1. Manchester Park First Grade Parent Night
Welcome!
Manchester Park
First Grade
Parent Night

2. Our Goals for Tonight Take a look at our District Curriculum
Review the 1st Grade Information Link on Website
Classroom Expectations & Procedures
Homework
Support for Reading at Home
Helpful Hints
Donations to the Classroom
Closing Thoughts & Sign-Ups

3. Language Arts Program Goals
Apply strategies and skills to read, understand, interpret, and evaluate text.
Read a variety of literature and interact with media and technology to gain knowledge and personal fulfillment.
Write to communicate effectively with different audiences for multiple purposes.
Apply knowledge of language to create, critique, and discuss texts.
Apply listening, speaking, and viewing skills to acquire knowledge and to communicate effectively.
Use multiple print and nonprint sources to access, synthesize, create, and communicate information and to solve problems.

4. Reading Three types of reading daily… Reading TO students (Read Aloud)
Reading done BY students (Sustained Silent Reading)
Reading done WITH students (Guided and Shared Reading)

5. Guided Reading
Instruction based on assessments of students’ reading level.
Students are taught in small groups at their level using a specific lesson framework.
Teachers constantly assess progress and move children forward as they are capable.
Book Homework will come home at different frequencies based on the level your child is reading at.

6. Shared Reading Whole-group instruction taught from a basal text.
Focuses in on specific skills and strategies to support the text being read.
Decoding new words
Reading Fluently
Comprehending text
Applying knowledge and skills acquired to other tasks
Prepares students for skills, strategies, and genre that will appear on district and state level assessments in years to come.
Students extend learning beyond the textbook.

7. Writing Mini-Lessons used to teach writing skills.
Students are introduced to the Writing Process.
Students will write daily in at least one form!
Journals (every day)
Writing Mini-Lessons
Extension activities from another content area

8. Spelling Grading will begin NOW Weekly word lists and tests
Pre-test on Friday
Post-Test on Thursday (unless otherwise notified)
Tests include weekly words and sentence dictation
Word lists include some words that are “lifetime words” (sight words) and some words that fit the spelling pattern being focused on that week.

9. Math Program Goals
The student chooses and applies mathematical strategies to solve problems.
The student utilizes reasoning and analysis.
The student communicates ideas through the use of models/manipulatives, verbal/written expression, and/or technology.
The student connects and applies mathematics in real life situations.
The student recognizes the importance of mathematics.

10. Our Math Program
Very Hands On! Work is often done with an engaging activity rather than a pencil/paper worksheet task.
Daily lessons include:
Problem Solving
Mental Math
Instruction
Guided Practice of the skill
Independent Practice
Assessment by anecdotal records, observations, grading of daily work, and/or district monthly math assessments.
Main Concept to master: Addition and Subtraction facts!

11. Thematic Areas
Science and Social Studies content is often taught thematically as is logical throughout the year.
This helps to make learning concrete and hands-on for students.
Learning also ties in with other core areas (reading, math, etc.).

12. Science Program Goals Develop and apply the skills of science inquiry.
Experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world.
Develop scientific habits of mind in order to apply scientific principles to everyday experiences.
Taught using a developmental approach…hands on!
Core Areas:
Physical Science: Magnets, matter, movement, sink/float
Life Science: Living things, life cycles, plants

13. Social Studies Program Goals
Core Areas:
Geography: Use maps and globes
History: Understand the importance of the experiences of groups of people
Economics: Understand basic economic concepts
Government: Explain the role of home, school, and community rules
Civics: Recognize the needs and feelings of self and others
Critical Thinking: Apply problem solving and critical thinking to personal situations
Information Processing: Recognize that various tools can be used to access information

14. “Specials” Classes
See Specials Schedule for specific times for our class.
Art: Once per week for 60 minutes
Computer: Once per week for 30 minutes
Library: Once per week for 30 minutes
Music: Twice per week for 30 minutes each
PE: Twice per week for 30 minutes each
Counselor: Once every other week for 30 minutes
Spanish: Twice per week for 30 minutes each

15. See class website for more details…
Parent Packet & Extras
See class website for more details…

16. “Timberwolves on Track”
Classroom expectations are aligned with school-wide expectations:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
“PAWS” are paper awards that are distributed by teachers other than their own. Students will receive a “PAWS” when they are caught doing something right! Students will bring this award home to celebrate with you but they will also be entered in a weekly drawing with a reward system with the principal. The more “PAWS” they get the better their chances are to win the reward!
Classroom Management Plan

17. Closing Thoughts… Contact me with any questions! Sign Up Sheets!
Website: teachers.olatheschools.com/kburkemp/
School office:
Sign Up Sheets!
Sign-Up/ Information Sheet
Parent Volunteer Sign-up and Pamphlet
Classroom Giving Tree

18. “I promise you every day your children will learn something
“I promise you every day your children will learn something. Some days they’ll bring it home in their hands. Some days they’ll bring it home in theirs heads. And some days they’ll bring it home in their hearts.”
Valerie Welk