Tuesday 26 August 2014

Welcome Grade 1s!

Happy September!

I've had fun setting up my new classroom and am excited to fill it with new students! I'm thrilled to have in my class quite a few siblings of former students (who are growing up so vey quickly). For those of you who know me already, nothing much has changed in my routines, so much of this beginning of the year stuff will be a review. I'll try not to bore you!

For my brand new students and parents, I have found this blog to be a great way of staying in touch with families at home. I update often, so sign up for emails or check frequently for the most up-to-date information! I hope you find this to be a very useful tool.

On the first day of school, I will send home a detailed letter outlining some of the subject areas and routines for the year (copied below). You are also invited to write me a letter so that I can get to know your child better and faster! From now on, I will do most of my communicating via this blog in order to save paper. There is already a lot of (hopefully) useful information posted for you below, so when you get a minute, please scroll down!

Throughout the year, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns so that I can do the best job possible!

I look forward to meeting with you all very soon.

Sincerely,
Tamara
tamara.mitchell2@tdsb.on.ca  (don't forget the '2')


Here's the First Day Online Newsletter - please keep scrolling to other posts containing tons of other information that may be helpful as we get started.


A Day in the Life of a First or Second Grader in Area 24


Welcome parents and students of area 24,

My name is Tamara Mitchell, and I will be your child’s teacher this year at Dewson Public School. I started my education, like your child, in a French Immersion program in Bowmanville, Ontario. I also participated in an exchange trip to France. As well, I come from a very musical family and look forward to sharing my experiences with the class. I’m looking forward to learning about each of my students and creating a community of learners in our classroom.
            Our school day will contain several components that are outlined in the following pages. In addition, we will be establishing a few routines in our classroom, which are discussed later in this letter. I thank you for taking the time to read and discuss this information with your child. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. I welcome your communication and will respond as soon as I can.
            
Yours in sharing the caring of our children,
 Tamara Mitchell, B. Mus. (Hon), M. Ed., B. Ed. (OISE)

Subject Components

Français
All instruction will take place in French. Each day we will devote a large block of time to our literacy components (these include reading, writing, speaking and listening, with an emphasis on developing French vocabulary). We will use elements of a program called ‘The Daily 5’ or ‘Les 5 au quotidien’. The Daily 5 is a structured language program that helps students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working with peers that will lead to a lifetime of independent literacy. The 5 elements of the program are: Read to Self, Read with Someone (buddy reading), Listen to Reading, Work on Writing and Word Work. In September, we will begin establishing each of these components.
            Once the components are established, students will be able to work independently or in small groups on an activity while I work with a small group on their particular learning needs. Conferences enable me to assess students’ understanding and abilities and give students more focused instruction.
            Each week, students will have one period of their French instruction with Mme Arakelyan. She will dismiss them every day 3.

Math
Our math periods will include the following components:

Before the Problem Solving (Introduction to today’s work)
The class gathers and engages in an activity or solves a sample problem that will help them recall prior learning related to the concept being taught.
        Once students are ‘warmed up,’ they are given a problem to solve or an activity designed to build their knowledge related to the unit of study. Before leaving the carpet area, students discuss the problem or activity, paraphrase instructions and ensure that they understand the task at hand and their responsibilities. They may begin to orally plan the strategies that they will use to solve the problem or predict outcomes.


During the Problem Solving
Students work with a partner or in a small group to solve the problem or complete the activity. During this time, I may confer with individuals to assess their skills, knowledge and needs, or I may support small groups of students with similar learning needs.
        Students who complete the activity early are provided with an extension to the day’s work. For example, they may be asked to:
   try to find another possible way to solve the problem;
   draw or write a sentence explaining what they did.

After Problem Solving
Students gather to share and discuss their solutions and approaches to the problem/activity. Students learn to evaluate critically (and kindly) the validity and efficiency of the range of approaches demonstrated by their peers. Together we summarize the main points of the discussion and ensure that everyone understands what was agreed upon. I may demonstrate a particular strategy at the end of the lesson and give students another opportunity to apply their learning the following day.

Science and Social Studies
Students work on Science or Social Studies activities related to the current unit of study. Both Science and Social Studies will be highly linked to our literacy component. I will make an effort to provide a wide selection of books related to our current unit of study for students’ use during literacy periods. There will be a great deal of hands-on exploration in science in particular. It is always beneficial to have some parents in to help with these activities!

The Arts & Physical Education
Visual art will be integrated into many units of study this year. Students will have opportunities to study the work of well-known artists, show feelings and understanding through art, and work independently on their own creative pieces. Music will be taught by Mr. Stephen Greene, Drama and Dance by Mr. Michael Lee and Health and Phys. Ed. by Mme Mary Ann Kowal. We will supplement our fantastic specialty programs with lots of music and drama games in class and 20 minutes of daily physical activity (DPA or APQ) on non-gym/dance days.

