What is P.R.E. Time?

At Timber Trail, we believe in meeting the unique needs and abilities of every kiddo—and P.R.E. time is one of the ways we do just that!

P.R.E. stands for:

• Preview – Introducing new concepts to build background knowledge
  
  

• Review – Reinforcing and practicing previously taught skills
  
  

• Extend – Challenging learners to go deeper and think critically
  
  

This targeted time allows us to support each child exactly where they are, helping them grow into the best learner they can be across all subject areas!

In Focus Program Curriculum Summary

The In Focus program is a comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum designed to foster the development of crucial life skills in students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program's core focus is on improving students' emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and social skills, empowering them to navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships.

Key features of the In Focus curriculum include:

• Brain-based approach: Lessons incorporate neuroscience research to optimize learning and student engagement.

• Daily lessons: Brief 10-15 minute sessions make it easy to implement into existing routines.

• Sequential structure: Lessons build upon each other, creating a cohesive learning experience.

• Comprehensive skill development: Curriculum addresses a wide range of SEL competencies including self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.  

• Additional benefits: The program also supports academic performance, reduces bullying and impulsive behavior, improves conflict resolution skills, and elevates self-esteem.

• Teacher support: Resources such as scripts, background information, and at-home activities are provided to enhance implementation.

• Culturally responsive: Lessons are designed to be inclusive and consider the diverse backgro

What is UFLI?

In first grade, we use the UFLI Foundations program (University of Florida Literacy Institute) to help our students become strong, confident readers! UFLI is a structured literacy program that focuses on key reading skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and spelling. It provides daily, systematic instruction that is research-based and designed to meet the needs of all learners.

UFLI Overview

In first grade, we use UFLI Foundations for our phonics lessons. Each lesson follows a consistent structure to support our kiddos as they grow into confident readers.

Here’s what a typical UFLI lesson looks like:

• 🔄 Review – Practice previously learned sounds, letters, and words.
  ✨ New Skill – Introduce a new sound-spelling pattern.

• 📖 Word Reading – Blend sounds together to read new words.

• ♥️Words- We will get a set of sight words/heart words each week.  These are words that do not follow a spelling pattern so we have to know them by heart 🙂

• 📝 Spelling & Dictation – Practice writing words and sentences with the new pattern.

• 📚 Connected Text – Read sentences or short passages to apply the new skill in context.
  
  

This routine helps build confidence and gives every kiddo the tools they need to become strong, successful readers! I will also be updating our classroom website each week with our current UFLI focus, so we are all on the same page and you can have meaningful conversations with your kiddo at home. 😊

Benefits of UFLI include:

• Builds a strong foundation in early reading skills
  
  

• Supports all types of learners, including those who may struggle
  
  

• Offers clear routines and engaging, hands-on activities
  
  

• Boosts confidence and independence in reading
  
  

• Provides consistent, targeted practice to ensure growth
  
  

With UFLI, we’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading—one step at a

Write From the Beginning 

Program Summary

Write From the Beginning is a comprehensive writing curriculum designed to foster strong writing skills in students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The program emphasizes a balanced approach to writing instruction, focusing on the writing process, grammar, mechanics, and writing across various genres.

Key features of Write From the Beginning include:

• Focus on the Writing Process: Students are guided through pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, ensuring they understand and apply each stage effectively.

• Explicit Grammar Instruction: Systematic grammar lessons are integrated throughout the curriculum, providing students with a strong foundation in language conventions.

• Genre-Based Writing: Students learn to write in various genres such as narratives, informative texts, and persuasive essays, developing their ability to adapt their writing style and structure to different purposes and audiences.

• Teacher Support: The program provides comprehensive teacher's guides, student workbooks, and digital resources to facilitate effective instruction and student learning.

• Scaffolding and Differentiation: Lessons are designed to support all learners, offering scaffolding and differentiation options to accommodate varying skill levels.

What is SRSD?

SRSD stands for Self-Regulated Strategy Development, and it’s a powerful approach we use in first grade to help our young writers become confident, independent, and organized.

SRSD teaches students writing strategies (like how to plan, organize, and revise) while also helping them build the self-regulation skills they need to stay focused, set goals, and believe in themselves as writers. It’s not just about writing better—it’s about thinking like a writer!

With SRSD, our kiddos learn that their voice matters and that they have the tools to express their thoughts clearly and creatively.

In first grade, we follow the Colorado Academic Standards, which provide a strong foundation for learning in Science and Social Studies.

In Science, first graders explore the world around them through hands-on investigations and observations. They learn about:

• Physical Science: motion, sound, and light
  
  

• Life Science: the needs of plants and animals
  
  

• Earth & Space Science: patterns in the sky and weather
  
  

In Social Studies, students begin building an understanding of their place in the world by learning about:

• History: how life today compares to the past
  
  

• Geography: maps, globes, and understanding where we live
  
  

• Civics: rules, responsibilities, and being part of a community
  
  

• Economics: needs vs. wants and making choices
  
  

These standards guide us in creating meaningful, age-appropriate lessons that help kiddos become curious, informed, and thoughtful learners!

What is PBL? (Project-Based Learning)

In first grade, we use Project-Based Learning (PBL) to make learning meaningful, hands-on, and fun! PBL gives students the chance to explore real-world topics through engaging projects that build critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Each project is centered around a driving question and allows students to investigate, create, and present their learning in a way that’s exciting and age-appropriate. Through PBL, our kiddos take ownership of their learning and see how what they’re learning in class connects to the world around them!

Thinking Maps Program Summary:

Thinking Maps is a visual learning tool that uses eight graphic organizers to represent different thought processes. These maps help students organize information, understand complex concepts, and improve critical thinking skills across various subjects.

Key Features:

• Eight Visual Organizers: The eight maps include the Circle Map, Bubble Map, Double Bubble Map, Tree Map, Brace Map, Flow Map, Multi-Flow Map, and Bridge Map, each designed for a specific thinking process.

• Versatile Application: Applicable across different grade levels and subject areas, promoting cross-curricular connections.

• Promotes Metacognition: Encourages students to reflect on their thinking processes and make them more visible.

• Improves Communication: Provides a visual language for students to express their ideas clearly and effectively.

• Enhances Comprehension and Retention: Helps students organize and synthesize information, leading to better understanding and recall.

Benefits:

• Develops Critical Thinking Skills: Supports higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

• Enhances Reading and Writing Skills: Helps students organize their thoughts for comprehension and written expression.

• Supports Differentiated Instruction: Accommodates different learning styles and abilities, making learning accessible to all.

• Fosters Collaboration: Encourages students to work together, share ideas, and build on each other's thinking.