Meet the Teacher Night Welcome to First Grade

Fundations Phonics Program

What is Wilson Fundations? The foundation for reading and spelling Provides a structured, sequential, and cumulative phonics/spelling program using multisensory teaching techniques Part of the balanced literacy instruction, delivered to all students for 30 minutes per day Emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics-word study, high frequency word study, fluency, vocabulary, handwriting and spelling

Program Highlights letter formation and print knowledge blend and segment up to 5 sounds for example: s t a m p identify the elements of word structure: blends, digraphs, short and long vowels, basewords, suffixes, syllables types (closed and vowel-consonant-e syllables) read, spell and write “trick” and high frequency words for example: to, too, two stories (fiction and nonfiction) that provide instruction for fluency, expression and understanding beginning compositional skills: capitalization, punctuation and proofreading procedures

Home Support You are the “coach!” Please set time to read Fundations letters that come home and do the homework activities from the Home Support Pack. Please support classroom instruction by using the verbal step-by-step guidelines for proper letter formation Proper pencil grip and correct letter and number formation will lessen fatigue in the hands and builds stamina for writing neatly. *Please note there are periodic unit assessments. There will be no weekly spelling tests.

Reading Program Children will be grouped according to reading level. They will have small group instruction in order to learn decoding, phonics, and comprehension skills. They will be bringing their guided reading books home to read each week.

Common Core Standards for First Grade Math Operation and Algebraic Thinking - Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction. - Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction. - Add and subtract within 20 - Work with addition and subtraction equations. Number and Operations in Base Ten - Extend the counting sequence. - Understand place value. - Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract. Measurement and Data - Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units. - Tell and write time. - Represent and interpret data. Geometry - Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Math Program Characteristics of the GoMath! Program -Exploration of concepts before learning the steps to solve problems -Deep level of understanding -Hands-on activities -Critical thinking and problem solving opportunities -Connections to real-life - On-line opportunities for reteach, enrichment, and/or practice

Science Program We will study two units this year which are Weather and Solids and Liquids. We will learn how to observe and explore and record our predictions and findings. Social Studies Program We will learn about our community and its importance to us. Other units will include good-citizenship, holidays, and Americans long ago. We will also learn geography skills.

Birthday Celebrations Birthday celebrations are “food free” this year in the district. We will sing “Happy Birthday” to your child and they will receive a card and pencil from Mr. Cook. Donating a game or a book to the class in honor of your child’s birthday is welcomed and appreciated. Some ideas are provided. Book Orders Scholastic book orders go home every month. Parent online ordering is also available and encouraged. You can log on using the class activation code and pay by credit card.

Contact I can be contacted by either phone or . I check frequently or you can leave a voic message. Telephone: ext Webpage: You can access my classroom webpage by going to select Mt. Horeb School and then click on Teacher Websites. Please sign up for my webpage. Most announcements will be posted on the webpage. Please sign your name and to the contact sheet.

Behavior We follow a classroom code of conduct. The code of conduct is based on making the right choices and taking responsibility for one’s own learning. Please encourage your child to follow these rules in order to create the most positive learning environment. The children are aware of the expectations and consequences.

Conferences Please sign up for a November conference as you leave. A confirmation will be sent to you closer to the date. Snacks This year we have a morning snack. Please send in one small, nut-free, healthy snack for your child to have each morning. This is to be separate from their lunch bag. Please also send in a water bottle for their desk. Class Parties Please sign up to send in a snack or paper products for one of our planned celebrations this year.

I look forward to a great year with you and your child! Thank you!!!