Primary Classes (Grades 1-4)
February 4, 2021
Reading and Spelling
Primary classrooms (grades 1-4), work together to target individual student levels to support success. Students are put into groups allowing them to work at their functioning level in Reading and Spelling. We do Reading Groups for 1.5 hours, 3 times in a 6 day cycle. During this time students are engaged in guided reading for half the time, and then doing the Words Their Way spelling program for the other half. This allows students to work on their appropriate spelling stage in order to develop confidence and achievement.
Mathematics
The primary grades also participate in Guided Math groups 2-4 days per 6 day cycle. Students work in their class in small groupings with the aim to target specific arithmetic strategies. Strategies will be taught based upon the specific instructional need of the group members. Groups will be provided explicit instruction and follow up activities to strengthen the development of strategies.
Writing
Primary classrooms are concentrating on learning the important strategies of successful writing, using the Six Traits of Writing. This is accomplished through Writer's Workshop. Some procedures and routines associated with Writing Workshop are mini-lessons concentrating on the process of writing with the traits. Topics associated with Pre-writing are:
- Identifying why you are writing something
- Identifying your audience
- Gathering information
- Brainstorming (possibly with a peer)
- Organizing, thinking and planning writing
Science, Social Studies and Health
A variety of Science, Social Studies and Health units are taught throughout the year. Each classroom works on these units alone, though sometimes students in grades 1-2 and 3-4 share information with one another, and go on curriculum-based field trips together. The Manitoba Curriculum Framework provides specific outcomes for the students to achieve in their individual grade levels.