1. Welcome to Grade 1 Second Semester! Teacher Debbie & Teacher Iris

2. Self Introduction * I am from eastern Canada. * I am from eastern Canada. * My background is in social services. * My background is in social services. * I am married to Teacher Matt. * I am married to Teacher Matt. * We love living in this part of Taiwan. * We love living in this part of Taiwan.

3. Education * I hold a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from St. Francis Xavier University. St. Francis Xavier University. * I hold a Diploma in Corrections from Algonquin College. * I have completed T.E.Y.L certification which focuses in teaching English to Young Learners.

4. Work Experience I have extensive experience and training in youth counseling including child development, behavior modification, and learning theory. Before leaving for Taiwan I was senior management within the group home system and a Model Foster Parent for the Canadian government. I have taught grade school in Taiwan for 9 years; 4 years in Taipei and 5 years in Zhongli.

5. Class Rules 1. Respect your teachers. 2. Respect others. 3. Follow Korrnell school rules. 4. Always do your best. 5. Speak English all morning.

6. Curriculum Reading Class: A. Reading Text and Practice Book B. Purple Writing Book - critical concepts C. Blue Writing Book – spelling and sentence writing Phonics Class: A. Text B. Stories within the text Language Arts: A. Language Arts Text

7. Parent & Teacher Cooperation * Cooperation is based on communication. Let me know if your child is having any kind of difficulty. * Second semester grade 1 is more work at a more difficult level. Let's reduce the stress. * Encouragement is the key this semester.

8. Objectives * My main objective is to outline ways in which 102 students will improve skills critical to grade 1. * I also want to hear questions and concerns from parents.

9. ImprovementOfSkills

10. Improving Reading Skills * Grade one reading skills include: 1. Reading for meaning. 2. Recognize sequence of events, cause & effect, character, and setting. 3. Recognize possible outcomes of a story. 4. Use phonetics to break down unknown words. 5. Ability to discuss the story. * Listening skills are important. * Please don't ask students to read if I assign 'listening' homework.

11. Improving Reading Skills: Dolch List Improving Reading Skills: Dolch List * A list of words common to texts for early readers. texts for early readers. * They are called “sight words” because students should know them by sight. * Lists will be sent home for review and practice.

12. Improving Reading Skills: Family Reading Night * A night where you and your child sit * A night where you and your child sit down to discuss or read a story. down to discuss or read a story. This will greatly improve your child's This will greatly improve your child's love of reading, and fluency skills! love of reading, and fluency skills! * 1 st Week: ask child about aspects of the story. * 1 st Week: ask child about aspects of the story. * 2 nd Week: ask child to read the story. * 2 nd Week: ask child to read the story. * This is quality of practice not quantity of practice. * This is quality of practice not quantity of practice.

13. Improving Vocabulary Skills: Vocabulary Cards * Cards will be colorful with large size writing. * These cards use interest and color to take the place of repetitive writing. * Please get your child cards and thin tip markers. Thanks!

14. Improving Speaking Skills: Superstar English Board * Iris and I continue to encourage students to correct mistakes when they speak English. * “Superstar English” is meant to be a positive way of helping students correct mistakes that are common to second language speakers. * Your praise will promote progress.

15. Improving Writing Skills * Focus is on quality not repetition. * Students will learn to write on one line with a focus on proper letter position and spacing. * Your praise is more useful than repetition! * Less repetition will also help relax their eyes. * Positive feedback and directions is individualized.

16. Improving Phonetic Skills * Phonetics is a focus in everything we do in Class 102 including speaking, reading, and writing. * I will be recording parts of the text this semester. * Recordings improve listening and pronunciation skills while not straining their eyes. * Mini books are for phonetic repetition, not vocabulary.

17. Improving Citizenship and Class Participation * Routine, behavior, and class participation: 1. Korrnell Token System (Teacher Iris) 2. Specific praise from parents and school officials. 3. Football (schedule change) * Citizenship & friendship building: 1. Discussions, role plays, and personal outcomes. 2. “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”

18. Discussion Notes * E.S.L Department Weekly Schedule * Communication: Books & Class Notes * Policy on speaking English in class.

19. Taiwan S.P.C.A * Our donation was given to the S.P.C.A!! * Teacher Art and I will be planning a fund raising event for the S.P.C.A this semester focused on raising money for animal wheelchairs. * Students from 4 th grade will work with 1 st graders to help organize and run the event.

20. Specific Concerns * There may be questions or concerns about your child or the curriculum we did not have time to discuss this evening. * Please fill out the questionnaire I have provided before you leave tonight. * If you prefer to speak to me in person please have Iris help set up a meeting.