Classroom Activities
Each morning we will be involved in a whole class morning meeting that addresses various math and language concepts. During the morning meeting, we will work on calendar and weather activities, math skills, word of the day, interactive writing, and map skills.
In math, we will utilize the EnVisions math curriculum, South Dakota Counts (problem solving that requires more complex thinking and reasoning), Math Zones (learning center activities that focus on each mathematical strand), and Accelerated Math (leveled, self-paced skill practice).
Our Literacy program (reading, phonics/spelling, and writing) is based on the South Dakota Reads program. This program largely incorporates Guided Reading (reading based at the child's level), strategy lessons in a workshop format, and word work.
Guided Reading is reading that is level appropriate. Each student will be tested three times each year using the DRA, DIBELS, STAR Reading, and other literacy assessments. These assessments help check the student's reading progress and help determine what level of books the child should be reading. From these levels, students will be placed in a flexible group. These groups will be changed as needed for optimal leveled instruction. During guided reading instruction, groups will meet with the teacher to work on word attack skills, reading strategies, and comprehension. Students will also be required to complete various journaling activities as well as projects to go with each book.
Reading Workshop involves strategy lessons that emphasize mechanics of reading as well as comprehension. This time will also utilize independent reading and journaling activities. There will be teacher/student conferences to assess fluency and the use of these strategies. Another part of reading workshop will be Shared Reading and Read Alouds. Advanced picture books, big books, basal readers, poetry, and reader's theater will be used to model and practice the strategies taught in reading workshop. Shared reading and read alouds allow teacher modeling of critical thinking, vocabulary, print conventions, word patterns, reading with intonation/expression, and extending/responding to the reading.
Center Activities include Word Study, Phonics/Spelling, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Free Choice (Reading, Handwriting, Writing, File Folder Games). Students will have required activities that must be completed each week.
Word Work/Spelling involves working with letters and words in a purposeful way. During this time, word-attack strategies will be taught in a variety of formats: word wall, making words, guess the covered word, reading/writing rhymes, words we know, and word sorts. Students will also complete Spelling Bucket Activities that include a variety of spelling practice activities (Look/Cover/Write/Check, ABC Order, Picture Meaning, Word Sort, Word Transfer, and Word Use). Students will have a weekly spelling test that includes words following our studied spelling pattern and sight words (word wall words).
Writing Workshop will utilize the Lucy Calkin's Units of Study for Primary Writers. This program includes a literacy-based curriculum that builds throughout the year. We will follow a workshop format that includes mini-lessons, interactive/ group writing, independent portfolio writing, and conferencing. Mini-lessons teach students writing strategies and writing craft. Mini-lesson topics range from brainstorming to editing/revision. Interactive writing is a time to "share the pen" and model effective writing techniques while during independent writing students will write on "real-life" topics and create a portfolio of writing. Finally, conferences can either be student/student or teacher/student. During this time, students will work on identifying areas of strength and also ways to improve their writing. Units of study will include Launching the Writing Workshop, Small Moments (personal narratives), Revision, Nonfiction Writings (How-To and All-About), and Poetry.
Our Science curriculum will focus on a combination of hands-on investigation activities and the study of Life, Earth, and Physical Science units. Our lessons will include exploratory mini-labs, class/individual reading assignments, journaling, and small-group/individual projects.
Our Social Studies curriculum will focus on neighborhoods and communities. Our lessons will include class/individual assignments, journaling, and small-group/individual projects.
