Habits of a Scholar

We have started examining the Habits of a Scholar to guide behavior and work habits in the right direction.  Each week we are focusing on a new habit, beginning with preparation.  Preparation is a skill that many of our scholars struggle with.  They have great minds but young bodies and we are still working to cut down on little minutes of learning time lost here and there throughout the day due to struggles with preparation.  I define preparation as having all materials needed for learning ready on time.  Of course for first graders I tell them what to take out and when to have it ready, but the goal is for the students to develop personal organization and independence.  This is one reason why I ask that they do age appropriate tasks such as carry their own backpacks independently.  Here are some examples of how the scholars see themselves showing preparation:

The second habit that we explored is one that the scholars EXCELL at:  Curiosity.  We discussed how they love to learn and sometimes might drive parents crazy with a million questions, but that asking questions is a way of showing a thirst for knowledge.  We also discussed how curiosity is not about just asking the questions, but also using resources to try to find the answers to those questions.  So the next time your child is asking you obscure questions about a dinosaur species or scientific phenomenon you can encourage them to channel their curiosity into finding the answer for themselves.  I often find myself telling scholars "I don't know the answer to your question yet, but I DO know the resource I can use to find it!"  

Here are some of the many examples of how our scholars explore their curiosity:

This week we are tackling a new scholarly habit: ponder!  Check back soon to see examples of how the scholars think deeply when they ponder.

Halloween Parade

This Friday will be the Ethan Allen Halloween Parade!  Families are welcome to join us as we celebrate this fun day from 8:45-9:45am on the blacktop.  Please have your child wear their costume to school and bring a change of clothes for later, or they may wear their regular clothes under their costumes.  This is always a fun time to celebrate and view the creativity of Allen's scholars in their costume choices!  Please ask your child about the costume rules and Halloween safety rules that we have discussed in class.  Let me know if you have any questions, and please enjoy our jack-o-lantern artwork!

We integrated math into our artwork by incorporating symmetry.

Homework

Many parents have asked questions about the homework.  I know it looks very different than Kindergarten homework and even from 1st grade general ed.  That is because your children need a greater challenge and they can handle it!  I generally try to alternate weekly assignments between concept review and more challenging in depth thinking assignments, such as the ones where they interviewed an adult about how they use math and when they searched for patterns in their daily lives.  Here are a few examples of homework that was very well done to give you and example of what I am looking for:

Providing evidence that a number is odd or even.  This is a part of our daily calendar routine.

Finding the relationship between addition and subtraction.  Relationships are our universal theme this year and I try to bring it into the content whenever possible.  Especially in math I find it builds a deeper understanding that concepts are connected, not random.

Looking for patterns in daily life shows that patterns lead to predictability.

Each week I choose two scholars who did an exceptional job on homework to display on the Homework Hall of Fame.  This board is just above the classroom door, feel free to take a look!

Opinions and Multiple Perspectives

Common core standards have an emphasis on explaining thinking and defending answers.  Luckily, our first grade scholars love to share their thinking!

Here is one of our new common core standards for writing:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1
Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

We have been working on sharing our opinions and agreeing/disagreeing respectfully in class discussions.  This standard pairs nicely with the depth and complexity icon for different points of view and multiple perspectives.  Here is some of the work that we have done to build understanding of forming opinions, sharing our reasons for opinions, discussing opinions respectfully, and changing our minds after hearing other friends' opinions that are supported by strong reasoning.

 We wrote about the best part of our body.  Opinions included eyes, ears, hands, lungs, mouth, legs, feet, heart, chest, skin, and many more.

 The scholars shared opinions on what Mrs. Smith should dress as for Halloween and explained their thinking.

We surveyed the class to find out what our favorite Halloween decorations are.

