READING: This includes vocabulary words, comprehension, and stories from the Treasures Reading Series. Language Arts is closely tied to reading but more specifically includes writing, spelling, and grammar.  

COMPUTER: The children work at AR, Math and several other sites listed on the student web page. Suggested websites are listed at the bottom of this webpage.  We go to Computer Lab twice a week.

READING HOMEWORK: Students will receive a list of the week's spelling and vocabulary words. Book Reports will be given once a week and will be based on an AR book of the student's choice.

READING LOG: The Log is part of our reading homework. It is kept in the planner. On the reading log, please indicate the book that was read, along with the number of minutes your child read, then please initial it. On the report card, the reading log will be included under Personal Development as "S, N or U".

S.T.A.R. Book: Everything the student needs to take from home to school is in the STAR book. This 3-ring binder serves as an organizer for students. It contains a homework folder, a parent-teacher communication folder for STAR-STUDDED papers, a planner, Reading Log, and Progress Report page. All important papers such as phonograms, vocabulary lists, and monthly calendar should stay in the STAR book.

PHONOGRAMS: We'll review all 70 phonograms taught in First Grade and learn how to apply them to reading, vocabulary, and spelling words.  Need practice? Go to www.phonogrampage.com 

MATH:  FAST Math is a timed addition and subtraction facts program. Children work at their own pace while learning math facts through various games. It is not available at home. Math Facts in a Flash can be practiced at home through the Renaissance Home-School Connect Program.

WRITING: We will keep a journal for creative writing. In addition, Skyline Writes prompts are given school-wide once a month.

SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE: While studying these areas, we incorporate THEMES throughout the year. Mrs. Winitzer is our Science teacher.

Our Daily Schedule:                

7:30 First Bell, AR, Morning Review Work, FAST Math

Please arrive by 7:45

7:50 TV News and announcements

8:00 Late Bell - Those arriving in class after 8:00 will be marked tardy

8:15 - 8:55 Specials

9:00 - 9:40  Spelling, Writing, Phonograms, review Morning work 

9:45 - 10:30  Reading / Writing / Language / Centers 

10:30 - 10:45 Snack and Silent Reading

10:45 - 11:30 Reading / Writing / Language / Centers 

11:30 - 12:00 Tuesday & Friday Computer Lab  &  Races

12:45 - 1:30 Math / Math Centers

1:30 - 1:55 Science or Social Studies 

1:55 Homework, Planners  

2:00 - 2:15 Pack up and Dismissal

• Always praise your child with positive comments.
• Check your child's homework folder and planner daily for class notes, corrected work, school newsletters, etc.
• Develop a Homework Routine; sit near him/her in case help is needed.  Check for accuracy before signing  your child's planner.  It doesn't help your child to do their homework wrong so please take the time to help them.
• Read daily with your child.  Your child needs to develop fluency while reading so listening to them read orally for 20-30 minutes a day is imperative.  Reading to them is also beneficial so they hear good role modes...read with expression!  Ask your child questions about the story such as who is the main character in the story, where does the story take place (setting), what is the story mostly about (main idea). Practice vocabulary words, spelling words, phonograms, and math facts on a regular basis.
• Ask your child specific questions about their day.
• Each step, although it may be small, is progress in the right direction.

10 Ways to Raise a READER!

1. Read to your child every day.  It's never too early to start--even newborns respond to hearing you read.
2. Continue reading together even after your child learns to read.  Older children still enjoy listening to others read.
3. Make stories come alive for your child when you read.  Be animated and use different voices.
4. Be patient--let your child read aloud at his or her own pace.  Offer help only when needed.
5. Discuss what you read together.  Ask questions, and listen attentively to your child's answers.
6. Make reading time special.  Cuddle up in a quiet, comfortable spot.  Your child will associate reading with feeling secure, relaxed, and loved.
7. Encourage your child to read at least 15 minutes a day, either to you or independently.
8. Take along your child's favorite books wherever you go.  Read on the bus, in line at the store, or in waiting rooms.
9. Take your child to the library often and check out a variety of age-appropriate reading material.
10. Be a role model--read on your own.  By seeing how much you enjoy reading, your child will learn that it's a great source of information and fun.                 

REMEMBER-
         By encouraging your child to read, you are helping to ensure school success.

Homework Philosophy
       The purpose of homework is:

1.  To help your child become an active participant in his/her own learning.

2.  To understand the responsibility to practice and get ready for the next
    day and return to school prepared THE NEXT DAY.

3.  To develop the habit of reading nightly.

Homework assignments will be discussed in class the following day.  Your child is responsible for listening carefully to be able to follow directions.  There will be times when your child may need your assistance to dictate spelling works or reinforce the directions.  Please review your child's homework nightly for accuracy and completion.

We encourage you to provide a quiet space free of distractions and limit the working time to approximately 20 minutes.  Work should be done in pencil with attention to best quality of writing and with the addition of color where appropriate.  Please have a box of crayons, scissors, pencils and a glue stick available to your child.

There will be occasions when you have a special family event or your child is ill and missed a night.  Please write me a note, explaining why your child has not been able to complete his/her homework.  A missed night can easily be made up. 

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