Academics

Language Arts

    Rich models of language in all forms of literature, including fiction, poetry, songs etc. are introduced in our reading program. We use the district selected Scott Foresman Reading Street series as a launching point for instruction along with many supplemental reading materials, including an extensive classroom reading and listening library. Language arts skills and strategies are taught through integration. These five big ideas in reading inspire the measures we use.

*Phonemic Awareness: The ability to hear and manipulate sounds and words, as well as the ability to isolate letters and sounds, blend sounds and segment sounds.

*Alphabetic Principle: The ability to associate sounds with letters and use those sounds to form words.

*Fluency with Text: The effortless, automatic ability to read words on connected text.

*Vocabulary : The ability to understand (receptive) and use (expressive) words to acquire and convey meaning.

*Comprehension: The complex cognitive process involving the interaction between reader and text to convey meaning.

    This will be our core framework for reading instruction. Specific reading comprehension strategies will be individualized through individual reading conferences, small group guided reading lessons, listening centers, and the use of leveled texts. Shared reading of the anthology along with repeated reading of texts is incorporated to enhance fluency.
    In addition the children learn a new patriotic song and a poem song each month. The children practice reading the poems and songs in class and enjoy reciting the poem to other classes each month.
Monthly studies of authors and themes are included to enhance the children's appreciation of literature

Reading Homework
       Your child will receive a Take Home reading book that reinforces the vocabulary introduced each week. Have your child read the book to you, sign it, and send it back the next day in the folder. I will check to make sure the books have been signed and will return the book. Regular review of Take Home books is an ideal way to help your child learn sight words with automatic recall and develop oral reading fluency.
    Children take turns bringing home picture books biographies in tote bags throughout the year. When your child comes home with a Biography in a Bag, please read the book aloud to your child. Pausing to discuss the content, and return the book to school within two school days. The bags are designed to introduce your child to biographies.

Spelling
    First graders are encouraged to use their knowledge of letter sounds as a temporary spelling. In kindergarten, the children were taught to say words slowly and listen for the sounds. They then record the letter for the sound they identify. This lets children record the message and think of themselves as writers. As the year progresses the children will be expected to move toward more conventional spelling and will be held increasingly accountable. Our goal is for the children to recognize spelling patterns and consistently use these in their writing.
    The children receive weekly spelling list. All of the spelling words on the list can be found on Monday night's homework page. The lists will include ten words that follow the spelling pattern that is taught that week along with two other words that we call Snap words because when children are writing they need to know these words in a snap. Snap words are words that are used frequently in writing and that do not follow patterns.
By December the children will have learned to alphabetize and will begin to use their dictionaries.

Spelling Homework
    The students will have one side of a workbook page for homework Monday through Thursday nights. The page will be marked with an H for Homework. The workbook page is designed to support mastery of the words and reinforce classroom spelling lessons. In addition they are expected to practice spelling their Snap words each night. Spelling tests will be administered on Fridays and returned to students by Monday. Students may practice their spelling words online using our class list at SpellingCity.com.  Click on "Grade 1 Websites" above to get to the site.

Writing
    Our Writer's Workshop will consist of lessons followed by ample time to write and share. Children will be taught grammar, including the use of punctuation marks. We will introduce simple editing and the application of their known spelling words. Students will write for different reasons (genres) and take different pieces through the writing process.
    We will be using the Zaner Bloser form of handwriting. At the beginning of the year we teach formal handwriting and thereafter handwriting instruction is incorporated in the teaching of proper stroking and letter formation through spelling and phonics lessons. If you are sending in extra pencils for your child please select Ticonderoga Beginner pencils only. These oversized pencils are ideal for our young writers who are working on small motor skill development as they practice their handwriting.

                                Mathematics

    Our district uses the Harcourt Brace Math series which is aligned with the State Mathematics Content Standards. Students receive instruction in addition and subtraction concepts, building numbers to 100, comparing and ordering numbers, number patterns, graphing, counting and using money, problem solving telling time, as well as geometry, measurement, and fraction concepts.
    These skills are mastered through use of manipulatives (blocks, coins, shapes), games, and pencil and paper activities. Word problems are included in lessons along will review of previously taught concepts.

Math Fact Quizzes
    Mastery of addition and subtraction facts is essential for math success. Beginning in December the children will begin to take math fact quizzes on Mondays. The tests consist of twenty addition and subtraction facts and the students have a minute and a half to complete the test. Students who receive a score of 19 or 20 will move on to the next level. The tests range in level from 5 through 18. A booklet with lists of the facts for each level will be sent home. In school the children will receive a math packet as they move on to each level that will support mastery of the facts. In addition the children will learn a variety of games to support their learning. Click on "Fact Family Tests " above for a link to the fact test website.

Mathematics Homework
    Students will have one side of a workbook page for homework Monday through Thursday nights. The page will be marked with an H for Homework. The workbook page is designed to reinforce the day's lesson.
    Each child should also practice math facts daily.

                                Social Studies

    Our Social Studies program consists of various thematic units throughout the year. The units use children's literature as launching points and include such topics as holidays, directions, maps, natural resources, voting, the presidency, Abraham Lincoln, the White House, the flag and communities.

Holiday Readers
Holiday Readers are parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, and uncles who come to read a holiday story to our class. The Holiday Reader may choose a picture book story related to the holiday. All readings are at the start of our school day, 8:45 A.M. If needed, book suggestions are available from me or Miss Golembeski, our media specialist. A schedule for Holiday Readers is included at the end of this packet. Click on "Holiday Readers " above for a link to the Holiday Reader schedule and more details.

                                                                                Science

    Science is taught through integrated units. Children will explore their world through investigation, guided practice, and the scientific method. Students will learn about pumpkins, plants, bears, penguins, lifecycles, water, and motion.

 Super Scientist
    Each child will have an opportunity to be the Super Scientist and perform a science experiment for the class. Students select a simple science activity that they can perform by themselves for the class. They may read one of the science books in the Super Scientist bag to find the perfect experiment, search the Internet, or visit the library. The Super Scientists wear our special lab coat and goggles when they present their science activity to the class. A schedule for Super Scientist is included at the end of this packet. Click on "Super Scientists " above for a link to the Super Scientist schedule and more details.

Health Speakers
Health lessons are enhanced through our guest Health Speakers program. Speakers discuss their health and safety careers, and share information on health topics. Lessons are enhanced in class through related literature and activities.

                                                                           Technology

    The children have access to two computers in our classroom and they go to the computer lab once a week. Learning websites are introduced in the classroom and these lessons are designed to reinforce concepts taught across the curriculum. Throughout the year the children visit the Starfall website (www.starfall.com) and the Rainforest Math website (www.rainforestmaths.com). Other sites are introduced which support the first grade curriculum. Click on "Grade 1 Websites" for more sites.
    Our district subscribes to Unitedstreaming and it is used as an audiovisual resource for lessons. Discovery Education's Unitedstreaming is a digital video-on-demand and online teaching service to help improve students' retention. The video clips provided by Unitedstreaming are aligned to state standards.