|
|
|
|
|
|
Spanish |
Language
Arts:
We increase
reading for understanding and fluency using phonics, sight word, and whole
language strategies. We use the Open Court "Collections for Young
Scholars" reading series. We have a read aloud time every day to
develop listening skills and expose the children to a variety of literature.
We also include DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time on a daily basis to
encourage children to read independently.
We use group and individual instruction to teach writing. Children write daily in their journals. Invented spelling is encouraged to enhance the flow of ideas and the children’s expressive vocabulary.
A book review rotation begins in the second semester. Each day, a different student is responsible for sharing a book she enjoys with the class.
Mathematics:
We use
the "Everyday Mathematics" series that features problem solving for everyday
situations, developing readiness through hands-on activities, establishing
links between past experiences and explorations of new concepts, sharing
ideas through discussion, cooperative learning through partner and small
group interactions, and practice through games. We cover a wide range
of topics including time telling, coin recognition and values, number stories,
number patterns, measurement, mental arithmetic, addition and subtraction
facts, geometry, fractions, and place value.
Social
Studies:
We use
Captain Bill Pinkney’s journey around the world from the Open Court reading
series to focus on the continents and maps. Traveling Tom offers
us an opportunity to learn about other cities, states, and countries.
We study the passage of time from seasons to months, weeks, days, hours,
and minutes. We discuss major American holidays as well as holidays
from around the world so we better understand other cultures. We
use the Scholastic News magazine to add additional topics on a weekly basis.
We spend the entire year working on strategies for peaceful conflict resolution
both in the classroom and on the playground.
Science:
We use
the FOSS program for science. There are three units in first grade:
Solids and Liquids; Sand, Silt, and Pebbles; and Insects. These units
take a hands-on approach to the study of science. In addition to
FOSS, we also spend time on studying simple machines, animals,
and the solar system.
Homework:
Written
homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. Children are expected
to carry their homework home in their Ray School folder each afternoon
and return it in the same folder the next morning. Graded papers
are sent home every Friday afternoon in the Ray School folder. Please
review these papers with your child! Graded papers are not
to be returned unless indicated. Homework includes reading to and/or
with your child every day! (Click on Book Reports on the main page.)
back
to top
Spanish:
A Spanish
teacher comes into our class on Tuesdays and Thursdays to expose the children
to the Spanish language and customs.
by
Ellen Dairyko