Welcome to First Grade! Mr. Degman’s Class

What is the Focus of First Grade Math? Operations and Algebraic Thinking ◦ Understanding addition/subtraction ◦ Fact fluency to ten ◦ Mental Addition and Subtraction Strategies ◦ Commutativity, associativity, equality Number and Operations in Base Ten ◦ Additive and Positional Properties of Base Ten Number System Measurement and Data Geometry NY Common Core Model

Language Arts We have a newly adopted reading curriculum called Treasures.. This series is made up of lessons that teach students phonics, phonemic awareness, dictation, comprehension skills, language skills (grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, spelling), and the writing process. This series allows for small group guided reading time and center work to differentiate instruction in order to meet the needs of all learners. We have also adopted the Common Core Standards and will be using them as our benchmarks throughout the whole year. A reading log will be attached to each student’s take-home binder to record minutes and books read. Reading daily at home will prove helpful in various reading skills, such as fluency and vocabulary. First graders will also work on handwriting via our Handwriting Without Tears program. HWT reviews capital letters and provides practice for lower case letters, words, and sentences.

Science Our science units are taught in a hands-on matter. We do many experiments and explore the following topics: Organisms Weather Solids and Liquids

Social Studies Our Social Studies curriculum covers the following topics: School and Family People Everywhere ~ Cultures Where We Live ~ Geography World of Work ~ Economics Everything Changes ~ History Good Citizens ~ Government and Citizenship

Spelling Tests Spelling tests will take place every week. Pre-tests will be given out on Monday. Based on a child’s pre-test they will study one of 3 spelling lists. There will be a post-test on Friday

Homework Weekly Work at own pace For your benefit Bonus Question

Common Core

Technology Apple Central Weekly Laptops Google Docs QR Codes Website/Blog Skype Twitter?

Thinking Skills Mr. Packer will visit our classroom every other week for 30 minutes to develop critical thinking skills. Spanish First graders attend Spanish class four times weekly for 30 minutes. Music First graders attend Music class twice weekly in 30 minute intervals. First graders attend Gym class twice weekly in 30 minute intervals. Gym Art First Graders attend Art for an 1 hour weekly. Library First graders visit the library as a class every Friday.

Beginning in September, one week will be dedicated to each first grader. During this special week the student will be able to bring in pictures and other special objects to share with the class and put on display in the hallway outside of our classroom. In addition, their picture will be displayed in a decorated glass class case located across from the Art room and their name will be announced over the intercom during morning announcements! Can Do Kid! Birthday Treats We are a nut free classroom AND we have students with other food allergies. Please do not send any food items for birthdays. This is a new school rule this year. Students may bring other party favors to pass out.

In addition, Irving has adopted a school wide behavior system entitled PBIS (Positive Behavior at Irving School) which revolves around the four Irving Essentials: Be Respectful… Be Responsible… Be Peaceful… Be Safe… EVERYWHERE! PBIS

Helpful Information  Please inform us of a planned absence or early dismissal via note or .  School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. It is important for students to arrive at school on time. If your child is tardy, please enter the building through the office.  Family/Teacher conferences are held twice a year. The first one takes place in the fall and the latter in the spring.  Every Tuesday you will receive a packet providing you with information about the school, district, and community. In addition, the WIN (Washington Irving News) will be sent home periodically to update you with school happenings.

Helpful information cont….  It is imperative to keep us updated if any contact phone numbers change.  Please look through your child’s backpack and take-home folder daily.  Return library books on FRIDAY, the day your child is scheduled to visit the library with the class.  Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather.  Feel free to contact us at any time. The quickest form of communication is or note.  Please visit our class website for weekly updates about what we will learn about each week and reminders of classroom/school events!

Communication The best way to get a hold of me is by at: Link for Common Core