Welcome to First Grade

First grade is an exciting year full of NEW adventures, learning, friends, and memories!

Learning together with pride………

Web Site

Literacy Block• Guided Reading• Read to Self • Partner Read• Listen to Reading-Books with CDs and reading sites on the

iPad• Word Work=Fountis and Pinnell spelling program• Making Meaning

Writingo Letter Writingo Journal Writingo Narrative Writingo Informational Writingo Opinion Writing

Listen to ReadingWe hear examples of good literature and fluent reading. We learn more words, thus expanding our vocabulary and becoming better readers.

WritingJust like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice writing each day.

Spelling/ Word Work Correct spelling allows for more fluent writing, thus speeding up the ability to write

and get thinking down on paper. This is an essential foundation for writers.

Reading to Self and Partners

Meeting with the Teacher in Guided Reading Groups

This time allows for students to be exposed to and read books that are “just right” for them! This is also a time to strengthen skills and reading strategies.

Meeting with the Volunteer in Small Groups to play Games

Lit

era

cy S

tati

on

s

F&P Phonics K-2

• Used to teach whole class and small group lessons• Continuum addresses the 9 Categories of Learning

• Early Literacy• Phonological Awareness• Letter Knowledge• Letter/Sound Relationship• Spelling Patterns• High Frequency Words• Word Meaning• Word Structure• Word-Solving Actions

Math Every Day Math

Practice Worksheets Math Games

Skills• …a problem-solving approach based on everyday

situations;• …an instructional approach that revisits concepts

regularly;• …frequent practice of basic skills, often through

games;• …lessons based on activities and discussion• …mathematical content that goes beyond basic

arithmetic

Social Studies/Science Units

• Stars and moon• Collecting and examining life• Nutrition • Magnets and Motion• Habitats• Friendship• Fairy Tales

Technology

Students have opportunities to learn and use computers to create projects and complete various types of assignments Microsoft Word, PowerPoint Learning sites Various games to reinforce skills

Homeworkfiles and newsletters posted on my web pageHomework goes home on Friday and is due the following FridayUsually included in homework:

Math sheet Reading log-Please make sure your child

writes out the name of the books s/he reads for homework.

Please make sure that your child understands the math, the answers are on my web page in the math parent letters. IXL

Snack Time

• In the afternoon• Please send your child’s snack, no

candy• We have students with severe nut

allergies-no nuts in the classroom. Children may bring nuts in their lunches.

• Water bottles encouraged, water only

Book Orders

• Please do online, see my web site for the link and class activation code HCGHW

Classroom Management

Our school motto is: We make choices that do not cause a problem for

others!

Points are randomly awarded to reinforce appropriate behaviors in a positive manner. Teams can earn points when they are attentive

and following directions. Sticker books

Volunteers

– Field trips (Zoo in June) and volunteering for anything: Fill out the State Patrol form, a link is on my web

– In the morning from 9:45-11:30 to do math activities and games with small groups for 15 minutes each. By the end of the morning, you will have worked with every child at the table outside our classroom.

• Confidential• All levels

– Art docents- Jeanie Johnson, Yunny Seo, Sreelakcehme Chinni,

– Room parent-Jeanie Johnson, Sreelakcehme Chinni, Kajal Ram

– Volunteer schedule- Kajal Ram

Odds & Ends

Student of the Week- Each child will get a week to share about themselves and their favorite things. An explanation will be sent home with a poster to be completed.

Work for absent child Wednesdays…I follow our usual schedule If your child’s pick-up routine changes,

please let me and the office know. Please e-mail or write me a note if you have

any questions or concerns!

CommunicationTeaching is a partnership!

E-mail: simonsenm@issaquah.wednet.edu

Home Communication Folders

Connect Website: Newsletters, Parent Math Letters

Helping Students

Achieve

           The Direct Benefits to Newcastle 

• Visual arts lessons•         The science initiative•         Music software to teach music through             

technology•         A picture book’s guide to comprehension•         National Board support•         VOICE mentoring program•         GLAD support and training opportunities

MackinVIAA fantastic digital resource available to all Newcastle

Lions!

•One username/password

•Use eBooks for at-home reading practice

•Access databases for research

•Tutorials available online

•Look for your child’s login information in E-News or on Ms. Berry’s Library Connect site.

Thank you to ISF for your generous support!

To do now and before you leave:

Write your child a note, there is a paper on your child’s desk