Welcome to First Grade! On one of the index cards on your desk, write an encouraging note to your first grader. You can find a pencil and crayons in the pencil box in their desk. Pictures are always appreciated since we are beginning readers. When you are finished, place the note in your child’s pencil box and place it back in their desk for a Friday surprise! 

Welcome to our Classroom! Curriculum Night Mrs. Gladden Bain Elementary School 2011 - 2012

So glad you’re here … Can’t wait for you to get a glimpse of our day!

Before we get started, there is one message I promised the first graders I would give you …

Enough goofing off - Let’s get started! Literacy - Imagine It! Math - Investigations Science - MacMillan Social Studies - Nystrom Writing - Lucy Calkins

Literacy

Imagine It! - Overview All units are organized around a central theme. Inquiry is integrated into each unit. All lessons are divided into three parts: Preparing to Read Blending and Decoding Reading and Responding Vocabulary and Comprehension Strategies Language Arts Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Assessments are designed to monitor progress and allow for differentiation for each student. Workshop: 30 minutes “centers” designed for small-group instruction, focusing on and reinforcing skills learned during whole class instruction.

Imagine It! - Units of Study 1st Quarter Back to School Where Animals Live 2nd Quarter I am Responsible Our Neighborhood at Work What’s the Weather 3rd Quarter North, South, East, West I Think I can 4th Quarter Away We Grow Home, Sweet Home I am Brave

Raz-Kids Interactive Books for 1st Graders Log-In dgladden First name Last name

Writing

Lucy Calkins Lucy Calkins is based on providing students the opportunity to write each day. Writing structures are established and carried out each day. The year long writing curriculum is divided into month long units of study. Daily writing time is divided into two parts. Daily mini lesson Daily writing time

Lucy Calkins - Units of Study 1st Quarter Launching Writing Small Moments 2nd Quarter Writing for Readers Craft and Revision 3rd Quarter Authors as Mentors Non-Fiction Writing 4th Quarter Poetry

Math Lessons are based on research to reach all learners. Mathematical processes and thinking are the emphasis, over rote memorization of facts. Skills follow a scope and sequence to build and expand knowledge. Skills taught meet the NC Standard Course of Study. Incorporates the use of manipulatives for hands-on learning. Children learn math skills while enjoying the games and activities. Provides opportunities for parents to play the games at home.

Investigations - Skills 1st Quarter Introducing manipulatives Calendar Comparing and combining quantities Addition 2nd Quarter Geometry (2D) Patterns Story problems 3rd Quarter Place Value (tens) Data collection/ Graphing Measurement Addition/Subtraction 4th Quarter Predictions/patterns Numbers to 100 + beyond Geometry (3D)

Science Units of study involve learning about the natural world around us. All units integrate inquiry into each lesson through using the skills of: Observation Infer Predict and communicate Measure Put Things in Order Compare Classify Investigate Make Models and Draw Conclusions Read and Use Pictures Write Find Information Use Tools

Units of Study 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Inquiry Skills Matter Animals 2nd Quarter Force and Motion Taking Care of the Earth Sky 3rd Quarter Weather Magnets Sound 4th Quarter Rocks Plants

Social Studies All units are designed around a central theme. Each unit integrates learning across the curriculum through: Art Science Language Arts Technology Reading Math Units use the expanding approach by starting with topics that are close to the student and guides them through topics that are more abstract.

Units of Study 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Land Around Us Black History 1st Quarter Going to School Good Citizens Fall Activities Various Holidays Johnny Appleseed Columbus Day Halloween 2nd Quarter Jobs People Do All About People Thanksgiving Winter Celebrations New Years Martin Luther King, Jr. 3rd Quarter Land Around Us Black History Dental Health Nutrition Various Holidays 4th Quarter Change Over Time Looking Back

Important Bain Staff John LeGrand, Principal Kelli Drye, Literacy Facilitator Twila Quattlebaum, Counselor Lynn Hohrmann, Psychologist Lynn Kuhn, Speech Pathologist Yvonne Shoulders, Cafeteria Manager Wandalaine Burch, BSEP/ASEP Shawn Shaver, PTA President

Volunteering Please make sure you have signed up on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website if you plan to volunteer or chaperone field trips or special events. The process is very simple! Just visit … www.cmsvolunteers.com

Bobcat Boogie for Bucks 2010 Projectors for every classroom Document cameras for each grade level Speakers and accessories as needed 2011 Goals Document cameras for every classroom Accelerated Reader Wireless keyboards

Extra! Extra! Mrs. Gladden’s Wiki Reading Reminders (AR) Helpful Websites Calendar Newsletters

Thank you so much for coming Thank you so much for coming! Please place your question cards in the basket and I will contact you as soon as possible! Make sure your note to your favorite 1st grader is placed in their pencil box so they have a surprise tomorrow morning!