Since the beginning of the new school year, the first graders have used names as a focus for learning about words and spelling patterns. The focus has been on short vowel sounds, blends, and diagraphs. Next, instead of studying names to recall letters and sounds, the students will be applying the skills practiced so far in studying high-frequency words, or snap words. The lessons will review snap words from last year, and will remind children of the principles they know about how words work. The classroom Word Walls now display the snap words learned in Kindergarten. This new unit will begin to support the children in learning additional high-frequency words. Throughout the year, the children will be working on automaticity for reading and writing more words. The best way to help your child at home with learning these words is to read to them, with them, and hunt for high-frequency words in books together.