• Welcome to First Grade!
     
     
     
     


    Mrs. McAlpine, Mrs. Aellen,  & Mrs. Linehan 
     
    We are excited to be working with your children this coming year.  We are presently implementing the LCPS language arts program, Pathways and a hands on math program, Investigations.  

    LCPS Pathways Reading and Writing

     

    We are currently using the practices of Jan Richardson’s guided reading approach and the practices of Lucy Calkins’ writing workshop program.

     

    Essential Components of Reading Instruction

    1.    Phonemic awareness

    2.    Phonics (early, emergent, transitional readers)

    3.     Vocabulary

    4.     Fluency

    5.    Comprehension

    A balanced literacy approach to reading includes:

    1.    shared reading,

    2.    guided reading

    3.    independent reading

    4.    read-alouds

    5.    literature study

    6.     explicit skills and strategies lessons

     

    Writing Workshop includes:

     

    1.    a mini lesson

    2.    sustained writing time

    3.    a share session

     
       Math Investigations
     
    Teachers use the Math Investigations hands on program to present  SOL concepts.  These lessons provide an opportunity for students to develop mathematical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of concepts they will need in the coming years.  Supplemental lessons and practice will be given in addition and subtraction facts, place value,money, time and fractions.