First Grade Parent Night - Curriculum, Expectations, and Support

1. Welcome! Manchester Park First Grade Parent Night

2. Our Goals for Tonight • Take a look at our District Curriculum • Review the 1st Grade Information Link on Website • Classroom Expectations & Procedures • Homework • Support for Reading at Home • Helpful Hints • Donations to the Classroom • Closing Thoughts & Sign-Ups

3. Language Arts Program Goals • Apply strategies and skills to read, understand, interpret, and evaluate text. • Read a variety of literature and interact with media and technology to gain knowledge and personal fulfillment. • Write to communicate effectively with different audiences for multiple purposes. • Apply knowledge of language to create, critique, and discuss texts. • Apply listening, speaking, and viewing skills to acquire knowledge and to communicate effectively. • Use multiple print and nonprint sources to access, synthesize, create, and communicate information and to solve problems.

4. Reading • Three types of reading daily… • Reading TO students (Read Aloud) • Reading done BY students (Sustained Silent Reading) • Reading done WITH students (Guided and Shared Reading)

5. Guided Reading • Instruction based on assessments of students’ reading level. • Students are taught in small groups at their level using a specific lesson framework. • Teachers constantly assess progress and move children forward as they are capable. • Book Homework will come home at different frequencies based on the level your child is reading at.

6. Shared Reading • Whole-group instruction taught from a basal text. • Focuses in on specific skills and strategies to support the text being read. • Decoding new words • Reading Fluently • Comprehending text • Applying knowledge and skills acquired to other tasks • Prepares students for skills, strategies, and genre that will appear on district and state level assessments in years to come. • Students extend learning beyond the textbook.

7. Writing • Mini-Lessons used to teach writing skills. • Students are introduced to the Writing Process. • Students will write daily in at least one form! • Journals (every day) • Writing Mini-Lessons • Extension activities from another content area

8. Spelling • Grading will begin NOW • Weekly word lists and tests • Pre-test on Friday • Post-Test on Thursday (unless otherwise notified) • Tests include weekly words and sentence dictation • Word lists include some words that are “lifetime words” (sight words) and some words that fit the spelling pattern being focused on that week.

9. Math Program Goals • The student chooses and applies mathematical strategies to solve problems. • The student utilizes reasoning and analysis. • The student communicates ideas through the use of models/manipulatives, verbal/written expression, and/or technology. • The student connects and applies mathematics in real life situations. • The student recognizes the importance of mathematics.

10. Our Math Program • Very Hands On! Work is often done with an engaging activity rather than a pencil/paper worksheet task. • Daily lessons include: • Problem Solving • Mental Math • Instruction • Guided Practice of the skill • Independent Practice • Assessment by anecdotal records, observations, grading of daily work, and/or district monthly math assessments. • Main Concept to master: Addition and Subtraction facts!

11. Thematic Areas • Science and Social Studies content is often taught thematically as is logical throughout the year. • This helps to make learning concrete and hands-on for students. • Learning also ties in with other core areas (reading, math, etc.).

12. Science Program Goals • Develop and apply the skills of science inquiry. • Experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world. • Develop scientific habits of mind in order to apply scientific principles to everyday experiences. • Taught using a developmental approach…hands on! • Core Areas: • Physical Science: Magnets, matter, movement, sink/float • Life Science: Living things, life cycles, plants

13. Social Studies Program Goals • Core Areas: • Geography: Use maps and globes • History: Understand the importance of the experiences of groups of people • Economics: Understand basic economic concepts • Government: Explain the role of home, school, and community rules • Civics: Recognize the needs and feelings of self and others • Critical Thinking: Apply problem solving and critical thinking to personal situations • Information Processing: Recognize that various tools can be used to access information

14. “Specials” Classes • See Specials Schedule for specific times for our class. • Art: Once per week for 60 minutes • Computer: Once per week for 30 minutes • Library: Once per week for 30 minutes • Music: Twice per week for 30 minutes each • PE: Twice per week for 30 minutes each • Counselor: Once every other week for 30 minutes • Spanish: Twice per week for 30 minutes each

15. Parent Packet&Extras See class website for more details…

16. “Timberwolves on Track” • Classroom expectations are aligned with school-wide expectations: • Be Respectful • Be Responsible • Be Safe • “PAWS” are paper awards that are distributed by teachers other than their own. Students will receive a “PAWS” when they are caught doing something right! Students will bring this award home to celebrate with you but they will also be entered in a weekly drawing with a reward system with the principal. The more “PAWS” they get the better their chances are to win the reward! • Classroom Management Plan

17. Closing Thoughts… • Contact me with any questions! • Email: kburkemp@olatheschools.org • Website: teachers.olatheschools.com/kburkemp/ • School office: 780-7540 • Sign Up Sheets! • Email Sign-Up/ Information Sheet • Parent Volunteer Sign-up and Pamphlet • Classroom Giving Tree

18. “I promise you every day your children will learn something. Some days they’ll bring it home in their hands. Some days they’ll bring it home in theirs heads. And some days they’ll bring it home in their hearts.” Valerie Welk