Welcome to

It is my hope that the classroom embraces the idea that we are a community of life-long learners. I believe that each student in our class has valuable contributions to make in our learning. My goal is to create a classroom environment where each student has the opportunities to experience success and is encouraged to work to his or her full potential.

Throughout the day, learning is achieved through:

Demonstrations by the teacher (modeling) Whole class/small group/partner work/individual

work Group discussions Investigations Drills and practice Games and activities

Folder RoutinesRed Home Folders-

• Notes and Memos-We send home notes from the North Side office along with any teacher/parent communication. These will be located on the right side of the folder.

• Please remove notes and notices once you have seen them so that we know you have received it.

• You must send in a written note if your child has a dismissal change. 

Homework-• Homework will be placed on the left side of the

red folder. Homework packets will be sent

home each Monday. Different portions of the homework are due each day. Please send these back on the left side of the red folder.

• Homework consists of a high frequency word activity, a math page, sight word review and reading each night.

• As part of our Fundations program, the children will be building a sight word ring. These are the same words we will be using for word activities. Please review the sight word ring with your child each night.

• Please encourage your child to take pride in the homework. Have them work in a quiet area, write neatly, and check over their work.

• Homework will consist of a word study activity as well as math sheets. Your child will be expected to read ten minutes every night and log this in their reading log. This will increase to 15 minutes in the near future.

Reading

Introduction to the Reader’s Workshop Decoding Strategies

Comprehension Strategies Individualized reading with books from

leveled library Listening Center Book Clubs (Small group reading instruction) Nonfiction Poetry Literature Responses (e.g. writing activities,

book shares) Reading will be integrated throughout the

curriculum Scholastic Book Wizard can help with finding

the level of a book

Fundations

A comprehension program, which continues to build upon the skills your child, gains each year.

Phonics Sight Words Spelling Rules

Handwriting

Writer’s Workshop Introduction to a Writer’s Workshop Writing Process: Drafts to revision to editing to

publishing Personal Narratives Lessons on descriptive writing Persuasive Letter writing Poetry Non-fiction Weekend News Handwriting

How can I help my child when asked how to spell a word?

In class, we ask students to:•Use the Word Wall•Tap it out•Use the dictionary•Look for the word around the room•Find the word in a book•Sound it out•Use a word pattern (rhyming words) you know

Ideas for Helping with Spelling at Home

Create a “Personal Word Book” with your child. Each time your child wishes to remember the spelling of a word, you or the child can write it into the book. You can group the words by first letter or by certain categories (action words, feelings, foods, animals, etc.)

Keep a file box of words. You can use 3”x5” index cards and alphabet tab cards. Write a newly acquired spelling word on a card. Then place the card behind the correct letter tab.

Mathematics

• We use the EngageNY Common Core Math

Program• www.engageny.org • Your child is going to be required to know

their addition and subtraction facts to 20 automatically by the end of first grade.

• Your child is going to learn the vocabulary associated with each module.

• Sums and differences to 20• Place value • Measurement • Hundreds Chart• Geometry • Problem solving• Sprints• Quizzes

Social Studies

• Students will recognize their role as a member of a family, school and community.

• They will explore family through social, cultural, economic, geographic, and historical perspectives.

• They will recognize the needs for rules and laws and be exposed to holidays and different cultures.

Science

•Patterns and Cycles•Phases of the Moon•Space•Plants (types, parts and needs

of)                                       •States of Matter (solid, liquid and gas)•Study of tadpoles and worms

A Typical Day in First Grade• 8:50 – 9:40 -Arrive/Unpack/Attendance

Do Now: Math Message or Word StudyMorning Meeting

• 9:45 – 10:30- Reader’s Workshop- Including whole class or shared reading activities, independent reading, and small group guided reading instruction)

• 10:35-11:20- Special• 11:25-12:30 -Snack / Writer’s Workshop• 12:35-1:00 - Math Workshop• 1:05-2:05- Lunch and Recess• 2:10- 3:00-Social Studies/Centers/

Closing Meeting/ Pack Up

• 3:05 Dismissal

Weekly Schedule of Specials

A: Enrichment and Physical EducationB: Computer and Physical Education at RecessC: MusicD: Physical EducationE- LibraryF- Art

Snack

• Please remember to pack your child a HEALTHY snack each day.

• We have a late lunch, so please pack a substantial snack.

• We ask that you label your child’s snack with the word “snack” to avoid any confusion.

• PLEASE TRY AND REFRAIN FROM SENDING ANY PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN NUTS.

• Remember to send in napkins and any utensils that may be needed.

Trips

• Trips will be scheduled throughout the year• Our class parent will schedule volunteers

Scholastic• You can order online at

scholastic.com/readingclub • Class Code - HFKKQ • Order Due Date - 09/23/16

Birthdays We will be celebrating birthdays in class with

students. We will celebrate birthdays by reading your

child’s favorite story. You may come in to the class to do a read-aloud

or you may send in the book with your child. PLEASE CONTACT ME A WEEK IN ADVANCE TO

SET UP A TIME. We will celebrate with the whole class on your

child’s birth date or in the event of no school, we will celebrate at a scheduled time close to

that date. If your child has a summer birthday, we will have a special summer birthday celebration in June.

If you choose to send in something for your child’s birthday it must be a non-food item. For example, children may donate a book to the class, give out pencils, stickers, bookmarks, etc.

Thank you again for your continued support. I’m looking forward to a great year together!

If you have a question specific to your child, please:• Write a note and send it in the red

folder• Email me at UngerN@ewsdonline.org