Welcome to First Grade with Mrs. Fisher!

I reside in Vernon Hills with my husband and five children. I enjoy cooking, gardening, DIY projects, walking my dogs, spending time with my kids. I attended Northeastern Illinois University and University of Phoenix. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in Structured English Immersion for PreK-12. I was a third grade student teacher and a substitute at St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich. I volunteered at St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove for five years as a lunch and recess monitor, created costumes for the school plays, and was a “science lady” for the kindergarten class. I also helped with small reading groups or anywhere else I was needed throughout the school. I am so happy to be a part of the SJCS community!

Posts

Week at a Glance

May 6th - May 10th

ELA

To encode and decode the syllable pattern: vowel- consonant- e
To add a suffix to vowel-consonant-e words
To recognize long vowel sounds
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To distinguish between module texts that provide information and those that tell stories
To generate and answer questions about Feel the Wind using key details from the text
To define the word powerful and make real-life connections to the word
To orally complete a sentence frame using words that represent things that are powerful
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Feel the Wind
To explain the importance of using multiple sources when researching
To define the word soar and identify real-life connections to the word

MATH

To write numbers to 100 in different ways
To identify the numbers that are ten more and ten less than a given number
To use nickels to count by fives
To compare two two-digit numbers
To compare two two-digit numbers using symbols

SCIENCE

To examine structures like roots, branches, and leaves that keep trees from blowing down. In the activity, Wind-Proof Umbrella, they use their observations to create their own tree-inspired umbrellas that stay up in the wind.

RELIGION

To tell that Jesus wants us to love him and pray to him
To explain that the Holy Spirit guides us
To describe ways to find God
To define Baptism, Confirmation, grace, Holy Spirit, pray

Week at a Glance

April 29th - May 3rd

ELA

To encode and decode the syllable pattern: vowel- consonant- e
To recognize long vowel sounds
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To distinguish between module texts that provide information and those that tell stories
To distinguish shades of meaning of verbs that describe the wind
To generate and answer questions about Feel the Wind using key details from the text
To define the word powerful and make real-life connections to the word
To orally complete a sentence frame using words that represent things that are powerful
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Feel the Wind
To explain the importance of using multiple sources when researching
To define the word soar and identify real-life connections to the word

MATH

To use dimes to count by tens
To make groups of ten and some more
To make groups of ten and ones
To make a table to solve problems

SCIENCE

To identify the pattern that young plants are similar to their parent plants. In the activity, Mixed-up Plants, students observe three seedlings and three adult plants and use their observations to match each seedling to its adult counterpart.

RELIGION

To pray a group prayer of praise
To tell the story of how God created the world
To explain that our world is beautiful because God made it
To describe how we all can do our part to care for God’s creation
To define neighbor

Week at a Glance

April 22nd - April 26th

ELA

To encode and decode the syllable pattern: vowel- consonant- e
To recognize long vowel sounds
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody

MATH Chapter 4 test on Tuesday

To count and write numbers 11 to 19
To count groups of 10
To use dimes to count by tens
To make groups of ten and some more

SCIENCE

To learn how seaweed can help our Earth
To tell ways to help our Earth

SOCIAL STUDIES

Read a classroom map
Use a compass rose to determine direction
Identify and create maps that show local areas, the US and the world

RELIGION

To explain joining God’s family and our first sacrament (Baptism)
To define Baptism, godparent, holy water, Original Sin

Week at a Glance

April 14th - April 19th

ELA

To learn the next syllable pattern: vowel- consonant- e
To recognize long vowel sounds
To add suffixes -ed, -ing to unchanging base words with closed syllables
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To expand sentences using prepositions and prepositional phrases
To complete a sentence frame with a prepositional phrase
To plan an informative paragraph stating the author’s point with supporting reasons

MATH

To subtract using the make 10 to subtract strategy
To use related facts to add and subtract
To find the missing addend

SOCIAL STUDIES

To distinguish between needs as things we must have to live and wants as things it would be nice to have
To identify food, clothing, and shelter as needs each family has
To understand that people use money to buy goods and services in markets
To explore the choices people make when buying needs and wants
To describe jobs that people do to earn money to meet their needs and wants
To identify items a family might need and want while away from home

RELIGION

To demonstrate understanding that Mary is the Mother of God and Jesus was Mary’s son
To explain that God chose Mary to be the mother of his son, Jesus
To define Mary and the gift of grace

Week at a Glance

April 8th - April 12th

Spirit Week!

