Welcome to 1 st Grade!

1. Welcome to 1st Grade! Ms. Kristen Weller

2. Important Information • Take Home Folders- Check every night • Lunch Money- Must be labeled with student’s FULL name and class • Snacks (No nuts) • Birthday celebrations- Healthy Snack List

3. Specials Schedule • Monday- Gym *Sneakers • Tuesday- Music • Wednesday- Library/Media *Return Books • Thursday- Gym *Sneakers • Friday- Art

4. Reader’s Workshop • Encourages students to be “real readers”. • Reader’s workshop allows the opportunity to tailor instruction more individually and appropriately for each student • Focus on independent reading

5. In our Reading Workshop your child will: * Listen to and respond to literature read aloud by me * Receive small group reading instruction * Read books on their own at their specific reading level * Work with a partner to read a story or poem

6. This instruction will help your child to: * Learn word attack skills * Learn different reading strategies * Focus on comprehension • All students will be reading their own “Just Right” books that they are interested in Goal: To develop life-long, passionate readers 

7. What You Can Do • The best way you can help your child to become a better reader is by encouraging them to read! • They should be reading for at least 20 minutes a night. (Please keep track of the books they read on their Reading Log) • Reading to them, discussing books helps build comprehension • Helping them choose “Just Right” books, as well as books they enjoy

10. Scholastic • Sent home once a month • Can be ordered from catalog (send in a check made out to Scholastic Reading Club) • Or ordered from website (can choose books from any grade level catalog) • Class Code: MBLJ8 • Points are used to expand our classroom library 

11. Writer’s Workshop Students are REAL writers. They will go through the writing process just like any author does. Focus on Four Writing Pieces: • “Small Moments” • Information • Opinion • Narrative Goal: Promote confidence in students’ ability to express ideas through their writing

12. What You Can Do • Encourage writing in any way • Journals, To Do lists, reminders, grocery lists… • Focus on how writing can be used, not on spelling (stretching and spelling the best you can)

13. Word Work • Word Study: • Called Word Study because students explore patterns and relationships in words, so they can be applied to other words • Sight Words: • Sight words are commonly used words that children should automatically read and write. • Four sight words a week • Practiced for homework and classwork Both will be tested every Friday

14. Math • New Math Program: Go Math! • Aligned with the Common Core • Students will be using models, manipulatives, pictures, and symbols to build mathematical understanding. • Focuses on solidifying understanding of basic concepts before learning new concepts • Differentiated instruction for all learners • Students will be focusing on: • Addition • Subtraction • Comparing Numbers • Two Digit Addition and Subtraction • Measurement • Data • Geometry

15. Social Studies •Classroom and School Community•Fire Safety Month•Community (Edgewater)•People and Events that shaped the US     (Thanksgiving/Columbus/Veterans Day)•Winter Holidays Around the World•Diversity & life around the World•Black History Month•Personalities who influenced US History     (MLK, Presidents)•Community Helpers•Inventors/Inventions of Communications

16. Science Life Science-   (September -December)•Classifying Animals    (Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Amphibians, Fish, Insects) •Hibernation/Habitats•Plants (Life Cycle) (May-June)•     Earth Science- (January-March)•Weather•Natural Resources•Sun/Moon/Planets/Space     Physical Science- (April-June)• Matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas)                   Science Practices:  Integrated through each unit  (Investigation, scientific method, experiments etc.)​

17. Homework • Math worksheet, sight words, and reading log • Please encourage children to work on homework independently • The Homework Board will be on the school website and will be updated weekly • Contact me if you would like me to send a paper copy home with your child

18. Behavior • Behavior chart is used in class to encourage positive behavior • All students begin the day on purple • Throughout the day, they can move up or down the chart • “How Was My Day?” chart is used to inform you of their daily behaviors • Anyone who ends the day on blue, will have a note attached explaining why

19. Mystery Reader • We are looking for Mystery Readers to come in to read to our class on Fridays at 11:10. • If you would like to SURPRISE your child, email me with 3 dates that work best for you.

20. Important Dates No School: Monday, October 13th Picture Day: Monday,October 20th No School: Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th Parent-Teacher Conferences: November 19th and 20th

21. Donations • Thank you for everything that you have brought in! • Always can use tissues, hand sanitizer, and hand soap 

22. Email me with any questions, comments, or to set up a time to meet. kweller@edgewaterschools.org Thank you!!

23. Any questions regarding PTO? gwpto@edgewaterschools.org