First grade is a busy place! Last week, the middle school Math Club visited first grade to play math bingo. The children, young and old, had so much fun practicing addition and subtraction in the form of a game. It is so beneficial for everyone involved. My students love anything that requires the “big” kids and it gives those older students the chance to show leadership, patience, and their own math skills. This experience gave my children some extra motivation to practice math. In my experience, first graders, and all children, love to play games and get very excited when they are able to excel and win. This activity was a win for everyone!

When I began teaching first grade I wanted to start a new tradition with Valentine’s Day. Instead of having the students make boxes or bags with hearts and stickers, I choose to have every student write a compliment on one another’s bags. Even though it can be difficult to read their sweet handwriting, the look on their faces when they see all of the kind statements from their classmates is so heartwarming. This is great because it encourages the children to think about others and focus on kindness. 

 Typically, tomorrow would be Grandparents’ Day at St. James Day School. As with everything this year, covid has altered plans. Even though the beloved tradition couldn’t take place in the traditional way, the children still learned and recorded their song, made keepsakes to send to their grandparents, and participated in some of the fun Grandparents' Day activities. We are all looking to the future with the hope to have these fun traditions back on campus. Right now, the priority is safety to all. 

Have a wonderful winter break!

Mrs. Gordon

It has been difficult to partner with the middle school students for projects this year due to covid. However, when the opportunity arose to work with the middle school National Junior Honor Society students, I did not want to pass it up. So, to ensure the children’s safety, everyone wore masks and the children worked in pairs, to keep numbers low. My first graders paired with an NJHS student to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The middle school students read to the first graders and then together they completed a 5W (who, what, when, where, why) worksheet that the middle school student created. 

The week’s weather started off rainy, but the sun came out and it made for a beautiful day on Tuesday. The class enjoyed a nice recess outside. Then we went back outside for science. We’ve been studying the seasons and day and night. Today the children wrote about his or her favorite season and had to explain why they picked that season.

Have a beautiful day!

Mrs. Claire

In our math module we are studying units of measurement, with the main focus on centimeters. To begin the module the children measured items with non-standard units of measurement. The children used linking cubes, pipe cleaners, and string to measure objects in their desk and around the classroom. For one lesson the children were paired up and had to compare their measurements. Taking note that when you use non-standard units of measurement the measurements can vary. This leads to using a standard unit of measurement, like centimeter cubes, to have a more accurate measurement and one that is universally used and understood. This module really focuses on the correct way to measure an object. By starting at the endpoint, making sure there are no gaps between what you’re using to measure, and to stop where the object stops. The class really has enjoyed measuring different objects every day. It’s been fun to safely incorporate workstations in the classroom.

Show and tell is a classroom event that all of the students look forward to participating in and watching. It is always so much fun for everyone! It is a great opportunity for the students to practice speaking in front of a group of their peers. It is easier to speak in front of others when it is about something you love, like a new toy or experience.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Claire

Every year the first grade participates in Christmas Around the World. Each student selects a country, researches Christmas traditions in that country, designs a presentation board, plans a treat, game, or craft from the country, and then presents their learning to the class. That is huge! A lot of work goes into this project. It is fascinating to learn about the different countries, I learn new details every year and the children’s hard work always blows me away. This year, as with everything this year, was a little different. The students presented their projects using zoom. Even with the change in presentation mode, the children did an outstanding job! Practicing public speaking is the only way one can become comfortable and confident with public speaking. This is one of the skills that St. James Day School introduces and gives samples opportunities for children to practice. When students leave this campus after middle school they are very prepared and skilled in giving presentations and speaking in front of large crowds of peers and adults. One of the many reasons I love this school, both as a teacher and as a parent. I hope you all have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Lately, the class has been enjoying many things related to Thanksgiving. Last week the children took a little time to read in several teepees that were set up in our building’s common area. When we return from Thanksgiving break I will issue the First Reader books and the class is very excited to have the big book to read. It is the next step up from the decodables they have been reading. In the second semester of first grade, the reading and phonics take off and the children’s growth in language arts is amazing. One of the many reasons I love teaching first grade!

Every year I have my class disguise a turkey and every year I am blown away by the children’s creativity! This is a fun activity, even if the children have done it the previous year or will do it the next year because it is always different. I have never seen a turkey disguise repeated, and I have sent this activity home for several years! My favorite part is when the children write their stories to describe their turkey. The details in their work show you how proud they are of their writing and disguises.

In a typical year, the lower school would have a Thanksgiving program and feast. This year is a little different. I still wanted the children to learn the “turkey pokey” and have the opportunity to discuss what they are all thankful for today and every day.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Claire