Welcome First Grade Parents

Bain School

Curriculum Night

2012-2013

Overview of Curriculum - CMS

Literacy – The Daily 5 and CAFÉ, Imagine It! Phonics

Math – Investigations

Science – MacMillan

Social Studies - Harcourt

Writing- Being a Writer!

Independent Reading

Writing

Word Work

Supported Reading

Balanced Literacy

Literacy – Balanced Literacy Overview

CAFÉ focuses on Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding Vocabulary

Students read every day (listen to reading, read to someone, read to themselves)

Shared writing, guided writing, Independent Writing Short Focus Lesson on CAFÉ Strategies:

Preparing to read – focuses on sounds/spellings to decode words Reading and responding – focuses on vocabulary, comprehension, and

Inquiry Language arts – grammar, usage, and mechanics

Assessments are designed to monitor progress and allow for differentiation for each student.

Teacher Conferences – designed for small-group instruction. Focuses on and reinforces skills learned during whole class instruction.

Math – Investigations - Overview

Lessons are based on research to reach all learners.

(http://investigations.terc.edu/) Mathematical processes and thinking are the emphasis, over rote

memorization of facts. Skills follow a scope and sequence to build and expand knowledge. Skills taught meet the NC Standard Course of Study. Incorporates the use of manipulatives for hands-on learning. Children learn math skills while enjoying the games and activities. Provides opportunities for parents to play the games at home.

Math - Investigations – Skills

1st quarter: Introducing manipulatives Comparing and combining quantities Addition

2nd quarter: Geometry (2D, 3D) Patterns Story problems

3rd quarter: Place Value (tens) Data collection/ Graphing Measurement Addition/Subtraction

4th quarter: Predictions/patterns Numbers to 100 + beyond

Science – MacMillan - Overview

Units of study involve learning about the natural world around us. All units integrate inquiry into each lesson through using the skills of:

Observation Infer Predict and communicate Measure Put Things in Order Compare Classify Investigate Make Models and Draw Conclusions Read and Use Pictures Write Find Information Use Tools

Science – MacMillan – Units of Study

1st quarter: Inquiry SkillsEarth and the Universe

2nd quarter:Force and MotionMagnets

3rd quarter:PlantsAnimals

4th quarter:Earth and the EnvironmentEarth Materials

Social Studies – Harcourt - Overview

All units are designed around a central theme. Each unit integrates learning across the curriculum through:

Art Science Language Arts Technology Reading Math

Units use the expanding approach by starting with topics that are close to the student and guides them through topics that are more abstract.

Social Studies – Harcourt – Units of Study1st quarter:

Going to SchoolJohnny AppleseedColumbus DayFallHalloween

2nd quarter:Kid’s VotingNative AmericansWorld CulturesMartin Luther King, Jr.Looking Back

3rd quarter:President’s DayBlack HistoryDental HealthMaps

4th quarter:Good CitizensEconomics Interacting with our

Environment

Writing – Being a Writer! – Overview

Writer’s Workshop is based on providing students the opportunity to write each day.

Writing structures are established and carried out each day. The year long writing curriculum is divided into month long units of

study. Daily writing time is divided into two parts:

Daily mini lesson Daily writing time

Important Bain Elementary Staff

John LeGrand, Principal Joyce Fullington, Assistant PrincipalShawn Shaver, PTA PresidentTwila Quattlebaum, SSSKelli Drye, Literacy FacilitatorPatricia Wasco, Speech Pathologist

What else?

Raz-Kids ReadingAccelerated ReaderHomework Tips for how to help your child

Raz-Kids

Interactive

Books for 1st

Graders

Log-Inwww.Raz-Kids.com

mrsbrann

Accelerated Reader

www.ARbookfind.comChildren can take tests to boost

comprehension.Sign up to get scores. I’ll send

an email with instructions.Children move up at

their own pace.

Homework:

Math calendar with activities and gamesWeekly writing words (for now)Projects (animal poster, holiday costumes,

etc.)Reading journal with choicesSpelling words (Later)Writing journal (Later)

Find a quiet spot.

Tips for how to help your child:

Talking and asking questions during math games: “How did you know that? How did you figure that out?”

Asking questions during and after reading books: “Do you know why the character…? How would you like this story to end?”

Praise! www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/Kids/ForParentsHelpingBeginningReaders.php

Thank you for coming to Curriculum Night

Please remember to email me with any questions you have.