1. Welcome to First Grade Curriculum Night

2. Language Arts
We are implementing the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts.
Implemented through a balanced approach to literacy including guided reading, shared reading, read alouds with accountable talk, word study, writing workshop, and shared and interactive writing
Common Core Standards include:
Reading: Literature
Reading: Informational Text
Reading: Foundational Skills
Writing
Speaking and Listening
Language

3. Resources We have a variety of resources to teach each of these areas.
Good Habits, Great Readers
Words Their Way
Units of Study in Opinion, Information and Narrative Writing
Comprehension Toolkit
Leveled books

4. Writing Workshop Method of writing instruction
Mini-lesson, Write Time and Confer, Share Time
Students write about their own lives, knowledge, and experiences
Students cycle through the writing process
Collecting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing
Students work in authentic ways
Students build independence

5. Word Study
We are using Words Their Way to teach spelling, phonics and vocabulary.
Throughout the week, the children sort word or picture cards that are similar.
Look for and apply pattern to daily reading and writing.

6. Why Word Study? The program is developmental
Children are working on sorts appropriate for them
Systematic scope and sequence
Multiple opportunities for hands on practice and application in reading and writing
Understanding of how spelling
represents sound and meaning

7. Eureka Math
The Eureka Math resource was built around the core principle that students need to know more than just what works when solving a problem – they need to understand why it works.
Why Eureka?
Eureka has received high ratings from educators nationwide and school districts are seeing growth and impressive test scores after just one year of implementation.
Eureka with Growth Mindset
Students with a Growth Mindset aren’t afraid to make mistakes. Brain research shows that mistakes are good and help you to learn more. Kids with a Growth Mindset achieve more.

8. What will Eureka look like in the classroom?
Typically, there are 6 components to each lesson
Fluency – Daily math fact practice which is used to maintain skills, prepare for the current lesson, and/or anticipate skills used in future lessons
Application Problem – Word problem which can lead into the concept development or review a concept from the previous day
Concept Development – Majority of the lesson which teaches a particular skill. Can include a variety of activities (whiteboards, manipulatives, partner work)
Problem Set – Independent practice to apply the skills taught from the concept development. Sometimes students will work on only a few problems
Debrief – Reflection after problem set to review as a whole class a few areas
Exit Ticket – Quick gauge of student understanding of the day’s skill

9. Eureka School/Home Connection
Problem Sets
Problem Sets can come home unfinished and that is okay. It is encouraged to review and complete the Problem Sets with your child at home.
Exit Tickets
Exit Tickets will be coming home frequently and it is encouraged to review the Exit Tickets with your child at home.
Assessments/Rubrics
Assessments can be informal observations, exit tickets, mid module assessments, and end of module assessments. Rubrics will be used to grade and inform you of your child’s progress on the mid module and end of module assessments.

10. Eureka School/Home Connection
Daily Extra Practice
The purpose of daily practice at home is to reinforce skills taught at school and increase the home/school connection. The expectation is that your child will be logging into Zearn and/or completing an extra practice sheet sent home in the fluency bag.
Letter/Login
Please refer to your parent informational letter with your online account login information.

11. Outcome Assessments
Outcome Assessments will be given in both ELA and MATH throughout each quarter.
Outcome Assessments are:
A way to determine how students perform in relation to grade level expectations.
Necessary for teachers to help understand what targets need to be addressed.
A communication tool from school to home.

12. Where can I see what my kids will be learning?
District office tab
Curriculum tab
ALL curricular expectations are listed for parents
Colleen

13. Homework
Grand Prairie’s homework focus will be on building reading fluency and math fluency.
Daily reading from fluency bags
Daily math practice (Zearn or extra practice page from Eureka)
Record nightly reading and math practice in the Reading/Math Log folder.
Log-ins and passwords for Raz-Kids and Zearn are included in your folder.
Weekly writing
Weekend journals-Sent home on Friday, due
back on Monday.

14. Schedule “T” Day- P.E. “I” Day- P.E.
“G” Day- Library, Technology, P.E.
“E” Day- Art, P.E.
“R” Day- Music, P.E.
Lunch 12:05-12:25- Gold Lunchroom
Recess 12:25-12:45

15. Communication
Weekly newsletters and other information will be provided in a variety of formats.
Hard copy sent home in Take Home Folder
Posted on district website: Click on Staff
pages and scroll down to my name.

16. Contacting me Email- kmckuras@fsd157c.org is the best way Notes
Transportation changes MUST be sent in the form of a note, not an !
Phone-goes to voic during school hours

17. Guest Readers 15 minutes at 2:20 on Fridays.
Sign up will take place through Sign Up Genius.
Look for an very soon about signing up for Guest Reader time slots!

18. Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent – teacher conferences are on November 21st and 22nd.
Sign Up Genius will also be used for conference sign ups.
Look for an soon about signing up for a conference.
Please verify your to ensure you will receive information about conferences.

19. Holiday Parties Fall, Winter, Valentine’s
No limit to the number of helpers.
An will be sent out well in advance of each party asking for helpers.
Party helpers will then be asked to
assist in planning and facilitating the party.

20. Funding for field trips Sponsoring special assembly programs
The FSP is the Parent Teacher Organization for District 157-C. Our mission is designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school through parent volunteer opportunities, student enrichment activities and fun family events.
Some of the ways that we have enriched and supported the curriculum include:
Funding for field trips
Sponsoring special assembly programs
Providing scholarships
Providing curriculum enrichment funding to each school
Coordinating volunteers for all our events and programs
Each year we also hold FREE fun family events such as:
Fall Family Fun Night and Creative Arts Showcase at Grand Prairie
Exploration Night and Family Fitness Night at Chelsea
Come visit our table at Curriculum Night and visit us at
Like us on Facebook at
Contact us via at
Karen Monaco

21. give. grant. grow.
MISSION: Raising funds throughout the year to fulfill teacher written grants. Over $2 million granted to date.
GRANTED TO: Grand Prairie, Chelsea and Hickory Creek
FUNDRAISERS: Annual Dinner Auction, Golf Outing, Coin Drive, Frankfort Fall Fest BETA Tent
RECENT GRANTS:
SMART BOARDS in 20 classrooms at Chelsea
Rebecca Caudill, Blue Stem and Monarch Book Programs
Electronic Signage at Chelsea
Razkids and Math Fact Programs at Grand Prairie
Hickory Creek guitars, music, green screen and PE Equipment
Netbooks and Tablet PCs at Hickory Creek
For more information and volunteering opportunities visit our website at

22. Thank you for coming!

23. Welcome to First Grade!
Please sort supplies according to signs on the counter and tables. (Take everything out of packages, except for crayons and Crayola markers)
Items needing your child’s name: folders, binders, notebooks, headphones, scissors, & supply box
Inside supply box: 2 sharpened pencils, 1 big pink eraser, 1 box of crayons, 1 box of markers, 1 dry erase marker, scissors, & 1 glue stick
Verify address with Mrs. McKuras.
Put supply box in cubby.
Take bus tag and zip tie for backpack!
Feel free to look around Grand Prairie!