Mrs. Penfield’s First Grade
Name: Mary Jane Penfield
Grade Level: First Grade
Mrs. Penfield has a BS in Elementary Education from The University of Vermont
and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Keene State College.
She has taught at Hinsdale Elementary School for 27 years.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Penfield may be contacted at: 336-5332 ext. 526
Childhood Should be a Journey not a Race
Curriculum
Our curriculum follows the Hinsdale Elementary School Curriculum Guides that are aligned with the NH State Grade Level Expectations.
Our literacy program is based on the Literacy Collaborative model that reflects the philosophy of Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell. This model encompasses many facets of literacy skills including Shared Writing and Language Experience, Interactive Reading, Interactive Writing, Shared Reading, Writing Workshop, Reading Workshop, Independent Reading and Independent Writing. All of these components are keys to the final goal which is to have independent readers and independent writers.
Our spelling series is Zaner-Bloser - Spelling Connections.
Our phonemic awareness lessons are derived from Phonics Lessons, Letters, Words and How They Work
We also incorporate Open Court and Project Read into our literacy program.
The math program used throughout the school is Everyday Math. This is a program that the first grade began last year. This program is based on a spiraling concept. Material is constantly being introduced and the previous learning is constantly being reviewed. An informational letter is sent home to parents at the beginning of each chapter. Many of the lessons have a Home Link that is to be done at home to further review and solidify the daily material. It is very important to complete the assignment and send the work back the next day.
We use Silver Burdett Ginn and Harcourt as a basis for our science and social studies curriculum. We are able to enhance that with Scholastic News which is a source for current events too.
Our social curriculum is grounded in the Second Step program. Second Step teaches children the important social skills necessary to be a productive part of a classroom. We focus on emotions, impulse control, and problem solving.
New Hampshire Frameworks – Grade Level Expectations
Classroom Rules
Be nice.
Be safe
Listen when someone is talking
Do your best
Homework Policies:
In first grade we participate in the Book It Pizza Hut reading incentive program. This enables us to set a goal each month for the children. When they complete the reading, they receive a coupon that entitles them to a pizza.
Our Everyday Math series has HomeLinks that accompany the daily lessons. These HomeLinks should be completed at home and returned to school the following day.
A calendar is sent home at the beginning of each month. It has an activity to do each day. When your child has completed the calendar, please send it back to school.
Each weekend the students take home an envelope with a spelling assignment enclosed. Along with this assignment, they may also be assigned a book to read and an assignment that correlates with a theme or topic we are studying. My intention with the book is to keep you informed as to how well your child is learning to read and to allow you the pleasure of reading together. Please feel free to help your child with any reading and above all, please enjoy the books together. It is very important that students complete homework assignments and return them in a timely manner.
Classroom Routines:
The Hinsdale Elementary School operates on a six day schedule. Our routine is as follows:
Day 1 Art
Day 2 Music
Day 3 Health
Day 4 Library
Day 5 Gym
Day 6 Technology Lab
We have a snack time each afternoon. I encourage you to send in healthy snacks. Please do not send in candy or soda.
ALLERGY
INFORMATION:
We have a student in our class who is allergic to peanuts. Please do not send
in any snacks containing peanuts. It is very important to check labels on
snacks. Many foods contain peanuts and/or peanut oil. Also, be sure that the
food has not been processed in a plant that processes peanut products. Thank
you in advance for being diligent about this.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to an enjoyable year.
Created 1/10/08
Updated 2/6/08