First Grade students rely on their understandings and experiences with oral language as they grow in their ability to read and write. Students learn to appreciate books and other print as sources of information as enjoyment. During the first grade, students develop understanding of how print works to record meaning. Students learn that spoken language is connected with sounds and the sounds represent letters. They learn to read a variety of texts and different types of literature. First graders demonstrate conventional writing, including the use of basic capitalization and punctuation. Their writing shows that they are developing an understanding of the English language and it's usage. First grade is a vital year in a student's education career because many skills are taught and used to build upon in coming years.

OUR FIRST GRADE TEACHERS Planning Time 12:00pm - 12:50pm  Amy Durham - Team Leader I graduated from the University of North Texas and am certified in Elementary and Special Education. I have been teaching at Forman for sixteen years. Twelve of the sixteen years were spent teaching first and second grade which was such an exciting experience for me. This is my second year as a Second grade teacher and I enjoy teaching children how to read and write I absolutely LOVE to read and spend time with my family . email:Amy.Durham@pisd.edu Ext 21235 Mickey Wyatt This is my third year teaching first grade, as well as my third year teaching here at Forman Elementary. I am very excited to be teaching here and can't wait to see what new experiences and adventures I will have at Forman this year. I am originally from Canada and am now a very proud American citizen. When I am not teaching and making new friends here at Forman I am enjoying life with my husband, three sons and our crazy dog named Belle. If I am fortunate to have a quite minute or two to myself, I enjoy relaxing with a great book, hanging out with my sons, or going dancing with my husband.. email:Mickey.Wyatt@pisd.edu Ext 21233 Hilary Morris I hold a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Minor in English, and an endorsement in English as a Second Language from Texas A&M University.  I have also obtained a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Linguistics.  I am also TESOL certified.  After 5 years of teaching English as a Second Language in Kindergarten through fifth grades, I am starting my 3rd year in first grade.  Teaching first grade is my second love next to my family! email:Hilary Morris@pisd.edu Ext 21251 Elia Soto I am originally from Mexico City. This is my fourth year of teaching bilingual education. I previously taught first grade at Carrollton Farmers Branch school district. I am looking forward to working here at Forman with all the bright and cheerful first grade students. In my spare time I like to do jazzercise and spend time with my family. email:Elia.Soto@pisd.edu Ext 21234 Megan Ramsey I graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a B. A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and am certified in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language. This is my second year as a first grade teacher at Forman. I am very excited to be part of the Forman Family, especially in first grade! I was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area and now live with my husband and a miniature schnauzer named Roxy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and relaxing with a good book.  email:Megan.Ramsey@pisd.edu Ext 21237 Karina Mancilla I graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. This is my second year as a first grade teacher at Forman. I am very excited to be back and can’t wait to see all of my students. I was born in Plano, Texas and moved to Venezuela when I was six to be closer to my extended family. I moved back to Plano 14 years ago and went to Plano schools. I enjoy anything artistic, movies, discovering new music, running, traveling and spending time with friends. I am looking forward to another great year with our new first graders! email:Karina.Mancilla@pisd.edu Ext 21236 Reyna Elena I was born in Guerrero, Mexico, but was raised in California. I graduate from California State University San Marcos with a B.A. in two majors; Liberal Studies and Spanish. I also obtained two credentials from the same university: one as an elementary teacher and the other as a High School Spanish teacher. I have been working with students ranging from Pre-school to High School for more than eight years. Last year I move to Texas and received my teacher certification. I am looking forward to a wonderful year in first grade at Forman. email:Reyna.Elena@pisd.edu Ext 21236

FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM  

1ST NINE WEEKS
The first nine weeks are an exciting time for first graders. They will begin building a solid foundation during the first unit of Integrated Curriculum, which is entitled "Balance and Stability-Solid Foundations." The first graders will learn and practice rules, laws, citizenship, and safety. They will locate land and water features, use directional terms, and make world maps. During the second unit "Continuity and Change" the focus is cycles and patterns. They will begin creating different patterns through math and science.

*In Math, the first series of "Investigations-Building Number Sense" will be introduced to the first graders to help them work on numbers, patterns, and problem solving. They will review what numbers look like and what they are. They will create patterns using numbers and shapes. First graders will also begin using strategies for problem solving using the "Problem Solver" method.

*These skills will be practiced throughout the entire year.

2ND NINE WEEKS
The second nine weeks is a continuation of "Continuity and Change." During this unit, first graders study patterns and cycles in our world. They practice time, money, poetry, story and letter writing. Students find out that "Patterns are Everywhere." They begin the next unit called "Systems." During this unit, students learn a system is made up of parts that work together to do a job or make a product. They will also participate in Pioneer Days in order to see what life might have been like for early settlers and pilgrims. First graders will develop their writing skills using the five steps of the writing process.

*In Math, first graders will use skip counting and recognize odd and even numbers. They will explore addition and subtraction facts using a variety of strategies. First graders will focus on spatial development with everyday objects and other physical materials, use thermometers to measure temperature, and explore money identification and value.

*These skills will be practiced throughout the entire year.

3RD NINE WEEKS
The third nine weeks is the study of "Cause and Effect." First graders will explore the concept of interaction as it applies to push, pull, magnetism and gravity. The students will acquire knowledge of sources of light, the effects of light, and the interaction of light and objects. They will become "Curious Kids," by asking questions and learning where to find information to answer these questions. The students will also begin to investigate the differences in nature and man that make us unique in the unit entitled "Diversity."

The implementation of the second series of "Investigations-Number Games and Story Problems" is the main focus in math. The first graders will play number games and solve story problems by exploring combinations of 10, 20, and other numbers. They will count and combine objects that come in 2's like hands and feet, and 4's, 5's and 10's. The will also practice reading, writing, and sequencing numbers up to 100.

4TH SIX WEEKS
Throughout the unit "Diversity" the first graders will use commonalities to classify and concentrate on defining properties and characteristics. The students will investigate plant and animal life. They will explore the diversity of the Earth, its soil and rocks to learn ways it may be recycled and preserved. The first graders will go on two field trips. They will visit The Holified Learning Center in Plano to continue their study of plant and animal life. They will also visit The Dallas Arboretum during the Dallas Blooms to view the plants and flowers they have been studying. The first graders will participate in an annual "Plant Show" where the plants they have been taking care of and their plant/flower artwork will be displayed. The will also explore the importance of Communications during the unit "Making Connections." The definition of communication is the primary focus and it's importance in our everyday lives. The first graders investigate the challenges of miscommunication and the breakdowns in communication that cause misunderstandings.

During the last nine weeks of math, first graders take all of the skills they have been learning and practicing and apply them in the last series of "Investigations." The series is entitled "Survey Questions and Secret Rules." The students learn how to collect data, record, and apply it in many different ways. The first graders will also be able to recognize equal parts or "fair shares" for use with fractions.