Check out the areas below for special information about:
English Language Arts, Spelling, Handwriting, Math, Science, Social Studies, Elementary Progress Report
First grade students use the Houghton-Mifflin® Reading Series. Reading, English Grammar, and Spelling will be explored and learned using the reading series as the basic textbook. Skills will be developed through the use of Orton Gillingham® multi-sensory approach method. Students will be making connections with reading and language to other subjects such as Math, Science and Social Studies. The students will be introduced to writing activities based on their individual needs as determined by the First Steps Developmental Writing Continuum®. Writing activities and assessments will be evaluated using the Six Traits of Writing Program®.
The Michigan Department of Education has listed English Language Arts Grade Level Content Expectations that will followed. To ensure all students are progressing, First Grade Check-Up assessments will be given. The results will be sent home to you.
All students will keep a personal Reading and Language Portfolio for the year. It will be exciting for them and us to see how much they progress during the year.
In September, students participate in an enrichment program called Sound Reading Solutions®. The Sound Reading Solutions® Program will help your child build a strong beginning in phonological development.
Spelling begins the second card marking. On Mondays, the new spelling list for the week will be sent home. Wednesdays will be the trial tests. Fridays will be the final test. Students receiving 100% on the trial test will not have to take the final test on Friday. Due to special activities during some weeks, the spelling test schedule will be revised. I will notify you in writing of those weeks. Enclosed are the spelling lists for the year.
| List 1 | List 2 | List 3 | List 4 | List 5 | List 6 | List 7 | List 8 |
| an | in | trip | on | get | up | she | make |
| at | it | crab | not | ten | us | chin | came |
| can | him | drip | got | red | but | fish | take |
| cat | big | grin | box | pet | fun | shell | name |
| had | sit | grab | hot | men | cut | much | gave |
| man | did | trap | top | yes | run | chop | game |
| *catch | *dish | *crack | *pond | *tent | *jump | *shoe | *place |
| *add | *milk | *brown | *doll | *bell | *plum | *chair | *skate |
| List 9 | List 10 | List 11 | List 12 | List 13 | List 14 | List 15 | List 16 |
| like | go | me | day | boat | look | zoo | cup |
| five | bone | see | say | slow | book | food | cups |
| ride | so | mean | play | coat | took | too | frog |
| nine | nose | feet | may | grow | good | moon | frogs |
| time | home | eat | way | show | foot | soon | tree |
| kite | no | he | stay | toad | cook | room | trees |
| *prize | *also | *maybe | *away | *coast | *hoof | *moose | *gloves |
| *smile | *woke | *sheep | *holiday | *know | *crook | *balloon | *birds |
| List 17 | List 18 | List 19 | List 20 | List 21 |
| cow | landed | by | dishes | coin |
| house | checking | my | dresses | soil |
| out | telling | fly | boxes | boy |
| down | missed | try | beaches | oil |
| now | filled | cry | wishes | toy |
| found | sleeping | why | kisses | point |
| *pouch | *bluffing | *pry | *classes | *moist |
| *crowded | *planted | *multiply | *brushes | *destroy |
Printing is a new challenge for first grade students. Students need to develop correct letter formation early. It is very important for letters to be made correctly since it will effect how cursive letters will be made later. Holding a pencil correctly, spacing between letters and words, using lines, and writing from left to right are a lot to remember when learning to print.
Check out the following links for:
First grade handwriting paper
Manuscript letter formation help
First graders explore math concepts using a "hands-on" approach. Harcourt Math® is the math program we are using in the classroom. I also utilize hands-on learning centers with activities from Math Their Way®. Students begin to develop insight and understanding into the patterns of mathematics through activities. The activities are designed to promote relationships and connections in mathematics while involving the students' senses. Students actually experience the concepts being taught.
The Michigan Department of Education has listed Math Grade Level Content Expectations that will be followed. To ensure all students are progressing, First Grade Check-Up assessments will be given. The results will be sent home to you.
The wonderful world of science is introduced and explored through three units in first grade. The units are designed to teach the elements of the scientific process, using science equipment safely and participating in experiments.
First Unit Solids and Liquids
Second Unit Air and Weather
Third Unit Insects
First grade social studies focuses on two units: Neighborhoods and Patriotism. Along with the daily "Character Counts" program, students explore the past and present, while looking at the effects toward the future.
Several mini-themes are explored also under "Current Events". Elections, Thanksgiving, Community Service, and Famous Americans will be some of the highlights during the year.
The Elementary Progress Report continues this year with modifications. Once again, if you have any questions, concerns or comments about the progress report card, please call Garden City Public Schools Central Office. They value your input.
Grading Key for Academic Areas
4 High Performance on grade level standards
3 Demonstrates grade level standards
2 Developing grade level standards
1 Performing below grade level standards
0 Not performing
Grading Key for Classroom and School Standards
+ Achieving
! Developing
- Needs Improvement
N Not at all
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