2. This Is Not the First Grade of Yesterday! Preparing Our Children For the Future
3. Reading is Essential Reading Levels On level means the ability to read and comprehend independently as measured by the DRA. (Developmental Reading Assessment) First 9 weeks- level 6-8 Second 9 weeks- level 10-12 Third 9 weeks- level 12-14 Fourth 9 weeks- level 16-18
4. Reading is Essential Initial reading focus is on the use of Strategies (levels 2-8) Secondary focus is on Comprehension and Fluency (levels 10 and higher) Students reading at a level 20 and above will be Stretched in their comprehension development vs. moving to a higher level
5. Reading is Essential Nightly reading is imperative to reading success. 15-30 minutes each night. Reading to your child Choose different genres and types of materials: fiction, non-fiction, poems, biographies, newspapers, magazines, comic strips, picture books and chapter books
6. Accelerated Reader/Renaissance Place Promoted by the school to enhance independent reading Range of level is determined by DRA and comprehension Goals are set each 9 weeks by the teachers, but will be tailored for individual students
7. Writing First Grade Expectations/SSS Sight Words Across the curriculum FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!! Focus on handwriting at home Encourage your child to write at home as well
10. Science The Nature of Science Five Senses Inquiry Skills Science Tools Physical Science Matter Energy Forces and Motion Earth Science Processes that shape our Earth Earth and Space Life Science Animals Plants How living things interact with their environment MOSI Field Trip We will also be having 2 in-house science field trips
11. Social Studies Alive!! Similarities/Differences Compare/Contrast History to a child’s world Involves a variety of reading experiences Retelling stories, singing songs, theatrics and games Re-enacting an event Responding to related writing prompts Making timelines and maps Brainstorming solutions to problems of the past, present and future Also may use Social Studies Weekly newspaper/Weekly Reader
12. SAT 10(Stanford Achievement Test) Standardized test comparing first graders nationally on basic reading and math skills Preparation Administered early Spring
13. Grading System Grade Conversions E = evident progress 100-90 % S= satisfactory progress 89-70% N= needs more time to develop 69-60% U= unsatisfactory progress 59-0% Progress alerts-sent home at the midpoint of every grading period, or more frequently in the event of teacher concern
15. Classroom Newsletters Monthly Academic information Current events Up coming events This year, most of our newsletters will be posted on our class websites. Please check-very important!!!!
16. First Graders love their Volunteers!! Ready Reader Great American Teach-In Junior Achievement Fall Festival Red Ribbon Week P.T.A/Dad’s Club Chaperones for MOSI Special classroom activities SERVE application