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Dear Parents,
It is a pleasure to have your child in my class! Below is a Parent Survival Handbook that will help you understand vital information that will enable me to make this a very positive and rewarding year. I feel as though open lines of communication between the parent, student, and teacher are the key to promoting an educational climate that is conducive to learning. I am looking forward to working with you and your child. Together we can make a difference! Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is a question or situation you would like to discuss. You will receive additional communication throughout the school year. I look forward to building a relationship with you and your child and thus providing the best education that I am capable of giving.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Dickson
Reading
Our reading program incorporates many different components. Students will be participating in Guided Reading Groups, Whole Group Instruction, and Independent Reading. Students may participate in Literature Circles/Book Talks (group discussions about a common book).
Independent Reading
Students will be accountable for silent reading in the classroom. Students will have time in class to read silently, and when not in guided reading groups.
Writing-Writer’s Workshop
We will be writing every day and taking the time to learn and practice all steps in the writing process. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to share their writings.
Science
Science will involve many hands-on experiences to help the students grasp some abstract concepts. We will be doing research on many of our science units.
Math
Our math series is focused on problem solving as well as calculating answers. Being able to explain your thinking in writing is a higher-level skill and shows deeper understanding. I encourage you to practice basic addition and subtraction facts at home to improve fluency.
Spelling
We will have weekly spelling lists in our class. We will take a spelling test on Fridays. Please make sure that you are studying your words nightly to ensure good grades on your weekly tests.
Homework
Students are asked to read 20 minutes nightly, complete a weekly math sheet, and complete a spelling activity in their spelling notebooks daily.
Class Expectations
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
Behavior Card
Weekly Behavior Card: Each child will be given a Weekly Behavior Card. Students can either receive “above the lines” or “below the lines” for their behavior that day. For example: If your child receives an “above the line F,” this means your child was doing a great job following directions. If your child receives a “below the line F,” this means your child was not following directions and needs to work on this. Your child’s goal is to receive as many above the lines as they can for the week. The two students with the greatest number of “above the lines” for the week will get a special prize!!! All students will be rewarded for their excellent behavior.
Each student has the ability to receive “above/below the lines” for the following: Above the line- P- prepared for class, Q- quiet, R- respectful, S- thinking safety, F- following directions, Below the line- P- Not prepared for class, Q-talking/noise, R- disrespectful, S- not thinking safety, F- not following directions. The behavior card needs to be signed by the parents daily.
Rewards: Lunch with a friend, treat box/candy box, sitting at the teacher's desk, take your shoes off for the day (only in the classroom),
Teacher Wish List:
Candy for candy box
Treats for treat box (small toys from Taget dollar section or from Dollar Tree)
Sharpened pencils
Jump ropes
Balls
Sidewalk chalk