Welcome to First Grade!

Mr. Degman’s Class

Everyday MathematicsOur Everyday Math program uses a spiral curriculum. This means that a concept is taught in class and then reinforced in school through the use of manipulatives, games and a math journal, and reinforced at home through the use of homework. The concepts are revisited throughout the year but on more challenging terms.

Students are assessed on three different levels in this program: beginning, developing, and secure. While some concepts are expected to be mastered (secure), others will just be introduced to lay the building blocks for future math success.

A homework assignment (Home Link) goes home after every completed lesson and needs to be returned the next day in the take home folder.

Language ArtsWe have a newly adopted reading curriculum called Treasures.. This series is made up of lessons that teach students phonics, phonemic awareness, dictation, comprehension skills, language skills (grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, spelling), and the writing process. This series allows for small group guided reading time and center work to differentiate instruction in order to meet the needs of all learners.

A reading log will be attached to each student’s take-home binder to record minutes and books read. Reading daily at home will prove helpful in various reading skills, such as fluency and vocabulary.

First graders will also work on handwriting via our Handwriting Without Tears program. HWT reviews capital letters and provides practice for lower case letters, words, and sentences.

ScienceOur science units are taught in a hands-on matter. We do many experiments and explore the following topics:

• Organisms

• Weather

• Solids and Liquids

Social StudiesOur Social Studies curriculum covers the following topics:

• School and Family

• People Everywhere ~ Cultures

• Where We Live ~ Geography

• World of Work ~ Economics

• Everything Changes ~ History

• Good Citizens ~ Government and Citizenship

Thinking SkillsMr. Packer will visit our classroom once a week for 30 minutes to develop critical thinking skills.

SpanishFirst graders attend Spanish class four times weekly for 22 minutes.

MusicFirst graders attend Music class twice weekly in 30 minute intervals.

First graders attend Gym class twice weekly in 30 minute intervals.

Gym

ArtFirst Graders attend Art for an 1 hour and 7 minutes weekly.

LibraryFirst graders visit the library as a class every Wednesday.

Beginning in October, one week will be dedicated to each firstgrader. During this special week the student will be able to bring in pictures and other special objects to share with the class and put on display in the hallway outside of our classroom. In addition, their picture will be displayed in a decorated glass class case located across from the Art room and their name will be announced over the intercom during morning announcements!

Can Do Kid!

Birthday TreatsWe are a nut free classroom AND we have students with other food allergies. Please do not send any food items for birthdays. This is a new school rule this year. Students may bring other party favors to pass out.

In addition, Irving has adopted a school wide behavior system entitled PBIS (Positive Behavior at Irving School) which revolves around the four Irving Essentials:

• Be Respectful…

• Be Responsible…

• Be Peaceful…

• Be Safe…

EVERYWHERE!

PBIS

Helpful InformationPlease inform us of a planned absence or early dismissal via note or email.School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. It is important for students to arrive at school on time. If your child is tardy, please enter the building through the office.Family/Teacher conferences are held twice a year. The first one takes place in the fall and the latter in the spring. Every Tuesday you will receive a packet providing you with information about the school, district, and community. In addition, the WIN (Washington Irving News) will be sent home periodically to update you with school happenings.

Helpful information cont…. It is imperative to keep us updated if any contact

phone numbers change. Please look through your child’s backpack and

take-home folder daily. Return library books on FRIDAY, the day your child

is scheduled to visit the library with the class. Please make sure your child is dressed for the

weather. Feel free to contact us at any time. The quickest

form of communication is email or note. Please visit our class website for weekly updates

about what we will learn about each week and reminders of classroom/school events!

D97 Curriculum OverviewMathematics Grade One

Numeration Read and write 2-digit numbers Perform rational counting Identify place value in 2-digit numbers Show money amounts with coins Use cents notation

Operations and Computation Understand meaning of addition/subtraction Solve addition/subtraction number stories Find patterns in addition/subtraction Add/subtract using a number grid

Algebraic Thinking Use symbols +, -, = Write/solve addition and subtraction number sentences

Geometry Understand spatial terms

Measurement and Reference Frames Recognize pennies and nickels Recognize dimes and quarters How money amounts with coins Tell time on the hour, ½ hour, and quarter hour

D97 Curriculum Overview Continued

Language Arts Grade 1

Process Demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of print Apply word analysis skills (phonics, word patterns) to recognize new words Apply word study skills (structural analysis) to recognize and understand

new words Read age-appropriate material aloud with fluency and accuracy Demonstrate an understanding of vocabulary Apply reading strategies and skills to improve fluency and understanding

