You often hear people describe the St. James atmosphere as a tight nit community. We are very family oriented and have a emphasis on taking care of each other. One way we instill this in our students is to support one another. For instance, helping a classmate with a project, lending a hand with homework, and being supportive when your peer’s win awards or are successful in theater, academics, or social settings. A little way to the children can practice this is by being a good audience member. The students create this supportive atmosphere by cheering on a classmate who receives A Caught Being Kind award, by listening intentionally when a peer is giving a presentation, or by making posters for the tassel painting. There are several ways that the students and St. James learn how to take care of one another. How to be supportive of people your age, younger, and older. Growing up in this environment imbeds that moral character. When the children move on to another school, a new community, they are the leaders. They are the children who want to be helpful and support others in a positive way. I always remind my students that it is important to practice speaking and presenting in front of an audience and it is equally important to learn how to be a respectful audience member. Below are two instances over the past couple weeks where the first graders have gotten to go show support and learn from some of the older students.

I have a tradition in my class that takes place every February. The children make compliment bags. We don’t do a big Valentine’s Day celebration, but the kids do exchange valentines. Instead of asking parents to bring something to hold all of the treats, we decorate bags. The kids don’t use the usual hearts to decorate, they write a compliment on each bag. Leading up to the compliment bags, we have several class discussions about giving and receiving, what a genuine compliment is, and how it makes us feel. The day before the bags a made, the class and I participate in a compliment circle. We make a big circle with our legs stretched straight in front of us, feet touching. I start by selecting a student and giving them a compliment, then they cross-cross their legs and choose a classmate, it then becomes their turn to give the compliment. By the end, every child has received a meaningful compliment from a classmate. This is good practice for the bags and it brightens all of our day. They are always happier after these activities.

First grade is a pivotal point for a child’s social development. This is when children become more aware of their self and their peers’ points of view. They want to fit in with one another. It is a great time of year to have them all talk positive to each other and remember the importance of genuine kindness.

There is no better way to learn about animals and their habitats than constructing a zoo!
First graders partnered with third grade students and researched their animals, they set up their habitat (complete with handmade food) and then presented their research to Mrs. Ayers and the seventh grade class.
This was such a fun project and the students loved every step.
Project based learning promotes such important skills as group work, autonomous learning, self-assessment skills, time planning, project work or oral and written expression skills.

Caroline Flack once said: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This is a tremendously popular quote and for good reason. I have this posted in my classroom. Kindness is of the utmost importance, I rank it at the top with manners and education. Education is crucial, kindness and politeness take you far. December is a month that can hold challenges for educators. To help bring back the intent of the Christmas season, the children completed an activity that made them think how they can shine kindness to the world. This activity brings me so much joy as it shows me the character of this precious children. I did tell them to try their best and work hard. Each child was diligent in their work: brainstorming, writing, drawing, and coloring. They were full of pride with their work and I loved every step. These are remarkable children. I love being apart of their life and watching them grow. 

Mrs. Claire

I look forward to the Christmas Around the World projects every single year. I enjoy them so much. The students are so intrigued by the presentations and soak up the new knowledge. I believe it is important for children to see that the world is larger than the area where they live. Taking a deeper look into a country, especially specifically into a beloved holiday, helps the children see the similarities and differences they have with others a world away. Plus, it is fun. They love to try the treats, toys, and games from other places. I’m always surprised by how adventurous the students are with trying the new foods, I am certain the sugar helps entice them.

In addition to bringing light to foreign cultures and traditions, Christmas Around the World requires the students to practice speaking in front of an audience. This is the first project where the student is solely responsible for presenting their information. Speaking in front of a group of your peers is hard at any age. At St. James public speaking and presenting is valued and practiced frequently. The children start performing, speaking, and presenting to peers and adults at a very young age. This better equips them for higher education and their careers. Speaking with confidence is a skill that carries you far.

To say I am proud of my students is an understatement. Every child did a terrific job and put so much work into their project.