The following schedule may help you pack for school each day, but know that our schedule may change if classes need to be rearranged. A complete and updated daily schedule will be provided at Curriculum Night. Please ensure that your child has running shoes at school every day (even on non-gym days). These can be left in Area 24’s shoe bin unless you need them to be brought home.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
DPA
Music
Gym
DPA
French with Mme A
Dance & Drama
Book-Exchange
Gym


Split Class
It is my job to make sure that all students receive the instruction they need and are prepared for their next year of school. Grade 2 students will have the opportunity to help grade 1 students, reviewing and solidifying what they already know. Grade 1 students will be inspired and encouraged by the grade 2 students and will have built in peer helpers. Depending on the subject area, grade 2 students may participate in the same lesson and then stay behind for a few extra minutes to add another layer of challenge, or they may be given an independent group project to tackle.      

If you are interested in learning more about specific curriculum expectations, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Website: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/


Other Routines & Information

Community Circle
Everyone in area 24, including myself, is part of a community of learners. It takes time to build a community that is inclusive, supportive and appreciative, but this is our goal. We will be participating in many fun community-building activities as a class. Community Circle is one activity that we will use regularly. It is an opportunity for us to share how we are feeling, discuss class agreements, solve problems as a group and celebrate successes. In grades 1 and 2 it is particularly important for children to become comfortable speaking French with their classmates. Community Circle is a great opportunity for this.

Expectations
On the first day of school, we co-created our own set of classroom agreements and signed a class contract that we will refer to throughout the coming weeks and school year. Our agreements center around the following principles:
ü attentive listening (on écoute)
ü active participation (on participe)
ü mutual respect (yourself, others, materials) (on est respectueux)
ü appreciation & positivity (on dit des choses gentilles)
We will continue to discuss what each agreement looks like. For example, attentive listening means eyes up, hands to yourself and we raise our hand to share. I would appreciate you taking the time to review these agreements with your child.

At-home-work
While there will be no “homework” in the traditional sense this year, there are many ways that you can support your child’s learning at home. Many children are excited to start school and have homework. If you’d like to say, “Mlle Mitchell gave us this homework”, that’s fine by me!
            First, it is crucial that all students develop a consistent reading routine at home. Students are welcome and encouraged to take a book home every day to read with a parent or guardian. Reading at home makes a  huge difference in a child’s development as a reader, and reading together with a loved one helps children develop an enjoyment and love of reading! There are tips for establishing a reading routine, as well as a link to the TDSB Homework Policy, posted on the class blog. In November, we will begin our formal borrow-a-book system and I’ll provide information about it at that time.
            In addition to reading, children will have 5 words of the week beginning this week. These will be grade-specific high frequency words which children should be able to recognize quickly, regardless of the context (like jumping-off points for reading). Grade 1 words will match the sound we are focusing on at school so that students can practice what they are learning. Grade 2 words will also include words/terms that we have been introduced to in our units of study. Words will come home every Tuesday and will be posted on the blog as well. This week, and regularly on the blog, I will provide ideas for how to work with these words at home. The goal is to spend a few minutes playing with these words every day so that your student would be able to recognize them quickly in a sentence.
            Finally, I think it is very valuable to talk to your child about what they have done at school. You may want to expand on what we have done, or review it. I hope that you will find my blog to be an excellent tool for keeping up with the class. I will make every effort to give you conversation starters and specific questions you can ask to get your child talking!

Library Exchange
Our book exchange period will occur with every Day 4 (starting Friday, September 5th), but books may be returned to our class bin at any time during the week. Students are encouraged to sign out 2 books on their library card. One book must be French. I appreciate your help in reminding your children to have their books ready to return or renew each week!

Bravo!
I believe in recognizing students for the good things they do at school. The Bravo! note gives me an opportunity to write a short note to students to thank them for an act of kindness or particularly good behaviour (for example, helping a friend or helping to tidy up even when it wasn’t their work area). I will send these notes home, and I hope you enjoy reading them with your child!

Class Blog & Communication
I have created a blog for area 24. This will enable me to provide parents with current information on what we are working on in class, special events happening at Dewson, and other reminders! You can access the blog at http://aire24.blogspot.com/
            Another valuable form of communication between yourself, your child and me, is the communication pocket. I have provided each child with a zipper pocket that they can keep and hopefully reuse next year. All I ask is that you replace it should it ever get lost (they are available for $1 at the dollar store). Any notes, forms or work will be sent home in the pocket, size permitting. Please return forms or send notes to me via the pocket - I will teach students how to use their pocket and place any mail for me in the bin on my desk each morning. Please ensure that any forms or money you are sending has your student’s name on it, as there is usually a delay between when I receive mail and when I can go through it with a checklist. Try to make it your child’s responsibility to unpack his/her pocket every morning at school and evening at home, and put it in his/her bag for the next day. This is a great way to start teaching your child how to stay organized.

