Welcome
to Curriculum
Night!
Common Core
When Arizona adopted these standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, the documents became known as Arizona's Common
Core Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
http://www.mpsaz.org/curriculum/commoncore/
"What Common Core does is teach our students a relevant application of the skills needed to be leaders in our global market. Students are not
just learning content but applying it to real world situations. Common Core pushes our kids to be better readers of information, requiring them
to think more deeply about concepts versus just re-memorizing facts and information.“
Troy Vanderlaan, a U.S. History teacher
Critical thinking
Focused, coherent, clear and rigorous
Internationally benchmarked
Anchored in college and career readiness*
Evidence and research based
Language Arts
Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, Language
Focus on the Foundations: Phonological Awareness & Print Concepts
Letters and sounds are not taught in alphabetical order, this enables children to begin building words as early
as possible.
Students will be taught both long and short vowels, including common vowel combinations.
Sight words-color words and 27 high frequency words
Incorporate “playing with language” at home-rhyming,
manipulating sounds and READ, READ, and READ!
Writing
Journals/Writing Workshop
Class Books
Stories (Opinion, Informative, Narrative)
Encourage “Kid” Writing (Writing the sounds your child hears. Some letters, particularly vowels, will
be left out.) This is a key element in the process of your child’s writing skills.
“The dg at the bon”
(The dog ate the bone  )
Handwriting
Handwriting is stressed in kindergarten curriculum. Students are taught to form letters correctly.
Please encourage them to start at the top line for capital letters and the middle line for most
lowercase letters. We have songs or chants to help guide them in their letter writing.
Verbalize the process
Practice, practice, practice
ABC
Math
Counting and Cardinality-count to 100 by ones and tens, compare sets of objects and read, write,
and model numbers 0-20
Operations and algebraic thinking-Represent (+/-) with models, expressions and equations.
Numbers and operations-numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value
Measurement and Data-describing, measuring and classifying objects
Geometry-2D & 3D shapes(describe, identify and model)
Problem solving-using Mathematical Practices
In addition students should be able to write numbers 0-20
Science and Social Studies
Science is taught through inquiry.
Students will investigate parts of the body, five senses, etc.
Introduces students to the concept of exploration as a means of discovery
Important symbols of our country are introduced.
Students should be able to apply the lessons of world history to their lives as citizens of the United
States and members of the world community.
How does IB fit in?
6 Themed Units of Inquiry
Where We are in Place & Time
Who We Are
How We Express Ourselves
How the World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing the Planet
Caring
Balanced
Open Minded
Communicator
Principled
IB Learner Profile
Inquirer
Thinker
Risk Taker
Reflective
Knowledgeable
IB Mission
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help
to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Homework
Monday: Printing
Tuesday: Language
Wednesday: Color Words/Sight Words
Thursday: Math
Read every night for 15-20 minutes
Reading Logs due every Monday
Grading-Report Cards
Formal Assessment 4 times a year
Conferences in October and January
Progress Reports in alternate months
Best gauge for progress is your child’s daily work
Classroom Expectations
It is my job to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students. I believe every
student is capable of making good choices. They are capable of choosing, acting, and reflecting on
their behavior which will instill a safe learning environment for all.
Students are expected to:
Be respectful to all students and staff.
Listen and participate daily in class discussions and activities.
Have a positive attitude.
Help keep our classroom safe and productive by using kind words, listening ears and gentle helping
hands.
Communication
I am available after school
2:30-3:30
480-472-3511
kafahy@mpsaz.org
Thank
you!