Classroom Expectations & Curriculum

Our Focus Skills

Reading Comprehension: This is all about understanding what you read. We'll work on strategies to help you follow the plot, understand characters, find the main idea, and make inferences, so you can truly connect with the stories and information in texts.
Fluency: Fluent reading sounds smooth, natural, and expressive—just like talking. We'll practice reading with accuracy and at a good pace so you can focus on the meaning of the text instead of getting stuck on individual words.
Vocabulary: The more words you know, the more you can understand! We'll explore new words, learn their meanings, and practice using them in our own speaking and writing. A bigger vocabulary makes reading more enjoyable and easier to comprehend.
Writing Skills: Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. We will practice responding to what we read by writing about it. This helps to organize our thoughts, deepen our understanding, and communicate our ideas clearly.
Phonics: This involves understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. By strengthening our phonics skills, we can confidently decode or "sound out" unfamiliar words, which is a key building block for fluent reading.

I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and discovery with you!

To create a positive and productive learning environment for everyone, we have clear expectations for behavior, participation, and assignments.

We follow the three core rules of SMS:

Be Safe: This means moving around the classroom carefully, keeping your hands and feet to yourself, and using classroom materials appropriately.
Be Respectful: We show respect by listening when others are speaking or reading aloud, using kind words, and valuing everyone's ideas and efforts. A respectful classroom is a place where everyone feels comfortable taking risks and growing as a reader.
Be Responsible: You can be responsible by coming to class prepared with your materials, keeping your workspace tidy, and taking ownership of your learning and actions.

Active participation is essential for improving our reading skills. Every student is expected to participate daily in the following ways:

Reading Fluency: You will practice your reading fluency skills every day. This includes focusing on accuracy (reading words correctly), rate (reading at a smooth, conversational speed), and smoothness (reading with expression and pausing at the right places).
Discussions and Inferencing: We will build our comprehension by learning to "read between the lines." You are expected to share your thoughts during class discussions as we practice inferencing skills together through teacher modeling and group conversations.
Independent Practice: After we learn and practice a skill together, you will be expected to apply it on your own during independent work time. This is your chance to show what you know and where you need more help.
In-Class Writing: Writing and reading are closely connected. You will be expected to write about various topics and for various lengths throughout the year. This practice helps strengthen your comprehension and express your ideas clearly.