Classroom Subjects:
Morning Meeting: We come together every morning to set a positive tone for the day. We discuss the daily schedule and to go over routines
and procedures. We also use this time to reinforce math skills such as counting tens and
ones, graphing, calendar vocabulary, and sequencing.
Phonics: We learn short vowel and long vowel spelling patterns in Phonics. We learn to stretch words
out and say the words slowly and then blend the sounds back together to read and write
words. We use the Smartboard and we do many oral activities including rhyming games and singing songs.
Reading: We do both whole group reading activities and small group guided reading activities. Our main focus during whole group reading is learning story vocabulary, choosing words that best
complete sentences, and retelling stories. In guided reading groups we focus on reading strategies, fluency, and retelling using a variety of books
that are matched to the students' reading levels. During guided reading, we also work on
literacy based activities in literacy centers. Some of our centers include writing, poetry, ABC
(letters and words),making words, and listening and responding to stories.
Writing: In Writing, we express ourselves in many ways. We write in our journals, we write answers
to comprehension questions, we write poems, and we write stories. We focus on writing personal narrative stories that have a clear beginning, middle, and an end with plenty of
elaborative details. We also focus on informational and opinion writing throughout the year.
Spelling: In Spelling, we use white boards daily to practice our spelling words. We also work on writing
sight words or muscle words (words that make us strong in our reading and writing). We learn
about different combinations of letters- er, ir, ur, or, ar, -tion. We practice "chunking"
(writing longer words according to their syllables) and we also practice generative words or words that you can make other words out of the same pattern- ex. like, bike, spike, etc. We take
home a new list of words on Mondays and have our tests on Fridays.
Handwriting: In Handwriting, we have a program that we use called Handwriting Without Tears. We focus
on correct letter formation as well as a proper grip and good posture. We start our letters
"at the top" and we discuss the features of letters (tall, fist, down) so that we place them on the lines properly.
Math: In Math, we cover a variety of topics throughout the school year. We learn about addition,
subtraction, time, measurement, graphing, place value,fractions, and problem
solving. We use many manipulatives and workmats to help us to learn and practice
concepts. We also use videos, activities on the Smartboard, and interactive websites as teaching and learning tools.
Science: In Science, we study units on Matter, Astronomy, Animals, and Metamorphosis.
Social Studies: In Social Studies, we study units on School, Families, Communities, Landforms, Our Country, and Our World.
Health: In Health, we use The Great Body Shop to teach us how to keep our bodies
safe and healthy.
Morning Meeting: We come together every morning to set a positive tone for the day. We discuss the daily schedule and to go over routines
and procedures. We also use this time to reinforce math skills such as counting tens and
ones, graphing, calendar vocabulary, and sequencing.
Phonics: We learn short vowel and long vowel spelling patterns in Phonics. We learn to stretch words
out and say the words slowly and then blend the sounds back together to read and write
words. We use the Smartboard and we do many oral activities including rhyming games and singing songs.
Reading: We do both whole group reading activities and small group guided reading activities. Our main focus during whole group reading is learning story vocabulary, choosing words that best
complete sentences, and retelling stories. In guided reading groups we focus on reading strategies, fluency, and retelling using a variety of books
that are matched to the students' reading levels. During guided reading, we also work on
literacy based activities in literacy centers. Some of our centers include writing, poetry, ABC
(letters and words),making words, and listening and responding to stories.
Writing: In Writing, we express ourselves in many ways. We write in our journals, we write answers
to comprehension questions, we write poems, and we write stories. We focus on writing personal narrative stories that have a clear beginning, middle, and an end with plenty of
elaborative details. We also focus on informational and opinion writing throughout the year.
Spelling: In Spelling, we use white boards daily to practice our spelling words. We also work on writing
sight words or muscle words (words that make us strong in our reading and writing). We learn
about different combinations of letters- er, ir, ur, or, ar, -tion. We practice "chunking"
(writing longer words according to their syllables) and we also practice generative words or words that you can make other words out of the same pattern- ex. like, bike, spike, etc. We take
home a new list of words on Mondays and have our tests on Fridays.
Handwriting: In Handwriting, we have a program that we use called Handwriting Without Tears. We focus
on correct letter formation as well as a proper grip and good posture. We start our letters
"at the top" and we discuss the features of letters (tall, fist, down) so that we place them on the lines properly.
Math: In Math, we cover a variety of topics throughout the school year. We learn about addition,
subtraction, time, measurement, graphing, place value,fractions, and problem
solving. We use many manipulatives and workmats to help us to learn and practice
concepts. We also use videos, activities on the Smartboard, and interactive websites as teaching and learning tools.
Science: In Science, we study units on Matter, Astronomy, Animals, and Metamorphosis.
Social Studies: In Social Studies, we study units on School, Families, Communities, Landforms, Our Country, and Our World.
Health: In Health, we use The Great Body Shop to teach us how to keep our bodies
safe and healthy.