Welcome to Grade One2011

Ms. Kwok’s Class

Introductions

Ms. Kwok Ms. Zulfa

We Want TAISM Students To Be:

Safe, Responsible and Respectful

Risk Takers

Inquirers

Communicators

Caring

Reflective

Well Balanced

Happy

Your child’s growth will be unique to them. First Grade is an exciting year where you will be seeing tremendous progress

in your own child.

Your Child’s Typical DayCommunity Circle/ Calendar

Literacy

Recess/ Snack

Math

Writer’s Workshop

Lunch / Recess

Inquiry (Science / Social Studies)

Centers

Circle Time / Read-Aloud

Specials

Our Specialists

PE : Mr. Luther

Art: Mr. Duncan Music with Mrs. WilsonLibrary: Mrs. Catherine

I.T : Mr. HoffmanCounselor: Mr. Everett

Specials Schedule

P.E. Day 1, 3, 6

Art Day 3, 5, (6)

Music Day 1, 5, (6)

Library Day 2

Computer Lab

Day 2, 4

Our Curriculum:

Social and Emotional DevelopmentThinkingLiteracy

Word Work

Reading

Writing

Math

Inquiry – Science/Social Studies

First Grade

LiteracyReading, Writing and Oral Language

The literacy components are integrated throughout the First Grade curriculum. Everyday

we are reading, writing and using oral language as a means to communicate and express our ideas.

ReadingWe are trying to develop the following reading skills:

•a positive attitude towards reading•the ability to self monitor•reading for meaning•using letter sound links in reading•interpreting pictures •predicting story events.•sequencing story events •reading to learn•reading for fun !!!!!!!

How Do We Do ThisShared Reading Experiences (Big Books, Poems, Songs)

Small Group Work and Guided Reading Groups

The Daily 5

Read to self

Read to someone

Listen to Reading

Work on writing

Word Work

Home Reading

Home readers

Library books

Books from home even in another language

The most important thing you can do at home to help your child is to make reading with them a daily event.

Writer’s WorkshopWe also practice writing to develop self confidence and a positive attitude.

Teachers provide direct writing instruction through modeled writing activities. The children work on individual writing, practicing the skills that they have learned. Teachers meet with individual students to discuss the progress of their writing skills and develop writing goals frequently.

A Few Words on Invented Spelling

Invented spelling is the name for children’s misspellings before they know the rules adults use to spell.

Research has proven that inventive spellers’ errors don’t interfere with their learning to spell correctly later ; just as a child’s first picture of themselves

might be a circle with two stick legs. Although deficient by many standards, the drawings are not interpreted as signs of visual, cognitive, or fine motor

problems.

Why Allow Invented Spellings

Independence

Children don’t have to ask how to spell every word.

Fluent and Powerful Writing

They can focus more on getting their message across instead of if every word is spelled correctly.

Early Control and Responsibility

Children learn to take risks. They also internalize what they learn about writing as it becomes more relevant to them.

Oral Language

Oral language is woven into all areas of the curriculum. Whether it’s sharing a piece of art that they have created or talking about something special from home, children are learning to express their ideas and communicate to their peer group. We develop speaking as a tool for sharing and observing our everyday experiences.

MathStudents will be working on the following topics throughout the year:

Dealing with Data

Understanding Operations

Shapes

Measuring and Comparing numbers

Bigger Numbers (place value)

How We Teach Math

Small Groups

Whole Class

Individual Work

Emphasis on manipulatives, games and hands-on activities

*New* Online resource – IXL

Social/EmotionalInteract and build Friendships

Communicate, collaborate and cooperate

Apply listening skills

Resolve conflicts

Take appropriate risks

Independence

CommunicationReport Cards (Dec 13th)

Conferences (Nov 1st and Nov 2nd)

Home Communication Books

Class Blog (http://1jktaism.blogspot.com/)

Green Plastic Snap Folders

E-mail (kwokj@taism.com)

In Person

What your Child needs to Bring Each Day

• Water Bottle and Hat

• Healthy Snack

• Green Plastic Folders with communication books

• Other Suggestions:

• Change of clothes

• Sweater/Jersey

• Pillow

• Baby wipes

• Post-its

House Keeping

Absent or Late

Lunch Coupons

Snack

Birthday Parties and Invitations

Reading Buddies

After School Activities

Bus/Pick up

Concerns

Thank You!!!