Newsletter

Weekly News
It is hard to believe we are only a few weeks away from the end of Quarter 2. There’s a lot going on in the classroom at the moment. We are thinking about keywords during reading, adding on to our writing, and started Module 2 in Math. Here’s what happened in the classroom:
Reading Workshop
Learning Objective: Students can learn 5 keywords.
Summary: When reading nonfiction there are a lot of specialized words. These specialized or important words are called keywords. We want to be able to sound out keywords but more importantly, understand what they mean. Students were given a paper this week to write down at least 5 keywords. We shared our keywords with partners as well as the class. We also reviewed and did some rereading for that just right sound.
Writing Workshop
Learning Objective: Students can write a review.
Summary: This week, while we are still sharing our opinion, we switched to reviews. Students learned it is a person’s job to review movies, restaurants, games, and many other things. When we write a review we share our opinion. We still want to give at least 2 reasons with as many reviews as possible. We also learned to add on to our writing, including as many details as possible. Additionally, we talked briefly about comparisons. For example, the shark’s teeth are as sharp as a knife.
Math
Learning Objective: Students can solve problems with 3 addends, 2 of which make 10.
Summary: For the start of Module 2 students solved word problems. In the word problems, 2 of 3 the addends made 10. We learned that when we get to 10 it is a little easier to add bigger numbers. We also figured out how to solve when 1 addend is 9. This is a very important module as it sets the foundation for adding larger numbers.
Social Studies/Science
Learning Objective: Students can describe the 4 seasons.
Summary: This week we are learning about another natural pattern – seasons. We started off describing some of the differences between each season. We also learned that the Earth is tilted which contributes to the seasons. Additionally, we learned there is more daylight in the Summer and less daylight in the winter. We will continue learning about the amount of daylight next week.
Homework
Please see HW Checklist
Upcoming Events

Helpful Resources
Bloomz is where I will update parents on what’s going on in the classroom. It’s a great place to see many photos and videos throughout the year so you can get a look inside our classroom.
Raz-Kids is where students will be reading each night. Students can read a story, listen to a story and answer questions about a story. Ideally students should do all 3 for at least one story a night.
Log in information coming soon.
Sumdog is a fun math game site. Students can practice their math skills while playing games, earning points, and competing against friends.
Log in information coming soon.
GoNoodle’s movement videos and games help to keep us moving inside the classroom. It makes it easy to be active, the kid way – silly, energetic, playful, and fun!
Counting by 1’s
Common core standard: Extend the counting sequence (Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120).
Counting down
We’ve been practicing counting down in preparation for subtraction.
Counting by 2’s
Common core standard: Add and subtract within 20 (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).
English Language Learners
These videos are for students that are just beginning to learn English.
Greetings Parents and Caregivers,
I hope you are as excited as I am about the start of school! I expect this to be a great year with lots of adventures, challenges, successes, hard work, fun, lots of learning, and memories!
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Justin Cassel. This will be my fourth year teaching at BFS and my ninth year in the classroom. My passion for teaching is found in young learners as I love their enthusiasm and excitement for education. My family has lived in Busan for 5 years.
Here are a few ideas for a smooth transition and to help prepare your child for the first day of school:
- Get lots of rest
- Speak with your child about hopes and learning goals for this year. What do they hope 1st grade is like? What are a few things they would like to learn this year in the classroom?
- Do a little reading. Do a little writing. Do a little math.
I look forward to working together with you this year to support your child and his or her growth!
Together Everyone Achieves More
T.E.A.M. First,
Mr. Cassel