Welcome to First Grade

Mrs. Wierl

Classroom Procedures Independent Reading The children will be assigned 15 minutes of sustained reading each night for

homework. The student may read independently, or with/to someone else. Please sign and return Reading Log.

Homework Homework will be given Monday – Thursday nights. Occasionally weekend

assignments will be given, i.e. test preparation and special assignments. PLEASE SIGN ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS.

Snacks Students may bring a snack to school to eat at their desks. Please send in a

peanut free healthy snack with your child. Bottled water with a spout is encouraged.

 

Classroom Procedures Cont. Birthdays You are welcome to send in a simple treat (cookies, ice-pops, cupcakes,

etc.) for your child’s birthday. If their birthday falls on a weekend, we will celebrate on either Friday or Monday, depending on what is most convenient for you. Please let us know in advance if you are sending in treats. As a reminder birthday invitations can be distributed in class if invites include either all boys, all girls or the entire class. We are a peanut free class. There are 22 students in our class.

Behavior – Choices Clip Chart - A Simple Discipline Strategy

for Promoting Positive Behavior A student’s clothespin travels up and down the chart based upon his

behavior. If he’s making good choices, it’s going to be moving up. If not, it’s going down.

 

Common Core Standards The Common Core State Standards Initiative

(CCSSI) is an effort designed to improve educational outcomes for students by developing a set of common, voluntary, internationally-benchmarked academic

standards in mathematics and English language arts. Common standards are good for students because: They help prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed

in college and careers. They help make transitions smoother for students moving to different states or

districts because the learning goals remain consistent. Clearer standards help students understand what is expected of them and allow

them to engage in more self-directed learning.

Parent information www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp

Literacy Collaborative Reading

Guided Reading Reading instruction in small groups at their instructional

reading level

Interactive Read-Alouds (Fiction and Non Fiction) Poetry Independent Reading Book Buddy – To begin in February Reading of Grade Appropriate Material

Word Study

Phonics Manipulating word parts and recognizing sounds to build reading

fluency

Spelling – ( To begin in January) Individualized weekly spelling list

Learning Centers Reinforcement of skills during guided reading time

Writing

Introducing the 6+1 Writing Traits

(Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency and Voice)

Narrative, Informational and Opinion pieces

Journal Handwriting Grammar

Common Core -Math Addition and Subtraction of

numbers to 20 with Fluency Place Value Measurements Geometry Time and Reading Data Counting to 120

Social Studies

All About Me Family, community, traditions/customs, multicultural

differences

Geography Landforms, bodies of water, continents

Map Skills Compass rose, following routes, symbols on a map

Holidays Famous Americans

More Social Studies

U.S. History Brief introduction to each period starting with

Exploration

Government The President, Washington D.C., laws

Citizenship Our flag, voting, solving community problems

Economics Needs & wants, community services

Science

Animals Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, preserving wildlife,

habitats, life cycles, food chains

Weather – Water Cycle Clouds, storms, precipitation, temperature

How Plants Grow & Change Seeds, Earth’s Natural Resources

How People Grow & Change Our Bodies, Nutrition, Dental Health

More Science

Solar System / Seasons Safety Energy / Sound Magnets Matter

Solid, liquid, gas

Exams Observation Survey ( 3x a year) Fountas and Pinnell

Benchmark (2x a year) NWEA (3x a year) End of the Year Math Exam

It is going to

be a great year!