As students walk through the door they are greeted and then asked to grab a book. They can read alone, with a partner, or in a group.
Our morning work looks different each day and is usually a coloring page, important review, or is related to what we are learning that day. This independent work time provides a soft transition from home to school.
I start morning meeting by greeting students and then we count to 100 by 2s, 5s, and 10s. This is an important first grade standard and so we do this together every morning. I then go over the schedule for the day and they can ask any questions they have about our day. We end with a read aloud and a discussion about the book we are reading.
Our language arts block is focused around the Benchmark curriculum and starts with a whole group lesson. We then break off into three centers: guided reading, writing, and an independent center that is differentiated to what students can do alone and confidently. Both the guided reading and writing centers are lead by teachers.
Students eat snack from 10-10:15 and then I pick them up and they get to play from 10:15-10:30.
Our math block is focused around the Bridges Math curriculum and starts with a number corner lesson. Number Corner is a skill-building program that revolves around the classroom calendar, providing daily practice as well as continual encounters with broader mathematical concepts in 15–20 minutes of engaging instruction.
After number corner, we go into a full group math lesson and then break off into centers. These centers are focused around math manipulative's such as geo boards, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, dominos, or polydrons. Students interact with math manipulative's in a meaningful and engaging way through math games.
After working for an extended period of time we take a brain break. This is usually a game like Simon Says or a GoNoodle. Something that involves moving your body and getting some wiggles out.
Zoo-phonics is a method developed to make children strong readers and spellers using a “phono” (hearing), “oral” (speaking), “visual” (seeing), “kinesthetic” (moving), and tactile (touching)—whole brain approach. Students actually learn the sounds of the alphabet and advanced phonemic concepts through an easily understood, concrete method of presentation.
Students eat their lunch and then play on the blacktop or playgroup.
After lunch, we start with a read aloud and a discussion on the book. I then have students choose a silent reading book, find a comfortable spot in the room, and silently read or look at the pictures.
On Thursdays, students are dismissed at 1:20pm
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
This is a structured opportunity for students to choose what they would like to do in the classroom. During this time, they can do an art activity, read, write, or use math manipulative's.
Students clean up their desks, gather their things, and line up for dismissal.
Dismissal for 1st grade is at the front of the school.
Saivya Birnbaum, our Garden & Sustainability Coordinator, meets with all students once a week for thirty minutes. She also facilitates the district’s recycling and composting program.
Park Side students visit the school library once a week for a story and an opportunity to check out books. The library is filled with fictional stories, non-fiction books, and educational resources. Additionally, Miss Jewell facilitates a variety of fun activities and opportunities for students at Park Side Elementary.