Literature Identify and understand literary elements (event sequence, plot, setting) Recognize the differences among types of literature (fantasy, fiction,

informational texts, play, poetry)

Writing Recognize and apply appropriate parts of speech Use correct grammar in written work Recognize and apply appropriate capitalization and punctuation Spell own name, apply knowledge of letter/sound relationships to writing Identify and construct various types of sentences Use the writing process effectively (pre-write, draft, revise) Demonstrate organization and focus Write using various forms (expository, narrative, persuasive, etc.) Write in manuscript form

Listening/Speaking Research Identify questions to research

D97 Curriculum Overview Continued

Science Grade 1

Physical Science Identify and explore the properties of a variety of solids and liquids. Deepen and understand the characteristics and behavior of solids and

liquids. Through comparing and sorting on the basis of a variety of properties,

students enhance their critical thinking skills.

Earth Science Explore the various features of weather and how weather affects their

lives. Observe and collect weather data Understand weather patterns. Predict weather. Measure and identify wind speed, temperature, rain and cloud cover. Use analytical skills by experimenting with different ways of

categorizing and using the information they have gathered.

Life Science Through observation students will determine similarities in living things,

differences between animals and plants and individual differences within a species.

Plant seeds and observe and record their growth. Construct terrariums and aquariums and stock each with plants and

animals. Compare observations of terrestrial and aquatic habitats in terms of

needs, behavior and changes in the animals and plants.

Organize information and draw conclusions using a Venn diagram. Understand the diversity that exists in nature.

D97 Curriculum Overview Continued

Social Science Grade 1

Citizenship and Government Learn about leaders of our town, state, and nation now and long

ago Learn what a law is and how people and government work together

Culture Learn how culture is passed down to younger generations at home,

at school, and in the community

Understand how family members learn together and help each other

Economic Understand the differences between needs, wants, and scarcity Gain knowledge of buying and selling as well as goods and

servicesGeography

Understand natural resources and how people use them Identify the continents and oceans of the earth Identify different kinds of land forms

History Compare customs and traditions of two Indian tribes Learn about our past and the meaning of past, present, and future Study the Pilgrims and early inventions

D97 Curriculum Overview ContinuedWorld Language - Spanish - Grade 1

Comprehension Outcomes Understand the spoken target language in the classroom setting

Participation Outcomes Follow classroom instructions Demonstrate listening skills and understanding through active

participation Respond appropriately to teacher prompts:  physically, orally, and in

writing Demonstrate cooperation, good sportsmanship, and respect

Communication Outcomes Imitate modeled sentences (Oral) Use basic memorized vocabulary and new vocabulary in context (Oral) Use target language whenever possible (Oral) Use target language in learning activities across academic disciplines

(Oral) Orally respond to teacher questions in scaffolded sentences Communicate independently in one or two word utterances (Oral) Copy simple words (Written)

Cultural Outcomes Demonstrate familiarity with another form of communication Begin to recognize cultural traditions of Spanish speaking countries

General Themes and Topics (for Vocabulary/ Curriculum Outcomes) Greetings Basic words and phrases Numbers and Numbers sense “All About Me” Movement and Music Culture in Spanish speaking countries Cross-curricular connections (language arts, social studies, math, science,

fine arts)

D97 Curriculum Overview ContinuedPhysical Development/Health Grade 1

Body Management Understand space, levels, speed, pathways, directions

Body Relationships Understand balance: dynamic, static, object, agility, flexibility

Gross Motor Run, skip, gallop, hop

Manipulative Skills Send, strike, receive objects

Physical Fitness and Body Development Learn about aerobic and strength conditioning, obstacle courses

Low Organized Games Understand cooperative, circle, line, partner activities

Rhythms and Dance Participate in creative movement, circle dances, rhythmic activities

Health TopicsLearn about:

Safety and prevention of unintentional injuries Environmental health Nutrition Mental and emotional health Substance use and abuse Human growth and development Prevention and control of disease

D97 Curriculum Overview Continued

Music Grade 1 Rhythm

Develop beat competency Read, perform, and notate the following rhythm values. Quarter

note, eighth note, quarter rest

Melody Read and perform the following melodic intervals: la, sol, mi Distinguish between melodies that move by steps, skips, and

repeated tonesTexture/Harmony

Sing alone and in unison with others using a clear, free tone Perform simple accompaniments using Orff and other percussion

instrumentsForm

Recognize similar and different phrases or sections of music Recognize and perform music using simple 2- and 3-part forms

History/Culture Explore creative movement Perform and recognize music from various cultural groups

 

Communication

The best way to get a hold of me is by email at:

sdegman@op97.org