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Welcome to First GradeDear Visitor: Welcome to first grade. The following is intended to provide you with an overview of the general focus of study in The Laureate’s first grade. Emphasis is placed on the language arts program, which is a major component of our daily curriculum. Reading development is guided within flexible, differentiated reading groups that are responsive to students' reading levels and pace. Leveled readers, such as the Rigby PM Collection, which offers extensive series of multi-age level books, along with leveled young children's books allow students to read at their levels while instilling the joy of reading. We also use the Accelerated Reader computer program to enhance students’ reading comprehension. Once a student reads an Accelerated Reader book, he/she takes a quiz on the computer, and an immediate report shows his/her level of comprehension. Phonics instruction consists of letter sounds, as well as word families and rhyming words. The Spelling Workout books help students to independently practice letter/sound correlation. The Houghton Mifflin English program provides instruction in language usage skills. Everyday Mathematics is the math program that we use. It correlates to the California state education standards for first grade, covers numbers, patterns, addition, subtraction, basic fact strategies, geometry, and algebra; yet is concept-based to ensure a firm grasp of mathematical reasoning. Online games develop math-fact fluency, and Home Links provide relevant, applied learning opportunities. In addition to their academic subjects, students receive instruction in art, music, and computers once a week. Spanish classes are scheduled three days a week and include both written and oral activities. Mandarin is twice a week. Healthy growth is supported with physical education classes three times a week. Weekly discussions and activities are planned to emphasize a “Positive Character Trait of the Month” (e.g., responsibility). The monthly character education themes are incorporated into the social studies, reading, and language arts curriculum as further reinforcement for these attributes. I am looking forward to a wonderful year! Sincerely, Mrs. Susan Townsend, First Grade Teacher Texts
Reading/Language Arts/Literature  
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