Mrs. Pennington's Place

How to Write a Good First Grade Story!

1. Make a plan.
2. Tell at least two things.
3. Have a matching picture.
4. Use author's craft.
5. Have a setting, characters and action.
6. Include a reflection.

The 12 Powerful Words

1. Trace - List in steps.
2. Analyze - Break apart.
3. Infer - Read between the lines.
4. Evaluate - Judge.
5. Formulate - Create.
6. Describe - Tell all about.
7. Support - Back up with details.
8. Explain - Tell how.
9. Summarize - Give me the short version.
10. Compare - All the ways they are the same.
11. Contrast - All the ways they are different.
12. Predict - What will happen next?

All About Homework

A homework packet will go home every Monday. The packet includes a week's worth of practice and is not meant to be completed in one night. It is due on Friday morning. Your child may choose how he or she practices the sightwords each and every day. Your child should be reading every day and keeping up with the reading log. If your child would like to do any type of independent project, please let me know and I will help out with supplies and resources if they are needed.

Keep homework time light and happy. Provide your child a snack while working. Give lots of encouragement and help as needed! Homework should not be tedious or involve any tears or hard feelings. If you have any problems, please let me know and we'll figure something out.