Agenda Introduction Goals Curriculum Classroom Management Room and Routines Partnership with Home Communication Volunteering

Introduction This is my 10 th year teaching I have taught 3 rd, 2 nd, and 1 st grade I graduated from Bradley University and got my Master’s degree and ELL endorsement from National Louis University I grew up in Buffalo Grove, attended Stevenson High School, and currently live in Buffalo Grove I have been married for 5 years and have a daughter who will be 2 in September My first grade picture

First Grade Mini Team

Goals Become better readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists Learn to work as a member of a team or partner to support their own learning and the learning of others Be aware of the feelings of others and how to be a caring friend Be responsible learners

Curriculum Team Math Team Literacy Team Spelling Writer’s Workshop Science Social Studies

Mathematics “Math in Focus: Singapore Math.” Goals: Depth of Understanding Fluency with Skills Application of Skills Confidence in Problem Solving Mastery of Content and Mathematical Practices (aligned with Common Core State Standards)

TEAM Literacy 30 minutes Small group Differentiated literacy instruction 2 classes combined Dynamic, flexible grouping that rotates between teachers throughout the year A “push-in” support model

Writer’s Workshop The main units are: Opinion Information Narrative

Writing 3 main components Whole group mini-lesson (short lesson) Independent writing Share time Teacher Confers with individual students Works with small groups Author Celebrations

Literacy Workshop 3 main components: -Whole group mini-lesson (CAFÉ reading strategies) -Work time-Small group instruction -Choices-Empowering students!

Literacy Workshop Students:Teacher: -read to self-guided reading groups -read to someone-individual conferences -Listening to reading -Word work -writing

TEAM Spelling Using spelling assessments, we find your child’s developmental spelling stage. We group students according to this developmental stage and instruct on strategies in groups weekly. This is FLEXIBLE grouping.

TEAM Spelling continued Students receive a “word sort” to be used in the classroom and a duplicate to be used at home for practice. Students will have a spell check/test weekly. Tests will not be sent home weekly.

Science Three main units: Sun, Moon, and Earth Sound & Light Life Cycles of Animals and Plants Inquiry-based lessons – Using Essential Questions Student Directed Experimenting Students visit Rivershire Nature Center 3 times throughout the school year.

Social Studies Three main units: My Classroom and Me My School Community My Family and Other Groups

Classroom Management Second Step Bucket Filling

Class Pledge When we care about each other and our classroom, we share what we have, listen carefully, help each other learn, work hard, and have fun together. We understand that everyone makes mistakes, that we stand up for ourselves and others, and when someone asks us to stop, we stop. This is who we are, even when no one is watching. (Debbie Miller, Reading with Meaning)

Home Connection Yellow Take Home Folder Book Bag/Reading Log Weekly Spelling Ipads Library Books Snacks Toys

Home Reading Program Student will bring home a book pouch with one book to read aloud. Encourage your child to use reading strategies (strategy cards coming soon!). After the reading, talk with your child about the book and ask some questions. Note one book read on the reading log. Students are taught to bring home books that are “Just Right” or a “Good Fit” and have been read at least once in class.

CLASSROOM SNACK POLICY  In accordance with the state allergy policy enacted in 2011, classroom snacks are limited to the following items:  Fresh Fruits (no Fruit Snacks)  Vegetables  Cheese  Yogurt

Birthdays We will sing “Happy Birthday” as a class. Your child will get the birthday bear at their table spot for the day. Your child will get a birthday certificate/bookmark from me. You are welcome to send non-food items to school with your child if you want (goodie bags, pencils, stickers) or donate a book to the classroom library. -If your child’s birthday is over the summer, we can either celebrate on their half birthday or the last week of school.

Tips for Home Have a routine after school. ( Ex., snack, homework, playtime before dinner.) Develop responsibility and independence. Sleep! hours each night Please do not allow children to bring toys, games or trading cards to school.

Scholastic Book Orders Scholastic book orders are a great way to get new books for your children and help build our classroom library. Our code is GR4KW

Library/School Connection -My mom, Carol Kaner, is a children’s librarian at Vernon Area Library. -Nerd Camp: love of literacy (book raffles, library connection) -Upcoming event: Author Visit: Judy Schachner (Skippyjon Jones) Sept. 10 at 7:00-need to register

Communication Call the school Class Website REMIND Conferences (2x per year) Report cards (3x per year)

Volunteering Rivershire Trips Class Parties Field Trips Helping in the classroom Mystery reader ROOM PARENTS