WM 1st Grade Curriculum Update
January 2020
Reading and Writing
Reading
During our first week back from break we jumped right into getting to know characters in stories. Students will have a chance throughout this unit to put themselves in characters’ shoes, start book clubs with their peers, and give the gift of reading by performing a book.
Phonics
We are starting a new unit in phonics. This unit aims to help your child read and write more carefully as they learn more about features and parts of words. A few examples would be
*reading and hearing all the way across words
*dealing with trickier words (words that end with y, s, ed)
*using snap words to help make and read other, longer, trickier words
Writing
Throughout this month we will also spend time writing reviews. This will give your child the chance to express their opinions and learn how to convince others to feel the same way about a topic.
Math
Social Studies
After a long break, we will be spending some of our social studies time reviewing the Wolverine Way and what certain procedures should look like in the classroom. Teachers will be using lessons from their PBIS Binders to reteach expectations for different areas of the school. We will also be exploring maps. Kids will learn how to use a key and create their own island map.
LMC - Library
Music
Mrs. Spahn’s classes will be working on: Learning the differences between a SOLO and an ENSEMBLE
Ms. Soltis’ classes will be working on: Reviewing the difference between Solo (1 instrument) vs. Ensemble (more than 1 instrument) as well as beginning our rhythm studies with quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes.
Technology
Students are finishing the unit Sites I Like by exploring features of the websites ABCYA and PBS Kids. Students will evaluate whether they like or dislike features of the websites. The next unit students will be using the computer as a writing tool.
Art
Why do some artists make abstract art? How does art change your mood? How do you know if art is “good”? Can “good art” look messy? Do artists always “take their time”? (Action Art)
PE
This month, students will learn, practice, and review how to play games and activities that use both short and long-handled implements. We will be starting with Floor Hockey and finish out the month with Net Games (volleying and racquet sports).
Guidance
Students are learning to identify emotions and categorize them into four zones: Blue, green, yellow and red. We are using the Zones of Regulation curriculum to teach students about self regulation and self control. This curriculum teaches students to use strategies or tools to help them move between zones.
The Blue Zone
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored. This is when one's body and/or brain is moving slowly or sluggishly.
The Green Zone
The Green Zone is used to describe a regulated state of alertness. A person may be described as calm, happy, focused, or content when in the Green Zone. This is the zone students generally need to be in for schoolwork and for being social. Being in the Green Zone shows control.
The Yellow Zone
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness; however, a person has some control when in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, nervousness, confusion, and many more slightly elevated emotions and states when in the Yellow Zone (such as wiggly, squirmy, or sensory seeking). The Yellow Zone is starting to lose some control.
The Red Zone
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness or very intense feelings. A person may be experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, panic, terror, or elation when in the Red Zone. Being in the Red Zone can best be explained by not being in control of one's body.