Welcome to…Back to School Night

September 18, 2014First Grade

Mrs. Jennings and Ms. Speer

Introductions

Mrs. JenningsMs. Speer

Our Goals for First Grade

To provide a supportive and rich learning environment that allows each child to learn at their own pace.To help your child become a confident student and a good friend to others.To develop a love of learning within each member of our class.To prepare your child for second grade.

Daily Routines

Arrival Greeting/Morning MeetingSnackRecess and LunchSpecialsChapel Dismissal

Expectations

Morning RoutinesClass RulesAre You a Bucket Filler?Responsive Classroom

Encouraging Teacher LanguageMorning MeetingSetting Clear ExpectationsModeling RoutinesLogical Consequences

Responsive Classroom

Instead of praise: “good job” or “terrific work”

Name something specific:“I noticed you______”“I see you ______”

• This creates an environment where it’s safe to take risks and make mistakes.

Teacher Language

Language Arts Overview

Reading Groups/Flexibility/AssessmentsComprehension SkillsWriting Words Their Way: Spelling and Phonics GrammarHandwriting

Words Their Way

Words Their Way is an approach to phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction for students in kindergarten through high school. The program can be implemented as a core or supplemental curriculum and aims to provide a practical way to study words with students. The purpose of word study (which involves examining, manipulating, comparing, and categorizing words) is to reveal logic and consistencies within written language and to help students achieve mastery in recognizing, spelling, and defining specific words

Words Their Way will begin in October after we assess the students.

Math

Math Curriculum supported by Houghton Mifflin and Everyday MathFlexible GroupingFast Facts and Timed TestsTypical Lesson ComponentsHomework

Social Studies

Units woven into Language ArtsCommunity...class, school, local Past/PresentHolidaysFlat Stanley/MapsAustralia

Homework

15 minutes of written work and 15 minutes of Reading each day. Assigned on Monday turned in on Friday.Record on Reading LogSpelling/Math/Reading skills

Parent Involvement

Room ParentParty Parents: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s DayYear Book PhotographerBirthdays: Chapel Celebration on Thursday in Historic ChurchMystery Reader

Field Trips

Rose Hill Manor: 10/14BSO – Musical Trip – 12/5 – “Ellington’s Nutcracker”

Communications

Report Cards - 11/22/13, 3/7/14 and mailed at end of yearConferences 10/3/14, 11/24 & 11/25 and 3/16/15 Email ejennings@stjohnspds.orgEmail mspeer@stjohnspds.orgDaily Folders/NotesCommunication Log - 9/25/14, 10/16/14, 11/16/14, 12/414/, 1/15/14, 2/5/15, 2/26/15, 3/19/15, 4/16/15 & 5/7/15Phone calls for emergencies

Questions

Thank you for coming!