What will your child be learning?
Academic expectations today are likely much different then they were when you attended elementary school! At Penns Valley, we follow specially designed curriculum maps that are carefully developed based upon the PA Standards for each grade level. Below is a chart of the skills your child will be learning this year. You'll notice that reading is a very important component of your child's learning this year. Please check the resources page for ways in which you can help your child at home with reading.
How else has school changed?
Over the years there have been many adjustments made in education to ensure learning and success in the 21st century. Penns Valley has been very successful at implementing research based approaches to teaching and learning. In our classrooms, you'll find that the teachers act as facilitators of collaborative student efforts and provide many hands on experiences and inquiry based approaches to teaching new concepts . Technology is integrated daily and students are encouraged to problem solve, think critically, and provide justification for their thoughts. Various assessment approaches frequently occur and are used to adjust instruction that will meet the needs of individual learners. Many teachers have created classroom environments that are safe and welcoming , and that foster student choice. This enables students to feel ownership over their learning and provides a comfortable space for education to take place. You may want to check out our photo gallery to get a better visual of what these characteristics look like specifically in our classroom!
What can you do to help your child?
Much like kindergarten, first grade is a year of growing socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Your involvement, interest, and enthusiasm will help make this a wonderful year of growth for you and your child.
Here are my top five tips for making this a successful school year:
Tip #1 – Talk with you child about their day. Celebrate their best efforts on the work that they do in our classroom.
Tip # 2 – Read with your child daily. Not only does this establish a love of reading, but also it provides an opportunity for family time.
Tip # 3 – Establish routines. Having routines at home helps your child’s prepare for the structure of a classroom, and instills self-discipline and responsibility.
Tip # 4 – Play games. Teaching your child how to play games increases their ability to follow directions, builds problem-solving skills, and helps develop social skills.
Tip # 5 – Get outside. Children need the chance to run and play and get fresh air. Exercising those muscles will improve gross motor skills and burn off stored energy, which will increase attention spans.
Here are my top five tips for making this a successful school year:
Tip #1 – Talk with you child about their day. Celebrate their best efforts on the work that they do in our classroom.
Tip # 2 – Read with your child daily. Not only does this establish a love of reading, but also it provides an opportunity for family time.
Tip # 3 – Establish routines. Having routines at home helps your child’s prepare for the structure of a classroom, and instills self-discipline and responsibility.
Tip # 4 – Play games. Teaching your child how to play games increases their ability to follow directions, builds problem-solving skills, and helps develop social skills.
Tip # 5 – Get outside. Children need the chance to run and play and get fresh air. Exercising those muscles will improve gross motor skills and burn off stored energy, which will increase attention spans.
Education is the most powerful weapon,
which you can use to change the world.