FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM                                

September 2008

Dear First Grade Parents,

Now that your child has been in school for a few weeks, you probably have questions concerning your busy first-grader's school day.  We hope that the following information will be helpful.

I.  ENROLLMENT

            Room 104        -             8 Boys             9 Girls

            Room 105        -             9 Boys             9 Girls

            Room 115        -             8 Boys           10 Girls      

II. CLASS SCHEDULE

III.  CURRICULUM

         Major emphasis is given to instruction of basic subjects.

         A.  Language Arts

         Reading  -  In first grade we are inviting your children to become readers.  The experiences they will have are varied.  We are able to encourage successful readers through the reading text and enrich with literature.  Phonemic awareness and phonics elements are stressed.

Our reading text is Harcourt Trophies.  It is a research-based, developmental reading program.  The foundation of the program is its collection of high-quality children’s literature, as well as informational texts.  The literature in the Pupil Edition is organized to progress in difficulty, and students are exposed to a variety of genres and styles.  Trophies reflects current, confirmed research on the Five Big Ideas in Reading (see attached information)  and prioritizes and sequences essential skills and strategies into a clear, organized model for instruction.  We also individually assess a student’s reading level periodically to plan for small group instruction using Markham’s Leveled Book Library.

         Handwriting

Neatness, as well as correct letter formation, (as outlined in the Peterson program), is stressed in printing.  We focus on lower case letters initially.

         Spelling

Students are encouraged to be conventional spellers, although "invented" spelling is acceptable at this developmental stage.  This allows children freedom to write and thus acquire language skills without delay.  Conventional spelling is taught as part of the Harcourt Integrated Language Arts program.  A spelling word list is sent home each Friday in the homework bag.  Lessons and practice help prepare students for a test on Friday which is used as part of the phonics grade on the report card.

         Writing Process

Writing is a natural process that will develop with each child every year. We encourage your child to write daily from his own experiences. Daily lessons include time for a mini lesson, individual writing, and sharing in the “Author’s Chair.”  Lessons will focus on three writing genres - Narrative, Informational, and Functional.

         B.  Math

         We are implementing a new math program using the Scott-Foresman Addison-Wesley text and Investigations units.  The traditional Scott Foresman Addison-Wesley text integrates manipulatives into lessons and focuses on procedural understanding, problem solving, and technology.  Investigations units offer mathematical work in number, data analysis, and geometry.  Look on the math pages your child brings home, especially the parent letters, and the monthly newsletter for essential information about concepts that are being taught.

         C.  Social Living

         Social Living includes lessons in Social Studies, Science and Character Education.  Our social studies program is Social Studies Alive!  It offers theory-based instruction, standards-based content, preview assignments, multiple intelligence teaching strategies, considerate text, graphically organized reading notes, processing assignments and assessments which address multiple intelligences.  Instructional methods will range from visual discovery, social studies skill builders, experiential exercises, writing for understanding, response groups and problem solving groups.  This approach to teaching and learning will challenge students to uncover the big ideas and essential questions that help them transfer knowledge from social studies to other subjects.  It will encourage a better understanding of critical ideas for future work in history, geography, economics and citizenship.  The School District utilizes the ASSET science programs which emphasize many hands-on experiences.  The units children will study include:  Insects, and        

         Air and Weather.  (Students visit Clayton in the spring as part of the social living curriculum.)

         Character Education is also a part of our curriculum.  We work to promote ethical understanding, cultural literacy, and interpersonal communication by means of read-aloud stories and follow-up classroom activities.  Our curriculum focuses on the following attributes: respect, honesty, loyalty, hope, courage, justice and love. Students also participate in the school Bully Pretention program including weekly class meetings and lessons.

         D.  Speech and Adaptive Gym

         You will be notified by your child's teacher if your child has been recommended for one 

         of these programs.

        E.  Portfolios

         This year your child is creating a portfolio.  A portfolio is a collection of student work that demonstrates student progress. 

IV.   TESTS

        Periodic assessments are given throughout the year in language arts and math.  First graders are also screened three times a year using the DIBELS Test (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills).  This test identifies students who need extra support.  If your child qualifies you will receive information regarding available programs.

V.    CONFERENCES

         Report card conferences take place in November and April.  If you have concerns regarding your child's progress at any time during the year, feel free to make arrangements for a conference.  In order to give you our undivided attention, we ask that you schedule an appointment by phone or note rather than just stopping in.  Your child's teacher will also contact you if there are concerns.

