Curriculum Night 1st grade
Mrs. Robaczewski and Mrs. Daye
· Our typical daily schedule:
~ Morning work or breakfast, hanging up things/ homework & documents collection, attendance/ lunch count/ pledge/ classroom family song/ announcements
~ Reading or Math
Reading - Develop reading skills during centers and Guided Reading lessons
Math - Calendar, Daily Practice, Math lessons and activities based on the current Chapter
~ Bathroom and Water
~ Math or Reading
see above for details
~ Writing/Phonics
~ Lunch
~ Writing/Phonics
Word Wall Word Practice, writing stories, non-fiction texts, opinion pieces, and much more
~Recess
~ Bathroom and Water
~ Specials: Gym, Art, Technology, Music,
Fridays class is a repeat of one of the above classes and changes with each quarter
~Snack
~ Social Studies or Science
~ Pack-up
Reading: Everyone must learn to read in 1st grade- this is a really big year!!! Right now we are working together as a whole class to review kindergarten literacy skills and set the foundation for our guided reading program. I am also conducting individual reading assessments. In a few weeks, the children will begin working with Mrs. Daye in small, rotating guided reading groups. Children are grouped according to their instructional reading level and each group is instructed based on their needs. The groups are fluid- meaning, students do not remain in one particular group. Students are continuously assessed and change groups according to their progress. While Mrs. Daye is working with a group, the rest of the children are working independently at centers around the room (writing center, book center, listening center, phonics study center, math center…). The children are working with all of their peers at the centers- they are only grouped by reading level when Mrs. Daye meets with them for a guided reading lesson. Our reading program also consists of word study lessons, read alouds, making class books, literature studies, and enrichment activities (dramatizing a story etc…).
Word Wall Words Soon the children will bring home zip lock bags with their first set of word wall words. The bag will contain directions about studying these words at home. By the end of the year your child must read and spell all 100 words in their word bag. Do lots of reading together at home and talk about the books to be sure that your child comprehends.
Writing: Students will be writing in personal journals and during writing workshop. Neat handwriting is crucial because the students must compose meaningful, well-thought out pieces of writing that can be read. First graders will be expected to spell word wall words correctly on word wall tests and in their writing. As we continue to build phonics skills, first graders will also be expected to spell short, simple words correctly (bat, sit…). However, longer or not-so-simple words are different. We instruct the children to say the word slowly, stretch it out, listen to the sounds in the word, and write the letters they hear. I follow up by saying things like “you tried really hard to spell that word, good job and go on to the next word in your sentence”- I do not correct the spelling of these more difficult words. I want the children to feel empowered to write and not scared to write unknown words. Their writing should not be limited by an inability to spell perfectly. As they learn more phonics, their spelling will improve. In the meantime, they will feel successful as writers and will enjoy writing. Our goal is to love writing!
Mathematics: Our main focus is problem solving and everyday life uses of math. We also want to build a solid foundation of the math skills that are needed to problem solve (addition, subtraction, skip counting, shapes…). Mrs. Robaczewski plans lessons and teaches the children games that reach these goals. Because of the Common Core Standards, our math curriculum is changing. We will be using a curriculum that will focus on the new Common Core State Standards. We also use the “Read, Draw, Solve” program which reinforces the problem solving skills.
Science/Social Studies: A few of the topics we’ll study this year include: human body, animals, maps & globes, plants, and cultures around the world. Appreciation of cultural diversity and being a powerful member of our classroom family are ongoing topics. We will use plenty of non-fiction books to reinforce all units and topics. I encourage 1st graders to read wonderful stories and non-fiction books at home.
Grades: First graders receive letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in reading, writing, and math every quarter. Social Studies and Science grades are given every other quarter. Final grades are given in all of these subjects at the end of the year. When your child brings home a test, progress report or report card- please sit down and talk about it together. Keep the tests at home and return the test cover sheet.
Word Wall Tests
Weekly
10 words (can be any of the words that have gone home)
Writing a dictated sentence
As the year goes on they will need to improve in their writing of the sentence. As the following skills are introduced and worked on in first grade they will be expected to do them correctly in their sentence: spacing between words, capitalization at the beginning of the sentence, word wall words spelled correctly, period at the end, appropriate stretching out of words (including vowels and blends as we learn them).
Math Tests
They will be given as our units of study conclude
The tests will include skills and concepts that have been on the homework- if your child is struggling with a concept, practice with them at home. I also work with children at different times of the day when they need extra help with specific skills and concepts.
