Welcome to First Grade Eugenia Porter Rayzor Red Wolves

Our mission is to foster lifelong learning in a supportive and safe environment by providing rigorous academics and character education, so that students can be successful, contributing citizens and lead meaningful lives.

Daily Schedule Prime Time Calendar/Math Workshop Phonics Readers Workshop Lunch 11:35 – 12:05 Recess 12:05 – 12:25 Specials 12:30 – 1:15 Writers Workshop Social Studies/Science Dismissal

Phonics We use our school adopted program called Crossing the Bridge to teach phonics. In the first six weeks, we will be working on: - Identifying upper and lower case letters -Sequencing the letters of the alphabet -Letter-sound relationships -Spelling patterns (-ink, -onk, -ick, etc.) -Sight words -Rhyming -Manipulating spoken words and sounds (phonological awareness)

Writer’s Workshop We teach writing using the workshop model, which includes a whole group lesson, an independent work period, and a sharing time. We will use the writing process to teach narrative and informational structures

The First Six Weeks of Writing Writing Process Planning for first draft by generating ideas for writing Logical sequencing of stories through writing sentences Writing Conventions Use letter-sound patterns to construct unknown words Sight Words Capitalization Punctuation

Reader’s Workshop/The Daily Five Whole Group Instruction -Strategy instruction for problem solving unknown words and comprehending written text (CAFÉ) Small Group Instruction: - Targeted instruction based on whole group instruction, assessments, and teacher observation. Guided reading is part of small group instruction.

CAFE We use the CAFE model as our framework for teaching reading strategies. As we progress in reading instruction this year, we will learn new strategies to understand text, decode words, read smoothly, and “tune in” to new vocabulary. Get started right away,Stay in one place,Work quietly, Read the whole time, Increase stamina,Select and read “Good Fit” books ComprehensionAccuracyFluencyExpanding Vocabulary I understand what I read I can read the wordsI can read accurately, with expression and understand what I read I know, find and use interesting words

The First Six Weeks of Reading Problem and solution Retell a story’s BME Read independently for a sustained period of time CAFÉ reading strategies (back up and re-read, check for understanding, read “good-fit” books, cross-checking, etc.) Decoding words by applying letter-sound correspondences and using common spelling patterns Identify and read sight words

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Math We use the district adopted Investigations program. We conduct our lessons within a workshop model (lesson, work-time, closing). Fact fluency is a foundational piece of first grade math.

The First Six Weeks of Math Problem solving strategies to represent and solve addition and subtraction word problems (manipulatives, drawing a picture, mental math, number line, number sentence, fact fluency, etc.) Precise math language: addition, subtraction, equal sign, numeral, etc. Subatizing – instantly recognize the quantity of structured arrangements (dice) Decomposing numbers Fact Fluency

Science and Social Studies Social Studies Government Economics Inventors Good Citizens Geography Science Observation of change over time Matter and properties of matter Magnetic force Rocks, soil, plants Food chains Animal classification and life cycle

Prime Time What is primetime? Daily targeted instruction based on what students need (review and extension) How do we determine prime time groups? Istation data, classroom observations, classroom assessments

RTI – Response to Intervention A tiered level of support for students who need more time to master the TEKS 3 Tiers

Tier 1 Occurs in the general education classroom For ALL students The lesson cycle: teaching, assessing, re-teaching Prime Time Small group instruction in the classroom

Tier 1 Interventions Guided Reading Small group Reteach in a different way Try multiple strategies

Tier 2 Occurs in the general education classroom or Prime Time For students who have not been successful with previous interventions Small groups, 3-5 times per week, targeted skills for several weeks

Tier 2 Interventions Literacy Groups Prime Time In the classroom

Tier 3 Occurs in classroom of a specialist. For students who have not been successful with previous intervention Parents will confer with interventionist and teacher 2-3 students per small group, daily for longer periods of time

Tier 3 Interventions Reading Recovery Literacy Groups

Homework A homework packet will be sent home on Monday and due on Friday Practice sight words Nightly reading and reading log Speeding to Read

Home/School Communication Data Binders W.O.L.F. (Well Organized Learning Folder)  Newsletter  Completed work  School notices, classroom notices, notes from home, and lunch money

Parent Conferences Conferences are held during the week of early dismissal in the afternoons, October 5-October 9 Assessments, progress, goals, observations, etc. will be discussed at this time.

Sign up for parent conferences at the back of the cafeteria. Thank you for coming!