Reading/Writing:

The program in my first grade is literature-based, which means that the children will be surrounded by quality literature, both in big book and trade book form. We will be using the thematic approach, so that much of our reading and writing will relate to the current unit of study. Each week we also read thematic and seasonal poems which we'll collect in our Poetry Binder. The children will have time to illustrate, and practice reading their own poetry journals. Our independent reading and writing activities are done through a workshop approach. We work in small groups creating individual stories on a weekly basis or we may write collaboratively as a class.

Spelling:

Our spelling and phonics program has grown out of the Project Read philosophy. The RED words are simple sight words, and first grade spelling skills include short and long vowel sounds, digraphs, blends, endings and vowel combinations. As each new spelling skill is introduced, your child will be expected to use these in his/her writing. This helps to bridge the gap between temporary and conventional spelling. Please know, however, first graders are just learning to write, and you'll still see quite a bit of "inventive" spelling!

Phonics:

We also use Explode the Code workbooks for added practice with short and long vowel words. We add basic sight words to our Word Wall to be used for writing workshop. Each student has a word wall book in their desk to keep track of the words they are learning to spell in their stories. They are able to refer to this dictionary whenever they need to check their spelling. At the end of the first grade year the children will keep their word wall book at home so they can build upon the words they have learned in first grade and make a transition to the second grade. The children have a chance to create their own creative stories that are published in the classroom on the binding machine. This is sure to bring a smile to every author.

Math:

Now that school has begun, we have started our yearly countdown to DAY 100! Each day during calendar math we practice counting, patterns, coin combinations and number sentences. We are reviewing sorting and classifying too... Throughout the year we are learning new first grade math skills so make sure to check your child's homework folder for weekly math practice sheets.

Social Studies and Science:

Social Studies and Science are integrated throughout the day. We observe weather changes during calendar time and our unit study in first grade this year is on the water cycle. We are lucky enough to have a partnership with the Stone Zoo to help us with this study. Last year we studied birds and through this partnership we created an eagles nest which is on display at the Stone Zoo thanks to the help of Kim Keezer. In the Spring we will plant our seeds and observe their growth. Daily trivia questions are asked each morning pertaining to our social studies program.

How to Stay in Touch with Room 209

The most lovely flowers usually have the best gardener -- and that's you! Staying involved in your child's education is the key to a successful year. Engage your child in conversation about his/her day, but know that children won't always give out much information. Another way to stay involved is to check your child's take home folder EVERY evening. You'll usually find it PACKED with school and weekly homework that includes the updated spelling list, projects, flyers, notices from the office, as well as notes from me. Please make an extra effort to check it daily as the spelling word lists can change. There is always something going on in the classroom for which the children need materials. Your child should come to school the next day with a fairly empty folder -- just finished homework or notes to me. Make sure your child reads every night for fifteen minutes and fills in his/her reading calendar. Spelling words and vocabulary words are given each Monday so make sure to keep a look out for the daily assignments on a weekly basis.

What to Expect in 1st Grade

The first grade year is a magical one! Your child will blossom into a confident reader, writer and mathematician! Of course, each child will progress at an individual rate, but success is measured not by where they finish, but by how far they've come! The first grade year is also one of transition to the more formal learning environment. Children will still have many opportunities to work and play.

Homework! It always seems that little brother or sister can't wait for homework, while big brother or sister wishes it would just disappear! Luckily, for most first-graders, this is the first year that they've had homework on a regular basis, and are usually quite excited by it! Homework in first grade is primarily about developing responsibility in our children. They are responsible to bring home the assignment, complete it with a parent's guidance, and then return it. These skills will help to serve the child well later in his/her school life! Much of the assigned homework in first grade is designed to be done with family members.