The following information will be helpful for you to know.

	*Reading:  Reading instruction will come in many forms.  In large 
groups, poems, and big books will be used.  Specific skills will also be 
taught during large group times.  In small groups the children will use 
literature sets to practice individual reading.  Reading strategies will be 
the major focus in the small groups.  

	*Writing:  We will have writing each day.  During this 
time the children will learn how to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish 
their own work.  The children will also learn how to write for many 
different purposes.  Grammar and sentence structure will also be addressed 
during this time.

	*Math:  Math instruction in first grade involves the use of many 
manipulatives to explore and learn the concepts of addition and 
subtraction.  Your child will also learn the concepts of money, time, place 
value, patterns, and measurement

	*Spelling:  Our program will start at the beginning of the year.  
The focus will be on teaching the children how to spell using patterns and 
strategies instead of memorizing the words.  

	*Social Studies, Science, and Health:  These three subjects will be 
taught through the use of thematic units.  Textbooks, trade books, and other 
resources will be used to explore these topics.