Welcome Parents! *Please find your child’s seat and enjoy their adorable All About Me book. *Sign up for any volunteer opportunities. *If at any time you have a question, please write it down on an index card with your name and I will make sure I get you the answer soon. * Please fill out the letter for Kentucky Kids day for your child.

The struggle…

The struggle More challenging –Not just focused on does my child KNOW how to do something, but do they UNDERSTAND and MAKE MEANING of WHY / HOW they do something

So what does this mean? The difference between acquire, meaning, and transfer Acquire~ funnel Meaning~ light bulb Transfer~ suitcase

Mission for our Class *Students to become independent and life long learners. *I am responsible for guiding them through funnel lessons, hands-on exploration, then helping them discover and develop new ideas to transfer their learning. *We will create a community that will allow the students to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally by being nice and helpful to one another. *High expectations for ALL students with support from both home and school.

A Snapshot of Our Day 7:30-8:15 Unpack, make lunch choice, morning work, morning announcements, morning meeting, Student of the Week Sharing 8:15-9:00 Word Study, Reading Workshop~ decoding strategies, comprehension strategies 9:00-9:15 Outside Play 9:15-9:35 Snack/Read Aloud 9:35-10:35 Writing Workshop~ word study, Phonics Dance, writing workshop 10:35-10:42 Prepare for Lunch 10:42-11:02 Lunch 11:05-12:00 Calendar Math, Math Workshop 12:00-12:45 Science/Social Studies Workshop 12:45-1:00 Snack/Read Aloud 1:10-1:30 Reflection Journal, Pack-up 1:35-2:20 ARTS Rotation 2:20-2:25 Dismissal

Reading Workshop Components –Strategy Lesson Mini-lesson –Decoding or Comprehension Strategy Student practice –Independent –Pairs –Small group –Teacher conference –Independent Reading 5 books (3 just right) Teacher conferencing –Small group –Individual

WHAT ABOUT SPELLING?

Word Study Flexible Grouping –Based on needs in regard to spelling and vocabulary –Grouped by similar needs Participate in… –Mini-lesson –Variety of activities to build new strategies –Grow as readers and writers

Writing Workshop Components –Mini-lesson Specific strategy or tool Teacher modeling and active engagement –Student writing time Teacher/Student conferencing Writing partners conferencing –Sharing Whole group/tables/peer

Math Workshop Flexible Grouping with each unit –Pre-assessment –Grouped by similar needs Components –Mini-lesson –Hands-on learning Study various mathematical concepts Discussion of multiple methods in solving problems Math manipulatives and technology Independent, pairs, small group, and whole group

Social Studies and Science Classroom community Native Americans Different cultures United States of America Past, Present, Future Cause and Effect Economics Maps Properties of Objects Plants Electricity Magnets Weather Seasons States of Matter Living/Nonliving Rocks Measurement

Our Classroom Rules and Expectations Responsibilities: 1.We can be kind, sharing, respectful, and helpful to each other. 2.We can use “I Care” hands and feet. 3.We can listen when others are talking. 4.We can take care of and use our materials the right way. 5.We can sit like “Learners”. 6.We can try our best to participate and complete our work. 7.We can use inside voices. 8.We can use walking feet. 9.We can use good manners. Rewards: 1.We feel proud! 2.We can get hugs, high-fives, or Kindergarten applause! 3.We share our accomplishments with our families and friends. Consequences: 1.Teacher gives verbal warning. 2.Student sits away from group for some “think time”. 3.Common Sense Consequence is given. 4.Phone call or note to parents. 5.Student visits the Principal.

Reflection Journal Reflect on the day’s learning –Choose one thing from the day –Home/School connection Springboard for conversation Reflective thinking Focus is content

Problem Solving Kelso’s Choices –Tell them to stop –Walk away –Share and take turns –Apologize –Go to another game –Ignore it –Talk it out –Make a deal –Wait and cool off I-Care Rules –We listen to each other –Hands are for helping, not hurting –We use I-Care language –We care about each other’s feelings –We are responsible for what we say and do

Kindergarten Student of the Week Monday- Student shares his/her poster. We will hang it up for the week. Tuesday- Student shares his/her favorite toy during morning meeting. Wednesday-Star Student shares his/her “Discovery Bottle” with the class. Thursday-Student brings something to show his/her hobby or special talent. Friday-We celebrate the Student’s special week by having them bring in their favorite book and having a guest reader come in at 10 to read it before we go to lunch.

How can you help your child at home? Help your child learn to tie their shoes, zip their coat, put their gloves and hat into their sleeves. Read with your child. Ask them questions about what you read. Count things with your child. Talk about the days of the week and show them your calendar.

Parent Volunteer Opportunities *Help prep school projects *Wednesday Folder Helper *Help at Winter and Valentine Parties *Help send in items for parties and special events *Work with small groups of children *Work with individual students *Field trip chaperone *Read a book for Read Aloud *Help our class for PTA events *Create a “Year in Pictures” CD for our class using digital pictures that were taken throughout the year

Communication With Parents *Website-updated monthly *Green Folder-important papers sent home daily *Wednesday Folders-important school information sent weekly *G-Mail-Sent on Wednesday with School Information sent weekly * -information sent as needed *Written notes-sent as needed *Phone Calls-made as needed *Progress Reports-Fall, Winter, Spring (Nov. 9, Feb. 15, May 18) *Parent/Teacher Conferences-Fall and Spring (if needed) (Conferences-dates and more information will come home later.)