A note about health

There is a nasty flu virus going around in our classroom, and it is continuing to spread (even to me!) by scholars coming to school when they should really be at home recuperating.  Parents, I KNOW how much your children love school and how persuasive they can be.  I am glad that I get to teach children who love being at school.  However, a child with a fever or who is throwing up should not be at school.  They are not able to do their best learning and are infecting others.  I frequently hear scholars tell me things like "I threw up this morning, but I really wanted to come to school!"  Or "I was in the emergency room last night!"  Parents, please remind your child that their body needs to be healthy in order to learn best.  If your child is sick, please keep them at home for a day (or longer if necessary) to restore their health.  I always save work that they miss and go over it with them on their return, and I am happy to send that work home on the same day that they are out if you prefer.  I find that the students understand assignments and retain concepts better when their health is strong rather than struggling through work when they should really be resting.

Back to School Night

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Back to School Night this evening.  Here is the text of my powerpoint presentation for those who were unable to attend.  I know I covered a lot of information so please don't be afraid to ask me any questions.

*Welcome to Back to School Night!

*

*Mrs. Smith

*First Grade GATE

*Lots of Information!

*GATE vs. general education

*Common Core Standards

*Class routines: daily schedule, homework

*Parent Involvement, Class Dojo

*This is a year of changes and your scholars are well equipped!

*What makes GATE different?

*Thinking tools

*Depth and Complexity

*Content Imperatives

*Universal Themes

*Habits of a scholar

*Think like a Disciplinarian

*Keys to Learning

*Accelerated pace based on readiness

  *Junior Great Books

*Greater opportunity for student choice, projects

*Focus on application of skills

*Peers

*Homework

*Mrs. Smith receives additional training

*What is the same as General Ed?

*PE, assemblies, school wide activities

*Same standards (but explored to greater depth)

*Same base programs (except for Junior Great Books)

*Same report card

*Mrs. Smith collaborates with the first grade team and has the grade level leadership role

*Common Core

*Fewer standards, greater depth

*ex./no more timed tests or money standards for math

*Focus on conceptual understanding

*Supporting ideas with evidence

*Application of concepts, related concepts together

*Writing is equally as important as math and reading

*Standards are provided, teachers must plan to address the standards

*Testing begins in 3rd grade (tests are taken on computers)

*Daily Routine

*8:30  Calendar (math standards integration)

*8:50  Math

*9:50  Recess

*10:10  Reading Instruction (phonics & word work, comprehension)

*11:50  Lunch

*12:30  Read aloud/extension

*12:45  Writing

*1:30  PE/projects/art/JGB (depends on the day)

*2:00  Social Studies/Science

*2:50  Dismissal

*Music every other week, computer lab TBD

*Homework

*Weekly assignments, daily reading log

*Daily reading

*Write 1 sentence or more on the reading log

*Quality > quanitity

*Work will always be due on Fridays

*Scholars may borrow books from me

*Additional projects throughout the year (social studies, science, Curious George weekend friend) will always be discussed in class first.

*Helping your child succeed

*Help them stay organized with their folders

*Ask them questions and show an interest in their learning/specific interests

*Read together

*Encourage academic risk taking (it’s better to struggle through a challenge than to always excel at easy tasks)

*Keep a regular schedule for homework, sleep

*Practice typing skills

*Check Class Dojo

*Let them do age appropriate tasks independently

*Remember that they’re still kids J

*Class Dojo

*Look for patterns in behavior

*Occasional negative marks are not a cause for panic

*The amount of points given varies by the day

*Restarts each month

*Focus on CHOICES

*Parent Participation

*School events

  -I will let you know ahead of time (Halloween, Tet, etc)

  -Friday Flag Ceremonies

*In the classroom

  -Student work is confidential

  -Schedule ahead of time with Mrs. Smith

  -Mostly prep work

*Taking projects home

  -Let me know if you are interested

*Donations

  -THANK YOU!!!

*Schoolwide birthday policy is strongly enforced.  Cupcakes, juice, no nuts, and please schedule ahead of time with Mrs. Smith.

*Contacting Mrs. Smith

*www.ethanallenscholars.blogspot.com

*Email is best:  lgravessmith@ggusd.us

*Send a note with your child

*I’m usually available before school on Monday-Wednesday

*Friday Folders

*Call the school office

*Before you leave, please be sure to…

*Sign in

*Sign up for a Winter conference time

*Take the handouts

THANK YOU!  J