1. Welcome to First Grade CATS *Mrs. Hermsen *Mrs. Kamper,
*Mr. Kilmer, & *Mrs. Ranson L

2. CATS students are . . . Often perfectionists and idealists
Asynchronous
Sequential or spatial
Problem solvers
“Tell me, I forget, show me, I remember, Involve me, I understand.” -Carl Orff
Crystal
Often perfectionists and idealists which can lead to fear of failure
Asynchronous - For example, a 5-year-old may be able to read and comprehend a third-grade book but may not be able to write legibly
Spatial learners may not know how they got a "right answer." Sequential learners may get lost in the steps leading to the right answer.
Gifted children are problem solvers. They benefit from working on open-ended, interdisciplinary problems; for example, how to solve a shortage of community resources. Gifted students often refuse to work for grades alone C

3. CATS Curriculum
Encourages students to apply critical-thinking skills and to become self- directed learners. It incorporates the regular curriculum but differs in content, process, product, pacing, and environment.
Crystal C

4. CATS Curriculum Goals I: Acceleration II: Integration
III: Inquiry and Motivation
IV: Critical Thinking
V: Communication and Collaboration C

5. Classroom Routines Great Wall Snack Arrival / Dismissal
Communication (REMIND; FB; Instagram, , blog, Twitter)
Daily Folder / Parent Communication
Alison A

6. Math Place Value and Number sense Operations and Algebraic thinking
Geometry
Measurement
Data
*Children will be pre and post tested in each of these categories.
Jason J

7. Language Arts 6+1 Writing Writer’s Process
Conventions, sentence fluency, organization, voice,
word choice, ideas, presentation
Writer’s Process
Brainstorming
Drafting
Revision
Editing
Publishing
Genres: Narrative, Nonfiction, Persuasive
Leah L

8. Language Arts Guided Reading Groups Literacy Stations Words Their Way
Journeys
Book clubs
Literacy Stations
Tied to reading and language objectives
Independent and self-paced work on weekly concepts
Words Their Way
Leah
Informative/non-fiction and fiction L

9. Science Digestive, Respiratory, and Circulatory Systems
Inventors and their Inventions
Laws of Motion
States of Matter
Biomes
Earth Materials
Simple Machines
Jason J

10. Social Studies American History: Exploration and Colonization
Pilgrims Interact: Simulation
Government & Roles of Citizenship
Tribes/Great Wall
American Symbols and Monuments
Ancient Civilizations (Egypt)
Alison A

11. Grades
Crystal

12. Monthly Featured Authors
Homework
Homework will be posted every Monday after school on our webpage. It will not be sent home.
Homework for the week will be due the following Monday.
Homework will NOT be returned by the teacher.
Crystal
4 Box Job Sheet
-1 Spelling Activity
-1 Math Worksheet/Assignment
-15 minutes of Nightly Reading
-1 Tech/Project Task
Monthly Featured Authors C

13. Fun Stuff/ Parent Opportunities
Class Parties
Birthdays
Field Trips
Lego Discovery Center
OdySea Aquarium
Idea Museum
Art Masterpiece
Sign Up Genius
Leah L

14. Communication
Front Office: (480) Website:

15. “Curiosity is the engine of achievement.” – Sir Ken Robinson