English Language Arts Grade 1
Writing Standard 1
English Language Arts Grade 1
Writing Standard 8
English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 4
English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 6
English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 1 a.
English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 1 b.
English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 1 c.
This activity shares ideas on how to spotlight each student in your classroom.
Additional Resources
Books
Begin by planning to teach this unit within the first week of school to help the students feel a connection with you (the teacher) and each other. These activities give the students an opportunity to share things about their life and their interests. This is a highlight for every child in the classroom. It is very important to make every child feel special and find success in school. Steps in this unit have been spread out and will cover several days due to the interest span of first graders.
Each student will have an opportunity to be the "Top Banana/King/ Queen" (use any title you want) for the day (week). However, before any student has a chance to be in the spotlight, share some details from your own life with the students. This gives the students an opportunity to get to know you and feel a connection with you in the classroom.
Additionally, in using graphs in this unit, the students will feel a connection with other students who have the same attributes. Graphing can be used extensively through questions such as students' likes, dislikes, interests, etc. When all the charts are written about each child, the students can contrast/compare themselves with other class members and analyze the data from graphs. This will help increase math skills.
2. Develop social skills and ethical responsibility.
3. Demonstrate responsible emotional and cognitive behaviors.
Invitation to Learn
Within the first few days of school, you (the teacher) will share pictures and artifacts (e.g. quilt, crocheting, art, beloved books, etc.) that tell something about your life. Give your students the opportunity to ask questions. You write down the answers on chart paper. This is a good time to explain the difference between questions and statements. Limit the questions to no more than six because students' short interest span affects the success of this activity.
Instructional Procedures
Family Connections
Research Basis
DuFour, R., Eaker, R., & DuFour, R. (2005). On Common Ground. Solution Tree, Bloomington, Indiana
Continuous improvement in teaching, student achievement, and the quality of relationships among all members of a professional learning community (PLC) is based on a continuous cycle of teaching and learning. Educators who realize they have something to learn from their students as well as something to teach them usually find success. One of the keys to successful "learning for all" is based on the willingness of the school staff to customize and differentiate its services to meet the specific needs of each student.