The LIfe of a first grader
First Graders are expected to be able to sit and listen for longer periods of time as compared to Kindergarten. There is more direct teaching and less center-based learning due to the extent and difficulty of our Common Core Curriculum. Quiet "down time" with a focused activity (puzzle, book, game, etc.) at home each day will help with this important transition. Getting plenty of sleep and proper nutrition is key to building stamina for the busy first grader!
We will be reinforcing respect skills taught at home, such as listening without interrupting, following directions, care, compassion, etc. Although we focus on one respect word each month as a school, first graders will be practicing respect skills each and every day! Please watch for more info. to come home about our Lincoln School respect program.
First Graders are becoming independent learners in the classroom, and also in life. They should be able to tie their own shoes, zip, snap, and button. They are expected to use healthy personal habits such as independent bathroom use, blowing their nose, covering sneezes, washing hands etc. It's a big year for teaching little ones to be responsible individuals who can make good choices while caring for themselves and others.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your help and support with all of these important life skills! Together we can ensure that every child is safe, happy, and healthy!
Curriculum
We follow the Common Core Speaking & Listening, Reading and Language Arts, Writing, and Math standards for First Grade. Students will be introduced to "I Can" statements for each strand taught so that learning objectives are clearly stated and understood. These strands are taught and reinforced daily throughout the school year.
Our Reading Program is called Treasures. Fist Graders will learn a number of new reading and spelling words this year. Your child will bring home weekly words in their Friday folders for you to see and work with at home. Title I services are available to any student who is not performing at grade level. I will personally contact you if I feel your child would benefit from this extra support program.
First Graders will be writing Narratives, Opinion papers, and Informative/Explanatory texts this year. First Grade integrates writing into the other subject areas as well as being taught independently.
Making Math visible is a big focus as First Graders will be expected to show and explain their thinking during Math lessons. Areas that we will cover include, Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Measurement, Data, and Geometry. Students will work in Math Journals and with Math manipulatives this year.
Our Social Studies program also includes the Michigan Health Model and Junior Achievement. Our units include personal well-being, family, community, country, economics, history, and more!
For Science, First Graders learn about Living and NonLiving things, Animal Traits, Weather, Matter, and Magnets. Students will be taught the Next Generation Science standards and will also be engaged in STEM activities which integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to solve a common problem. This is a hands on, cooperative learning experience for your child, and always proves to be motivating, challenging, and fun!
In addition to our core subject areas, all First Graders will also participate in Technology, Gym, Art, and Music classes each week. A schedule of our Essentials Classes will be provided to you soon. There is a daily morning snack (see snack calendar),and recess break. We have lunch & recess from 12:30-1:15 every day. Although our afternoon is shorter than the morning, we try to get an afternoon break in most days as well. Even though our academic expectations are high, I understand and appreciate the fact that first graders need to move, interact, and get their hands dirty! I look forward to providing a well balanced experience for your child.
As you can see, First Grade is a very busy place! Thank you for open communication, partnership, and support as we work together. Get ready for a fun and exciting school year!
Patti Jakeway
Our Reading Program is called Treasures. Fist Graders will learn a number of new reading and spelling words this year. Your child will bring home weekly words in their Friday folders for you to see and work with at home. Title I services are available to any student who is not performing at grade level. I will personally contact you if I feel your child would benefit from this extra support program.
First Graders will be writing Narratives, Opinion papers, and Informative/Explanatory texts this year. First Grade integrates writing into the other subject areas as well as being taught independently.
Making Math visible is a big focus as First Graders will be expected to show and explain their thinking during Math lessons. Areas that we will cover include, Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Measurement, Data, and Geometry. Students will work in Math Journals and with Math manipulatives this year.
Our Social Studies program also includes the Michigan Health Model and Junior Achievement. Our units include personal well-being, family, community, country, economics, history, and more!
For Science, First Graders learn about Living and NonLiving things, Animal Traits, Weather, Matter, and Magnets. Students will be taught the Next Generation Science standards and will also be engaged in STEM activities which integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to solve a common problem. This is a hands on, cooperative learning experience for your child, and always proves to be motivating, challenging, and fun!
In addition to our core subject areas, all First Graders will also participate in Technology, Gym, Art, and Music classes each week. A schedule of our Essentials Classes will be provided to you soon. There is a daily morning snack (see snack calendar),and recess break. We have lunch & recess from 12:30-1:15 every day. Although our afternoon is shorter than the morning, we try to get an afternoon break in most days as well. Even though our academic expectations are high, I understand and appreciate the fact that first graders need to move, interact, and get their hands dirty! I look forward to providing a well balanced experience for your child.
As you can see, First Grade is a very busy place! Thank you for open communication, partnership, and support as we work together. Get ready for a fun and exciting school year!
Patti Jakeway