Welcome to Room 124!

I am so excited to share this year with all of you! First grade is a time of tremendous growth and learning. It is a truly a gift to watch first graders grow. Our main emphasis is learning to READ! In fact, a good portion of our day is spent immersed in literature based activities. Good reading skills are an essential factor in a child’s life-long academic success. 

Literature

"Journeys" is our reading series this year.   “Journeys” consists of six themed literature based units. We also use small group Guided Reading instruction and the “Daily 5”: independent reading (read to self), read with a partner, listening to reading, writing, and word work. Each student will also have their very own book box, which they can fill with “good fit” books and change on a regular basis. Literature is incorporated in every aspect of our day in many different ways.

Word Study/Phonics

Our word study program is called “Fundations.” The goal of “Fundations” is to give students the necessary skills to be successful in their spelling, reading, and writing throughout their academic careers. There is also a handwriting component in this program.

Writing

First grade writing typically changes throughout the year. In the beginning of the year, many students will use “invented” spelling while they are putting their ideas down on paper. We tell them they are “talking to their papers”…so don’t be overly concerned with spelling in the early stages of writing. We will be working on spelling patterns and sending home weekly spelling lists as the year progresses.

Handwriting

We will use the handwriting  curriculum from Fundations in first grade. This program is designed to offer students explicit instruction using hands on, educationally sound instructional methods to teach handwriting. I will be sending practice sheets home if you would like to help your child with their handwriting.

Math

We will be using Bridges in Mathematics. This program is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that implements the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful. Please see www.mathlearningcenter.org/families/bridges2 for more information about each unit. 

Science and Social Studies

Our science and social studies programs are introductory units. In science, we use the Foss science program in combination with other units to provide a background in the following areas: protective behaviors and guidance, disease prevention, dental health, safety, environmental education, mammals and birds, balance and motion, pebbles, sand, and silt, and insects. Our social studies units relate to your first grader’s world and include: school orientation, families, communities and transportation, maps and globes, our country, and cultural history. 

First Grade Responsibilities

Each week your first grader will choose a new community job. The jobs range from our “City Mayor”, a “Chef”, a “Librarian”, or even a “Foreign Ambassador.” There are enough jobs for each first grader to take part in sharing responsibilities in our classroom. Have your child tell you about their job each week, and how they are an important member of our classroom community.