All About First Grade
Mrs. Kinzer, Room 140
DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00-9:25
Settle in, daily routines, independent reading, & morning greeting time
9:25-11:30 Reading & Writing Workshops
11:30-12:15 Lunch & Recess
12:15-12:45 Word Work & Read Aloud
12:45-2:00 Math Workshop
2:00-2:45 Related Arts (Library, Music, PE, Art)
2:45-3:25 Science/Social Studies/Health
3:25-3:35 Pack Up, End of Day Jobs
3:35-3:40 Dismissal
PROGRESS REPORTS
Three marks are used:
AC Achieving the standard
PR Progressing toward the standard
LP Limited progress toward the standard
A progress report (report card) will be sent home at the end of each of the three 12 week grading periods.
GRADED WORK
Most homework and class work will be checked over without formal grades. Work that was rushed, incomplete, or that indicates
your child needs more practice will be sent home to correct/finish and return. Please help your child correct and complete these
specific papers.
PROGRESS BOOK
On-going communication with regard to student achievement can be accessed at your convenience via Progress Book.
CONFERENCES
First trimester conferences dates are set for October 15th & 22nd . Please see sign-up sheet.
ENGLISH, LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERACY
The Language Arts Program is based on the Ohio Academic Standards. It is designed to meet a variety of learning styles and
reading/writing levels. In both reading and writing workshop models we use an extensive collection of literature in multiple copies,
numerous big books, miniature books, poems, and student-made books. Students will be reading, writing and working with words
individually, in pairs, in small groups, and in whole class situations. Reading skills will be taught through games, word work,
writing, poetry, group writing, etc. Writing instruction will also focus on narrative, opinion and informative/explanatory writing. A
way to strengthen the reading program at home is by reading to your child and your child reading to you EVERY NIGHT.
MATHEMATICS
The Math Program is based on the Ohio Academic Standards. The instructional philosophy includes effective differentiation
strategies and resources for all levels of learners. To implement the program we will be using a variety of resources and the math
workshop model. We will focus on solving rich open-ended problems. Students will use a numerous strategies and tools to show
their thinking in their math journals and during classroom discussions and activities. The four core areas of focus are operations &
algebraic thinking, number & operations in base ten, measurement & data, and geometry.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Our focus for Social Studies is Families Now and Long Ago, Near and Far. Many of our Social Studies units of study will be
integrated into our Language Arts activities. We will use many resources including a variety of books, Time for Kids news
magazine, online resources, and Social Studies Alive.
HEALTH
Mr. Andrew Phillips, our guidance counselor, will be presenting three health units to the classroom. He will be discussing healthy
choices, friendship, and personal safety.
SCIENCE
Our theme for Science is Observations of the Environment. We will be using different resources including the Harcourt science
series. A variety of science instructional methods, including inquiry-based learning experiences, will help students to extend their
learning into a larger scientific community through the application and expansion of scientific knowledge. The units of study will
incorporate Earth and Space science, Life science, and Physical science.
Trimester Share Homework
Throughout the year students will work on projects at home that they will share in class. Please help your child to remember
his/her share project and allow him/her to practice the “presentation” at home. I look to see if your child is prepared, speaking
clearly and gaining the self-confidence that he/she needs to speak in public. Most importantly, enjoy the time spent with your child
in preparing the sharing project. Project information will be sent home at least two weeks prior to the due date.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are very special occasions, especially for young children. J However, with the growing number of food allergies,
we will no longer allow food items to be given as a birthday treat. If you wish, please feel free to send in a simple goodie bag,
containing items such as: stickers, pencils and other non-food items. Additional ideas are mentioned in the BIRTHDAY POLICY
form posted on my teacher web page. Thank you for understanding!
DAILY FOLDERS
Look for your child’s daily work to come home in a folder every day. If needed, assist your child in completing any work and return
the folder the next school day. Returning the folder is imperative in maintaining our channel of communication.
STAR STUDENTS
One week during the school year your child will be selected to be our star student. A note will come home the Friday before it is
your child’s week explaining what to bring in to share with the class. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn more about
everyone in our class!
PARENT INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION
During the first week of each month I will be posting a class newsletter on my teacher web page found on the IRE website when
you click on the pull down menu for IRE PARENTS & STUDENTS. Frequently, I will also be emailing information you need to
know and additional dates to mark on the calendar. You can also follow THE KINZER CREW on Twitter @kinzer_julie.
CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS
All IRE volunteers are required to have a background check. Go to the district website (dublinschools.net), select INDIAN RUN
under SCHOOLS, click on the pull down menu for IRE PARENTS & STUDENTS, then click on the link for VOLUNTEER
INFORMATION. This will guide you through how to get a background check. If you have any questions, please let me know.
STUDENT ABSENCE
If your child is going to be absent from school, please notify the office (614-764-5928 or email hamill_lee@dublinschools.net)
before or on the day of the absence. Also, upon your child’s return to school, please send a note regarding your child’s absence.
Thank you!
CONTACTING ME
Email is one of the best ways to communicate with me. I attempt to answer all emails quickly, but most responses will occur after
the school day has ended. If there is an immediate need or an end-of-the-day transportation change, please contact the office @
614-764-5928 instead of emailing me. Phone calls during the school day will be directed to my voicemail so as to not interrupt our
school learning. I will check my voicemail by the end of the school day.
Voice mail: 760-6296
kinzer_julie@dublinschools.net