Forman's Friends

Welcome to Our Class!

Our classroom is unique in that we focus on individual IEP objectives while exposing students to the increased rigor of the Common Core Curriculum. Meeting a child’s sensory integration needs and incorporating HET (Highly Effective Teaching) methods makes our learning dynamic. This brain-based learning includes movement breaks and incorporates body-mapping to facilitate learning.

Class-wide behavior systems are in place for work-completion and effort, following teacher directions, and life skills. More individualized behavior programs are also implemented as needed, where students participate in behavior solutions.

Social skill instruction is an organic part of our day. Snack Please send only healthy, low-sugar snacks—no cookies/cakes or candy. Protein supports the brain and has staying power—so nuts or nut-butters are among the best choices.

Report Card Information

Please be aware that the report card grades for small group students are simply a measure of where the student is relative to a specific set of criteria on Common Core standards. These standards are significantly more rigorous in content and pacing than the Georgia Standards (GPS) were in previous years.

Look to the progress report to see how your child is doing in terms of building foundational skills and addressing deficit areas. Their effort and performance will be reflected in this format most accurately. Celebrate these successes! Continue to encourage, praise all progress, and be positive.

Writing Information

Students who participate in writing instruction with me, generally write on a daily basis.  They may spend a few days on a given piece, especially if we are working on revision and editing. 

Your child has a portfolio of work, which I will share with you at our fall conference.  I use this collected work to plan instruction and assess student progress.  I will not send home all writing pieces, but I do intend to send home a sample of work each Friday.

Daily Success Reports

I was inspired to update and refine some of my organizational systems, including the Daily Success Report. It is now simpler, and will give an overall success level {outstanding (O); satisfactory (S); needs improvement (N)} by subject area. Students will meet with me to create a personal goal to work on as well. My aim is for us to choose it on Friday for the following week.

Please return the Daily Success Report each day, in the purple folder. Kindly initial that you have read the ratings and that homework is complete. Be sure to return it on Monday, after you’ve reviewed it on the weekend; I keep it for my data collection.

You may correspond with me in the comments section of the report, when needed, or send a note in the folder if you prefer. I intend to celebrate highlights with you! (If I am in an afternoon meeting, I will not be able to correspond that day.)

Homework is marked on the back of the Daily Report. I am taking into consideration that your child may be working with multiple teachers. Do write a note if a given night’s homework is too challenging or if family events require a delay in its completion.

I have collected many beginning-of-year assessments and introduced/reviewed procedures and routines. We are gathering momentum and stamina for our academic schedule.

I’m truly excited to be working with your amazing children! My aim is to facilitate strong engagement as we move through our year with inspiring successes. Remember, success is not simply an end result; it’s the journey that gets us there.

Spelling and Response Journal

For 2nd and 3rd grade spelling students:

This week we will begin spelling homework. I will model in class so students know the daily routines. They need to complete at home what is not finished in class. (Please see instructions on the spelling packet, as well as on the back of the Daily Success Report in the Homework section.) If you choose to use the Spelling City website, you can make use of the free games and practice supports. I will introduce them in class as well. This website use is totally optional.

On Mondays, spelling students will also write in their Reading Journal. (Monday is the lightest spelling practice day.) Here are some ideas for them to consider in response.

They may choose one idea below or may respond in their own meaningful way:

Fiction

• Who is your favorite character? Why?

• How are you like the main character?

• Describe an interesting detail in the plot.

• Would you recommend this book? Why?

 

Non-Fiction

• Describe an interesting detail about the subject.

• What is the main idea that the author is trying to tell you?

• What else would you like to learn about the topic?

• Would you recommend this book? Why?

Supply List

Ms. Forman’s 2012-2013 Supply List

This year’s list reflects the spirit of reduce/reuse/recycle. I’m streamlining requests and using our current resources.

Please send in the following:

• 1 Purple Plastic Folder with pockets—all students (for home/school communication)

• 1 Orange Folder (plastic preferred) with pockets and prongs—1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders only

• 1 box of Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils—kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders only

• 1 box of Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils-Erasable (if possible, otherwise regular)—4th graders only

• 1 large container of disinfectant wipes for desk cleaning—3rd graders only

 Optional, but recommended:

• Water bottle (to be used for class water consumption, taken home for cleaning on Friday, and returned on Monday).

WISH LIST:

• Multi-color post-it notes (with lines if possible, otherwise regular)

 Thank you!

Accessing Raz-kids.com for Reading Practice and Fun!

The following are revised instructions to access Raz-Kids leveled reading practice from home. Your children enjoy using it at school. It is reinforcing for decoding and comprehension, and it’s fun too! Using this program is optional.

1) Go to raz-kids.com

2) Click on the Log In tab.

3) Enter: ahforman for password to access the class chart.

4) Click on your name.

5) Put your first and last initials for student password, and Enter.

6) Choose a book to read, or have it read to you.

7) It’s great to have it read to you; then read it yourself; then take a quiz.

8) Have fun redeeming your points at Raz Rocket!

Nutrition in the Classroom

In terms of food, we allow only healthy snacks in the classroom—for example, peanut butter crackers, low-sugar granola bars, fruit, nuts, vegetables, pretzels, etc.  We have found that high sugar has a negative impact on focus and behavior in the classroom.  Please support your child in making wise food choices.

Favorite Websites

The following is a listing of great websites to practice skills:

General:

Math and Language Arts Skill Builders

Mr. Nussbaum

Introduction to Touch Typing

Math:

Harcourt Math - Grade 2

Harcourt Math - Grade 3

Virtual Manipulatives

Just in Time

Stop the Clock

Math Games

More Math Practice

Reading:

Phonics Practice

C-V-C Maker

Clifford Interactive Storybook

Starfall

Storyline

Reading Readiness Skills and More

Sight Word Activities

Language Arts:

Spelling City