Welcome to 1st GradeOpen House 2017-2018

About Me

● Grew up in Northbrook, and graduated from GBN● BA in Journalism, University of Maryland and Master of

Arts in Teaching, National Louis University● Most recently worked in 2nd grade classroom at

Braeside● My husband Gregg, three children, and I live with our

dog Daizy in Riverwoods● Hobbies includes photography, writing, walking, and

watching my kids play their sports (baseball, basketball, badminton)

About Our Class● Community● Emphasis on supporting others and taking

appropriate risks● Social responsibility, bigger picture (Second Step,

Social Emotional Learning)● Lots of laughter!

http://mrsorloffsclass.weebly.com/

Habits of Mind

Literacy ● Exposure to a variety of rich fiction/non-fiction text● Dig deep into texts to promote higher-order thinking● Daily 5 to promote independence (Three ways to Read, IPICK, CAFE)● Decoding Strategies (Stretchy snake, Eagle Eye)● Comprehension Strategies (using schema, making predictions, visualizing,

questioning, inferencing, and synthesizing)● Word Study with Words Their Way● Handwriting Without Tears (formation of letters and numbers, spacing,

placement on lines)● Reading/Writing Connection● Overarching theme in 1st grade: Relationships

About Our English Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum

* Word Study*VocabularyBalanced Literacy

Model - Including Sight Words, Handwriting, Daily 5, CAFE

Lucy Calkins Units of Study: Narrative, Information, Opinion, and Poetry

Rich fiction and non-fiction texts to

support themesRelationships (between people)CharacterSequenceProblem-Solution

MathHands-On activities, Math Talks, Complex Tasks, and Guided Math

● Number sense with numbers to 120● Place value● Addition and subtraction● Measurement● Telling Time● Graphing● Geometry● Money

About Our Math CurriculumStandards for Mathematical Practice: 1) Make Sense of Problems and Persevere in Solving Them6) Attend to Precision2) Reason Abstractly and Quantitatively3) Construct Viable Arguments4) Model with Mathematics5) Use Appropriate Tools Strategically7) Look for and Make Use of Structure8) Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning

More About Math● Multiple pathways and opportunities for students to experience success● Focus is on the process (many ways to arrive at the answer)● Math Talks promote discussion and reflection● Collaborative learning (speaking/listening with peers)● Encouraging growth mindset

Guided Math● Students will receive instruction at his/her own level through this model● Math begins with Calendar, Whole Group Lesson, and then Stations

(Manipulatives, Math Journal, Games, Technology, Work with Me)

Social Studies ScienceThe aim is to prepare all students to become informed, involved, and responsible citizens in our democracy and global society.

● Character education● Citizenship within our school, family,

and community ● Understanding and appreciating

differences between people● Maps and geography

Foss is a research-based program (UC Berkley) that engages students in a deeper understanding of the natural and designed worlds. Hands-on experiments that provide students with authentic and meaningful experiences that are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

● Air & Weather: Earth Science ● Sound & Light: Physical Science● Plants & Animals: Life Science

Morning Meeting● Daily morning meeting● Greeting ● Share● Group Activity● Message● Schedule

Healthy Snacks/Lunch● Daily healthy snack at 10:40● Please provide fruits or veggies (save other

treats for lunch or after school)● Peanut/Nut Free Classroom and School● School policy that there is no sharing snacks or

lunches

Specials and Recess● Recess daily after lunch● As the weather cools, please

label all coats, hats, mittens, etc.

HomeworkIt’s recommended that students:

● Read or write 20-30 minutes a day● Math on Dreambox ● Word Study as needed

Children should read what interests them. Go to the library and explore! Use our class account and read on Raz Kids. Be creative, and bake together. Have your child read you the recipe! Or, get a subscription to a kid’s magazine your child will enjoy. If you need recommendations, please email me.

Star of the Week BirthdaysMonday: Poster

Tuesday: Show and Tell

Wednesday: Poem

Thursday: Timeline

Friday: Parent letter, picture or video

See handout for details and dates.

We love to celebrate birthdays in our classroom to honor your child.

Treats are optional, but not edible;)

We will celebrate your child with a game chosen from our game closet!

Classroom ExpectationsBucket-Fillers Contract - “By signing my name, I am promising to always fill buckets and never dip. I understand that if I choose to dip into someone’s bucket, there will be a consequence, and I will take responsibility for my actions.”

● As we get to know each other, specific “right-fit” consequences will be put in place.

● Consequences determined by student needs and personalities - Fair is not always equal

Communication● Email: 24 hour rule● Phone: 224-765-3750 (during school hours, please call Miss. Fatima)● If your child is being picked up early, please send in a note or contact the

office before 2:30● Home Folder: Check each night, and place notes here● Website: Check often for updates, sign up for blog updates● Twitter @julie_orloff● If your student is absent please contact the nurse: 224-765-3759

How Can You Support Your Child at Home?● Take home folder (check it, and place notes

here)● Keep me informed if your child’s routine

changes● Check and read email daily● Library books (gentle reminder to send in

books for Wednesday)● Check our website and Twitter● Note Star of the Week ● Send a snack each day (fresh fruit or veggies,

please)