October Update
Dear Parents,
November conferences are just around the corner. I look forward to meeting with all of you. Here are some exciting things that are going on in the First Grade classroom!
Math instruction, centers and games have been providing important practice. These activities support the understanding of new math concepts introduced through the use of manipulatives and cooperative learning groups. Research tells us that young children, and girls in particular, learn best when math instruction involves groups working together to solve problems. Homelinks gives you the opportunity to participate in your child’s learning and gain a better understanding of the math program.
As mentioned at the Open House, part of our Character Education involves Interplay, a social skills building program that helps create a community of learners. Mrs. Geizer, our Lower School Counselor, has been helping to implement this program. The girls have the opportunity to act out the stories, which are retold each day. They role-play social conflicts and resolutions so that they may transfer these important social skills to their everyday life. Our mantra for this fall is “Stay on the Path.” Please ask your daughter about the Happy Forrest. Making good choices will be supported through this unit. In past years this program has proven to be fun for the girls as well as another positive way to encourage the strong development of each child’s self-concept while functioning as a group of learners.
Ms. Masterson joined us as a teaching assistant two weeks ago. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and she currently works in The Extended Day Program on the East Campus. Ms. Masterson has become an integral part of our school and brings with her a wonderful enthusiasm for children and learning. Please welcome her to our school.
Mrs. Karen Sbuttoni and Mrs. Janet Harris, our Lower School Learning Specialists, have completed their initial formal assessments of all first grade students. Quality literacy programs are student-centered; the goal is to know each student as an individual and differentiate instruction toward particular strengths and learning needs. Our program designs instruction for all students that is specific to their level and current skill development. During weekly meetings, over the course of the school year, Mrs. Harris and I will continue to meet for the purpose of designing and implementing instruction based on the children’s work. Each child’s work will guide the instruction for the child as we move them forward based on grade level expectations. Reading is one area of literacy instruction. There are many interconnected elements involved in reading and writing and each child has a unique personal foundation. Bearing this in mind, the expectations for each child will be different during morning message, creative writing, writing workshop, word-work, independent reading, guided reading, and teacher chapter book reading.
While instruction occurs in school, practicing skills at home continues to be essential and expected. Practice can take many forms. The fundamental routine of reading with your child(ren) every day cannot be stressed enough. Modeling and a positive outlook are key in fostering the development of skills. Think about how children learned to speak. We led by example, encouraged, and expected they would develop. Similar principles are applied to becoming literate in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the first grade level. If you ever have specific questions please be in touch with Mrs. Janet Harris via her school email, harrisj@albanyacademies.org.
All components of our reading program are further supported through the use of Morning Message (a daily phonics based instructional lesson), shared songs, and Literacy Centers. Literacy Centers are considered best practice for providing opportunities for students to develop and practice word study, independent and guided reading, phonics, fine motor skills and handwriting, peer discussions of literature to stimulate higher level critical thinking skills, math literacy, listening skills, and creative writing. During this time students learn to become more independent as their skills are reinforced and solidified through practice and small group instruction/assessment with a teacher.
Writing workshop is a favorite for many first graders. The writing process includes: planning/brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, sharing and publishing. The girls are planning, writing and have begun to edit their own work. This is very important as their literacy skills develop. Their writing folders are bursting and the girls cannot wait for you all to see their progress! They will bring home their writing thus far after the November conferences. I am looking forward to sharing their progress to date with you.
October 24th is our first Community Service Day! We will be working with one group of Upper School students. Working in small groups, the girls will interview people in our school community and write short biographies. This activity will illustrate how each member contributes to and is a necessary part of our school community. Enhancing the understanding of the concepts of teamwork and community will be our goal for this event.
Hope to see you all on Halloween! Remember, all parents are invited to our weekly assembly each Monday from 1:00-1:30 in the activities room.
Thank you for sharing your daughters with us. They are a wonderful group of students with so much to offer!
Ms. Buchanan