Classroom information

Dear Parents,   

Welcome to grade one, 2013-2014. My name is Lauren Startup and I will be your child's teacher until early March, when Katherine Lonneberg will be returning from leave. The following is some weekly information, which will also be appearing on my blog, (when it is finally up and running!) for future reference:

Physical Education:  The students will go to the gym or have some sort of physical activity everyday of the week.  For safety and comfort, students need to be wearing appropriate shoes or have shoes to change into at school.  Comfortable clothing is also encouraged.  The following components will be incorporated into this year’s Physical Education Program:      

                -movement education                        -gymnastics         

                -fitness                                           -creative dance/movement         

                -using small equipment                          -team games

Library:  The students' library day is Wednesday.  They will go to the library, have a story with Mrs. Voth (the teacher librarian) and exchange their books.  Students may also exchange their books before and after school during the week when the door is open.

Music:  Students will be receiving music instruction from Miss Dunkley on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Reading: There are many opportunities for the students to develop their reading skills at school and at home.  We will be starting guided reading on September 16th. This is an opportunity for small group instruction with students of a similar reading level. There are also opportunities for shared reading (reading to a buddy) and whole class reading.  In addition, the students will participate in a program entitled Reading Power.  It is a method of teaching comprehension that focuses the readers' attention on their thinking as they read.  

At home, I will be asking you to support the home reading program by helping with the home reading homework.

Writing:   Students will participate in a number of writing activities throughout the year.  They will be introduced to different genres.

Spelling:   The grade ones will be starting their spelling programs in November.  They will receive a list of words each Monday and will be expected to do some home activities during the week.  On Friday the students will be given a "test".  The words will be spelled together and then posted on the word wall.

Math:  I will be using the Math Makes Sense Program.  This program encourages the use of manipulative materials to introduce and develop concepts.  Following is a list of the concepts that will be introduced and or emphasized throughout the year.  

                         -Numbers                        

                        -Patterns and Relations                 

                        -Shape and Space                        

                        -Statistics

Theme Work:  Social Studies, Science and Language Arts are incorporated into theme work.  Our first themes for September are Me, Governance (understanding the importance of roles and responsibilities at home and at school) and healthy living (nutrition, exercise etc.).  I will let you know when a new theme is introduced.

Health and Career:  Students will participate in the Second Step program and a Social Responsibility program.  Both of these programs help children develop social skills and teach the children to solve problems independently. The three main components of the program include empathy skills, anger management and problem solving.

Choosing:  On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays  (for 30 min.) the children will be participating in Choosing Time with the other classes in the area.  At this time they are able to choose one of many activities:     

                -painting                               -sand

                -rice                                    -science                

                -puzzles                                -blocks 

                -computers                            -games  

                -math                                    -reading      

                -writing                                -make-it

                -reading                                -social studies

                -modeling

The activities incorporate our Language Arts, Science and Socials Studies themes.  Some of the many skills developed through choosing are; working cooperatively, sharing, turn taking, experimenting, creating, problem solving, exploring cause and effect, developing curiosity, developing hand-eye coordination and building self-esteem.

Choosing time will begin in a week or two.

Homework Bags:  Students will be bringing home a homework bag daily (when guided reading starts).  There will always be reading homework.  Students may have a book or a Read Well sheet to read.  It is very important for the students to read nightly for 15 minutes.  

As soon as your child is ready, please encourage him/her to enter and leave on his/her own to foster independence.    

  

I hope you have found this overview helpful.  If you have any concerns about the curriculum or your child's progress during the year please do not hesitate to come in and see me.      

I am looking forward to working with you and your child and hope that together we can make this school year a very successful and exciting one.