ACS1C

Room 25

2009-2010

My Philosophy

I believe ALL children come to school with valuable experiences unique to

themselves.

Character EducationSeptember – Building Community; Clarifying Expectations; Listening

first

October - Keep Commitments; Get Better (Goals)

November – Get Results

December - Demonstrate Respect; Kindness; Empathy

January – Demonstrate Respect; Tolerance; Confront Reality; (Bullying)

February – Demonstrate Respect; Fairness and Justice; Right/Wrongs

March - Talk Straight; Honesty; Create Transparency

April - Show Loyalty

May/June – Reflect (Trust, Respect, Responsibility)

What will your 1st grader learn?

Your child will be exposed to a variety of language concepts including:

Word Study (spelling patterns, word families …)

Sentence Structure (construct simple and compound sentences/correct word order)

Punctuation and Capitalization

Grammar (subject-verb agreement,

verb tense, telling/asking sentences etc.)

Language Arts

We will be using the Words Their Way spelling program this school year.

This unique approach to teaching

spelling engages students in:

Word studies that emphasizes patterns, phonics and general spelling rules.

Spelling

ReadingIn our Reader’s Workshop, your child will explore a variety of genres this year. We will focus on:

Story Elements and Comprehension

Questioning and Analysis

Fluency

Vocabulary Clarification

Retellings*Take Note: Ongoing reading assessments will

take place throughout the year to check for growth in this area.

1st Grade writing instruction focuses on:

The Writing Process

Pre-writing, Drafting, Editing, Revising, Conferencing,

Publishing

6 +1Traits Writing Model

Ideas, Organization, Voice, Conventions, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice

+ Presentation

Writing Instruction

1st Grade Writing Curriculum CalendarSeptember/

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

Launching The Writing Workshop …..…..…..

….. Authors as Mentors

Writing for Readers

Small Moments

How-To Books…..…..…..…..

…..

All –About Books

Poetry

Persuasive Writing

Revision and Assessment

HandwritingWe will introduce and practice the D’nealian manuscript form of handwriting. Your child will be expected to write various assignments in D’nealian style later in the year.

*Take Note: Practice pages can be downloaded and

printed at

www.learningpage.com

MathThe purpose of the math program in grade 1 is to build the high levels of mathematical skills, process thinking, and problem solving.

How Many of Each?Addition, Subtraction, and the Number System 1September - Mid OctoberMaking Shapes and Designing Quilts2-D GeometryMid October - End of OctoberSolving Story ProblemsAddition, Subtraction, and the Number System 2November/DecemberWhat Would You Rather Be?Data AnalysisJanuaryFish Lengths and Animal JumpsMeasurementFebruaryNumber Games and Crayon PuzzlesAddition, Subtraction, and the Number System 3MarchColor, Shape, and Number PatternsPatterns and FunctionsAprilTwos, Fives, and TensAddition, Subtraction, and the Number System 4MayBlocks & Boxes3-D GeometryJune

Science/ Social Studies Curriculum

Calendar(Our science curriculum is an inquiry- based program.)

September: Healthy BodiesOctober: Pebbles, Sand and SiltNov./Dec.: Family February: Plants March: InsectsApril: SchoolMay: Mammals/ Multicultural CountryJune: Mapping

Homework

SpellingNew Word Wall Words will be introduced every Monday Word Wall Words will be tested each Monday

Reading20 minutes of reading each night (can be in Arabic or English)Independent or shared reading

MathExpect to see daily math practice

S.S./SC.Occasionally-Assignments/review/projects might be sent home

Homework in first grade is primarily about developing responsibility in our children. (~20 minutes - including Arabic)

Test SignaturesSummative tests will be sent home

with the understanding that your child will share with you the progress he/she is making at

school.

Please discuss each test with your child.

Sign each test and return it to school. This practice will

ensure me that you are aware of your child’s growth and progress here at

school.

Classroom ExpectationsStudents are expected to be respectful and responsible, do their personal best and be prepared! We have discussed

that we will always:

Do our best

Be good listeners

Be kind and respectful

Be responsible

Possible Consequences

*Verbal Reminder from Teacher

*Reflection time at desk (away from the class)

*Minutes from recess (Teacher/Student Conference)

*Phone call, email, or letter sent home

*Student/Principal Conference

AbsencesResearch indicates that students

are the most successful when they attend school regularly.Of course I do understand

that, students become ill from time to time. If your child is absent, notify the office. Dress CodeStudents must come to school wearing solid colored shirts and solid colored pants that are not ripped.

Students must wear their PE uniform on Day 1, 3, and 5

Book OrdersBook orders are a wonderful

way to build your child’s home library.

Our first order from Scholastic will be due next week.

If you choose to order, please send cash.

Please do not send a check.

Book orders will be sent home approximately three times a year.

Lunch/Snacks

Please send only healthy snacks that are quick and easy to eat for first snack. (15 min.) Suggestions: *Fresh fruit * Packaged crackers * Pretzels * Granola BarsOne type of sweet is permitted after lunch.It helps your children if you label what is for lunch and what is for snack – this can easily be done by marking items with an S and a L Hot lunches can be purchased in a pack of 10 tickets for $50 from the office.

Celebrating Birthdays

We will be celebrating birthdays once a month with a Read-a-thon day. Please refer to the monthly birthday schedule posted on 1C’s website regarding your child’s celebration day.

I ask that the treats be something that is quick and easy for the students to eat. Please do not send items that require cutting.

We currently have 21 students in our class. Please remember to send all necessary supplies for eating, as I may not have enough of something we would need! 

If your child is a summer baby, we would love to celebrate his/her half-birthday in June.

Classroom GuestsI always welcome parent experts

into our classroom. As you review the curriculum, you may find that

you have some knowledge in a particular area. I would LOVE for

you to come and share your knowledge with the class.

You may contact me to make the appropriate arrangements. Email is

always a quick and easy way to make such arrangements.

Transportation Notes

It is very important to call the school or send a note when your child’s transportation routine changes for

any reason. In addition, please send a note if someone different will be

picking your child up from school.

If the school is not notified, your child will be sent home in the regular

manner.

CommunicationIt is extremely important to keep

the lines of communication open between home and school.

I will make every effort to keep you informed of your child’s progress here at school.

I hope you will also feel comfortable contacting me with any concerns or questions.

I can be reached by email (kjohnson@acs.edu.lb) and phone (elementary office). Email is probably the quickest way to reach me.

I especially want to thank each one of you for entrusting with me your

WONDERFUL and precious child! I truly love what I do and am looking

forward to a fabulous year!