Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Starkey has enough room
For every first grade child,
Every shape, every size, and
Every learning style.
We will read.
We will write.
Our math is quite a sight!
We will plant seeds of
Knowledge that will grow
Until college.
First Grader, First Grader
What will you learn?
Language Arts
In language arts, students are given opportunities to develop
written and oral language skills through a variety of approaches. To
teach reading, handwriting, and spelling skills, we utilize
the Saxon Phonics program and use multisensory techniques. By
beginning with a single letter of the alphabet, we build
in a structural and sequential way. Students are taught
to code words by identifying the sound each letter or letter
cluster makes. They have the opportunity to see it,
say it, hear it, and feel the motion of the hand as it forms
letters. Spelling rules explaining typical patterns
are taught. A controlled vocabulary is used to ensure
student success.
To further the student’s desire to read, our program
is infused with quality literature and activities. Children
learn to recognize a variety of authors and illustrators.
Throughout the year, we use thematic units built on custom,
holidays, and changing seasons.
By the end of first grade, students will be able to:
- read fluently
- write legibly,
- employ listening and speaking skills in a variety of
ways, and
- appreciate a variety of literature
Mathematics
Our Saxon Math program is success-oriented. It enables
ALL children to develop a solid foundation in the language
and basic concepts of all areas of mathematics. We
build on prior learning, and new learning is presented in
increments, with time provided between increments for practice.
Each day the children participate in a beginning-of-the-day
activity called “The Meeting”. Here, they
practice skills related to calendar, counting, patterning,
and weather, as well as reading a graph, time, and money. During
the lesson children use manipulatives, engage in discussions,
work in cooperative groups, and work together to help each
other learn. Also included are individual written practice
and number fact practice. Children complete the first
side of the written practice in class with the teacher’s
assistance. The back side, which mirrors the examples
completed in class, is done as homework. Children are
encouraged to ask parents for help and to check their work.
Reading Recovery
Learning to read in first grade is a top priority. Some
students may have difficulties in learning this important
skill. For those students who qualify, Starkey Elementary
School offers a nationally-recognized program called Reading
Recovery. These students receive daily, one-on-one,
thirty-minute lessons. Each lesson is individualized
to fit each child’s specific needs. The student
works with the Reading Recovery teacher, on the average,
from twelve to twenty weeks. The purpose of the program
is to prevent reading problems at higher grade levels and
establish good reading habits.
Science & Social Studies
Science and social studies concepts are integrated throughout
the curriculum in language arts and math. Children
study concepts such as growing and changing, animal life,
communities, and customs. We build teamwork and respect
through cooperative learning. First grade teachers
plan together for the most fulfilling year of your child’s
school life.
Character & Citizenship
Our first graders will learn the Six Pillars of Character
(trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness,
caring, and citizenship) which will help them develop
into productive, responsible citizens. These six pillars
of character from “Character Counts” will be
emphasized and reinforced on a daily basis. We encourage
their reinforcement at home so that the children see them
as an important part of life, not only as children but as
adults as well.
The first grade teachers’ conference time
is 2:05-2:55. Please call the school office (257-2210)
to schedule a conference.
FIRST GRADE FACULTY
Nora Brantley GRADE
LEVEL CHAIR
Schreiner
College, University of Texas at San Antonio
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
E-mail: nora.brantley@kerrvilleisd.net
Melissa Douglass Texas
Tech University
Degree: Bachelor
of Science
E-mail: melissa.douglass@kerrvilleisd.net
Jan Fry University
of Houston, University of Texas at San Antonio
Degrees: Bachelor
of Science
E-mail: jan.fry@kerrvilleisd.net
Sharie Miller University
of Texas at San Antonio
Degree: Bachelor
of Arts
E-mail: sharie.miller@kerrvilleisd.net
Gloria Moreno Bilingual
Teacher
Schreiner
University
Degree: Bachelor
of Arts
E-mail: gloria.moreno@kerrvilleisd.net
Nancy Smith Reading
Recovery Teacher
Texas
A & I University
Degrees: Bachelor
of Science & Master of Science
E-mail: nancy.smith@kerrvilleisd.net |
