Expectations for First Grade Students and Classroom

1. Planners - Students will write all ten Spelling Words in their planner on the first and fifth day of the unit lesson cycle.   Spelling test days will vary and will be included in the planner. The spelling words will be written on the page with the date corresponding to the test.  For instance; the first day of the lesson cycle falls on Wednesday, so the Spelling Words will be written on the page for next week showing that the test is on Tuesday.

2. Reading - Every child should be involved in reading 30 minutes every night as outlined in the Handbook.  The reading is NOT limited to AR books or to sounding out every word of every page in a book. It should include the fluency Back Pack Page that is sent home weekly, some reading to a parent and even some when the parent is reading to the child, such as bedtime stories.

3. Lexia – The beginning of first grade level skills on Lexia is at level 6.  The end of first grade level skills is at the end of level 9. Therefore, students who are not yet on level 6 should be doing Lexia at home (if possible) for at least 30 minutes each week. A link to Lexia for students to work at home can be found under the Quick Links of the school website.

4. Homework – Homework will normally consist of one Backpack page every day except Spelling Test days.  There is usually one page with the Math lesson to be done also. There is also a Chapter Review page and a “With My Family” page that is included in each chapter of Religion.  Please note the activity that is done with the family and initial it. Occasionally homework will be expected in Science or Social Studies, which should be included in the planner.

5. Handwriting – A copy of the letter formation guide was sent home at beginning of the year during the Meet the Teacher night.  That is my guide for teaching and grading of handwriting.

6. AR – In first grade we are laying the foundation of good reading habits for a lifetime.  Therefore, I do expect every child to do their level best to make their AR Goal every six weeks.  During the months of October through March, students will also receive a Pizza Book-It certificate for a free personal pan pizza when they return the sheet that I include in the back panel of their folders.

7. By the time a child reaches first grade, they should be able to tie their own shoes.  If yours does not, please help them learn that life skill as soon as possible.