Our First Grade Year

Taken the first week of 1st Grade.

First grade is coming to a close, and it has been a remarkable year for all of us! As I think back over the school year and talk to students about what was most memorable this year, a entire list of events, activities, and experiences come to mind. The first graders have done BIG things this year. The fall semester was jammed packed with helping others, programs, and a lot of interactive science experiments. When I asked one student what his favorite part of the fall was, he replied, “The balance and motion unit in science!” The children loved this unit - they were able to find new ways to balance, use counterweights, and make zoomers. Using different techniques to test their theories on why and how things balance and move was so much fun. The weather unit and making kites was brought up often when I spoke to them about their favorite memories in science. The class dressed as their favorite book character, visited Cornerstone for a community outreach project, built Mayan temples, sang in their first Candlelight program, presented on Christmas tradition from around the world, sent letters to Veterans, had a precious Thanksgiving program, and so many other fabulous things.

The spring semester has been no different in regards to being full of adventure and learning. This semester the children have traveled to an aquarium in Shreveport and Historic Washington State Park, performed for their grandparents in front of the entire school, built community building with their family, supported our fellow St. James students when they presented their programs (Colonial, Science and Engineering, Roman Carnival) to name a few things. Soon they will participate in their first field day. When talking about social studies, one student spoke up about how she loved learning about the American flag and early American history; especially about Paul Revere and his warning about the Red Coats.  

Taken on the last Friday of school, Field Day!!

Day in and day out these amazing children have shown up and given it their all. First grade isn’t for the faint of heart. On top of all of these extraordinary events, activities, and experiences these children pushed themselves to learn how to read and advance in math, science, social studies, spelling, writing, and all of their specials (PE, music, technology, art, Spanish). It has been so special to experience all of their first with them this year as we have progressed through first grade; a new building, higher expectations on campus, Candlelight, Field Day, and so many more little things that have brought us together as a team. I am so excited for these children to move forward and grow, I am thankful that I get to watch them along their path.

Have an amazing summer!!
Claire