Welcome to Curriculum Night First Grade Light Farms Elementary

Teacher Introductions  Nancie Lewis Edith Arredondo  Amber Puckett Michelle Hamlin  Angela Bailey Angela Wolf  Lawrie Bomar

Course Map  Roadmap of content covered, estimated timeline for each course and how course is vertically aligned. These documents are located on the district webpage under Curriculum and Instruction.

The Magic that Happens

Reading/Language Arts – 120 minutes of instruction The Balanced Literacy approach engages children in a variety of reading and writing experiences that model powerful examples of effective literacy practices using fiction, and nonfiction, informational, persuasive, prose, drama, and media texts. Children learn in a supportive environment where lessons are designed with appropriate scaffolding to meet the needs of all. A gradua l and anticipated release of responsibility from teacher to student moves learners along a planned continuum on their journey toward independence.

Reading/Writing Instructional Approach… The elements of a Balanced Literacy approach are as follows: Read Aloud Shared Reading Guided Reading Independent Reading Word Work/Vocabulary Shared Writing Interactive Writing Writing Workshop Independent Writing

Spelling/Word Work Purpose The purpose of Word Study/Word Work instruction is to develop and promote fluent writing. Research shows that students need to develop strong visual images of whole words and demonstrate correct English spelling in everyday writing. (Fitzgerald Method and Marie Clay’s Method). The traditional method of memorization of spelling words does not support the development of spelling skills. Word Study allows students to observe words to discover their patterns and conventions in order to read, write, and spell.

Spelling/Word Work  In grades 1st-4th: 15 high frequency words will be pre- assessed from the previous school year, and this assessment will be completed within the first three weeks of instruction.  Words will need to be spelled and read. The pre- assessment will be used at parent conferences in the fall.  There will be a pre-assessment each nine weeks. Based on the pre-assessment, a list will be created for an individual’s spelling needs/results. This will be placed in the student’s writer’s notebook.

Spelling/Word Work Homework  Homework should include at least one activity each week that is tied to spelling/word work.

Science 45 minutes of instruction 2-4 and 30 minutes in K-1 The elements of a rigorous and relevant social studies classroom in PISD include: DBQ Project – A coordinated plan for advanced level and technical writing in the social studies classroom. (4 th grade and up) Charts/Maps/Graphs – A primary source for interpreting, analyzing and application of data. Inquiry Based Learning – Learning how to solve, defend or develop knowledge or solutions. Content Area Reading and writing – Read materials that are related to social studies and apply historical writing techniques. Primary Sources – Original materials that have not been altered or distorted in any way. Examples are not limited to the following: music, time period speeches, articles, maps, photographs or artifacts.

Math 90 minutes of instruction The Prosper ISD K-12 Math Department believes in purposeful teaching that allows students to make the connections between concrete explorations and abstract concepts. Teachers develop conceptual understanding and move students to abstract application through the use of three phases: (1) concrete, (2) representational, and (3) abstract.

Math Prosper ISD math teachers use a variety of teaching methods including: modeling, inquiry, direct instruction, guided practice, interactive models, differentiated tasks, electronic demonstrations, and cooperative learning.

UPS Check and Reflect Problem Solving Model  Prosper ISD will be implementing a standard problem solving model for students in grades K-12.  Math problem solving should be based on an understanding of any problem, initiate a plan, execute it, and evaluate the reasonableness of the solution.

Science 45 minutes of instruction 2-4 and 30 minutes in K-1 Inquiry-based learning, use of technology, and investigative activities promote high engagement and curiosity of our students. Therefore, the Prosper ISD Science classes seek to:  Promote and support all aspects of effective science teaching, including new technologies and instructional strategies;  Encourage the natural curiosity of learners at all levels;  Increase scientific literacy and the application of science to everyday life;  Promote science as a vehicle for lifelong learning for all students;  Assume a leadership role in advocating for science education and creating an understanding of the value of science.

Technology usage in the classroom…  iPads  Student devices  Promethean  Schoolfusion  Laptops  Chromebooks

Extensions and Challenges  Differentiation  Small group instruction  Pre-assessment  Formative assessment  Data to drive instructional decisions

Flex Time  Small group instruction  Data to drive instruction – MAP, Fountas and Pinell Benchmark Assessment, TPRI, curriculum based assessments, etc.

Homework…  Focus on quality not quantity  Homework should have meaning and be tied directly to learning

Learning and Working Together Daily  7:45-9:25 ELAR (reading, writing, word work)   9:25- 10:25 Specials/Planning   10:25 -11:30 ELAR/SS integration   11:30 – 12:00 Recess   12:00 – 12:30 Lunch   12:30– 2:00 Math   2:00 - 2:30 Science   2:30 – 2:45 Intervention or extended science when doing experiments.   2:45 Dismissal Exceptional Classroom  Expectations  Management  REACH

Communication is the Key

Communication  Newsletters  School Website  ConnectEd  /Phone Calls/Class Newsletters  Curriculum and Instruction Page

Our Contact Information  Edith Arredondo  Angela Bailey  Lawrie Bomar  Michelle Hamlin  Nancie Lewis  Amber Puckett  Angela Wolf     isd.net isd.net   

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” ~Clay P. Bedford