Our
Curriculum
Our language arts program is a balanced approach, integrating phonics, word games,
comprehension activities, writing, music, and art with the reading of appropriate literature. “Bag
Books” will be going in October. These books are a vital part of our reading instruction, as it provides
valuable practice of reading skills. Remember that the books will be below the child’s instructional
level in order to build confidence. Please encourage your child to read the book to you (repeatedly, if
needed) and return it to me as soon as he/she feels confident enough to read it to me. Children receive
a sticker for every book read to me. The turn-over of books can be as rapid as is comfortable for your
child (every day for beginning books). Please encourage your child to treat the books like library
books. I would like to ask for a $5.00 replacement fee if any book is lost. Please feel free to make any
necessary repairs (using tape). With your support I am confident your child will enjoy participating in
this program!
Reading: We finished Unit 1 in our Open Court program entitled “Let’s Read.” We read a number
of poems including “The Purple Cow,” “Rhyme Stew,” and “If I Were a Mouse.” We also read the
story “Sleepy Bear” and wrote about how the bear’s habitat changed over time. The last story of the
unit was “Mrs. Goose’s Baby,” where we created a Venn diagram to chart the differences and
similarities between a goose and a chicken. We also read many books related to trees and plants. We
completed our first “Map-a-Story” where we cooperatively illustrated a portion of The Giving Tree and
answered questions using our “Depth and Complexity” icons. This week we start our second Open
Court Unit called “Animals.”
Writing: Writing topics have included our summer vacation, descriptions of weird animals as in
“The Purple Cow,” what we want to learn in first grade, practicing rhyming words, our favorite colors,
planning the best birthday celebration, describing a leaf, and writing about our Constitution.
Phonics/Spelling: We have practiced orally blending and writing words with our new sounds /s/,
/m/, /a/, /t/, /h/, /i/, /p/, and /n/. Please look for the note going home next Monday explaining the
scoring and importance of each section on our Friday spelling tests. (also in your Back-to-School Night
packet)
Mathematics: We completed the first 7 lessons in our Saxon math curriculum. We focused on
reviewing proper number formation and how to represent numbers with colored shapes. We also
created a class graph showing the different ways we come to school. The students were introduced to
“Independent Task Time,” a hands-on activity that allows them to progress at their own pace. We also
added “Math Challenge” to further develop individual growth in mathematics.
Science: The students have been excited about our McGraw-Hill science program. Our first unit of
focus is “Plants and Trees” We have studied the parts of a tree and their functions. Activities included:
going on a leaf safari, observing different leaves and writing a descriptive poem about leaves using our
5 senses, making paper towel trees and dipping them in water to demonstrate how roots transport water,
and sketching and labeling the parts of a tree. We also “ate a tree” using spinach (leaves), celery
(branches & trunk), and shredded carrots (roots).