Welcome!

Manchester Park First Grade Parent Night

Our Goals for Tonight

Take a look at our District CurriculumReview the 1st Grade Information Link on

WebsiteClassroom Expectations & ProceduresHomeworkSupport for Reading at HomeHelpful HintsDonations to the Classroom

Closing Thoughts & Sign-Ups

Language Arts Program GoalsApply strategies and skills to read, understand,

interpret, and evaluate text.Read a variety of literature and interact with media

and technology to gain knowledge and personal fulfillment.

Write to communicate effectively with different audiences for multiple purposes.

Apply knowledge of language to create, critique, and discuss texts.

Apply listening, speaking, and viewing skills to acquire knowledge and to communicate effectively.

Use multiple print and nonprint sources to access, synthesize, create, and communicate information and to solve problems.

Reading

Three types of reading daily…

Reading TO students (Read Aloud)

Reading done BY students (Sustained Silent Reading)

Reading done WITH students (Guided and Shared

Reading)

Guided Reading

Instruction based on assessments of students’ reading level.

Students are taught in small groups at their level using a specific lesson framework.

Teachers constantly assess progress and move children forward as they are capable.

Book Homework will come home at different frequencies based on the level your child is reading at.

Shared ReadingWhole-group instruction taught from a basal text.

Focuses in on specific skills and strategies to support the text being read.

Decoding new words

Reading Fluently

Comprehending text

Applying knowledge and skills acquired to other tasks

Prepares students for skills, strategies, and genre that will appear on district and state level assessments in years to come.

Students extend learning beyond the textbook.

Writing

Mini-Lessons used to teach writing skills.Students are introduced to the Writing

Process.Students will write daily in at least one

form!Journals (every day) Writing Mini-LessonsExtension activities from another content area

SpellingGrading will begin NOWWeekly word lists and tests

Pre-test on FridayPost-Test on Thursday (unless otherwise notified)Tests include weekly words and sentence dictation

Word lists include some words that are “lifetime words” (sight words) and some words that fit the spelling pattern being focused on that week.

Math Program Goals

The student chooses and applies mathematical strategies to solve problems.

The student utilizes reasoning and analysis.The student communicates ideas through

the use of models/manipulatives, verbal/written expression, and/or technology.

The student connects and applies mathematics in real life situations.

The student recognizes the importance of mathematics.

Our Math Program

Very Hands On! Work is often done with an engaging activity rather than a pencil/paper worksheet task.

Daily lessons include:Problem SolvingMental Math InstructionGuided Practice of the skill Independent Practice

Assessment by anecdotal records, observations, grading of daily work, and/or district monthly math assessments.

Main Concept to master: Addition and Subtraction facts!

Thematic Areas

Science and Social Studies content is often taught thematically as is logical throughout the year.

This helps to make learning concrete and hands-on for students.

Learning also ties in with other core areas (reading, math, etc.).

Science Program Goals

Develop and apply the skills of science inquiry.Experience the richness and excitement of

knowing about and understanding the natural world.

Develop scientific habits of mind in order to apply scientific principles to everyday experiences.

Taught using a developmental approach…hands on!

Core Areas:Physical Science: Magnets, matter, movement, sink/floatLife Science: Living things, life cycles, plants

Social Studies Program Goals

Core Areas:Geography: Use maps and globesHistory: Understand the importance of the

experiences of groups of peopleEconomics: Understand basic economic conceptsGovernment: Explain the role of home, school, and

community rulesCivics: Recognize the needs and feelings of self and

othersCritical Thinking: Apply problem solving and critical

thinking to personal situations Information Processing: Recognize that various

tools can be used to access information

“Specials” Classes

See Specials Schedule for specific times for our class.

Art: Once per week for 60 minutesComputer: Once per week for 30 minutesLibrary: Once per week for 30 minutesMusic: Twice per week for 30 minutes eachPE: Twice per week for 30 minutes eachCounselor: Once every other week for 30

minutesSpanish: Twice per week for 30 minutes each

Parent Packet&

Extras

See class website for more details…

“Timberwolves on Track”

Classroom expectations are aligned with school-wide expectations: Be RespectfulBe ResponsibleBe Safe

“PAWS” are paper awards that are distributed by teachers other than their own. Students will receive a “PAWS” when they are caught doing something right! Students will bring this award home to celebrate with you but they will also be entered in a weekly drawing with a reward system with the principal. The more “PAWS” they get the better their chances are to win the reward!

Classroom Management Plan

Closing Thoughts…

Contact me with any questions!Email: kburkemp@olatheschools.org

Website: teachers.olatheschools.com/kburkemp/

School office: 780-7540

Sign Up Sheets!Email Sign-Up/ Information Sheet

Parent Volunteer Sign-up and Pamphlet

Classroom Giving Tree

“I promise you every day your children will learn something.

Some days they’ll bring it home in their hands. Some days they’ll

bring it home in theirs heads. And some days they’ll bring it home in

their hearts.”

Valerie Welk