WELCOME TO MISS GRATTA’S FIRST GRADE
CLASSROOM!
SFA Expectation Night September 11, 2013
WE ARE “WILD” ABOUT LEARNING IN 1G!
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The theme of our first grade classroom is “Wild
About Learning.” Our classroom reflects a
safari-based theme with many decorative
elements related to this found throughout the
classroom.
FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE
Reading
 Spelling
 Math
 Science
 Social Studies
 Religion
 Writing
 Handwriting
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READING CURRICULUM :
OPEN COURT READING PROGRAM
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First grade students will discover the world of reading
through the Open Court reading program.
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This reading program will guide students through
decoding skills and sight word vocabulary needed to
help become fluent readers.
OPEN COURT READING PROGRAM
The program focuses on the five essential
components of effective reading instruction:
1. Phonemic Awareness
2. Systematic, Explicit Phonics
3. Fluency
4. Vocabulary
5. Text Comprehension
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SYSTEMATIC, EXPLICIT PHONICS
Applying the links between letters and sounds
to printed words
 Developmental sequence of sound spellings
 Decodable Books help students apply, review,
and reinforce sound/spelling correspondences
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SPELLING
Our spelling program will begin the week of
September 29th.
 Every Monday of each week, your child will be
assigned 5 new words. As the weeks progress,
it will increase to 10 words per week.
 Each group of weekly spelling words focus on
high frequency words and consonants
blends/digraphs which are taught during that
week
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ENVISION MATH PROGRAM
Implemented starting September 2013
 Innovative math curriculum that is aligned with
Common Core Curriculum Standards and is
based on foundational research
 enVision math features interactive lessons and
stories, manipulatives and math games, and
technology components for learning
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ENVISION MATH PROGRAM
1.
Core First Grade Math Concepts
Addition and Subtraction Number Sentences
through 18
2. Graphing and Data Collection
3. Geometry
4. Measurement
5. Money
6. Time
7. Place Value
SCIENCE
Over the course of first grade, students will learn
about the following science topics
1. Animals
2. Plants
3. Weather
SCOTT FORESMAN SOCIAL STUDIES
CURRICULUM
In Social Studies, students will learn about their
community and the people who contribute to
their community.
 We will also learn mapping skills, American
symbols, and talk about many famous
Americans as well.
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SCHOLASTIC WEEKLY MAGAZINE
First grade students also implement the
Scholastic Weekly magazine as a part of their
Social Studies and Science curriculum.
 This magazine is a weekly magazine that
connects to many seasonal topics across both
Social Studies and Science curriculums.
 The cost/student for this yearly subscription
will be announced later this month.
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FAITH FIRST RELIGION CURRICULUM
In religion, students will learn how Jesus wants
us to love one another.
 We will learn stories about the life of Jesus and
of the many holy days/holidays that occur
throughout the Liturgical year.
 Throughout the school year, students will also
learn and master their prayers.
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JOHN COLLINS WRITING PROGRAM
Students will continue to develop their writing
skills through writing prompts and classroom
assessments.
 The John Collins Writing Program focuses on
FCA’s or Focus Correction Areas, where
students can pinpoint their writing to key
aspects within each assignment.
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HANDWRITING
In first grade, we will continue to implement the
Zaner-Bloser handwriting curriculum which has
been previously used in kindergarten.
 Zaner-Bloser is a research-based handwriting
program that promotes developmentallyappropriate practice of fine-motor handwriting
skills and techniques.
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HOMEWORK
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Homework will be given on Monday – Thursday
Each assignment should take around 10 minutes a night
Practice reading Decodable books at home with your child
Read with your child each night
Spelling homework will begin September 29
Monday: write each word 3 times
Tuesday: Math Page (both sides)
Wednesday: use the second 5 words in sentences
Thursday: study for the spelling test.
HEALTH CONCERNS/SNACKS
We have a snack time each morning.
 Due to food-borne allergies found in our
classroom, please have your child bring in
snacks that do not contain milk or peanut
products.
 Snacks that contain milk or peanut products
may be eaten only in the cafeteria at lunch
time.
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LIBRARY
Our class will visit the Thayer Public Library once a
week.
 Each child should have his or her own library card
to use. They can bring their cards in each week or I
can hold onto them in the classroom.
 Students will be able to borrow two books each
time we visit the library provided that they do not
have any books overdue.
 Families will be notified when our first library visit
will be.
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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays are an exciting time in the life of a
child. In order to keep our students safe, we will
have a food-free birthday celebration.
 When it is your child’s birthday, they may bring
in one of their favorite stories from home for
me to read during our whole group read aloud.
 Your child will also be given a birthday
certificate and pin on the day of their birthday!
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ATTENDANCE
School may begin entering school everyday at
7:40 AM. It is very important that your child
arrives to school on time.
 If your child is absent from school, please send
in a note explaining the reason for their
absence on the day of their return.
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SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Every month, students will receive a monthly
order form for books from the Scholastic Book
Club.
 Scholastic Book Club is an opportunity to
purchase many popular book titles and series
at a cost-efficient price.
 Every time you order a book from the book
club, you will help your child’s teacher earn
points for her own classroom library.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Each classroom has two parent volunteers to
serve as our room parents. Room parents are
responsible for organizing school-wide
fundraisers and events.
 Volunteers are also needed at our annual
Ornament Day in December.
 If you would like to volunteer, fill out your CORI
form before leaving tonight .
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W.I.L.D. BINDERS
W.I.L.D. stands for Well Informed Learners
Daily.
 We will be using a binder to help with
organizational skills. This binder will go home
and come back to school each day.
 The binder features pockets for homework,
assignments, notes, and office papers.
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MY EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
5.
Always try our best.
Respect each other.
3. Raise hands.
4. Work quietly.
Play and work safely.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
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Our classroom features a clip chart behavior chart to monitor
the daily behavior of our students.
The clip chart consists of a chart that has been divided into
levels. All of the children start the day on Ready to Learn.
Then, during the course of the day, the children move their
clothespins up or down the chart, based on the behavioral
choices they make. If they are making good choices, they can
move their clothespin up a level at a time. Inappropriate
behavior would cause them to move down a level.
Since the children start in the middle of the chart, they have
numerous opportunities to work their way up the chart. This
really helps the children realize that they have to have selfcontrol and be responsible for their actions and behavior if
they want to be recognized for making good choices.
SPECIALS
Monday: Computer and Italian
 Tuesday: Art
 Wednesday: Spanish
 Thursday: Physical Education and Library
 Friday: Music and a weekly Religion Lesson with
Father Bob Milling
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CONTACTING MISS GRATTA
If you ever have any questions or concerns
throughout the year, please feel free to get in
touch with me.
 Email: jgratta@sfab.org
 Telephone: (781) 848-0842 Ext. 38
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