Woodrow Wilson Elementary

Rosa Parks Elementary Ms. Diane Barbour 1st Grade, Track D

Thank you for attending parent information night. I hope to answer any questions you may have about the upcoming school year.We already have something in common ...your child! With your child as our number one priority, we will work together to make this school year the best one yet! Daily Schedule Schedule

8:25 School Begins 8:25-9:45 Language Arts/Houghton Mifflin 9:45-10:30 Writing 10:30- 10:45 Recess 10:45-12:15 Math 12:15-1:10 Lunch 1:10-1:40-Intervention/ELD 1:40-2:15 Guided Reading/Literacy Centers 2:15-2:35 Social Studies/Science 2:35-2:50 Clean Up 2:50 Dismissal *We visit both the library and computer lab one day a week for 30 minutes each. Standards/ First Grade

Language Arts We have adopted the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program. It includes: . Literature Selections . Phonics and Phonemic Awareness . Spelling . Writing . Grammar/Mechanics

Language Arts lessons are planned to meet the common core standards and are structured to develop reading fluency, writing, oral speaking, listening, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

The children in the class are at all different developmental levels.I will be assessing each child’s individual abilities and teach to their needs through differentiated instruction within:

*Literacy Centers *Guided Reading Groups *Step-Up to Writing We will be focusing on the following areas in reading: short/long vowels, word families, blending and segmenting letters, rhyming words, r-controlled vowels, word endings, reading with fluency, reading comprehension, and strategies that help students understand the story elements.

Focus Wall Our classroom Focus Wall will be used to help students understand the vast variety of concepts and skills that will be introduced to first graders within the reading curriculum. The Focus Wall is based on elaborating on our district adopted reading curriculum-Houghton Mifflin. It will be used as an interactive bulletin board or pocket chart where skills and stories are introduced, reviewed, and discussed for a clearer understanding of the following skills: comprehension, vocabulary development, genre focus, theme focus, reading strategies, and more.

Spelling Spelling words will be taken from the literature/phonics selections in the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program. We will begin spelling lists/ tests on the second week of school. The words will be listed on the website under Homework. These words and the phonics skill are to be practiced every night in order to prepare for the spelling test on Friday. The students will be given two extra words on the test that focus on the phonics skill we covered that week.

A Note About Spelling My goal is for first grade students to use phonics skills to spell words, and to enjoy writing without the anxiety of spelling every word perfectly. As the year progresses, you should expect to see your child transition into standard spelling. My focus will be to spell Houghton Mifflin list words and sight words correctly.

Sight Words First graders are expected to master reading the CNUSD sight words by the end of the year. In order to master a list, your child must be able to read each word in three seconds. When your child has mastered the list, please sign and return the list to school. When your child passes, I will send home the next list.

Writing The Corona-Norco school district uses a program called Step Up to Writing. Your child will be able to write a complete paragraph by the end of the year. We will be covering three types of writing which include opinion, narrative, and explanatory text. This will include green, yellow, and red (juicy detailed) sentences. This color system will be explained on Family Friday. Writing will be taking place every day and will include shared as well as independent writing. We will also be assessing their writing skills once a month through a writing test that will be evaluated by the first grade team.

Math We will be using the adopted Envision Math program this year. I will develop math concepts through guided practice of hands-on manipulatives (ex: counting bears, unifix cubes, tangrams, number lines, etc.) as well as assigning independent practice worksheets. Units of Study . Problem Solving . Geometry . Place Value . Time . Fractions/Measurement . Addition & Subtraction Facts to 20 (Includes leveled timed-tests.)

Social Studies Units of Study: rules and laws, history of American symbols, American heritage, continents, oceans and where we live, the marketplace, transportation, life 100 years ago, and Native Americans.

Science Units of Study five senses, nutrition, solids/liquids/gases, oceans, living things, weather, and the four seasons.

Computer Education General uses, keyboard skills, educational games, and word processing are part of the computer program. The children will visit the school computer lab once a week for 30 minutes, as well as have access in the classroom. It is highly encouraged that you begin to explore the internet and many of the useful and engaging websites with your child.

Music, Drama, & Art Children listen to music, sing songs, and participate in rhythmic activities. They learn to appreciate music in a variety of ways. Selected stories and rhymes are ”brought to life” through dramatizations as well.

Names All clothing, backpacks, and lunch pails should be labeled with your child’s name. Many children do not remember what they bring to school. Please help them (and us) by labeling everything.

Physical Education & Recess Large and small muscle coordination is developed through movement activities and games. Physical Education is a part of your child’s mandated and state required fitness program. They practice a variety of skills such as, but not limited to: skipping, hopping, jumping rope, basic drill stretches/exercises, and running. It is for this reason that you share any health concerns or limitations with your classroom teacher.

Snack First grade classes have one 15-minute snack/recess break each day with one 55 minute lunch period. The break schedule is as follows: 10:30-10:45 a.m. snack/recess 12:15-1:10 lunch/recess Your child may bring a small snack from home to eat during the am snack period. Suggestions for snack time include: fruit, water, raisins, carrots, and other nutritious snacks your child can open on his/her own. During the lunch period your child can bring a lunch from home or purchase a lunch from the cafeteria. Contributions

If your family would like to contribute any of the following, it would be greatly appreciated.

 Tissue

 Clorox Wipes

 Prizes for Prize Box

 Expo Markers

 Computer paper

 Crayons

 Pencils

 Glue sticks Homework and Grading

Homework Homework will be posted on the website every Friday and should be turned in the following Friday. Homework is a practice of the concepts taught in the classroom. Homework activities include: . 15-20 minutes of daily reading . Spelling . Sight word lists . Math . Writng(SUTW format) Please assist your child in making sure all activities are completed.

Grading An academic will be given in the following areas: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and oral language. An effort grade will be given for handwriting, behavior, fine arts, computer education, homework, and physical education. Classroom Expectations

CLASSROOM RULES 1. Come to school every day on time, ready to learn 2. Be respectful of others, keep hands, feet and objects to yourself 3. Raise your hand for permission to speak and leave your seat. 4. Listen carefully and follow all directions the first time. 5. Clean up after yourself.

REWARDS CONSEQUENCES  Praise and special  Warning privileges  Time-out/Loss of  Tickets/Prize Box privilege/recess  Stickers  Behavior  Name on the Good/Great Citation/Referral Day Chart  Parent/Principal Contact Contact Info Closure

Please feel free to contact me any time you have questions or concerns this year. You could send a note, call the office, or e-mail me. If you would like to reach me by e-mail, my address is [email protected]. I will do my best to get back to you within 24 hours. Thank you for your partnership as we strive to make this year a success for your child. I am looking forward to a rewarding year!

Sincerely, Ms. Barbour