How our 2/1 Combined
Dear Parents,
Welcome to our 2/1 combined class! For some of you this is your first experience with your child in a combined class, for others this may be your 2nd or 3rd time. In the effort to ease any worries, below I have included a list of frequently asked questions about combined classes and my responses to the questions.
What is a combined class?
A combined or split class refers to a class that is made up of students from two or more grades. Combined classes occur most frequently in elementary schools and are the combination of students in two different grades with one teacher teaching both curricula. For example, a school might have a grade 1/grade 2 class combination or a grade 6/grade 7 class combination. It is important to know that students in combined classes are not held back to the level of the younger children nor are the children in the lower grade expected to do work beyond their abilities. The prescribed learning outcomes are grade appropriate for all students, whether or not they are in a combined class.
A combined or split class refers to a class that is made up of students from two or more grades. Combined classes occur most frequently in elementary schools and are the combination of students in two different grades with one teacher teaching both curricula. For example, a school might have a grade 1/grade 2 class combination or a grade 6/grade 7 class combination. It is important to know that students in combined classes are not held back to the level of the younger children nor are the children in the lower grade expected to do work beyond their abilities. The prescribed learning outcomes are grade appropriate for all students, whether or not they are in a combined class.
Why do schools create combined classes?
There are many reasons why schools create these classes. When school staff look to organise their students, that is to place the students in their classes with teachers, they have to balance the educational needs of their students with the staffing they receive from Human Resources as well as with legislated contractual considerations.
There are many reasons why schools create these classes. When school staff look to organise their students, that is to place the students in their classes with teachers, they have to balance the educational needs of their students with the staffing they receive from Human Resources as well as with legislated contractual considerations.
A school calculates enrolment. The Principal, working with the teaching staff of the school, then constructs classes based on these factors and the educational interests of each student. In many instances, combined classes result.
Will the teacher teach the entire curriculum to both grades?
All teachers, including teachers of combined classes, must teach the prescribed curriculum. Therefore the teacher is obligated to teach the entire curriculum to both grades. Our Grade one students will learn the grade one curriculum and the grade 2 students will learn the grade two curriculum.
All teachers, including teachers of combined classes, must teach the prescribed curriculum. Therefore the teacher is obligated to teach the entire curriculum to both grades. Our Grade one students will learn the grade one curriculum and the grade 2 students will learn the grade two curriculum.
How can I support my child in a combined class?
Parents can support their children in the same ways they would if they were in a single grade class. Staying interested and concerned about school work and activities, monitoring a child’s homework and keeping in touch with the teacher and attending the school whenever possible are ways the parents can support the child’s learning.
Parents can support their children in the same ways they would if they were in a single grade class. Staying interested and concerned about school work and activities, monitoring a child’s homework and keeping in touch with the teacher and attending the school whenever possible are ways the parents can support the child’s learning.
How will your class work?
Our class will be using the Daily 5 to structure our literacy time. The Daily 5 allows me to address the specific needs of students by working with them in small groups and to have regular reading conferences with individual students.
Math will also be a bit different. We will be working in grade groupings. We will also do some lessons together. The grade one students will learn the grade one curriculum and the grade two students will learn the grade two curriculum.
I know there were a few questions at our open house about combined classes and I hope this helps to alleviate any concerns. As always please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Ashley Daley-Creamer
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