2013-2014 Please take a moment to write a short, simple response in your child’s journal before we begin.

2013-2014Please take a moment to write a

short, simple response in your child’s journal before we begin.

All About Me Education Occidental College, BA in English

Claremont Graduate University, MA in Education

9th year teaching at Saint Mark’s

1994-1999 West Covina Unified

The Basics Chip Chart and Rules: earn

a chip when “caught” following the rules, can’t ask for one, chips can be taken away

V.I.P.: “Very Important Person.” Students fill out form and decorate board for their week. May bring up to 3 non-board items.

Birthdays: optional treats at the end of the day, setup at 2:30 at outside tables, napkins/drink optional

Curriculum

Language Arts: Reading acquisition is a

developmental skill. Children learn to read at different

ages, usually between Kindergarten and 2nd grade.

In order to best meet your child at his/her current reading level, we will “switch” for Language Arts.

“Switching” for Language Arts Both language arts classes use the same

curriculum (Harcourt Trophies), but tailor the lessons to meet the needs of our students (Reading a-z).

The grouping is fluid, and we look at student progress each quarter and reevaluate.

Our goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability.

Math We are piloting Math in

Focus/Singapore Math this year. We spend significant time establishing

number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.

Math binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.

Touchmath: a transitional tool used to support students in their understanding of number sense, addition, and subtraction. It is not meant to be used in place of ultimately memorizing math facts, but as a starting point for exploring how numbers work together.

Practice = Kim Sutton Even/Odd

Addition strategies

Plus/Minus Zero strategies

Addition Combinations to Make 10 strategies

Doubling strategies

Double Plus/Minus one strategies

Adding Ten strategies

Adding/Subtracting Nine strategies

Inverse Operational strategies

Theme Topics of Study

Beginning in November, first grade creates passports and boarding passes and begins a tour of all seven continents!

If you have any firsthand knowledge of specific countries, we welcome you to visit!

Organizers

Must be brought to school daily.

Students should be responsible for placing organizers in basket.

Work from the previous week is sent home on Mondays.

Homework The homework contract should be

sent back to school daily. Students should use pencil to

complete homework. Please review your child’s homework

after completion. When we begin switching for

Language Arts, homework will be given by your student’s Language Arts teacher.

Let us know if the homework is too difficult.

Reading Logs (Starting Monday 9/23)

Reading Logs should be filled out daily and returned to school on Friday.

By the end of the year (preferably sooner) students should fill out the log themselves.

“Sounding out” words is fine

Communication & Teacher Pages

Check the Teacher Pages regularly for the Monday Memo and other information. http://tpages.saint-marks.org/tpages/?

I can be reached by email at [email protected] during school hours or [email protected] in the evenings or on weekends.

I also check my voicemail throughout the day: (626) 798-8858, ext. 247

Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voicemail as well.

Parent Conferences Fall Parent Conferences are November

12 and 13.

We will have a second round of Parent Conferences on January 30 and 31.

However, I am always free to conference with you at any time, just let me know!

Technology

Smartboard (example of Math in Focus)

iPads (Math Bingo, Word Bingo, Intro to Math, Kidgitz, Simplex Spelling)

Computer Lab

Here’s to a great year!Any questions?