Welcome to a new school year, filled with such promise for growth! Many of us have worked together before, and I am privileged to continue our relationship. For those who do not yet know me, this is my ninth year at Murdock. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, with certification in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
Teaching with a vision of the whole child, I blend curriculum with IEP goals, social skills, and functional skills. 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.
I am integrating more elements of the Highly Effective Teaching Model (HET), which is a research-based model for how the brain best learns. My intention is to minimize distractions in the physical structure of our classroom, build movement into the day organically, and develop reflective thinking. The LIFESKILLS (that comprise personal best) will be the foundation of our interactions. Students not only feel respected, but also begin to internalize the components of personal best and acting with respect. Our daily pledge is the statement of our class rules: I promise to be Trustworthy, Truthful, and an Active Listener too. I will do my Personal Best and show Appreciation for all of you, and Murdock too. Be green!
This year, all students have reading with me. 1st graders should read at home for 10 minutes, and 2nd and 3rd graders for 20 minutes—this can be independent (they read on their own), shared practice (you read a page / your child reads a page), read-aloud (just you read) or any combination. In any case, do read together each night; it is part of school-wide homework and will truly support your child’s progress.
If your child has sight-words, it is best to practice them on a daily basis. This practice can be made into games (bingo, coin toss, etc.) if you choose. It should only take 2-3 minutes, unless you both find it fun and helpful to work longer.
2nd and 3rd grade Fundations phonics students will either have spelling practice (combining Fundations pattern words and “trick-words”) OR Explode the Code phonics practice (2 or 3 pages per night). If reading comprehension is a stronger need for your child, I will add or some home practice if you choose. Please let me know if you feel strongly about this additional comprehension practice for your child. Children work intensely during the day, and extra homework may not be as beneficial as outdoor play-time or organic learning opportunities at home.
My intention is that homework provides reinforcement for curriculum and/or IEP goals. All assignments from me (reading/spelling) will be listed on the back of the Daily Success Report. Please initial the front of the Daily Success Report, above the day of the week, to indicate you have reviewed your child’s successes. Please return the Daily Success Report each morning in the purple plastic home/school communication folder. I will keep the previous week’s report on Monday for my records. Please remember to send it back! Homework should not take an extended time. If a given assignment is too difficult to be completed in a reasonable amount of time, put it aside and jot me a note. For children who find spelling sentences challenging, I suggest dividing them between 2 nights (starting Monday and completing on Tuesday night).
Thank you for putting your trust in me as an educator. I promise to do my personal best to support you child well.
If you have any remaining questions or concerns, the best way to contact me is in the comment section of the Daily Success Report. I can also be reached by e-mail (amy.forman@cobbk12.org), or you can leave a message at the Murdock office (770-509-5071).
