Welcome to First Grade Curriculum Night

Language Arts We are implementing the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. Implemented through a balanced approach to literacy including guided reading, shared reading, read alouds with accountable talk, word study, writing workshop, and shared and interactive writing Common Core Standards include: – Reading: Literature – Reading: Informational Text – Reading: Foundational Skills – Writing – Speaking and Listening – Language

Resources We have a variety of resources to teach each of these areas. – Reader’s Workshop by Lucy Caulkins – Good Habits, Good Habits – Words Their Way – Units of Study in Opinion, Information and Narrative Writing – Units of Study for Teaching Reading – Comprehension Toolkit – District 157c created curriculum

Reading Workshop Structure of the Reading Workshop -Mini lesson, Independent Reading, Partner Reading, Share Guided Reading/Strategy Groups -Instructional levels, skills needed Individual conferences Students build independence Accountable talk with reading partner

Writing Workshop Method of writing instruction – Mini-lesson, Write Time and Confer, Share Time Students write about their own lives Students will learn how to write several different genres of writing including: narrative, opinion, poetry, and informational. Students cycle through the writing process – Collecting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing Students build independence

Word Study We are using Words Their Way to teach spelling, phonics and vocabulary. Throughout the week, the children sort word or picture cards that are similar. They will also do word hunts, making words, using words in sentences, and a variety of other hands on activities. Look for and apply pattern to daily reading and writing.

Why Word Study? The program is developmental. Children are working on sorts appropriate for them. Multiple opportunities for hands on practice and application in reading and writing. Understanding of how spelling. represents sound and meaning. Students learn to spell many words, not just a list of words.

Word Study at Home Each week the students will bring home their completed sort You can have them find words in their books that follow the pattern They can practice spelling words that follow the pattern

Math We are using the Common Core Standards for math. Common Core Standards include: – Measurement and Data – Numbers and Operations Base 10 – Geometry – Operations and Algebraic Thinking Resources for math include: – enVisions – Investigations – ISBE math units

Guided Math Hands on Differentiated to meet student needs. Whole group and small group math. Independent work and partner work.

Fact Fluency at School Fast Math is the computer program that the students use daily to practice math facts. Differentiated for each student In addition, fluency building games are conducted in class. – Fact triangles (fact families) – Quiz, Quiz, Trade – New strategies are introduced as well

Outcome Assessments There will be several types of outcome assessments that will be given throughout the year. Formal, Informal, formative, Summative, Outcome and Universal. Universal outcome assessments are given that assess all ELA and Math standards Most outcome assessments address multiple standards The standards are listed on the outcomes.

Homework Homework will start in the next few weeks- check your newsletters! Grand Prairie’s homework focus will be on building reading fluency and fact fluency. – Nightly reading from fluency bags The children will be bringing home their purple fluency bags with books they have read during guided reading. Please listen to your child read a few books each night. The children will reread the same books for several days. This will help the children build fluency. Fill out the homework log each night your child reads. Return the book baggies to school each day. – Math Fact Practice (stretch games, IXL, flash cards, worksheets) – Monthly Math/Reading Log (Beginning in October) – Weekly Journal Writing in notebook.

Read, Read, Read!

Schedule Specials are 10:35-11:10 T Art IMusic G Technology ENo Specials RLibrary Daily PE 1:15-1:45 Fast Math Daily 12:10-12:40 Lunch/Recess12:05-12:45

Star of the Week Will begin September 16 th When it is your child’s turn to be Star of the Week you have the opportunity to join our class as a guest reader on Friday and read one of your child’s favorite books. Guest readers will come from 2:15-2:35. I will send home a paper the week prior for you to fill out with your child and send in on Friday. You may send in additional pictures and a few show and tell objects for you child to share throughout the week. I will send an to remind you! Please sign up at the back table!

Discipline Policy Students will be held accountable for expected classroom behavior. We will use the class Clip up chart. We will work together to earn rewards from out “Out of this World Compliments” (PJ day, games, parties) Parents will be notified if their child needs multiple reminders about the same behavior during the day. See “First Grade Classroom Expectations” Please review with your child.

Take Home Folder Your child will bring home their green take home folder nightly. On the right side will be homework and the left side will be mail. Please try to clean the folder out nightly.

Communication Important information can be found on the district website Information will be posted on the website under teacher/staff pages. Scroll down until you see Grand Prairie and then click on my name. Weekly newsletters and other information will be posted there. I will also information

Weekly Newsletter I will send home a weekly newsletter on Friday The newsletter will include important dates and events. It will also include the standards and I CAN statement we will be working on in class the following week. You may see the same I CAN statement for a few weeks depending on the skill being taught The I CAN statements and standards are the skills that will be assessed on the outcome assessments

Parties and Volunteers You can sign up to help at one party if you wish! We need a room parent to plan and prepare for the parties. (different room parent for each party) Library is also looking for volunteers! Volunteer to help at lunch.

Check the Back Counter For… Parent – Teacher conference sign-up Conferences are on November 21 st and 22 nd Halloween, Winter and Valentines Day party volunteer sign-up

Where can I see what my kids will be learning? District office tab Curriculum tab ALL curricular expectations are listed for parents

The FSP is the Parent Teacher Organization for District 157-C. Our mission is designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school through parent volunteer opportunities, student enrichment activities and fun family events. Some of the ways that we have enriched and supported the curriculum include: Funding for field trips Sponsoring special assembly programs Providing scholarships Providing curriculum enrichment funding to each school Coordinating volunteers for all our events and programs Each year we also hold FREE fun family events such as: Fall Family Fun Night and Creative Arts Showcase at Grand Prairie Exploration Night and Family Fitness Night at Chelsea Come visit our table at Curriculum Night and visit us at Like us on Facebook at Contact us via at

give. grant. grow.  MISSION: Raising funds throughout the year to fulfill teacher written grants. Over $2 million granted to date.  GRANTED TO: Grand Prairie, Chelsea and Hickory Creek  FUNDRAISERS: Annual Dinner Auction, Golf Outing, Coin Drive, Frankfort Fall Fest BETA Tent  RECENT GRANTS:  SMART BOARDS in 20 classrooms at Chelsea  Rebecca Caudill, Blue Stem and Monarch Book Programs  Electronic Signage at Chelsea  Razkids and Math Fact Programs at Grand Prairie  Hickory Creek guitars, music, green screen and PE Equipment  Netbooks and Tablet PCs at Hickory Creek  For more information and volunteering opportunities visit our website at