gym
    Friday: Technology, Yoga, and Gym
     
    **Recess will be held daily.  Please be sure to wear or bring sneakers.
     
    In addition to information about homework,  my website will provide details of upcoming events, long term assignments, class rules, and overall expectations in first grade.  I hope you find the information useful.
     
    Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.  All emails and phone calls will be returned within 24 hours.
     
    Thanks so much!
    Casey Dunaj 
     
     
     
     
     
Last Modified on May 1, 2019