Monday- Pajama Day

Tuesday- Hat Day

Wednesday- Wacky Wednesday

Thursday- Sports Team

Friday- Color Wars (1st grade wears red)

ELA

To segment and blend up to 5 sounds
To add suffix -s to words with 5 sounds
To add suffixes -ed, -ing to unchanging base words with closed syllables
To introduce vowel teams: oa, oe, ow, ou, oo, ue, ew, au, aw
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To generate and answer questions about Never Smile at a Monkey
To write questions on sticky notes
To find attributes in a text that differentiate between different animals in the same category
To identify the author’s point and reasons given to support that point in sections of Never Smile at a Monkey
To identify the author’s point in writing and list the reasons
To identify the reasons it is important to add a conclusion to an informative paragraph
To define words about the puffer fish using three different attributes
To locate and name text features and explain how they help make the author’s point

MATH

To use a number line to count back to subtract
To relate doubles addition facts to subtraction facts
To write a number sentence to solve problems
To subtract using the make 10 to subtract strategy

SOCIAL STUDIES

To distinguish between needs as things we must have to live and wants as things it would be nice to have
To identify food, clothing, and shelter as needs each family has
To understand that people use money to buy goods and services in markets
To explore the choices people make when buying needs and wants
To describe jobs that people do to earn money to meet their needs and wants
To identify items a family might need and want while away from home

RELIGION

To demonstrate understanding that the Church is God’s family
To explain that followers of Christ are called Christians
To define Christian and Sign of Peace

Week at a Glance

April 2nd- April 5th

ELA

To segment and blend up to 5 sounds
To add suffix -s to words with 5 sounds
To add suffixes -ed, -ing to unchanging base words with closed syllables
To introduce vowel teams: oa, oe, ow, ou, oo, ue, ew, au, aw
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To know and use text features to locate more information
To identify and use frequently occurring prepositions and prepositional phrases
To categorize words related to mammal by defining their attributes
To identify frequently occurring prepositions and prepositional phrases and understand how they provide more information
To identify which question word the prepositional phrase answers
To explain how the authors’ reasons support the point that “bald eagles are the best.”
To choose a reason and complete Sentence Frames
To choose evidence from multiple texts for a collaboratively written opinion piece about favorite animals
To categorize words related to attributes of the field cricket

MATH Chapter 3 test on Friday

To add three numbers by looking for doubles or making a ten
To subtract by counting back 1, 2, 3

SCIENCE

In this Read-Along lesson, Lin explores the sounds made by different kinds of instruments, and discovers what happens when vibrations start—and when they stop. The lesson includes a short exercise where students experiment with a piece of paper to make the connection between vibrations and sound. Students make simple musical instruments using only their heads and string.

RELIGION

To identify Easter as the time when we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection
To explain that Jesus is in heaven with his Father
To explain that one day we will share in Jesus’ new life
To relate Sunday to the Resurrection

Week at a Glance

March 18th - March 22nd

ELA

To segment and blend up to 5 sounds
To add suffix -s to words with 5 sounds
To add suffixes -ed, -ing to unchanging base words with closed syllables
To introduce vowel teams: oa, oe, ow, ou, oo, ue, ew, au, aw
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To plan an informative paragraph about how two animals use the same feature differently
To know and use text features to locate more information
To identify and use frequently occurring prepositions and prepositional phrases
To add a drawing to a written description of how two animals use the same feature differently to clarify ideas
To categorize words related to mammal by defining their attributes

MATH

To act out to solve problems
To use counters and a ten-frame to make sums greater than 10
To identify related addition facts
To add three numbers by looking for doubles or making a ten

SCIENCE

In this Read-Along lesson, Lin explores the sounds made by different kinds of instruments, and discovers what happens when vibrations start—and when they stop. The lesson includes a short exercise where students experiment with a piece of paper to make the connection between vibrations and sound. Students make simple musical instruments using only their heads and string.