VI.   CLOTHING

         First-grade students are expected to dress themselves and keep track of their clothing and personal belongings.  Please print your child's name on her/his lunch box and clothing -- particularly coats, hats and boots.

 VII.  HOMEWORK BAG

         Every Friday your child will bring home a Homework Bag (jumbo ziploc or folder).  It will be filled with projects for your child to work on at home:

                        1.  Math/reading practice paper

                                 Please supervise to ensure that work is neat, accurate, and in pencil.

                        2.  Vocabulary word cards

The vocabulary word cards are to be cut apart and studied so that your child  is able to read the words to the teacher for a "word test" on Thursday.  Please save all cards at home as there will be a cumulative review test.

                        3.  One or two classroom library books 

                        4.  Reading Calendar – record daily reading sessions  

                        Use the following information to guide you as you supervise your child’s reading.           

First nine weeks:  A family member or friend may read to the first grader.  Students should read the decodable book that comes home.

                        Second nine weeks:  The first grader should recognize and identify some words on page.  (Continue to read to the first grader.)  Students should also read the paperback decodable book that comes home.   

                        Third nine weeks:  The first grader should alternate reading with a family member or friend.  (Example: "You read one page.  I'll read the next.")  Most students will be able to read at this point.

                        Fourth nine weeks:  The first grader should be reading independently at his/her level.       

                        (This schedule can be adjusted, based on the reading ability of your first grader.)

           Please help your first grader be responsible in completing the weekly projects in the Homework Bag and returning the Homework Bag, book(s) and assignments each Thursday.

VIII.   PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

         If you have a skill, hobby, or interest that you would be willing to share with the children, 

         let us know, and we will arrange a time for a classroom visit.

Each family is encouraged to take a turn as a guest reader.  This would be a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday.  Information about being a guest reader was sent home in the first grade handbook.

IX.    HELPFUL ITEMS

         It is important that each of you provide your child with a backpack or large canvas bag for carrying things to and from school daily.  Also, the children should bring home the red Markham folder daily.  We have found that this is the only way we can be sure that papers and notices get home each day.  It also helps to insure that notes from home get to school.

 X.   RECESS

         We have recess during mornings and afternoons that the children do not have physical

         education class.  We go out unless it is very cold or raining.  Please make sure that the

        children are dressed appropriately for the weather.  It is important that the children wear clothes and boots that they are able to put on and take off by themselves.  Children may bring "soft play equipment" to school to use at recess (i.e.  Nerf balls).  If your child brings anything from home, please make sure it is clearly marked.  Equipment should be kept in the backpack while going to and from school, for safety reasons.

 XI.  ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Students should line up at the number “1" by Entrance C9 at 8:35 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. in order to be on time for school.  (On days that it is raining or very cold, students should enter at C8 to be supervised in the lower hallway until the 8:35 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. bell.)  Please remember students are marked tardy if they are not in the classroom by 8:40 a.m. or 12:50 p.m.  They should enter with peers, not parents or older siblings.  Many of the children have arrangements to walk home with neighbors.  We encourage the children to meet outside by the flagpole.  It gets congested and noisy in the hall outside our classrooms if they meet there.   Children are not kept after school without prior parental approval.  You may notice some delay in leaving during winter when children have many extra clothes to put on.  We try to get them out as close to dismissal time as possible. 

XII. ABSENCES

           If you are aware that your child will be absent from school for a reason other than illness,

           please send an excuse seven to ten days prior to the absence to apply for a pre approved absence in the school office.  This enables us to provide your child with the necessary assignments.  In case of illness, we prefer to send the work home at the end of each school day.  We would like to have work returned periodically if there is an extended absence, so that we can continue to evaluate your child's needs and progress.  Feel free to supervise and help your child with any work that is sent home.  Please send a note when your child returns to school after any absence.  After two weeks our computerized attendance system converts any unverified absences to unexcused absences. 

 XIII.  BIRTHDAY TREATS

           Children’s birthdays will be recognized in the classroom, but we will not be serving

           birthday treats during the school day. If you are planning to send a treat, please consider a

           small non food item such as a pencil or a special eraser.  Students should not     

           plan to pass out birthday party invitations at school.  Please consult the PTA directory for           

           student mailing addresses.

  We look forward to working with you and your children.

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Mary Benintend                                  

                                                                                       Christa Daube

                                                                                       Cheryl Wasserman