Welcome to First Grade Curriculum Night! September 25, 2012 Mrs. Debo’s Class

Literacy Whole group instruction includes explicit, systematic phonics instruction (“word work”). We play games to develop phonemic awareness (rhyming, syllables, sound blending). Students develop vocabulary and comprehension skills through shared reading of fiction and nonfiction texts.

Literacy Common Core Common Core standards include –Using phonics and word analysis skills to solve unfamiliar words –Describing characters, settings, and major events in a story –Identifying facts and main ideas in nonfiction texts –Participating in collaborative conversations about topics and texts –Comparing and contrasting –Asking and answering questions about key details

Imagine It Themes Imagine It Themes for the year: Back to School Where Animals Live I am Responsible! Our Neighborhood at Work What’s the Weather? North, South, East, West I Think I Can Away We Grow! Home, Sweet, Home I Am Brave

D.W.T. Small group instruction based on students’ strengths, reading levels and instructional needs. Students work independently at literacy stations.

Text Talk Vocabulary enrichment through stories read- aloud. Conversation is grounded in shared text. Open ended prompts elicit greater language production to promote building meaning. Vocabulary activities are playful and engaging.

Writing During Writer’s Workshop, students choose their own story ideas, plan, draft, revise and edit. The teacher conferences daily with students, supporting their ideas, but not necessarily correcting their conventions. Students share their writing daily.

Writing Common Core Students will write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure.

Writing Common Core Students will write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

Writing Common Core Students will write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.

Math Math Investigations is a hands on program that allows for student exploration and open-ended discovery of mathematical concepts. Students have exploration time to actively engage in solving problems, discussing strategies with peers, recording solutions, and playing games to practice skills.

Math Common Core Common Core standards include –Understanding properties of addition and subtraction –Solving story problems involving addition and subtraction –Adding with a sum of 20 or less & subtracting from a number less than 20 –Understanding and using place value (up to 120) –Measuring with nonstandard units –Collecting and analyzing data –Describing and composing 2-D and 3-D shapes.

Small Group Math We use common assessments across the grade level to direct our instructional practices. Assessments result in some small group instruction for acceleration and remediation.

Science Our science curriculum is inquiry-based and provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn about the wonderful world around them. Units of Study: Ecosystems Molecular Biology Earth Systems, Structures and Process Earth in the Universe Forces and Motion

Social Studies Children learn about neighborhoods, communities, and begin extending their knowledge of people and their cultures throughout the world. Units of Study: History Geography and Environmental Literacy Economics and Financial Literacy Civics and Governance Culture

Communication Yellow folder is used as a daily communication tool. Agenda book is used to record titles of books read. Classroom newsletter is sent bi-weekly. Monday folders contain work completed throughout the week and class syllabi.

Syllabus The syllabus lists the skill taught and a column for entering your child’s score. Skills are developed and built upon as the year progresses. We will publish a new syllabus twice quarterly.

Grading Scale –(3) Student understands the skill/concept and can independently demonstrate it. –(2) Student shows partial understanding of the skill/concept and still needs support. –(1 ) Student is unable to demonstrate understanding of the skill/concept. Re-teach groups Progress reports and new CMS report cards

Classroom Expectations Positive reinforcement is an important component of our classroom. –Individual (Clip Chart) –Small group (Table Team Tallies) –Whole class (Compliment Chain) Model procedures and expectations –Specific, positive feedback

School Procedures Arrival: Students should arrive between 7:15- 7:45 AM. Absences: Please send a note or for all student absences. Transportation: Any changes must be in written form and submitted the morning that the change will occur. Snack: Please send one healthy snack each day and a reusable water bottle.

Homework Students should read every day for at least 20 minutes. Listen and encourage conversation. Spelling homework will begin in October. “The Great Poetry Race” will begin in November. Math homework will be provided based on student needs. Please check our classroom newsletter and website for ideas and Math games.

Accelerated Reader: AR First Quarter – Students learn how to use the computer program by teacher modeling reading a story and logging on to take the AR quiz. Second Quarter – Students are given the STAR test to find their individual range, they are trained in how to select appropriate books, individual goals are set, and they begin the AR program. Third & Fourth Quarters – Students set individual goals and strive to reach their goal independently.

Classroom Events Please note that dates are tentative: –10/9 Field Trip to Children’s Theater –10/26 Fall Treats –10/29 Parent-Teacher Conferences –12/20 Winter Party –2/15 Valentine Party –3/28 Spring Treats –6/3 Field Day (K-2) Please check classroom website and newsletter for other special events (vocabulary parade, McAlpine Turkey Trot, etc).

Keys to Success Read with your child daily. Show your child where the skills they are learning are used in real life. Check each syllabus score. Reinforce behavior expectations at home (initial your child’s Clip Chart Report daily).