welcome to first grade please take a moment to write a note in your child’s journal before we...
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Welcome to First Grade
Please take a moment to write a note in your child’s journal before we
begin.
All About Me• Education Saint Mark’s, Preschool, K, and 3rd Occidental College, BA in English Claremont Graduate University, MA in Education
• Credentials California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• Experience 1994-1999, West Covina Unified, K and 1st
2005-present, Saint Mark’s School
• Family
More Family…
The BasicsO Chip Chart and Rules: earn a chip when “caught”
following the rules, can’t ask for one, chips can be taken away.
O V.I.P.: Students fill out form and decorate board for their week. May bring up to 3 non-board items. Fluffy comes home Friday – Thursday.
O Birthdays: Monthly celebration, both classes
O Snack Shack: My loan policy. Please let me know if you wish your child to “opt out.”
Language ArtsOWords Their Way: A word study program
that emphasizes understanding of pattern beyond memorization using word sorts.
OExpress Readers: A phonics-based literacy program for emergent and early readers.
OFountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System: A way of targeting guided reading instruction to facilitate literacy development.
O I will group for reading and word study. The grouping will be fluid, and will be continually reevaluated based on student progress.
O My goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability.
My goal for the year is to move each student as far along on their individual learning journey as possible. To that end:
Math Math in Focus / Singapore Math Concrete (hands on) Pictorial (pictures, models, diagrams)
Abstract (number and symbols)
Primary focus this year: Addition, Subtraction, Place Value
Number Bond Example
Math Practice Touchmath is a transitional tool used to support
students in their understanding of number sense used as a starting point for exploring how numbers work together.
Kim Sutton: We spend significant time establishing number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.
Math Binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.
Social StudiesO Beginning in November, first grade
creates passports and boarding passes and begins a tour of all seven continents!
O If you have any firsthand knowledge of specific countries, we welcome you to visit!
OrganizersO Must be brought to school daily.
O Students should be responsible for placing organizers in basket.
O Work from the previous week is sent home on Mondays.
HomeworkO The homework folder should be sent back to
school daily.
O Math page due Friday
O Nightly language arts will focus on word study practice for Friday spell check
O One decodable book sent home weekly for practice at your child’s instructional level
O Let me know if the homework is too difficult.
Word Sortso Word sorts will be assigned weekly
based on your child’s spelling stage and will be practiced as part of homework.
o The weekly spell check will be based on the word sort pattern that week and will include 8 – 10 words from the sort and 2 challenge words.
o Homework will involve practicing with these words using various sorts:Regular SortSpeed SortBlind Writing Sort
Communication & Teacher Pages Check the Teacher Pages regularly for the Monday
Memo and other information. http://tpages.saint-marks.org/tpages/?
I can be reached by email at [email protected] during school hours or
[email protected] in the evenings or on weekends.
I also check my voicemail throughout the day:
(626) 798-8858, ext. 247
Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voicemail as well.
Parent ConferencesO Fall Parent Conferences are November
19 and 20. Look for a Sign Up Genius link soon.
O We will have a second round of Parent Conferences on April 28 and 29.
O However, I am always free to conference with you at any time, just let me know!
Here’s to a great year!Any questions?