Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What goes on in a first grade classroom??
OPEN HOUSE INTEGRATED CURRICULUM � math, phonics, grammar, social studies, science, reading and writing are all taught within the context of a theme using real literature and books related to that theme. This theme is stated at the beginning of the weekly newsletter. We use a Phonic�s workbook. You will see those pages come home on a regular basis. JOURNALS � reading and writing go hand in hand. We learn to read by writing and we learn to write by reading. We use 4 duotangs � one for each quarter. VOCABULARY/SPELLING � We we use Sitton�s most frequently used words(there are 30 for the first grade) plus words that are related to the theme. MATH � emphasis is on number facts up to 10. It is important to use the flash cards nightly. Timed tests will begin in January. Other concepts taught are time, money, measuring and shapes. Math pages and homework will come home often. PORTFOLIOS � I keep several samples of writing in a portfolio to be sent home around report card time. Each piece is dated in order to see progress. FIRST GRADE COMMUNICATIONS � Each and every Monday I will send home a newsletter to keep you informed as to the theme for the week, homework and other tidbits going on in our classroom. You may also find this information on St. Al�s web page.www.saintals.org. The website is updated weekly. HOMEWORK � varies nightly. It will be listed in the weekly newsletter. Every night your child should review number facts, read and practice handwriting.TABLETS needed for homework are sold for $2.00 here at school. GYM CLASS is on WEDNESDAY. First graders may wear gym clothes to school on that day. Please clearly label clothing. BIRTHDAYS may be celebrated by sending in a treat on that day. Please be sure that the treat is something that can easily be distributed. Summer birthdays will be celebrated in May. A notice will be sent to you at that time to decide on a date. NO PARTY INVITATIONS MAY BE SENT THROUGH SCHOOL. LABEL your child�s clothing, backpack, lunchbox, etc. This is very important as children often do not recognize their own belongings. RECESS is at 9:30 and 11:30 EVERYDAY. Please see that your child is dressed appropriately. Also, your child may have a healthy snack during morning recess.We do go out in all weather but rain! When ABSENT, a written note stating the reason for the absence is REQUIRED when your child returns. Have some responsible person come to our class to pick up homework. Scholastic BOOK CLUB order forms are sent home each month. There is no obligation to buy. If you do want to order please make a check payable to SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB. �BOOK IT� program is sponsored by Pizza Hut to encourage good reading habits. It begins in October. I will send home a monthly calendar each month for the six months of the program. Each month your child must read (or be read to) for 15 minutes for 10 nights. You then need to initial the box on the calendar for those nights and return it when it�s completed (a total of 150 for the month). This program is homework and is required. STAR OF THE WEEK is a program that helps promote self-esteem. Each child will have a turn. A note will be sent home telling you of his/her turn. Please help fill out the interview and gather some pictures and any other meaningful things. I began a HOMEWORK BAG program a couple of years ago which was liked very much. Therefore I will do it again this year. Your child will bring home a bag of sorts with activities and directions. This is an opportunity for you to spend a little time with your child with some fun but educational activities. You may keep it for only one night so that it can circulate throughout the class. There are many bags with different activities that will be circulating throughout the year. Have fun! Our BIG SIB program is for the purposes of guidance and tutoring, role modeling and sharing creativity. The children will be paired with an eighth grader to do some reading, journal writing, and art projects. They meet once or twice a month. No gifts or treats should be exchanged. PARENT HELPERS are needed and wanted. Put preferred day and time on sign up sheet at Open House. You will be notified as to when to come. Once a month is preferred but if only once a year your child will be happy! It is mandatory that you take the Child Decree Program and be fingerprinted before you can help. This is mandated by the Archdiocese and you will need to show your card for verification. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. COMMUNICATION is very important. If your child is having any difficulty or you have any questions please contact me by: calling the school office and leaving a message as to when is a good time to reach you; writing a note; or emailing me at cappel_p@saintals.org. FRIDAY PACKETS will come home with the oldest child in school. This contains all communication from the school office and the PTO. SCRAP PAPER of any kind from your work or elsewhere is always appreciated. I�m looking forward to a great year!Back to Top