Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common 
questions of students and parents.

1. Is it common for first graders to form letters and numbers backwards?
2. What is AR ? ?? (Accelerated Reader)
3. What happens if my child gets sick at school?
4. Why are timed math tests important?
5. Is there anything our class needs?
6. What happens if my child forgets lunch or money?
7. May my child bring treats on his/her birthday for the class?
8. Can my child bring a water bottle to class?
9. What should I do if my child will go home a different way?
10. How can I help out in the classroom?

Is it common for first graders to form letters and numbers backwards?

Very!  At least half of all first graders make some letters and 
numbers 
backwards.  The most commom errors are b, d, p, q and 2, 5, 7 and 
9.
After the first 9 week grading period, we require that they make 
all letters
correctly.  This helps them to break the habit and use their 
alphabet line
as a reference.
We do, however count a word wrong on a spelling test if a letter 
is
backward.  This will begin after we have gone through each letter 
of
the alphabet and practiced writing it.  The children should get 
into the
habit of looking at their alphabet line if they are unsure.

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What is AR ? ?? (Accelerated Reader)

AR is a program to increase comprehension skills.  Your child can 
check out 
AR books from the library or from my classroom to earn points 
toward prizes.
Encourage your child to take at least 1  AR test per week.  We 
will not begin
learning about AR for a little while, but if a child would like 
to begin 
taking tests already, they may let me know.  Because they are on 
differnet 
reading levels, they have the option of checking out more 
challenging books
or books on their level and work up throughout the year.

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What happens if my child gets sick at school?

I will send your child to our school nurse.  She will notify you 
if your
child has a fever or needs to come home.

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Why are timed math tests important?

Your child will have a timed math test 2-3 times/week.  It is 
necessary
for your child to have the facts memorized so that he/she can 
solve
math problems quickly and accurately.  These tests help greatly.

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Is there anything our class needs?

I will let you know throughout the year.

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What happens if my child forgets lunch or money?

I will let your child call you.  But, if it is too close to 
lunchtime, the
cafeteria will give him/her a peanut butter sandwich, fruit and 
milk.

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May my child bring treats on his/her birthday for the class?

Yes!  Cookies or brownies are best.  Cupcakes are very messy and 
are not 
allowed.
You can send them with your child or bring them to the office.

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Can my child bring a water bottle to class?

Yes.  It's a great idea for after recess and they don't have to 
wait in
line at the water fountain.   Placing a water bottle in the 
freezer the
night before works out well for a cold drink late in the day!

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What should I do if my child will go home a different way?

I must have a note or e-mail from you.  Otherwise, I will send 
your child
home in their usual way.  (First graders do get confused 
occasionally and
I would rather be SAFE than sorry.)

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How can I help out in the classroom?

First grade does not need as much classroom help.  However, I 
would like to
have a parent or two come 1-2 days/week to read with small groups 
of 
children.   Just let me know if you are interested in this.  I 
usually start
in October with these groups.

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