Our day is very busy, filled with learning and fun!
Journal Writing: As the children enter the classroom, they will unpack and begin their journal entry for the day. Pictures and labels will progress to inventive (phonetic) spelling and conventional spelling of high frequency words.
Opening Board/Morning Circle Time: This is the time we explore the calendar, keep a running record of the number of days in school, and practice our developing decoding skills by reading the morning message. Many other skills are taught and reviewed, such as counting by fives and tens, and the concepts of the penny, nickel, dime, and eventually the quarter and dollar bill.
Literacy: A large portion of the morning will be spent on exploring the foundational skills of reading and writing, such as phonemic awareness and phonics skills. We will also enjoy wonderful literature and poems as a springboard to explore these skills.
Math: Each day, the students will be introduced (as much as possible using manipulatives and hands-on approach) to a mathermatical concept, and will then apply their knowledge to complete usually two pages in our math book. Homework will often entail a review page of the concept explored in class.
Religion: The students will explore the life and Jesus, several prayers and hymns, and various feasts of the Liturgical year. During Advent and Lent, we will prepare for Jesus in our heart through several supplemental and fun activities.
Social Studies/Science: We have flexibility in exploring various science and social studies themes, and many of the themes and concepts we explore are student-interest driven. We also explore the seasons and the reasons for the holidays, such as Veteran's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Centers: Centers is a time for the students to develop independence and cooperation in small groups. It is also a time for me to pull individual students to assess literacy and math skill, so that I can plan instruction accordingly.
Specials: The children will enjoy various specials throughout the week, such as Music, Art, Gym, and Technology.
We also enjoy read-alouds, recess, and music daily, and occasionally enjoy a "dance party"!