Como First Grade Our Teachers: Mrs. Jennrich Mrs. Emerson Mr. Petrini First grade students at Como Elementary have the benefit of small group instruction at their reading level. Each student gets 50 minutes of this small group instruction daily. Students also learn comprehension strategies during this time, diving deeper into literature using reading response logs and higher level discussions. We employ a balanced literacy approach that includes listening to stories read, sharing reading as a class, learning to read in small groups, and reading independently. In addition, we use the Writer's Workshop format with a writing support teacher in the room to teach writing concepts such as the basic concepts involved in writing, the formal writing process, and how to write a narrative. Our math curriculum, Everyday Math, is a spirialing curriculum. This means that students are introduced to many basic math concepts throughout the year and continue to return to them throughout the year and in subsequent years to build upon their knowledge. The advantage to this is that if students do not understand a math concept when it is first taught, there will be other opportunities for exposure and practice throughout the curriculum. During the math block of the day, there is a support person in the room assisting students who need it and extending the curriculum for those who are ready. First graders attend art, science, and physical education on a rotating basis throughout the year. Many of the Como students are English Language Learners (ELL). First grade has 4 certified ELL teachers who work with groups of students during the reading and writing blocks and help them to understand the concepts first graders need to know. Throughout the day we employ a "Responsive Classroom" and "Restitution" approach to building community and dealing with behavior issues in the classroom. Students are encouraged to discuss and resolve issues while considering the classroom community. It is anticipated that young children will make mistakes and the Restitution approach allows them the opportunity to fix mistakes instead of focusing on discipline and punishments. Como School is home to the district's Planetarium. Every spring, the first graders visit it and learn about many aspects of the sky. Throughout the year we take various field trips. Each year we go to the Children's Museum to explore and learn about ants and insects. We also take a trip to the farm to learn about the animals that live there. Click on the links to find some sights you and your child will enjoy.  Books!   This link will take you to interactive books, where children can work with the words in a story.  Working with Words   This sight provides opportunity for children to work with basic sight word vocabulary and learn about word sounds.  Everyday Math   This link will help you and your student with the nightly math homework. It lists each unit and chapter and the corresponding lessons and games.  Zoophonics   Click here to learn about the zoophonics program your child uses in first grade.