Grade 1/2 - Ms. Bendu - Room 215

Hello, my name is Mrs. Bendu. I am the Grade 1/2 Teacher in room 215. You are all highly welcome to our class, I look forward to working with your child, to have an excellent and fun-filled learning experience. My expectations and goals for the year is to create an interesting interactive, inquiry-based learning environment that fosters inclusive environments for all. As a class we respect and abide by Pinkham C.A.R.E.expectations.

• C - Come prepared to learn.

• A - Actively listening

• R- Ready to Participate and Inquire

• E- Everybody Belongs

Classroom Expectations

In connection with our school and classroom C.A.R.E. principles, our class created and signed our class promise that ensures all students feel safe and welcome in our classroom. Everyone is expected to respect and care for each other because we are a classroom FAMILY! I also incorporate Indigenous teaching and traditions throughout our daily learning.

Math

In Math, students will explore number sense concepts such as addition and subtraction of two- to three-digit numbers, counting collections, and understanding patterns and shapes. We will use manipulatives and hands-on activities to make learning interactive. The Thinking Classroom approach, using vertical surfaces like whiteboards, will be incorporated to support differentiated instruction. Tools like DreamBox will also be used to reinforce math skills.

Assessment: Ongoing assessment will be conducted through observations during guided math groups, hands-on activities, and DreamBox exercises. Students' understanding will be evaluated based on their ability to solve problems, demonstrate number sense, and participate in math discussions.

English Language Arts (ELA) 

In our ELA program, we will focus on developing reading and writing skills through a structured approach called Daily 5. Each day, students will engage in five key activities: Read-to-Self, Work on Writing, Read-to-Someone, Listen to Reading, and Word Work. This approach aims to build independence and foster a love for reading and writing. We will also include guided reading sessions, phonemic awareness activities, and both whole group and small group book discussions. These activities will help students enhance their literacy skills in an engaging and interactive way.

Assessment:Students will be assessed through observations during Daily 5 activities, guided reading sessions, and phonemic awareness tasks. Additionally, students will be evaluated on their progress in writing and reading through work samples, verbal interactions, and their participation in discussions.

Science

The Science curriculum will cover the needs of plants and how they grow, as well as distinguishing between living and non-living things. Students will explore the Five Senses and learn how these senses help us understand the world. Inquiry-based activities will encourage curiosity, where students will ask questions, make predictions, and conduct simple experiments.

Assessment: Students will be assessed based on their participation in inquiry activities, their ability to identify and explain the needs of plants, and their understanding of the Five Senses. Observations, student questions, and their ability to make predictions and explain concepts will be used to gauge their understanding.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, students will learn about their community and the concept of citizenship. They will explore what it means to be a responsible member of their community and how they can contribute positively to the world around them.

Assessment: Assessment will be ongoing and will include observations of students' participation in discussions about community and citizenship. Students will also be assessed through their ability to explain their role in their community and their understanding of responsible citizenship.

Health Education

The Health Education program will focus on promoting physically active and healthy lifestyles. Students will learn about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, managing emotions and personal hygiene. Some programs we will be using are Kids in the Know and Second Step.

Assessment: Assessment will be based on students’ participation in physical activities, their understanding of healthy lifestyle choices, and their ability to discuss and apply concepts related to health and wellness.

Art

In Art, students will explore various forms of visual expression, including drawing, painting, and crafting. They will be encouraged to use their creativity to express themselves and explore different artistic techniques.

Assessment: Students will be assessed through their engagement in art projects, their ability to use different materials and techniques, and their creativity in expressing ideas. Observations of their process and final artworks will be used to evaluate their artistic development.

I look forward to having a year filled with excitement, success in our learning and fun with your child. Please contact me at the school number 204-786-5749 or by email at mbendu@wsd1.org.

Mrs. Bendu