Welcome to Grade 1

1. Welcome to Grade 1 A Guide for Families

2. The Kindergarten years require the child: • to adjust to the routines of a learning environment; • to strengthen social & self-regulation skills; and • to develop understanding of literacy and numeracy concepts in a school context. The Grade 1 Year: • deepens the foundation for strong literacy and mathematics skills; and • a time to introduce a second language – French So many things to learn ….

3. Every Kindergarten to Grade 3 student will receive intensive guided instruction in reading. Students who do not demonstrate movement towards their grade level target, will be assessed and supported by a second tier of support. Source: HDSB Multi-Year Plan 2012-2016 Every student can learn to read.

4. What are the foundations of Grade 1 Language Learning? • Oral language • Concepts of Print • Phonemic Awareness • Understanding letter/sound relationships • Vocabulary • Word & language structure • Thinking Skills The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Language

6. Starting the Grade 1 Year...

8. Language is taught across the curriculum

9. Partnering in Your Child’s Learning - Mathematics Positive Attitude Problem Solving Home Language

10. The Mathematics Program - Curriculum Strands Source: Doing Mathematics with Your Child

11. Partnering in Your Child’s Learning

12. French Language Instruction in Grade 1 Learning a second language can strengthen first language skills in areas of reading, vocabulary, grammar and communication skills if the child has a strong foundation in their first language. We provide two options for learning a second language: - French Immersion - Grade 1 Core French

13. In Grade 1 French Immersion, students learn to: • develop listening and speaking skills; • interact in academic and social context; • express and clarify their thoughts, feelings and opinions; • develop communications skills that serve as the basis for learning to read and write in French; and, • connect aspects of French culture to personal experiences.

14. Grade 1 Core French • New to Halton in September 2014 (24 elementary schools in 2014-2015) • Core French programs focus onListening and Speaking Skills • Taught through Drama, Music, Visual Arts and/or Dance

15. Grade One Core French In 2013-2014, Core French will be at our school. Teachers will use Drama, Dance, Visual Arts and Music to deliver French expectations from The Ontario Curriculum French as a Second Language, Core French Grades 1-8

16. English Program with Core French - French Immersion Comparison English Program with Core French • Day usually begins with 100 minutes Literacy and/or 60 minutes Math • In same room for core subjects • All subjects taught in English • Core French begins in grade 1 French Immersion Program • 150 minutes in English or French • Switch half way through the day • 150 minutes in the other language (i.e., English or French) • Teacher at end of day coordinates take home material for both English and French Subjects taught in French - French Literacy, Science Subjects taught in English - English Literacy, Mathematics

17. Which Program? Conversations with your child’s classroom teacher and consideration of your child’s learning strengths and needs are important factors to consider. • What is your child’s learning style? • Do all family members support the program? • Does the child want to be there? • How does your child deal with transition?

18. WHEN A STUDENT NEEDS ASSISTANCE

19. Every Student Can Learn to Read Some students may receive more in class time on reading instruction provided by the classroom teacher School staff track student progress to ensure students are advancing in their learning Some students may need support beyond the classroom level.

20. e.g., speech, language, motor skills, behaviour, hearing, literacy skills Students may require support to be successful in a variety of areas:

21. PYRAMID OF INTERVENTIONS Special Programs/Placements Special Education Teacher, Child and Youth Counsellor, Learning Resource Teacher, Classroom Teacher, Special Education Teacher

22. Special Education Programs and Placements The Halton District School board believes in the need for a range of pupil placements to meet the varying degrees of interventions, supports and services that students with different abilities require. Placement in a regular classroom setting is given first consideration when it meets the needs of the student and is consistent with parental preference. ~ HDSB Special Education Plan 2013-2014

23. AVAILABLE RESOURCE GUIDES source: www.hdsb.ca

24. English Language Learners

25. ESL support in grade 1 Intervention pathway for Canadian born and New to Canada English language learners (ELLs): • Classroom teachers who notice that a student needs additional language acquisition support consult with the ESL teacher • ESL teacher will use ongoing assessment tools in conjunction with classroom/work evidence to assess the students needs for language development (oral/reading/writing) • Parents will be notified if their child requires this additional assistance in order to strengthen their success within the classroom

26. ESL Support for Students 1)In-Class support/Withdrawal: ESL teacher works with the students in the classroom or Withdraws ELLs independently or in small groups to offer additional instructional support, including modifying grade level expectations. 2)Consultation: ESL teacher will work with classroom teachers to meet the needs of the ELLs in the classroom with specific instructional strategies tied to the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum 3)Monitoring: tracking the progress of ELLs throughout the school year. This will ensure that supports are provided when necessary and will provide information for future planning.

27. Irma Coulson School Council Co-Chairs: Lisa Loucks Stephen Hurley

28. Tour of our Grade 1 Classrooms