IB Units
This year we will inquire into six units that stem from the six transdisciplinary themes. Click here for more information.
1. "H2O, Yo!" -Sharing the Planet-Water is an essential element of life and it is human's responsibility to manage and conserve it.
2. "Get a Job" -Who We Are-Societies rely on people with many different abilities to function properly.
3. "Roots" -Where We Are in Place and Time- Exploring and sharing family histories enhances intergenerational connections and can lead to the development of international mindedness.
4. "You are Here" -How We Organize Ourselves- Human made systems create a method for understanding where we are in relation to the rest of the world.
5. "Love Our Mother Earth"- How the World Works- Humans use natural resources in their daily lives in a variety of ways.
6. "Culture Club" -How We Express Ourselves- Celebrations reflect cultures and traditions.
1. "H2O, Yo!" -Sharing the Planet-Water is an essential element of life and it is human's responsibility to manage and conserve it.
2. "Get a Job" -Who We Are-Societies rely on people with many different abilities to function properly.
3. "Roots" -Where We Are in Place and Time- Exploring and sharing family histories enhances intergenerational connections and can lead to the development of international mindedness.
4. "You are Here" -How We Organize Ourselves- Human made systems create a method for understanding where we are in relation to the rest of the world.
5. "Love Our Mother Earth"- How the World Works- Humans use natural resources in their daily lives in a variety of ways.
6. "Culture Club" -How We Express Ourselves- Celebrations reflect cultures and traditions.
What is the Workshop Model?
The workshop model is a method of teaching any subject. It begins with an opening which is an opportunity to share the day's Content Language Objective and sets the stage for what's to come. Next, I do a mini-lesson where students learn or review a concept. Then, students will have an opportunity to engage in work time. Students get to dig in and practice the learning. This is the most important part of the workshop and therefore is the longest period of time. As students work, I confer with individuals or small groups. This is a time for me to scaffold their progress and engage them in critical thinking.
The workshop model is unique because students are working in small groups, partnerships or independently to practice skills. Then, at the end of the time period there is always an opportunity for students to share what they learned and how they came to the knowledge. Rather than a teacher lecturing all day, the students are discovering and learning through meaningful activities.
The workshop model is unique because students are working in small groups, partnerships or independently to practice skills. Then, at the end of the time period there is always an opportunity for students to share what they learned and how they came to the knowledge. Rather than a teacher lecturing all day, the students are discovering and learning through meaningful activities.
Morning Meeting
The morning meeting takes place during the first 10-15 minutes of each day and consists of three parts.
1. Greeting- Each child is greeted by their peers and teacher. Everyone will feel welcome in the classroom and will learn a variety of greeting 'methods' as well as how to appropriately greet someone.
2. Group Activity- This consists of a short activity or game that relates to something we are learning about. The time is meant to encourage children to work cooperatively and to build the classroom community.
3. Morning Message- A short message from me that tells a few details about the day as well as reinforces any topics that have previously taught such as capital letters or graphing. (To name only a few!) While there is a fourth component of Morning Meeting, this will be done at the end of the day- during the last 10 minutes. This time will be called "Share Time." Students will be given a specific day of the week to share something with the class. (An experience, a feeling or occasionally an item.) Then, their peers will either ask a question or comment about the shared experience. This time will encourage the students' oral language as well as practice their listening and questioning skills.
We invite you to join us for either the Morning Meeting or Share Time any day you'd like!!
1. Greeting- Each child is greeted by their peers and teacher. Everyone will feel welcome in the classroom and will learn a variety of greeting 'methods' as well as how to appropriately greet someone.
2. Group Activity- This consists of a short activity or game that relates to something we are learning about. The time is meant to encourage children to work cooperatively and to build the classroom community.
3. Morning Message- A short message from me that tells a few details about the day as well as reinforces any topics that have previously taught such as capital letters or graphing. (To name only a few!) While there is a fourth component of Morning Meeting, this will be done at the end of the day- during the last 10 minutes. This time will be called "Share Time." Students will be given a specific day of the week to share something with the class. (An experience, a feeling or occasionally an item.) Then, their peers will either ask a question or comment about the shared experience. This time will encourage the students' oral language as well as practice their listening and questioning skills.
We invite you to join us for either the Morning Meeting or Share Time any day you'd like!!
Reading
Students will be engaged in a variety of reading tasks that will develop each reader at their individual level. Through the use of The Daily 5 and the Workshop Model, students will be making choices based on how they want to practice their reading skills. They will choose from, Read to Self, Read to Buddy, Work with the Teacher, Word Work and Computers. However, even though they are making decisions they must choose Read to Self on a daily basis and I will choose when they Work with the Teacher. :)
This year, comprehension will be a HUGE focus for our first graders. They will be asked to retell stories which must include the characters, setting, beginning, middle and end. They must also learn to question, reflect and gather information from non-fiction text.
This year, comprehension will be a HUGE focus for our first graders. They will be asked to retell stories which must include the characters, setting, beginning, middle and end. They must also learn to question, reflect and gather information from non-fiction text.
Math
This year, the first grade team has elected to implement the Engage New York math curriculum. It is a comprehensive program that will thoroughly cover the Common Core State Standards. Students will learn a variety of ways to solve addition and subtraction problems as well as delve deeper into fractions, graphs and number sense.
In our classroom, students will also participate in Math Stations during independent workshop time. The stations will consist of games and activities that review previously taught skills. The intent of the stations is for students to retain and practice vital skills all year long!
In our classroom, students will also participate in Math Stations during independent workshop time. The stations will consist of games and activities that review previously taught skills. The intent of the stations is for students to retain and practice vital skills all year long!
Writing
Writing is a huge focus in first grade and will be an integral part in all subject areas. This year, your student will become someone who can sustain writing for at least twenty minutes and who will learn the importance of written communication. Through Lucy Calkins' units of study in Narrative, Opinion and Informative writing, your first grader will grow to love writing and will become a proficient writer who can communicate effectively.