WELCOME TO

FIRST GRADE

Curriculum Night

A Little Information about Me This is my 15th year of teaching (all in First

Grade). I have 30 hours towards a masters in Elem.

School Counseling. I have a masters in psychology. I am married to Colin and have three sweet

boys…

Coltin (10), Brayden (5), and Ethan (1 on September 25th).

I am the Box Tops Coordinator. I am the CARE team Coordinator.

HUGE transition…. It will be okay

Our Goals for First Grade

To learnTo be organizedTo be responsibleTo be respectful

Reading in First Grade

Reader’s Workshop: We will focus on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, specific authors,

biographies, and cross-curricular topics Our primary focus will be on… * Stating the differences between fiction and nonfiction * Retelling a fiction story * Using non-fiction text features Each day, students will participate in a mini-

lesson, read independently, and share what they have learned with one another.

Book Reports

MIMIMUM REQUIREMENT: Each month your child is required to turn in at least two book lists with five book titles (10 total books) OR one written book report.

Extra credit: Turn in 20 book lists (100 books) and receive a

free book from the class library. Turn in a written book report and receive a star

for “Hoppy Reader” frog. Ten stars = an invitation to an ice cream sundae party!

Each month our high readers of the month will be recognized in our class newsletter.

Reading Levels

I will level at the beginning of the school year & at the end of each quarter using a leveling program that considers their fluency and comprehension. Every child grows at different rates and at different times. Setting realistic goals for your child will be the key to their success. Read every night!Beginning of the

year

End of 1st

quarter(mid Oct.)

End of 2nd

quarter(mid Dec.)

End of 3rd

quarter(mid

March)

End of first

grade

Level E Level G Level I Level K

Example of Level D book

Example of Level G Book

Example of Level I book

Example of Level K book

Phonics in First Grade Pathways to Reading: A phonics program

that helps students read. This is taught in small group and whole group in our class.

High Frequency Words Reading Centers Fun Friday Parent Classroom Library and Literacy

Library Scholastic Book Order

Spelling in First Grade

Will begin next week Six words will be introduced on Monday and

come home in the weekly homework packet Tests will be on Tuesday and Friday. These

will be multiple choice or written. Two challenge words will be given if a child

gets the majority of all the words correct on Tuesday.

There will be a mystery word given on Friday that follows the spelling rule of the week.

Writing in First Grade

Writer’s Workshop: Students will be “Reading like a Writer” and exploring books as an author.

Our units of study will include illustration, narrative, non-fiction, how-to, and poetry

Students will participate in a mini-lesson and have time to write as an author in self-made books each day. Author celebrations will occur

at the end of each unit. Handwriting: Zaner-Bloser Weekly journal

Math in First Grade Math: Specific skills will be taught in the

areas of number sense, geometric shapes, time, measuring and problem solving.

Please work with your child on these skills at home.

Math work stations

Science and Social Studies in First Grade

Science: Inquiry based. Topics include force & motion, matter & energy, weather, and plants & animals

Social Studies: We focus on building a classroom community and how to work with others. Topics include democracy, geography, government, and economics

Homework

Will start TOMORROW Will come home on Friday and is due back the

following Friday. There will always be three activities to complete

(in addition to working on weekly spelling words). You will also have the option of exploring a

specified website with your child instead of completing one of the assignments. Websites will correlate with curriculum.

Please assist your child in making sure that his/her homework is completed and returned by Friday each week. Your child will be held accountable for this.

Teaching Responsibility and Respect

Class Promise Rewards- sticker chart, treasure box,

Ribbit Rewards, best tickets, and marble jar

Consequences- Warning, think laps,

think sheet, call home, principal’s office

Policies for upcoming year…

If your child is running late, please check in at the office and let him/her walk to our classroom.

If you child is sick, please call the office and report their absence. An email to me would also be great!

Policies for upcoming year…

Recess: We go outside unless it is raining or snowing. The temperature guidelines are if the heat index is above 95 or the wind chill is below 20. Please send a coat even if it fine in the morning.

Policies for the upcoming year… Birthdays: Due to school policy parents

are unable to bring in special birthday treats. This is due to the fact that we have many allergies, sugar consumption, and hurt feelings.

Do not send birthday invitations to school UNLESS you invite the entire class-----NO EXCEPTIONS, I will send them home

Policies for upcoming year…

Lunch: We have lunch from 11:55-12:15. A lunch costs $2.20. A drink is $0.60 If you would like to share lunch with your

child,

please meet him/her in the gym. Each child has a Student ID number that is

used to

track lunch account amounts.

Student Celebrations

“I Lost a Tooth” book and journal “Happy Birthday” book and journal

Special Class Schedule

A day…………………Art B day…………………Music C day……………..PE D day…………………Computer E day…………………...Library

Things that make me smile Falcon Folder- needs to be sent

EVERYDAY

Guest Readers The Daily Diehl Helping Hands Limeades for Learning Box Tops for Education Campbell Soup Labels

Let’s be a team!

Children succeed when everyone works together!

Remember I will only believe half of what they tell me about you…if you only

believe half of what they tell you about me. Please communicate----if something

does not seem right, just ask me!!

We’re going to have a GREAT year!

Thank you for sharing your child with me!!