I want to welcome you to Room 25!  My name is Sherry Dismuke and I am your child’s teacher for this exciting school year.  Let me tell a little about what you can expect your child to accomplish this year.

Language Arts
Our language program will blend the best techniques available and will reflect what current scientific research is teaching us about how children learn to read and write.
    a.  Whole class reading instruction- children will begin by reviewing each letter and sound of the alphabet. We will increase our phonemic awareness by learning how words are segmented and to which word families they belong. I will also be teaching phonics lessons each day.  Children will gain skills in sound symbol correspondence and the rules of our language. Every afternoon we will gather around the reading tree and improve comprehension by immersing students in wonderful children’s literature. We will explore the structure and meaning of stories, characterization, and main ideas. We will explore oral language through story telling, plays, puppet shows and multiple opportunities to speak in front of the class.
    b.  Small group reading instruction-I am proud to be part of a school that  places such an importance on reading that they are providing each class with a reading specialist from the ALC team from 10:30 to 11:30 each day, for the first 2 months of school. After that your child will receive individualized, focused reading instruction for 20 minutes each day. This is an amazing opportunity for each student. To make optimal use of this time I am looking for volunteers who would be able to help in the class at this time. We are planning special training for  these volunteers.
    c.  Writing-  Writing will be a part of our everyday activities. We will focus on moving first graders out of invented spelling and short text into correct use of spelling, punctuation and paragraphs. We will use a D’Nealian handwriting program that helps children make the transition from printing to cursive writing easier. Students will learn to organize and express their thoughts in written form and understand the purpose and power of written language.
    d.  The Goal- Every child will become a member of the literacy club this year. Our goal is to leave no one behind. I expect every child to read and write this year and I am committed to making that happen. I invite every child and parent to join me in achieving this goal. As a team we can make it happen!  Parents can help by reading with your child for 20 minutes each night! Incentives will be offered by Pizza Hut for those children who can stick to it!

Math
The math program will provide children with direct instruction and then allow them to explore these new concepts with manipulatives designed to help them form good solid understanding. We will then apply this new knowledge to working and practicing paper and pencil problems. At the  end of each math chapter students will apply their math skills to real life problems in the class and at home. After all, what good is math if it cannot help us solve real problems?

Science and Health
I have an extensive background in teaching science to children through hands on activities. This methodology helps bring science alive to students. It takes science off the pages of books and allows students to gain a working knowledge of how the world works. Students are able to apply scientific concepts to problems early on instead of just memorizing them. They also become more confident, excited and interested in the field of science.

Social Studies
In social studies, we will focus on learning about our school neighborhood, community, state, and country. Students will find ways to be good citizens in each of these systems. First grade teachers will set aside special days each month where children will participate in a social studies theme day. We will also contrast life long ago with modern life and study maps and our country's holidays.

Technology
I am computer certified and integrate computers into our classroom daily. Children will learn about the parts of the computer and how we can use it in daily life. Students will practice academic skills by using some of the finest software available for young children. Fifteen minutes a day will be spent by each student on a wonderful reading program called Breakthrough to Literacy. This program will enhance student’s skills in all areas of reading.

Art
Art will be woven into the fabric of our classroom time. This is another area in which a parent volunteer would be useful. Room 19 could use an Art Mom or Dad.

Physical Education, Music and Library
A specialist outside of the classroom will give children instruction in Physical Education, Music, and Library.

Every child brings something special to our classroom family.  I know our class is going to have a great time working and learning together this year. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns you have about your child. I am glad your family will be a part of this special year.

To email our staff, please use the following convention: firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org
Faculty & Staff | Trail Wind Home