A classroom where ……..                        children are appreciated for their uniqueness                    children feel safe academically and emotionally                    a community of learners exist                    children explore new knowledge                    the love for learning is evident    The first grade classroom is a place that is comfortable, inviting, and motivating.  First grade is a time of giant steps and active involvement for the students.  They become confident young learners who thrive for more knowledge.  Students are eager to learn and show what they know.     Developmentally, first graders are more self-controlled and competent than kindergarten children, but they are every bit as active and curious.   During the course of the year, we help them focus on learning independence, responsibility and concentration.     A major emphasis for the year is reading, in which a balanced literacy approach is used.  Balanced literacy is an approach through which the teacher makes thoughtful choices every day about the best way to help each child become a better reader and writer.   A balanced approach recognizes the contributions of many different approaches and perspectives. Reading and writing are often integrated with science, social studies and mathematics lessons.  A reading lab kit also enhances individualized reading experiences.  An extensive library is available for students in the classroom.     Math skills blossom in first grade. New concepts are taught through the use of concrete materials. Once the concept is mastered through the use of manipulatives, students apply their knowledge abstractly.    The computer lab is visited two times a week.  Each child has an opportunity to be at their own computer.  Students work on typing skills, writing, and concepts that are being taught in the classroom.  Each child also has a technology folder to store work that has been completed.  First graders are fortunate to have specialty teachers in the areas of Spanish, Music, P.E. and Art.    Our classroom arrangement varies during the year, depending on our activities.  Working cooperatively is encouraged, as this is a life long skill.  Children are given ample opportunity to move around and use their whole bodies.     Classroom rules are displayed and a card system is used for behavior/discipline.  Students are rewarded for good behavior as well.  Responsibility for class jobs rotate weekly.     Homework consists of language arts, math, and reading, but never exceeds 20 minutes a night.  Assignments reinforce lessons taught during class.    Children love to see their parents at school.  Their presence reinforces the idea that school is important.  Parent volunteers are always encouraged. Reading- California Treasures, McGraw-Hill Reading Series Grade 1 S.R.A. Reading Program         Spelling- Learning Spelling and Word Skills.  Rebecca Sitton                  Handwriting- Zaner-Bloser Handwriting, Zaner- Bloser.             Mathematics- Singapore Math                          Enrichment:  Math-Their-Way Program                          Math Tiling / Marcie Cook                          Marilyn Burns Science- California Science Grade 1, Macmillan McGraw-Hill Social Studies- History-Social Science – School and Family,  Houghton Mifflin Co. Classical Music Program- Brummitt-Taylor Music Listening Program. Physical Education- Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids, Paul Rosengard. Spanish- Sing ‘N’ Speak Spanish,  Sing ‘N’ Speak Spanish, Inc. Spiritual Development- Seasons of the Spirit