General First Grade Information

It is my deepest hope that this will be a year of amazing growth in each of my students. My primary focus will be to create students who are self-directed, life-long learners. It is my job to provide meaningful learning experiences that will be stimulating and interesting for my students. My goal this year is to develop in my students a love of learning. I believe that intrinsically motivated learners will be more likely to succeed in life. Thus, teaching students that learning in itself is the most important reward will be something that is fostered and developed throughout the year.

I am committed to providing a learning environment that is free of harmful stress, is safe, and promotes mutual respect and fairness. The environment in our class will establish and build a sense of community among the students. Each child has unique and wonderful gifts to offer to our class. Individual differences are not only accepted but deeply valued. Each child has something unique and wonderful to offer to our class community. Their opinions, thoughts and personalities are what will make our class special.

I believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. The impact you have in their lives is profound. You will be their role models, guides, spiritual leaders, and source of support throughout their lives. I only have a year with them…You have an entire lifetime with them! While I take my responsibility of role model, teacher, guide and encourager very seriously, it is, you, the parents that have the most significant influence in their lives. They depend on you for spiritual formation, love, discipline and educational support. Please spend as much time with them as possible everyday to mold their minds, love their spirits, and shape their lives. They need you and want you desperately at this age. Nothing is more important than the quality time you spend with your children.

I look forward to working with each of you this year. We are truly in a partnership to help your child reach their maximum learning potential. I will do my best to provide a structured, warm, nurturing and rich educational experience for your child. I appreciate your support and cooperation. It is my prayer that each child will reach their God given potential, and that God will give me, the teacher, and you, the parent, the energy, strength, and wisdom to help your child be the best that they can be.

Curriculum:

A variety of materials, resources and teaching techniques will be used to insure that each child’s learning style will be addressed. By designing lessons this way, the likelihood of reaching all students is greater. Independent work, cooperative grouping, whole group and small group instruction, hands-on activities, learning centers and guided discovery approaches will be used throughout the year.

A comprehensive overview of the curriculum will be presented at Back to School Night.

Special Classes

Art:

The children will attend art class once a week. In addition, they will participate in various art projects in class. Art will be integrated into all areas of the curriculum. The students will also be taught different art styles and how to blend colors.

P.E.

The children will attend P.E. class twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They should wear their P.E. uniforms to school on these days.

Music:

The children will attend music class twice a week.

Computer:

The children will be using computers in the classroom to enhance learning. They will also be attending the resource/computer lab twice a week.

PLEASE REVIEW THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, COUNTING TO 100, ABC’S, SHORT VOWELS, INITIAL CONSONANT SOUNDS, PRINTING FIRST AND LAST NAME FROM MEMORY, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER, AND TYING A DOUBLE BOW KNOT ON THEIR SHOE LACES.

THE ABOVE ARE REQUIRED FIRST GRADE SKILLS. EVERY STUDENT SHOULD HAVE LEARNED THESE IN KINDERGARTEN. IF YOUR CHILD FORGOT THEM OVER THE SUMMER, PLEASE REVIEW!!!

Class Rules/Discipline:

This year your child will be learning how to be a responsible student. They are in charge of remembering their homework and being in control of their own learning. Please encourage them is this area. Children will be encouraged to monitor their own behavior and will be reminded that they are in control of the choices they make. They will learn that they have the ability to make good choices and to use self-control. It is my hope that they will develop the ability to regulate their own behavior and make wise choices that will assist them in their learning.

General Rules:

1. Use kind words

2. Try your best

3. Clean up after yourself

4. Work neatly

5. Keep desk neat

6. Keep hands and feet to yourself

7. Be a good listener/raise hand before speaking

…..and most importantly follow the “Golden Rule”

Positive reinforcement is used whenever possible. Praise and encouragement are a part of the daily routine. Individual and group rewards are given for excellent behavior. If a child does not respond to positive reinforcement, then they will be given a consequence suited to the behavior difficulty. General consequences for misbehavior:

-a student-teacher conference

-a 10 minute time-out during play time.

-a letter home to mom or dad

-Parent-teacher conferences

-principal conferences, if necessary.

Students are taught that they are in control of the choices they make. They have the power to make good or bad choices. Students are guided to reflect on their behavior and make the necessary changes to be a responsible student.

Homework:

Homework is designed to help students develop good work habits, discipline and to reinforce skills and concepts taught in class. Please take an active interest in your child’s homework. Do not do the work for them. Encourage them to take pride in their work. It should be done neatly. Guide them in carefully reviewing their work to check for mistakes. The discipline of doing homework neatly, with care and thought and consistently will help them to be responsible learners.

Monday-Thursday only. Thirty minutes per night

High frequency word practice and nightly reading is required as a regular part of homework. Please sign their reading log nightly.

Reminders:

All lunchboxes, clothing items, and backpacks must be labeled with a permanent marker. include child’s name and room number.

If you have not sent in all supplies, please do so ASAP!

Birthday Policy

If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday, please check with me before sending in any treats. It must be prearranged. Please do not send treats that need to be cut or served. Treats such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes and donuts are the best, because they can be distributed easily. Do not send juice.