1. Welcome to Back to School Night First Grade 2013-2014

2. Daily Schedule 8:35-9:00 Opening Activities 9:00 – 10:15 Reading 10:20-10:33 Recess 10:35-11:45 Centers 11:45 -12:25 Lunch 12:25-1:15 Writing 1:15-1:27 Recess 1:25-2:30 Math 2:20-3:00 Science/Social Studies/P.E./English Language Development 3:00-3:20 Closing activities, Daily News

3. Reading We are using the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series. We use sound spelling cards and leveled books to teach reading skills. Reading levels will be tested every six weeks.

4. Common Core State Standards Our revised objectives will get students to think critically have students solve problems and show a greater depth of knowledge We are starting Language Arts this year and math next year.

5. Reading Levels Each child needs to reach a minimum level in order to be ready for 2 nd grade. Satisfactory entry level = Level 4 Satisfactory end of the year = Level 15

6. Word Waves First grade sight words are included on our Word Wave Lists. Word Waves are completed at the student’s pace. Return the signed list when your child is ready to recite the list.

7. High Frequency Words High Frequency Words are vocabulary words from our weekly stories. A list will be sent home each Monday. High Frequency Words are tested each Friday.

8. Writing We will write everyday for a variety of purposes and audiences. Typically, first graders should be able to write a paragraph with a topic sentence, sequenced body, and closing sentence by the end of the year.

9. Spelling Spelling Tests will correlate with the sound cards learned for the week. Spelling lists will be sent home on Monday and tested on Friday.

10. English Language Development We are teaming with other first grade classes for ELD.

11. Math We are using the Houghton Mifflin Series. Math homework will include problem solving. Problem solving page is leveled Your child should complete the top four questions. The bottom two are challenge questions.

12. Science We are using Houghton Mifflin Series. Units include: Living Things Forms of Matter Weather

13. Social Studies We are using Harcourt Brace Series. Our six themes include: Rules and Laws Where People Live All About People We Love Our Country The Marketplace Our Changing World

14. Patriot of the Week One child will be chosen weekly to be Patriot of the Week. The Classroom Patriot bag will be sent home on Friday with a Patriot fact sheet and estimation jar. Return the completed fact sheet and jar on Monday.

15. Homework Homework assignments have begun this week. All assignments will be given on a daily basis; Homework is due each morning. Books in a Bag baggie will be sent home on Monday with a reading log. Please return the baggie with reading log on Friday.

16. Parent Folders Each week, class work and tests will be sent home. Please review the papers and return the signed folder the following day.

17. Backpack Book Buddy Each Monday, in the fall, students will take home a backpack with six books. Use the books as part of your child’s daily reading homework. Return the backpack on Friday each week.

18. Behavior We use a clip up/clip down chart for behavior management.

19. Volunteers Help is needed for our classroom this year. Ways to volunteer: Check-in homework Help in the class at center-time with small group Room Parent Chaperone on class field trips Help prepare materials

20. Book Orders A book order will be sent home once a month. Orders can be sent to school with payment or ordered online.

21. PFA Please remember to join the Liberty PFA. The cost is $10.00 per family. The money raised helps fund our fieldtrips. In addition, you will receive some tickets to be used at the Fall Festival with your membership. Help our class reach 100% membership.

22. Thank you