Welcome to First Grade Please take a moment to write a note in your child’s journal before we begin.

All About Me Education Saint Mark’s, Preschool, K, and 3rd Occidental College, BA in English Claremont Graduate University, MA in Education Credentials California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Experience , West Covina Unified, K and 1 st 2005-present, Saint Mark’s School

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The Basics O Chip Chart and Rules : earn a chip when “caught” following the rules, can’t ask for one, chips can be taken away. O V.I.P. : Students fill out form and decorate board for their week. May bring up to 3 non-board items. Fluffy comes home Friday – Thursday. O Birthdays : Monthly celebration, both classes O Snack Shack : My loan policy. Please let me know if you wish your child to “opt out.”

Language Arts O Words Their Way: A word study program that emphasizes understanding of pattern beyond memorization using word sorts. O Express Readers: A phonics-based literacy program for emergent and early readers. O Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System: A way of targeting guided reading instruction to facilitate literacy development.

O I will group for reading and word study. The grouping will be fluid, and will be continually reevaluated based on student progress. O My goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability. My goal for the year is to move each student as far along on their individual learning journey as possible. To that end:

Math  Math in Focus / Singapore Math Concrete (hands on) Pictorial (pictures, models, diagrams) Abstract (number and symbols)  Primary focus this year: Addition, Subtraction, Place Value  Number Bond Example

Math Practice  Touchmath is a transitional tool used to support students in their understanding of number sense used as a starting point for exploring how numbers work together.  Kim Sutton : We spend significant time establishing number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.  Math Binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.

Social Studies O Beginning in November, first grade creates passports and boarding passes and begins a tour of all seven continents! O If you have any firsthand knowledge of specific countries, we welcome you to visit!

Organizers O Must be brought to school daily. O Students should be responsible for placing organizers in basket. O Work from the previous week is sent home on Mondays.

Homework O The homework folder should be sent back to school daily. O Math page due Friday O Nightly language arts will focus on word study practice for Friday spell check O One decodable book sent home weekly for practice at your child’s instructional level O Let me know if the homework is too difficult.

Word Sorts o Word sorts will be assigned weekly based on your child’s spelling stage and will be practiced as part of homework. o The weekly spell check will be based on the word sort pattern that week and will include 8 – 10 words from the sort and 2 challenge words. o Homework will involve practicing with these words using various sorts: Regular Sort Speed Sort Blind Writing Sort

Communication & Teacher Pages  Check the Teacher Pages regularly for the Monday Memo and other information.  I can be reached by at during school hours in the evenings or on weekends.  I also check my voic throughout the day: (626) , ext. 247  Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voic as well.

Parent Conferences O Fall Parent Conferences are November 19 and 20. Look for a Sign Up Genius link soon. O We will have a second round of Parent Conferences on April 28 and 29. O However, I am always free to conference with you at any time, just let me know!

Here’s to a great year! Any questions?