RELIGION

To tell that Jesus served his friends
To explain that Jesus wants us to follow his example

Week at a Glance

March 11th - March 15th

ELA

To understand the closed-syllable concept with short vowels
To understand closed syllable vs open syllable
To introduce vowel teams: ai, ay, ee, ea, ey, oi, oy
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To plan an informative paragraph about how two animals use the same feature differently
To know and use text features to locate more information
To write and draw evidence about the chimpanzees uncovered through text features
To identify and use frequently occurring prepositions and prepositional phrases
To add a drawing to a written description of how two animals use the same feature differently to clarify ideas
To categorize words related to mammal by defining their attributes

MATH

To use near doubles to add
To act out to solve problems
To use counters and a ten-frame to make sums greater than 10
To identify related addition facts
To add three numbers by looking for doubles or making a ten

SCIENCE

In this Read-Along lesson, Lin explores the sounds made by different kinds of instruments, and discovers what happens when vibrations start—and when they stop. The lesson includes a short exercise where students experiment with a piece of paper to make the connection between vibrations and sound. Students make simple musical instruments using only their heads and string.

RELIGION

To explain that God wants all people to be part of his Church
To describe how the Holy Spirit is with us
To explain that the Holy Spirit gave the Apostles courage
To define parish and Pentecost

Week at a Glance

March 4th - March 8th

ELA

To understand the closed-syllable concept with short vowels
To understand closed syllable vs open syllable
To introduce vowel teams: ai, ay, ee, ea, ey, oi, oy
To differentiate between narrative fiction and informational books
To read with accuracy and prosody
To generate and answer questions about What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
To identify and use an index and a label, identify the main topic and key details, and order verbs from softest to loudest using the informational passage Whales
To identify frequently occurring prepositions
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
To plan an informative paragraph about how two animals use the same feature differently
To categorize words related to the word mammal
To know and use text features to locate more information
To write and draw evidence about the chimpanzees uncovered through text features

MATH

To count on 1, 2, 3
To count on using pennies
To use a number line to add
To use doubles to add
To use near doubles to add

SCIENCE

To investigate vibrations as a source of sound effects for movies. In the activity, Be a Sound Effects Artist, students use their hands and feet to create a "rainstorm," and then use rulers to create a “boing” sound for a cartoon bouncy ball.

RELIGION

To tell that the Church is found around the world
To explain the importance of being a good friend
To tell how Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be his followers
To define catholic, Church, and guardian angel

Week at a Glance

February 26th - February 29th

ELA

To blend and read words with up to four sounds
To segment and spell words with up to four sounds
To add suffix -s to words with up to four sounds
To blend and read words with R-controlled vowel sounds: ar, or, er, ir, ur
To read with accuracy and prosody
To examine similes in Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea and analyze how they reveal deeper meaning in the text
To use phonetic spelling in an informative paragraph describing one of a sea horse’s unique features
To write an informative paragraph that includes two or more details about one of a sea horse’s unique features

MATH Chapter 10 assessment on Thursday.

To look for a pattern to solve patterns
To combine three-dimensional shapes to make a composite shape

SCIENCE

To investigate vibrations as a source of sound effects for movies. In the activity, Be a Sound Effects Artist, students use their hands and feet to create a "rainstorm," and then use rulers to create a “boing” sound for a cartoon bouncy ball.

RELIGION

To retell the Bible story of a solid foundation
To identify Saint Ignatius of Loyola as someone who made good decisions and lived like Jesus
To explain that the commandments are God’s rules
To explain the basic steps in making a good decision

To define commandment and Ten Commandments

Week at a Glance

February 20th - February 23rd

ELA

To blend and read words with up to four sounds
To segment and spell words with up to four sounds
To add suffix -s to words with up to four sounds
To blend and read words with R-controlled vowel sounds: ar, or, er, ir, ur
To read with accuracy and prosody
To determine the main topic of the whole text Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To organize information by matching a detail about a sea horse with its corresponding unique feature
To identify and use text features, such as an index, text box, and labels, to locate key information
To select two details to include in an informative paragraph about a feature of a sea horse

MATH

To look at attributes to identify cubes and rectangular prisms
To look at attributes to identify cones and cylinders

SCIENCE

To investigate vibrations as a source of sound effects for movies. In the activity, Be a Sound Effects Artist, students use their hands and feet to create a "rainstorm," and then use rulers to create a “boing” sound for a cartoon bouncy ball.

