1. Welcome to 1 st Grade Mrs. Sinclair’s Class Room 205 “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

2. First Grade Goals To foster a love for reading and life-long learning To create a positive environment where students feel safe to take risks To strengthen character traits To help your child develop social skills and independent work habits To help your child succeed in school through differentiating curriculum at the appropriate level To collaborate with parents and teachers to support student growth

3. Language Arts - Learning to read, write, speak, and listen effectively is the focus in primary grades. Reading (Reader’s Workshop) · Interactive Read-Alouds · Shared Reading · Guided Reading · Independent Reading · Partner Reading · Word Study

4. Modeled Writing Shared Writing Guided Writing Independent Writing Revision and Editing Conferencing Publishing Writing (Writer’s Workshop) Handwriting – Handwriting Without Tears

5. Math Singapore Math – How and Why Teach less, learn more - uses a concrete - pictorial - abstract approach Home/School Connection Letters Math Journals

6. Science – Reading and Writing is woven into this content area. Solids and Liquids Pebbles, Sand, and Silt New Plants

7. Social Studies – Reading and Writing is woven into this content area. Character Counts/Families and Traditions Friends Near and Far/Geography Needs and Wants

8. Daily Schedule Welcome (Interactive Read Aloud/Olweus) Language Arts – Writer’s Workshop Snack/Recess Language Arts – Reader’s Workshop Recess/Lunch Math Specials Social Studies/Science Specials Day 1 - Art Day 2 and 3 - PE Day 4 - Library Day 5 - Music

9. Homework (Home Enjoyment) Primary goal of homework is to promote independent academic responsibility. Sent home as a packet on Mondays with a Reading Log, Math and LA work. An occasional science or social studies project for homework. Completed Homework packets are due on Fridays.

10. Behavior Management Classroom Star Chart – Green, Yellow and Red with clothes pins. Children can move up or down throughout the day. Behavior charts will come home every night for a parent signature. Individual and Table Group Rewards

11. Birthday Guest Reader Birthdays are special! If you would like to be a Guest Reader for your child's birthday, please complete a form and return it to me. This form is located on my Teacher Website. Please be aware of the new requirements for volunteers in our schools. Your clearances must be filed and verified with District Office. Clearances Information

12. Communication Emails - the best way to contact me esinclair@gvsd.org Phone - 610-644-1790 x41205 Notes Websites – School’s and Teacher’s Monthly Newsletters

13. Field Trips Highland Orchards Farm – October 26, 2015 The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts (March/April, 2016) – to be scheduled Longwood Gardens – June 3, 2016