· The Chicago Public Schools Grading Scale:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F
Homework:
Explode the Code phonics workbook
Pages will be circled (complete circled pages only)
2 nights a week
Math Worksheet
2 nights a week
Related to the math topic and Read, Draw, Solve
Will often be on the next math test
Scholastic News
Goes home on Fridays
Read and discuss with your child over the weekend
Do not return, but we will talk about it Monday morning
Word Wall Words
Practice all words daily (reading, spelling, writing, using in sentences,
Weekly Word Wall Tests will have 10 words, could be any of the previous ones sent home
Reading
Reading with an adult for 15 minutes, everyday
Talk about the books, ask questions, retell the story, anything to have your child thinking and talking about what they have read or heard.
Report cards and parent conferences: The first report card will be handed out at parent conferences on November 12th I will send home a time slot request sheet. I will accommodate your requests as best I can. The conferences will be scheduled back-to-back. If you are late for your time, I can’t extend your session. Please be on time so that we can discuss your child’s strengths and needs as a learner. Between now and then please write me a note or email me if you have questions or concerns and I will get back to you as soon as possible. In the middle of each quarter a checklist progress report is sent home to keep you informed.
Field trips: The permission slip will give you specific information about each trip. I will contact parents when chaperones are needed.
Miscellaneous:
~ Punctuality is crucial. Students who come in late disrupt the class and I must stop teaching to catch them up on what they’ve missed. Please, Please, Please have your child in my line at 7:55am sharp. We have a regular line and a breakfast line.
~ We will sing Happy Birthday to each student on their special day. Any questions or concerns about this please let me know. If you like, your child may bring a book for our classroom library and give it as a “birthday gift” or your child may bring a non-food prize to pass out. Some prize suggestions are fancy pencils, stickers, little toys. Please have your child bring the item in when we enter together at 7:55- do not drop it off later. No food or drink allowed for birthdays. Please do not send birthday invitations to the classroom.
~ Every 1st grader must know how to tie their own shoes, say their address and phone number. I will not be teaching that at school. Please practice at home with your child everyday.
~ I will send home a monthly newsletter about events and curriculum at the start of each month.
~ Snack everyday – Students can bring a snack if they choose. Because of allergies there are only a few snacks we can allow into the classroom. Pretzels, fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt. Do not send drinks. We have a short time for snack and it is an opportunity for students to get a boost of energy for the final lessons of the day.
~ Wear shoes for running everyday – we have recess, gym, Chicago Run just about every day and we want your child to be safe and healthy.
First grade is an exciting year and I am thrilled to be working with your dear and precious child! Thank you for your support!!!
If you would like to get in touch with one of us, please send a note in your child’s folder or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Mrs. Robaczewski and Mrs. Daye
Mrs. Robaczewski and Mrs. Daye
· Our typical daily schedule:
~ Morning work or breakfast, hanging up things/ homework & documents collection, attendance/ lunch count/ pledge/ classroom family song/ announcements
~ Reading or Math
Reading - Develop reading skills during centers and Guided Reading lessons
Math - Calendar, Daily Practice, Math lessons and activities based on the current Chapter
~ Bathroom and Water
~ Math or Reading
see above for details
~ Writing/Phonics
~ Lunch
~ Writing/Phonics
Word Wall Word Practice, writing stories, non-fiction texts, opinion pieces, and much more
~Recess
~ Bathroom and Water
~ Specials: Gym, Art, Technology, Music,
Fridays class is a repeat of one of the above classes and changes with each quarter
~Snack
~ Social Studies or Science
~ Pack-up
Reading: Everyone must learn to read in 1st grade- this is a really big year!!! Right now we are working together as a whole class to review kindergarten literacy skills and set the foundation for our guided reading program. I am also conducting individual reading assessments. In a few weeks, the children will begin working with Mrs. Daye in small, rotating guided reading groups. Children are grouped according to their instructional reading level and each group is instructed based on their needs. The groups are fluid- meaning, students do not remain in one particular group. Students are continuously assessed and change groups according to their progress. While Mrs. Daye is working with a group, the rest of the children are working independently at centers around the room (writing center, book center, listening center, phonics study center, math center…). The children are working with all of their peers at the centers- they are only grouped by reading level when Mrs. Daye meets with them for a guided reading lesson. Our reading program also consists of word study lessons, read alouds, making class books, literature studies, and enrichment activities (dramatizing a story etc…).
Word Wall Words Soon the children will bring home zip lock bags with their first set of word wall words. The bag will contain directions about studying these words at home. By the end of the year your child must read and spell all 100 words in their word bag. Do lots of reading together at home and talk about the books to be sure that your child comprehends.
Writing: Students will be writing in personal journals and during writing workshop. Neat handwriting is crucial because the students must compose meaningful, well-thought out pieces of writing that can be read. First graders will be expected to spell word wall words correctly on word wall tests and in their writing. As we continue to build phonics skills, first graders will also be expected to spell short, simple words correctly (bat, sit…). However, longer or not-so-simple words are different. We instruct the children to say the word slowly, stretch it out, listen to the sounds in the word, and write the letters they hear. I follow up by saying things like “you tried really hard to spell that word, good job and go on to the next word in your sentence”- I do not correct the spelling of these more difficult words. I want the children to feel empowered to write and not scared to write unknown words. Their writing should not be limited by an inability to spell perfectly. As they learn more phonics, their spelling will improve. In the meantime, they will feel successful as writers and will enjoy writing. Our goal is to love writing!