The best way to reach me is via email at tamara.mitchell2@tdsb.on.ca (don’t forget the 2). I will return emails as soon as I have a minute during school days. You can also send a note in the communication pocket or leave me a message at the school (416-393-9120).

I will be in touch when we are in need of volunteers for trips or special classroom events. If you know that you are interested in volunteering in our classroom, or supervising on a field trip, please let me know by checking the appropriate box on the parent-teacher letter. You can also let me know how best to reach you.

Allergies
Please inform me of any allergies or medical conditions your child has, and if they are bringing a puffer, Epi-Pen or other medication to school. All students are to refrain from bringing any products containing peanuts to school. Some children in our class and school have severe allergies to these products. Thank you in advance.

Labeling & Supplies
To limit lost items at school, please remember to label your child’s belongings (e.g., lunch bag, hat, boots & shoes). Thank you! In Area 24, all students share classroom supplies (pencils, erasers, markers etc.). Students are not required to bring their own materials, but may do so if they are prepared and willing to share with others.

Getting ready for school
All students will need running shoes for gym. Area 24 has a shoe bin where everyone is encouraged to keep a pair of indoor/gym shoes. On rainy days, an extra pair of socks (or even two) is a great idea. If you like, your child can keep a little bag of clothes on their hook in case they need them.
            In grade 1 we expect students to prepare themselves for recess with very minimal assistance. Please practice shoe-tying and zippering skills at home. This will help your child, and our class, get to recess and gym on time. Thanks!

Scholastic
Area 24 participates in monthly Scholastic book orders. I encourage you to participate in this program whenever possible. The first order form is attached to the newsletter.

Online options for beginning French readers!

Here are a few details on some of the language links... hopefully this helps you get started. Please ask me if you have any questions. I will get the kids using these sites later in the year, but if you'd like to start using them now, feel free. Sometimes it's a great way to fill up 10 minutes while you're making dinner!

When you click on Centre Soleil, you immediately meet Carmen who sings an introductory song. She speaks to you using fairly simple language, and not too fast. I think many children will understand her instructions, but if not, it's an easy site to navigate. You can colour, play games, or read stories. When you click on the bookshelf, you then have the choice of 3 books to read with Carmen. Once you've clicked on the book you want, she asks you if you want her to read you the story, or, if you want to play with the pictures and the words. If you ask her to read to you, the words light up, karaoke-style, so you can follow along. If you ask to play with the words, you can click on underlined words to hear them, or click on the pictures to hear the associated word. This is an amazing site!

Themed Dictionary http://www.yrdsb.ca/Programs/fi/FrenchAudio/Pages/a-l-ecole.aspx#
Themed Dictionary, you get a list of themes (e.g., l'école, l'hiver, l'alphabet etc.). When you select a theme, there are pictures of commonly used words for that theme. As you run the mouse over them, it will say the name of the object to you. This is very simple for learning vocabulary at home.

When you click on Grade 1 Vocab (with audio) you see a user-friendly menu with choices like songs, sight-words, the sounds of the alphabet and much more. Click on the image beside the choice to continue. If you select sight-words, the numbers, or the alphabet (possibly others), you just scroll over the word Écoute, and it will speak to you. Click Prochain to move on to the next word. If you select songs and poems, it will give you another list of choices to listen to. Again, this sight is great for beginners, and children can probably use it independently after they know how to get on.

When you click on BBC French, you are taken to a visual menu where you can select what you want to hear, they have the numbers from 0 - 21, and other key phrases, such as "Quel âge as-tu?" What I like about this site is that it is children speaking, and each bit of spoken text is accompanied by a little animation which makes it fun to watch and understand.

Sam Sam http://www.samsam.fr/
This site is super fun for kids. There are videos with French narration, and games to play. The only drawback is that there is no written text with the videos, so you can't follow the words while you listen. Still fun though, and there is more variety of stories on this site than any other. You need to subscribe to use most features of this site. It’s free, just click where it says ‘Inscris-toi ici’.

Chansons et Comptines http://comptines.tv/
This is a good alternative to YouTube as all the videos are in French and many have words so you can follow along and sing familiar songs and nursery rhymes karaoke-style. Use the list on the left to see which songs have videos and music.

Finally, check out the Toronto Public Library site. They have a "Hear a Story" section, and if you follow the prompts, you can find French stories on there too!

In the Games (Jeux) link list, you'll find TFO http://www3.tfo.org/jeux
I have to say, if your child is already playing games on the computer or other electronic device, this website has lots of games that are fun, age-appropriate and completely in French. Two that I have tried out are "Caillou" and "Petit Lapin Blanc". The instructions are all oral and in French. The games are simple and fun. It's a good way to start listening to spoken French.