Welcome to 1st Grade Curriculum Night

Teachers Ms. Shue Mrs. Hauss Ms. Price Ms. Sewalt Ms. Hertel Ms. Lindley

Morning Procedures The school doors open at 7:30. Any student who arrives before 7:50 should report to the Fine Arts hallway. Teachers will pick up at 7:50. Students are considered TARDY if they arrive after 8:00. Being on time starts the day off right!

Standards The curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which are the state mandated standards. The 1 st Grade TEKS can be downloaded from the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) website. Each teacher may then add her own individuality and creativity to the lessons that teach these mandated skills.

Writing We will be using Writer’s Workshop to teach writing concepts. Students practice independent writing during the Daily 5. Students are expected to improve weekly on using capitals, periods, and spaces. Student writing is expected to convey meaning and purpose.

Spelling The goal of our Spelling program is to teach word families. – For example: cat, sat, mat There will be 5 high frequency words taken from the district’s spelling list. Spelling tests are every Friday.

Reading Excellent reading and comprehension will assure a more successful academic career. We will work on reading in a variety of ways: Whole class instruction Guided reading groups Daily Five tasks Reader’s Theatre Children should be reading minutes (preferably aloud to you) every night.

Guided Reading Groups – Groups consist of 3 to 5 students who are on similar reading levels/DRA levels. – Teachers meet with these groups between three and five times a week. – Teachers choose texts from a leveled library for guided reading groups based on students’ instructional reading levels according to DRA scores.

The Daily 5 Tasks Creating Independence and a Sense of Urgency Read to Self Work on Writing Read to Someone Word Work Listen to Reading

Testing TPRI The Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) is an early reading instrument designed to identify the reading and comprehension development of students in grades K-2. It is administered 3 times during the year. DRA The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is a series of leveled books and recording sheets designed to allow teachers to determine students' reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension levels.

Data Folders Data folders will contain information regarding your child’s current reading scores, and show their progress throughout the year. Student Data folders will be sent home at the end of each 9 week grading period. – Data folders are to be signed and returned with the report card.

Math The curriculum is based on the district’s scope and sequence. We use manipulatives, supplemental materials and the adopted Investigations Math program. Basic addition and subtraction facts form the foundation for progressing in math! Flashcards are a great way to practice. They can be purchased anywhere or made for practice at home.

Science and Social Studies Science and Social Studies consist of hands on activities, and various projects. Science We will be using Simple Science Solutions. Curriculum is TEKS based and follows the district’s scope and sequence. CBAs (Curriculum Based Assessments) are given at the conclusion of each unit of study - once every nine weeks. Social Studies Curriculum is TEKS based. Social skills are taught through the Second Step program.

Make-Up Work and Unfinished Assignments If a student is absent, he or she will have adequate time to complete the missed assignments (as stated in the district guidelines). Any work not finished in class may be sent home to be completed and returned the next day.

Reading Binders These binders are an excellent resource to help improve your student’s literacy skills at home. Please initial the calendar each night that you complete the scheduled activity with your child. Calendars should be returned at the end of each month.

First Grade Report Cards Skills based checklist Please view 9 weeks rubric matrix on First Grade Website ES= Performance exceeds the standard expectation MS= Performance meets the standard expectation AS= Performance approaches the standard expectation DS= Performance shows development is significantly below the standard expectation

Chisholm Ridge Character Program PBIS is a school-wide program which sets behavior expectations for the campus. Your child will have a calendar for each nine weeks. Should he/she have a difficult day, we will write the behavior concern on the calendar. Please review this sheet daily with your child. Each teacher manages classroom behavior according to their class’ needs. Conduct grades are based on the total number of character infractions your child receives during the nine weeks period. Your child’s conduct will be graded as follows: Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement 74 & below Unsatisfactory Stop and Think Forms are an opportunity for students to reflect on their choices. These will be completed at school and sent home to be signed.

Service Project We feel it is important to promote a sense of charity and giving in our students. We will be collecting canned goods and taking them to a local food bank.

Thank you for coming! We are looking forward to a great year full of learning and fun! 1st Grade Conference Time: 1:05-1:55