Mrs. Gasienica’s First Grade

1. Mrs. Gasienica’s First Grade Welcome!

2. Welcome to First Grade!

3. Parents…. Please do not forget to write a special note to your child at the bottom of their letter at their seat. Get to know the other parents in the room! I will be emailing for conference times!!

4. Class Subjects The subjects we cover in first grade are: • Literacy (reading, writing, listening and speaking) • Math • Science • Social Studies • Family Life/Health

5. Reading and Writing • Mini-lesson (10-12 minutes/Read Aloud is separate) • Independent Reading/Writing • Individual conferences • Mid-workshop interruption • Table conferences • Strategy lessons/Guided reading • Partner work/Reading Based Centers • Sharing Time (select a few student to share something you saw they tried or learned) • Early Intervention Support

6. Step into your students’ shoes… Pa XXXX Joanie with his dirty XXXX. Spoon rose to follow Pa, but one of the XXXX XXXX in the window caught the light of the real XXXX and sent off pure white XXXX directly at Spoon. He sat down again, XXXX by the XXXX orb, feeling as if he was on the brink of a meaningful XXXX, on the verge of XXXX his XXXX. His eyes darted from one XXXX to the next. Something of Gram’s. Thinking, thinking. • 4th grade reading level • 85% accuracy Tom Marshall, 2010

7. Let’s try that again at 90%... Pa followed Joanie with his dirty XXXX. Spoon rose to follow Pa, but one of the XXXX suns in the window caught the light of the real XXXX and sent off pure white XXXX directly at Spoon. He sat down again, XXXX by the XXXX orb, feeling as if he was on the brink of a meaningful thought, on the verge of XXXX his XXXX. His eyes darted from one XXXX to the next. Something of Gram’s. Thinking, thinking. • A little better… • Still not “just right.” Tom Marshall, 2010

8. How about 95%... Pa followed Joanie with his dirty dishes. Spoon rose to follow Pa, but one of the XXXX suns in the window caught the light of the real XXXX and sent off pure white flashes directly at Spoon. He sat down again, mesmerized by the XXXX orb, feeling as if he was on the brink of a meaningful thought, on the verge of solving his XXXX. His eyes darted from one sun to the next. Something of Gram’s. Thinking, thinking. • Starting to clear up… • Let’s see 100% Tom Marshall, 2010

9. This is what it should sound (and feel) like… Pa followed Joanie with his dirty dishes. Spoon rose to follow Pa, but one of the stained-glass suns in the window caught the light of the real sun and sent off pure white flashes directly at Spoon. He sat down again, mesmerized by the gleaming orb, feeling as if he was on the brink of a meaningful thought, on the verge of solving his problem. His eyes darted from one sun to the next. Something of Gram’s. Thinking, thinking. • So, what does that show? Tom Marshall, 2010

10. It shows us… • Under 96% is really unclear. • Matching kids to books. • Better to be too easy than too hard. Tom Marshall, 2010

11. PreConventional/ Beginning • Strong picture support • One line of print per page • Signs, labels, songs, and poems • Pattern Books • Knows all letter names and SOME sounds • Uses pictures to tell stories • Illustrations clearly support text • Print placement always is consistent

13. Developing • Books have simple patterns • Reads independently for 10 minutes • Has Book Talks • Knows most letter sounds and blends • Heavily relies on pictures and print • Retells story • Illustrations still appear on each page • Print placement varies

15. Beginning Readers • Identifies basic genres • Independent Reading 10-15 minutes • Acknowledges punctuation • Recognizes sight words and endings • Learns and shares info from reading • Begins to self-correct • Less rhyme and repetition –simple story • Clear sequence of events

18. To be on a “just right” • level… • 96% accuracy or higher • Fluent (but what is that?) • Comprehend literally and inferentially

19. Instructional Spelling • White Level (cvc words and vce patterns) • Trick Words • Spelling homework notebook • Spelling Inventory • Dictation • Word Study - Phonics lessons

20. Math • B , D, and S skills (Spiraling Curriculum) • Math Games • Typical lesson: Math Message, Mental Math/Slate Work, Math Boxes(review), Journal Pages (new concept) and Games • Home Links • Family Letter • Timed Fact Tests • Online Resources

21. Miscellaneous • All Notices: envelope with: what it is, child’s name and 1S (please cut off tear offs!) • Conferences: January and April • Report Cards: January, April and June • Please call in absences/late (front door) • Send note to teacher for any changes in pick up • Scholastic Books – please send checks • Class Trips -TBA • Circus Arts - Performance Date 3/21/14 • Birthdays (make plans in advance with teacher) • Webpage – notes, reminders, etc. • Emails (kgasienica@fairlawnschools.org) • Lunch Orders

22. Behavior Plan • Respect • Individual Stop Lights • 1 Warning – Black • 2 Warnings – Green • 3 Warnings – Yellow • 4 Warnings – Red (note home/office visit) • Happy Calls/Emails

23. Homework • Reading Calendar (initial each night) • Spelling Menu • Math Home Links (math side in folder) • Completed independently and then reviewed by parent – Name on top • Please note any difficulty • Homework will be differentiated as the year progresses

24. Let’s Have a Great Year!