- Do you have an aide?
- What is the daily routine?
- What specials does my child have in first grade?
- If I need to conference with the teacher, how do I do that?
- What can I expect from my child in first grade?
- How do you teach reading?
- Do you assign homework?
- I want my child to develop a love of reading. What books do you recommend?
- What version of the Bible do you use at school?
- Do first graders participate in Rocket Math?
- What is Victory Drill?
- How many recesses are there in first grade?
- Do I really need to write the name on the school supplies?
- What is Parent's Night?
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Do you have an aide?
Yes, Mrs. Tricia Cochran is the aide for first grade. She will be in our
classroom for two hours each day.
She is a graduate of CHCS, and has three children currently enrolled at CHCS.
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What is the daily routine?
8:40- First bell rings and students may walk to classroom
8:55- Tardy bell rings and pledges/announcements begin
9:00- Attendance/Lunch Count/Calendar Activities and Prayer Requests
9:10-11:10 Spelling, Reading, and Language Lessons
11:15 Lunch
11:40 Recess
12:20 Handwriting
Afternoon- Our specials are usually in the afternoon, as well as Bible and
Math
Social Studies, Health, and Science are done on a rotating
weekly basis
**There is NO naptime or 1:30 dismissal in first grade.**
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What specials does my child have in first grade?
The specials will always be indicated on the Lesson Aims. In first grade,
the students go to Art for 1
hour, attend Music 2 times a week for 1/2 hour, and Gym 2 times a week for
1/2 hour. They have
Spanish and Library 1 time a week for 1/2 hour. I have computer with them
in the classroom one time
a week.
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If I need to conference with the teacher, how do I do that?
Call the school offfice, 330-929-1901 ext. 25 to set up a conference. Mrs.
Hartwell will
handle the scheduling of the appointment. I do check e-mail daily, however,
please do not use e-mail
to conference with me. Face-to-face contact is always better to discuss
your child's progress.
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What can I expect from my child in first grade?
First grade is typically the year when children learn how to read well.
There is a great
difference between a child's reading ability in August, and the ability in
May. Many of
the students enter reading only sight words, and emerge as proficient
readers, reading fluently.
Your first grader will become faster at addition, subtraction, and counting
money. It is
not uncommon for first graders to reverse letters and numbers, but they
should be
working to catch their mistakes and check their work.
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How do you teach reading?
We use the Houghton-Mifflin curriculum for reading, spelling, vocabulary,
and English. I have reading
groups 3-4 days a week, and your child will be in a group with 4-6 other
children. If you would like to
receive more information, please let me know. You can also schedule to
visit the classroom.
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Do you assign homework?
Homework is not formally given the first semester. Beginning second
semester, homework is given
every Monday night. Every week your child does have a Bible verse and
Spelling List to work on.
Reading to and with your child is always recommended.
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I want my child to develop a love of reading. What books do you recommend?
Author: Title
Esme Raji Codell: How to Get Your Child to Love Reading
Mary Leonhardt: 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading
Jim Trelease: The New Read-Aloud Handbook
Bernice Cullinan: Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read
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What version of the Bible do you use at school?
We use the New International Version (NIV). The students will have a NIV
Bible to use at school second
semester.
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Do first graders participate in Rocket Math?
Yes, but not until second semester.
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What is Victory Drill?
Victory Drill is a reading incentive that Chapel Hill has used for years to
develop
fluency in reading. About 50-65% of first graders pass "Victory Drill"
every year. Every student is
required to pass up to page 18 by the end of the year. More information
will be coming the middle
of September.
PASSING ONTO SECOND GRADE IS NOT DEPENDENT ON VICTORY DRILL!
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How many recesses are there in first grade?
There is one 30 minute recess right after lunch. As the weather is nice, I
also try to take them out for
10 minutes before the school day is over.
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Do I really need to write the name on the school supplies?
It is helpful, because as items drop or get left places, we can return them
to the proper owner. Crayons
included!
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What is Parent's Night?
This is a time for the parents to
come to school and the
students stay home. The PreSchool- Grade 2 meeting lasts for 1/2 hour. I
will go over classroom
procedures, as well as provide opportunities for parents to sign-up for
parties and field trips. It is
not uncommon to have 100% attendance on this night, so please make it a
priority to come. If you
have another child in a lower elementary grade, I have a packet of handouts
that explains everything.
I will also answer questions that evening, but if you have one ahead of
time, let me know, and I will
be sure to address it.
