Reader's Workshop
Reader's workshop is the most exciting part of our day! Reader's workshop begins with a mini-lesson. Mini-lessons will be based on the district's 10 Keys to Comprehension, reading strategies, and modeling of what good readers do. Students are then given time to read independently and practice the skills of the mini-lesson. In the beginning of first grade, we start off working to build our independent reading stamina. Books read during this time are "good fit books" for each student. Our classroom library provides many books that the students can choose from to work on reading at their level. After our independent reading time, students will engage in a variety of literacy activities while small groups are pulled for guided reading or one on one conferences with the teacher.
Writer's Workshop
First graders will have many opportunities to engage in writing throughout their day. Writing curriculum will be taught through a writing workshop approach. During workshop students will be exposed to skills through a mini-lesson, then be given time to apply these skills in writing pieces of their choosing. Students will be immersed in the genres of personal narrative, expository and persuasive writing through the use of mentor texts. Using picture books (mentor texts) to teach these writing skills, allows students to see examples of good writing, understand why and how writer's write, and begin to think and see themselves as writers. Grammar, punctuation, capitalization rules, and various other types of writing will be taught through daily mini-lessons as well. Writer's workshop gives the students a chance to pick their own topics and writing forms. We believe this free choice writing is imperative for the students' motivation to write! They will engage in the writing process during our workshop time, and learn how to draft and edit their own stories! Writing conferences will be done with students daily, and students will work with the teacher to set goals for their writing.
Math Workshop
Our district math curriculum revolves around Everyday Math. It provides a spiraled curriculum aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Math will be conducted using the workshop model as well. A mini-lesson is taught, and then students are given time to practice those skills. On most days, this will look like a small group meeting with the teacher while others are engaging in math activities such as math games, computer or iPad time, hands-on activities, or seat work. This allows for differentiation as students are at a variety of levels in their acquisition of skills. The workshop model allows for extension activities for those students who have already mastered the standard, and reteaching and extra practice for those who are still working to meet the standard.
Click HERE to view a list of first grade standards.
Click HERE to view a list of first grade standards.
Word Study
Students will be engaged in word study in a variety of ways in first grade! Each week, students will be responsible for 10-12 new sight words. We will do activities in class to work on these words, and it is very helpful if you could help your child with these words at home as well. Students need to be able to both read and write these words. At the end of each week, students will be assessed on their ability to both read and write these words.
Another way we teach word study is through a program called, Words Their Way. Words Their Way is a differentiated program that allows kids to work on word patterns at a level that fits them. They are given an assessment at the beginning of the year to gauge their level of understanding of word patterns. For example, some students may be working on short and long vowel sounds, while others may be working on when to double the consonant before adding -ing. It is another way to differentiate to meet the needs of all students. These sort activities will be done during class time, and students will not be tested over these words.
Another way we teach word study is through a program called, Words Their Way. Words Their Way is a differentiated program that allows kids to work on word patterns at a level that fits them. They are given an assessment at the beginning of the year to gauge their level of understanding of word patterns. For example, some students may be working on short and long vowel sounds, while others may be working on when to double the consonant before adding -ing. It is another way to differentiate to meet the needs of all students. These sort activities will be done during class time, and students will not be tested over these words.
Science
The district is in the process of transitioning the Science curriculum to meet our new NGSS Standards (Next Generation Science Standards). These standards provide a more inquiry-based approach to teaching and engaging in Science. Students will be encourage to think more like scientists and engage in hands-on activities in their acquisition of learning in science.