RELIGION

To retell the Bible story of a solid foundation
To identify Saint Ignatius of Loyola as someone who made good decisions and lived like Jesus
To explain that the commandments are God’s rules
To explain the basic steps in making a good decision
To define commandment and Ten Commandments

Week at a Glance

February 12th - February 16th

ELA

To blend and read words with up to four sounds
To segment and spell words with up to four sounds
To add suffix -s to words with up to four sounds
To blend and read words with R-controlled vowel sounds: ar, or, er, ir, ur
To read with accuracy and prosody
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To describe the purpose of information in an informative paragraph
To define words by category and one key attribute
To complete a Sentence Frame describing an attribute a sea horse has

MATH 100th day on Monday! Chapter 9 test on Thursday.

To partition shapes into four equal parts

SCIENCE

To carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between the shape of different bird beaks and the food each bird eats. In the activity, Find the Best Beak, students experiment with long pointy beaks that are great for picking up seeds and wide flat beaks that are good for scooping. They discover that different beaks are best for different kinds of food.

RELIGION

To identify Lent as a time to do good things and to live like Jesus
To tell how Jesus helps us grow closer to God the Father
To explain the significance of Ash Wednesday

Week at a Glance

February 5th - February 9th

ELA Unit 7 Fundations assessment on Tuesday

To blend and read words with up to four sounds
To segment and spell words with up to four sounds
To add suffix -s to words with up to four sounds
To blend and read words with R-controlled vowel sounds: ar, or, er, ir, ur
To read with accuracy and prosody
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To describe the purpose of information in an informative paragraph
To define words by category and one key attribute
To complete a Sentence Frame describing an attribute a sea horse has

MATH

To partition shapes into two or four equal shares and identify how many parts there are in the whole
To partition shapes into two equal parts
To partition shapes into four equal parts

SCIENCE

To carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between the shape of different bird beaks and the food each bird eats. In the activity, Find the Best Beak, students experiment with long pointy beaks that are great for picking up seeds and wide flat beaks that are good for scooping. They discover that different beaks are best for different kinds of food.

RELIGION

To explain that Jesus shows us the way to God
To explain the difference between wants and needs
To pray the Lord’s Prayer
To explain forgiveness

To define temptation and trespass

Week at a Glance

January 29th - February 2nd

We will continue i-Ready diagnostic testing this week.

ELA

To blend and read words with ng or nk
To segment and spell words with ng or nk
To read ng/nk words with a suffix
To read with accuracy and prosody
To describe the connections between the story and the author’s note
To identify and use determiners such as articles and demonstratives
To generate and answer questions about Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To describe the purpose of information in an informative paragraph
To define words by category and one key attribute, using sea horse
To complete a Sentence Frame describing an attribute a sea horse has

MATH

To use two-dimensional shapes to make a composite shape
To use two-dimensional shapes to make a composite shape and compose new shapes from the composite shape
To use logical reasoning to solve problems
To partition shapes into two or four equal shares and identify how many parts there are in the whole

SCIENCE

To carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between the shape of different bird beaks and the food each bird eats. In the activity, Find the Best Beak, students experiment with long pointy beaks that are great for picking up seeds and wide flat beaks that are good for scooping. They discover that different beaks are best for different kinds of food.

RELIGION

To explain that Jesus shows us the way to God
To explain the difference between wants and needs
To pray the Lord’s Prayer
To explain forgiveness
To define temptation and trespass

Week at a Glance

January 22nd - January 26th

We will begin i-Ready diagnostic testing this week.

ELA

To introduce glued sounds: ank, ink, onk, unk
To blend and read words with ng or nk
To segment and spell words with ng or nk
To read with accuracy and prosody
To describe the connections between the story and the author’s note
To identify and use determiners such as articles and demonstratives
To generate and answer questions about Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To identify the main topic and retell key details of sections of Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea
To describe the purpose of information in an informative paragraph
To define words by category and one key attribute, using sea horse
To complete a Sentence Frame describing an attribute a sea horse has

MATH

To use defining attributes to identify and describe circles
To compare two-dimensional shapes
To use two-dimensional shapes to make a composite shape

SCIENCE

In this Read-Along lesson, Amy notices that baby animals look a lot like the adults in their families—and then discovers that she does, too! The lesson includes a short exercise where students get moving by acting like farm animals.
Students work together to match pictures of animals with their babies.

RELIGION