New School Year!

We’re back! You can feel and even see the energy — the kids are so excited to be back at school. There are new rules and procedures, but that’s not keeping us from learning and having fun! One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures on the first and last day of school, the comparisons are unbelievable. First grade is such a magical time where so much learning and growing takes place not just academically, but physically too. 

One new change to our routine is that choir will be held outside, weather permitting. This is wonderful because we get to utilize our beautiful amphitheater, the children get to be outside, and their beautiful voices can be easily heard. Whenever possible, the children will have class outside. This isn’t limited to the homeroom teacher. Already this school year the children have had art, PE, and music classes outside. 

In science, the class has been studying how to classify matter according to its properties. One lesson was mystery bags. I put items in a bag that had distinctive physical properties. The children were put into pairs/small groups and took turns describing what was in their bag and discussing how the items could be grouped together. It was a great way to have hands-on experience determining the properties of the items.

In math, to better understand the concept of adding to equal ten the children used their rekenrek bracelets to have a visual representation. Each student had their own bracelet to aid in the completion of math. It is important to have visual cues and aids because it enables the children to make a stronger connection with the concepts.

We are off to a great start in first grade and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us!!

Claire