Mrs. Masciotra's Grade 1/2 Class

Dear Parents: I am thrilled to be teaching grade one and two this year! I have taught grade one, two, or one and two, for the past 15 years. (Before that I taught Kindergarten, Music and Library.)

Teaching a combined grade does offer some unique experiences for children and their teacher. Do keep in mind that some lessons will be targeted at each specific grade level, and some lessons will be whole group learning. Assessment and evaluation is ALWAYS grade specific.

Below, please find a link to our Ontario Ministry of Education's website giving specific information about learning in a Split level class.

• http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/combined.pdf
• ANSWERING PARENTS’ QUESTIONS
• Why do you have classes of combined grades? Most classes of combined grades are created to accommodate students in a school where it is not possible to create only single-grade classes. For example, if there are thirty Grade 2 students, thirty Grade 3 students, and three teachers, the only way to organize the children into smaller classes is to combine some students from both grades in one class. Some schools, however, choose to create classes of combined grades, so that their students have the opportunity to gain the academic and socio-emotional benefits associated with such classes.
• What are the benefits of placement in a class of combined grades? There are many socio-emotional benefits for students who are in classes with students of various ages. For example, in such classes, peer interactions have been shown to be very positive; students have opportunities for greater development of social skills and cooperation skills; and students often develop a feeling of comfort and security, a positive self-concept, and a sense of satisfaction with their achievements. There are also significant opportunities for development of leadership skills and for learning from peers. In studies measuring academic achievement, students in classes of combined grades were found to perform as well as students in single grade classes.
• Why was my child chosen to be in a class of combined grades? When placing students in all classes, educators consider a variety of factors, including number of students, number of boys and girls, and students’ interests, strengths, needs, learning styles, motivation, work habits, emotional development, and linguistic, cultural, and social backgrounds.
• Will the teacher have as much time for each child in a class of combined grades? The amount of time for an individual student is not determined by the organization of classrooms by grade. In all classrooms, teachers employ a number of instructional strategies to address the needs of all students. On a daily basis, teachers work with large groups, small groups, and individual students.
• How do teachers prepare for teaching classes of combined grades? Teachers develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage any classroom, including knowledge of curriculum resources and flexibility in planning. Teachers also learn about which instructional strategies work well with the students in their class while they teach, whether it is a single-grade class or a class of combined grades. As well, the Ministry of Education and the local district school board provide many professional learning opportunities for teachers on planning and instruction.
• Will the child in the higher grade be sufficiently challenged? Research has shown that there are no negative effects on academic achievement. Teachers design programs to challenge children at their appropriate academic level. In any given classroom, students have diverse needs and interests, and teachers spend a great deal of time planning a program so that it addresses this range. Along with the academic studies, students also learn to work with a cross-section of other students, reinforcing social and leadership skills. Research suggests that this is an advantage.
• Might the child in the lower grade be overwhelmed? Teachers and principals are careful in selecting students who will be compatible in all classes. In any class, children show a range of development physically, emotionally, and academically. It is an advantage for younger children in a class of combined grades to have many people they can ask for help – both the teacher and older students. They may also benefit from being able to learn from older children who can model leadership and academic skills.