We use the SPALDING method in our language arts class. Students practice Spalding PHONOGRAMS each day. They say the sounds and write the sounds, practicing neat handwriting and proper letter formation as they write each phonogram. Students daily evaluate their own writing and discuss ways to improve their work.
We do a daily review of the Spalding phonogramsin class, but please review them at home if your child is struggling to remember them. Click on the phonograms tab at the bottom of this page to learn more about making and using the phonogram cards.
Spalding SPELLING words are practiced each day. We use a multisensory approach of visualizing the words (using fingers to break down phonemes and syllables), saying the phonogram sounds, and writing the words. Spelling rules and syllabication are taught as they are applied to the spelling words.
GRAMMAR & WRITING SKILLS are integrated into daily Spalding lessons. Students are encouraged to use their understanding of phonograms to "sound out" words as they write.
READING SKILLS are practiced daily with Spalding readers and "real" books/text. Reading fluency is developed in group work, independent reading, and in partner reading activities. Students learn the elements of various types of literature, and are introduced to quality literature through read-alouds.
Classroom Management:
Friday Fun Fifteen Reward: I use a class scoreboard system for managing class behavior in our language arts class. Students work together to earn points based on whether they are on task ("Yes!") or off task ("Oh no!"). At the end of class, if they have had a successful day, they will get to choose a number to put on the class phonogram chart. When they mark out a row of 10 phonograms (BINGO!), they will earn a class reward.
If an individual student is being disruptive to the class, the student will complete a "Stop and Think" form. Parents will address the issue with their child at home and return the form to class. If there are continued behavior issues, I will meet with the parents so that we can create a plan to help their child achieve success in my class.
Grading Policy & Student Absences
Most of our language arts assignments are completed in class, but your child may need to make up an assignment if he/she is absent, or if he/she did not complete the work in class.
STUDENT ABSENCES: Please an email if your child will be absent from my class. Students will be responsible to collect make-up work from our class language arts folder when they return to school. They will have one week to turn in the missing assignments. SPELLING FUNWORK ASSIGNMENTS will be given at the beginning of the week, and will be collected each Friday. This home practice will be most effective if your child writes the word list one time each day. Please be sure that your child takes the time to write the words carefully and NEATLY. I will only give HALF CREDIT if words are not written neatly and correctly.
HOMEWORK: Students will be responsible for weekly SPELLING FUNWORK assignments. There will not be any additional language arts homework, with the exception of practicing phonograms and spelling words, or completing missed assignments due to absences.
No credit will be given for homework assignments that are turned in 2 weeks past the due date.
Please check your ASPIRE account on a regular basis to see if your child is missing any assignments.
ASSESSMENTS: Spelling and Phonogram tests are given each Friday. Please be sure that your child is at school (on time) on Friday mornings.It is VERY DIFFICULT for us to find the time to reschedule make-up tests for your child. We also give a Spalding spelling assessment at the end of each month to see how students are progressing, and to pinpoint areas of focus for our class lessons. This assessment is for diagnostic / planning purposes, and does not affect your child's language arts grade in any way.
The information and assignments on this language arts page pertain only to the students who are in the Math class that I teach. Please remember that the first grade students are divided into academically-leveled Language Arts classes, taught by the three first grade teachers. If you have questions about my Math class, please contact me. If your child is in another Math class, click the link below to contact your child's Language Arts teacher.