Welcome to Mrs. Barley’s Grade 1-2! A Year of Growing, Communicating and Learning

Classroom Routines Many classroom routines have been established in the first two weeks of school Students are responsible for completing their own attendance as they enter the classroom Students have practiced lining up, moving through the hallways, completing a fire drill, organizing and tidying the classroom Students have been introduced to the beginning of our literacy program which we complete each morning

“School is not the same as it used to be…” This is something that teachers often hear from parents and they are completely right! Education has evolved over time through research and the newest, most effective teaching practices are being used in Ontario. GONE are worksheets and memorizing. IN is critical thinking and a building of student understanding in a effort to better prepare students for an ever changing world.

Word Study Vs. Spelling Word study allows students to choose words that are meaningful to them that they are most likely to use in their own writing. Students have many opportunities to write and learn their words, using many different mediums.

Traditional spelling programs from years past ask students to learn a high number of words that may or may not have meaning for each individual. Activities that require rote memorization do not engage students in higher order thinking, the critical thinking process that leads students to flexible, creative problem solving.

Community Circles and Restorative Practice Helping students become productive, responsible adults of the future is a priority for educators today. At Roland Michener P.S. we use Community Circles to help foster an environment of community and caring. It our goal to make each student feel valued and important.

When students make mistakes (and they will), we encourage them to take ownership of these mistakes and to learn from them. Through Restorative Practice, we teach students that accepting responsibility for their mistakes and apologizing to the people they may have affected goes a long way to repairing relationships.

Math In math, our focus for the year will be on Communication. Students will be expected to explain their thinking using the mathematical terms that will be introduced in the classroom. Much of the math program involves hands on activities and sharing in small groups, with a focus on critical thinking. It is very importance that students attend school regularly in order to access all of the material presented in class. From time to time, I will be sending home some math activities for you to do with your child at home. I will also have some websites that support the mathematical concepts that we are working on in the classroom.

Homework I am in the process of assess students’ reading level. Beginning the fourth week of September, students will be bringing home their “Home Reading” folders. They will choose a text at their own independent reading level to read over the course of the week.  Students reading at levels 1-14 will be expected to read their texts several times over the course of the week.  Students reading at level 15 and beyond will read their book, and return it to school as soon as they are done to get a new book. These students may end up exchanging their books daily.

Parents as Partners It is so important for parents to be involved in their child’s learning, however, I recognize how difficult that can be in day to day life. Some things you can do to support your child in their learning is to: Check and sign the agenda on a daily basis Ask your child about their day Check the school and my website often to see what activities are happening at the school (there are many) Ask any questions you may have or let me know of any concerns. I am here for your child’s development and wellbeing

There are also many ways for you to actively participate in our school community.  Our SCC (School Community Council) is a tremendous support in making learning at Roland Michener accessible and fun for students.  Volunteering on field trips or for pizza lunches is valued and greatly appreciated.  Contributing to school fund raisers, attending assemblies, donating supplies are all ways to support our school.  Volunteering in the school to assist teachers with organizing, decorating, laminating (at the Board Office). ***Please note, if you wish to volunteer in the school or on a field trip, you MUST have an updated criminal record check. Please ask me for further details.