Welcome to Grade 1 Second Semester! Teacher Debbie & Teacher Iris

Self Introduction * I am from eastern Canada. * I am from eastern Canada. * My background is in social services. * My background is in social services. * I am married to Teacher Matt. * I am married to Teacher Matt. * We love living in this part of Taiwan. * We love living in this part of Taiwan.

Education * I hold a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from St. Francis Xavier University. St. Francis Xavier University. * I hold a Diploma in Corrections from Algonquin College. * I have completed T.E.Y.L certification which focuses in teaching English to Young Learners.

Work Experience I have extensive experience and training in youth counseling including child development, behavior modification, and learning theory. Before leaving for Taiwan I was senior management within the group home system and a Model Foster Parent for the Canadian government. I have taught grade school in Taiwan for 9 years; 4 years in Taipei and 5 years in Zhongli.

Class Rules 1. Respect your teachers. 2. Respect others. 3. Follow Korrnell school rules. 4. Always do your best. 5. Speak English all morning.

Curriculum Reading Class: A. Reading Text and Practice Book B. Purple Writing Book - critical concepts C. Blue Writing Book – spelling and sentence writing Phonics Class: A. Text B. Stories within the text Language Arts: A. Language Arts Text

Parent & Teacher Cooperation * Cooperation is based on communication. Let me know if your child is having any kind of difficulty. * Second semester grade 1 is more work at a more difficult level. Let's reduce the stress. * Encouragement is the key this semester.

Objectives * My main objective is to outline ways in which 102 students will improve skills critical to grade 1. * I also want to hear questions and concerns from parents.

ImprovementOfSkills

Improving Reading Skills * Grade one reading skills include: 1. Reading for meaning. 2. Recognize sequence of events, cause & effect, character, and setting. 3. Recognize possible outcomes of a story. 4. Use phonetics to break down unknown words. 5. Ability to discuss the story. * Listening skills are important. * Please don't ask students to read if I assign 'listening' homework.

Improving Reading Skills: Dolch List Improving Reading Skills: Dolch List * A list of words common to texts for early readers. texts for early readers. * They are called “sight words” because students should know them by sight. * Lists will be sent home for review and practice.

Improving Reading Skills: Family Reading Night * A night where you and your child sit * A night where you and your child sit down to discuss or read a story. down to discuss or read a story. This will greatly improve your child's This will greatly improve your child's love of reading, and fluency skills! love of reading, and fluency skills! * 1 st Week: ask child about aspects of the story. * 1 st Week: ask child about aspects of the story. * 2 nd Week: ask child to read the story. * 2 nd Week: ask child to read the story. * This is quality of practice not quantity of practice. * This is quality of practice not quantity of practice.

Improving Vocabulary Skills: Vocabulary Cards * Cards will be colorful with large size writing. * These cards use interest and color to take the place of repetitive writing. * Please get your child cards and thin tip markers. Thanks!

Improving Speaking Skills: Superstar English Board * Iris and I continue to encourage students to correct mistakes when they speak English. * “Superstar English” is meant to be a positive way of helping students correct mistakes that are common to second language speakers. * Your praise will promote progress.

Improving Writing Skills * Focus is on quality not repetition. * Students will learn to write on one line with a focus on proper letter position and spacing. * Your praise is more useful than repetition! * Less repetition will also help relax their eyes. * Positive feedback and directions is individualized.

Improving Phonetic Skills * Phonetics is a focus in everything we do in Class 102 including speaking, reading, and writing. * I will be recording parts of the text this semester. * Recordings improve listening and pronunciation skills while not straining their eyes. * Mini books are for phonetic repetition, not vocabulary.

Improving Citizenship and Class Participation * Routine, behavior, and class participation: 1. Korrnell Token System (Teacher Iris) 2. Specific praise from parents and school officials. 3. Football (schedule change) * Citizenship & friendship building: 1. Discussions, role plays, and personal outcomes. 2. “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”

Discussion Notes * E.S.L Department Weekly Schedule * Communication: Books & Class Notes * Policy on speaking English in class.

Taiwan S.P.C.A * Our donation was given to the S.P.C.A!! * Teacher Art and I will be planning a fund raising event for the S.P.C.A this semester focused on raising money for animal wheelchairs. * Students from 4 th grade will work with 1 st graders to help organize and run the event.

Specific Concerns * There may be questions or concerns about your child or the curriculum we did not have time to discuss this evening. * Please fill out the questionnaire I have provided before you leave tonight. * If you prefer to speak to me in person please have Iris help set up a meeting.