1. Welcome to Curriculum Night First Grade Baker Elementary

2. Teacher Introductions Arlene Crail Vanessa Blanco Heather Calvert Erica Fouts Debrah Hartin Ilana Levy Sandra Lindorm Gina Lowrance

4. Course Map  Roadmap of content covered, estimated timeline for each course and how course is vertically aligned. These documents are located on the district webpage under Curriculum and Instruction.

5. The Magic that Happens

6. Reading/Language Arts – 120 minutes of instruction The Balanced Literacy approach engages children in a variety of reading and writing experiences that model powerful examples of effective literacy practices using fiction, and nonfiction, informational, persuasive, prose, drama, and media texts. Children learn in a supportive environment where lessons are designed with appropriate scaffolding to meet the needs of all. A gradual and anticipated release of responsibility from teacher to student moves learners along a planned continuum on their journey toward independence.

7. Reading/Writing Instructional Approach… The elements of a Balanced Literacy approach are as follows: Read Aloud Shared Reading Guided Reading Independent Reading Word Work/Vocabulary Shared Writing Interactive Writing Writing Workshop Independent Writing

8. Spelling/Word Work Purpose The purpose of Word Study/Word Work instruction is to develop and promote fluent writing. Research shows that students need to develop strong visual images of whole words and demonstrate correct English spelling in everyday writing. (Fitzgerald Method and Marie Clay’s Method). The traditional method of memorization of spelling words does not support the development of spelling skills. Word Study allows students to observe words to discover their patterns and conventions in order to read, write, and spell.

9. Spelling/Word Work  In grades 1st-4th: 15 high frequency words will be pre- assessed from the previous school year, and this assessment will be completed within the first three weeks of instruction.  Words will need to be spelled and read. The pre- assessment will be used at parent conferences in the fall.  There will be a pre-assessment each nine weeks. Based on the pre-assessment, a list will be created for an individual’s spelling needs/results.

10. Spelling/Word Work Homework  Homework should include at least one activity each week that is tied to spelling/word work.  Example- Write your spelling words in alphabetical order and then write a sentence for each word.

11. Science 30 minutes of instruction and Social Studies 30 minutes in 1st The elements of a rigorous and relevant social studies classroom in PISD include: Charts/Maps/Graphs – A primary source for interpreting, analyzing and application of data. Inquiry Based Learning – Learning how to solve, defend or develop knowledge or solutions. Content Area Reading and writing – Read materials that are related to social studies and apply historical writing techniques. Primary Sources – Original materials that have not been altered or distorted in any way. Examples are not limited to the following: music, time period speeches, articles, maps, photographs or artifacts.

12. Math 90 minutes of instruction The Prosper ISD K-12 Math Department believes in purposeful teaching that allows students to make the connections between concrete explorations and abstract concepts. Teachers develop conceptual understanding and move students to abstract application through the use of three phases: (1) concrete, (2) representational, and (3) abstract.

13. Math Prosper ISD math teachers use a variety of teaching methods including: modeling, inquiry, direct instruction, guided practice, interactive models, differentiated tasks, electronic demonstrations, and cooperative learning.

14. UPS Check and Reflect Problem Solving Model  Prosper ISD will be implementing a standard problem solving model for students in grades K-12.  Math problem solving should be based on an understanding of any problem, initiate a plan, execute it, and evaluate the reasonableness of the solution.

16. Technology usage in the classroom…  iPads  Student devices  Promethean  School Wires  Laptops  Chromebooks

17. Extensions and Challenges  Differentiation  Small group instruction  Pre-assessment  Formative assessment  Data to drive instructional decisions

18. Intervention/Tutoring  Small group instruction  Data to drive instruction – MAP, Fountas and Pinell Benchmark Assessment, TPRI, curriculum based assessments, etc.

19. Homework…  Focus on quality not quantity  Homework should have meaning and be tied directly to learning

20. Estimated Time Frame (Min. & Max. Days)

21. Learning and Working Together Daily  7:45- 8:00 Morning Work, Announcements  8:00-8:15 Calendar Math  8:15-9:45 ELAR  9:45-10:15 Writer's Workshop/Snack Time  10:15-10:45 Social Studies  10:45-11:45 PE/ Specials  11:45-12:15 Lunch  12:15-12:45 Recess  12:45-2:00 Math  2:00-2:30 Science  2:30-2:45 Dismissal Exceptional Classroom  Expectations  Management  REACH

22. Communication is the Key

23. Communication  Newsletters/Brochures  School Website  Email/Phone Calls/Class Newsletters  Curriculum and Instruction Page

24. “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” ~Clay P. Bedford