Mathematics: Our main focus is problem solving and everyday life uses of math. We also want to build a solid foundation of the math skills that are needed to problem solve (addition, subtraction, skip counting, shapes…). Mrs. Robaczewski plans lessons and teaches the children games that reach these goals. Because of the Common Core Standards, our math curriculum is changing. We will be using a curriculum that will focus on the new Common Core State Standards. We also use the “Read, Draw, Solve” program which reinforces the problem solving skills.
Science/Social Studies: A few of the topics we’ll study this year include: human body, animals, maps & globes, plants, and cultures around the world. Appreciation of cultural diversity and being a powerful member of our classroom family are ongoing topics. We will use plenty of non-fiction books to reinforce all units and topics. I encourage 1st graders to read wonderful stories and non-fiction books at home.
Grades: First graders receive letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in reading, writing, and math every quarter. Social Studies and Science grades are given every other quarter. Final grades are given in all of these subjects at the end of the year. When your child brings home a test, progress report or report card- please sit down and talk about it together. Keep the tests at home and return the test cover sheet.
Word Wall Tests
Weekly
10 words (can be any of the words that have gone home)
Writing a dictated sentence
As the year goes on they will need to improve in their writing of the sentence. As the following skills are introduced and worked on in first grade they will be expected to do them correctly in their sentence: spacing between words, capitalization at the beginning of the sentence, word wall words spelled correctly, period at the end, appropriate stretching out of words (including vowels and blends as we learn them).
Math Tests
They will be given as our units of study conclude
The tests will include skills and concepts that have been on the homework- if your child is struggling with a concept, practice with them at home. I also work with children at different times of the day when they need extra help with specific skills and concepts.
· The Chicago Public Schools Grading Scale:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F
Homework:
Explode the Code phonics workbook
Pages will be circled (complete circled pages only)
2 nights a week
Math Worksheet
2 nights a week
Related to the math topic and Read, Draw, Solve
Will often be on the next math test
Scholastic News
Goes home on Fridays
Read and discuss with your child over the weekend
Do not return, but we will talk about it Monday morning
Word Wall Words
Practice all words daily (reading, spelling, writing, using in sentences,
Weekly Word Wall Tests will have 10 words, could be any of the previous ones sent home
Reading
Reading with an adult for 15 minutes, everyday
Talk about the books, ask questions, retell the story, anything to have your child thinking and talking about what they have read or heard.
Report cards and parent conferences: The first report card will be handed out at parent conferences on November 12th I will send home a time slot request sheet. I will accommodate your requests as best I can. The conferences will be scheduled back-to-back. If you are late for your time, I can’t extend your session. Please be on time so that we can discuss your child’s strengths and needs as a learner. Between now and then please write me a note or email me if you have questions or concerns and I will get back to you as soon as possible. In the middle of each quarter a checklist progress report is sent home to keep you informed.
Field trips: The permission slip will give you specific information about each trip. I will contact parents when chaperones are needed.
Miscellaneous:
~ Punctuality is crucial. Students who come in late disrupt the class and I must stop teaching to catch them up on what they’ve missed. Please, Please, Please have your child in my line at 7:55am sharp. We have a regular line and a breakfast line.
~ We will sing Happy Birthday to each student on their special day. Any questions or concerns about this please let me know. If you like, your child may bring a book for our classroom library and give it as a “birthday gift” or your child may bring a non-food prize to pass out. Some prize suggestions are fancy pencils, stickers, little toys. Please have your child bring the item in when we enter together at 7:55- do not drop it off later. No food or drink allowed for birthdays. Please do not send birthday invitations to the classroom.
~ Every 1st grader must know how to tie their own shoes, say their address and phone number. I will not be teaching that at school. Please practice at home with your child everyday.
~ I will send home a monthly newsletter about events and curriculum at the start of each month.
~ Snack everyday – Students can bring a snack if they choose. Because of allergies there are only a few snacks we can allow into the classroom. Pretzels, fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt. Do not send drinks. We have a short time for snack and it is an opportunity for students to get a boost of energy for the final lessons of the day.
~ Wear shoes for running everyday – we have recess, gym, Chicago Run just about every day and we want your child to be safe and healthy.
First grade is an exciting year and I am thrilled to be working with your dear and precious child! Thank you for your support!!!
If you would like to get in touch with one of us, please send a note in your child’s folder or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Mrs. Robaczewski and Mrs. Daye