1. Mrs. Gasienica’s First Grade Welcome!

2. Welcome to First Grade!

3. Please do not forget to write a special note to your child at the bottom of their letter at their seat. Get to know the other parents in the room! Sign Up for Conferences on the chart paper

4. Class Subjects The subjects we cover in first grade are:  Literacy (reading, writing and spelling)  Math  Science  Social Studies  Family Life/Health

5. Reading and Writing  Mini-lesson (10-12 minutes/Read Aloud is separate)  Independent Reading/Writing  Individual conferences  Mid-workshop interruption  Table conferences  Strategy lessons/Guided reading  Partner work/Reading Based Centers  Share (select a few student to share something you saw they tried or learned) Early Intervention Support

6.  Repeated practice is KEY  Sight Words  Do not follow rules must be learned  Must be automatic  Phonics  Relationship between letters and sounds  Like a code – if you know combinations you will learn to decode words  For example: “tion” sounds like /shun/, digraphs, blends,  Spelling patterns (word family chunks)  Phonemic Awareness is NOT PHONICS  Sounds in words (B/U/G)  Understanding that words are made up of sounds  Sounds can be grouped together, moved and changed  Ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in words.  Prior Knowledge of Subject

7.  Strong picture support  One line of print per page  Signs, labels, songs, and poems  Pattern Books  Knows all letter names and SOME sounds  Uses pictures to tell stories  Illustrations clearly support text  Print placement always is consistent

9.  Books have simple patterns  Reads independently for 10 minutes  Has Book Talks  Knows most letter sounds and blends  Heavily relies on pictures and print  Retells story  Illustrations still appear on each page  Print placement varies

11.  Identifies basic genres  Independent Reading 10-15 minutes  Acknowledges punctuation  Recognizes sight words and endings  Learns and shares info from reading  Begins to self-correct  Less rhyme and repetition –simple story  Clear sequence of events

14.  To be on a “just right” level…  96% accuracy or higher  Fluent (but what is that?)  Comprehend literally and inferentially

15. Instructional Spelling  White Level (cvc words and vce patterns)  Trick Words  Spelling homework notebook  Spelling Inventory  Dictation  Word Study - Phonics lessons

16. Math  B, D, and S skills (Spiraling Curriculum)  Math Games  Typical lesson: Math Message, Mental Math/Slate Work, Math Boxes(review), Journal Pages (new concept) and Games  Home Links  Family Letter  Timed Fact Tests  Online Resources

17. Science  Harcourt Science Program  Hands on science experiments (investigation)  Scientific method  Units: Ready, Set, Science Plants and Animals Living Together About Our Earth Weather, Seasons and the Sky

18. Social Studies  All About Me  Family/School/Community  States through Flat Stanley  Map and Globe skills  Holidays/Traditions/Cultures  Character Education  Historical Events

19. Miscellaneous  All Notices: envelope with: what it is, child’s name and 1G (please cut off tear offs!)  Conferences: December and March  Report Cards: December, March and June  Please call in absences/late (front door)  Send note to teacher for any changes in pick up  Scholastic Books – please send checks  Class Trips -TBA  Circus Arts - Performance Date?  Birthdays (make plans in advance with teacher)  Webpage – notes, reminders, etc.  Emails (kgasienica@fairlawnschools.org)  Lunch Orders

20. Behavior Plan  Respect  Table Stars  Individual Stop Lights  1 Warning – Black  2 Warnings – Green  3 Warnings – Yellow  4 Warnings – Red (note home/office visit)  Happy Calls/Notes

21. Homework  Reading Calendar (initial each night)  Spelling Menu  Math Home Links (math side in folder)  Completed independently and then reviewed by parent – Name on top  Please note any difficulty  Homework will be differentiated as the year progresses

22. Let’s Have a Great Year!