We are back!

First grade is back in session! The new year is underway and everyone is adjusting to all of the new routines very well. This year I am implementing new reading and math strategies to better individualize my teaching for each student - I am so excited! I will be incorporating math groups and reading groups, along with the fun (and effective) activities that will push each student to excel in, and above, their level.

Math and reading groups move in the same way. I meet with one math group (circles, triangles, or squares) while the other two groups are in stations. Currently, stations consist of math games, counting a variety of items in a collection, completing the daily problem set, and pattern blocks. The math games are adjusted daily - new ones added and others saved for different concepts. For reading groups, I have a group (red, yellow, blue, or green) while the other groups are in stations. These stations hit on phonics, sight words, writing, spelling practice, and reading with a partner or by yourself. What is most exciting to me about teaching these critical subjects in small groups is all of the possibilities I have to use that will cater to their learning style. I am more able to meet them where they are and move forward with them.

It is going to be a reat year!

Claire