Every year first grade takes a trip to Historic Washington State Park, which is very near Hope, AR. In our history lessons we discuss American pioneers. Historic Washington has persevered homes, courthouses, farmsteads, schools, as well as a blacksmith and candle shop. There’s a printing press museum that has a printing press that was used during the civil war. A favorite stop is the weapons museum, which holds hundreds of guns that vary from ones that can fit in the palm of your hand to some that was used to hunt while riding a camel. Historic Washington educates visitors in the ways of the early to mid 1800. It is a fascinating place to visit and a terrific way to bring history to life, giving the students hands on experiences. The students saw the largest Magnolia tree in the state, made a candle, rode a horse drawn surrey, saw chicken, pet a horse, and watched Mr. Jerry make a iron hook in the blacksmith shop. To top off the amazing trip - we had gorgeous weather and a fun picnic. I love taking first grade to Historic Washington every year, I learn new things and see new areas every time. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, and these pictures of the field trip certainly prove that true.

In first grade, one way to help a concept stick is to have a memorable experience with it, like a project or incorporating art, food, and/or physical movement. A few weeks ago the class used shaving cream to tackle a hard math strategy. This week the class used smarties when I was introducing a new strategy to solve word problems. I drew the tape diagram and the students built the word problem with smarties then they drew it and wrote the number sentences. There was another time recently when the students used candy during reading groups. Each student was given 5 m&ms and used them to segment and blend the spelling words for the week, which cover the spelling patterns that we are focusing on. They had fun learning and had a sweet treat too!

St. James Day School has an annual gala put on by the board of directors. Each class makes an item, or two, to be auctioned off to raise funds for the school. It’s a great fundraising opportunity for the school. First grade submitted two items: an American flag hanging art and the class mission statement poster. The students loved making the flag and we’ve enjoyed our mission all year. I’m happy they both will be enjoyed by two of the first grade families!

It was a big week in first grade. It was cereal box presentation week! For the project, each student was assigned an animal from our reading unit. The students had a fact information sheet that they researched at home. The research and a little extra practicing is all the children did at home, the rest is in class. My favorite aspect of these projects is that the students do the bulk of the work in class. They have to cover the box in construction paper, design the front of their cereal box, write their facts and illustrate the animal in its natural habitat on special paper and glue it to the back, and create the sides with more facts from their research. After all of that hard work, they independently present their cereal box in front of the class and an audience of parents. This class was overall a bit more nervous about presenting and the pride they felt after the knocked it out of the park was electric. I was not only impressed but overwhelmingly proud of each of them.

In math the class has been working two digit addition problems. The class is using the quick tens and ones strategy to solve the problems. To have some fun and solve problems in a different way I broke out the shaving cream. They all had a blast!!

First grade had the opportunity to learn about influential people from history, some are within our lifetime and others are not. Every year, the third graders have a biography project. Mrs. Burkes invites the whole school to visit the lower school commons and learn from her third graders. The students also do so well representing their person. The students have trifold boards full of facts and pictures. They also get to dress up as the person who they researched. This is another example of how our St. James students have hands on learning and work on their public speaking skills. The third graders present to not only their classmates, but all of their families and the primary - 8th grade students and teachers. They have to be able to talk to adults all the way down to three year olds. It never fails that they do it with excellence. I love these projects and the chance for the students to practice their public speaking skills as well as my first graders practice how to support their friends and be active listeners. Each project truly becomes a campus wide experience. The older students mentor the younger ones and learn valuable lessons like patience and compassion. The younger students have phenomenal children to admire and look to as examples.

Since returning from Christmas break the weather has either been frigid or rainy. Finally this week we’ve had sunshine and nice temperatures. With the pleasant weather, I had the class do a little bit of their work outside. I felt like it benefited us all to get some fresh air and soak up some sunshine. During the winter is easy to feel cooped up in the classroom.

Every year, the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra puts on a program that provides students with an interactive experience at the Perot theater. Students across the city go to the Perot and get to perform with the orchestra. They also get to learn about different composers, and other music elements. This year the theme was orchestra rocks, and it was so much fun! The children were able to sing and use their hands/legs as percussion instruments along with the orchestra. When I asked the students what their favorite part was, it was unanimous, they thoroughly enjoyed the Arkansas High’s Drumline.

We’ve been blessed with a precious addition to our class. Now I’ve got a nice updated class picture.

Several times throughout the year I have the students bring a stuffed animal to class with them. On those special days the children have multiple opportunities to read or teach their animal what they’re learning in class. It’s always so sweet to see how excited they are to have their lovey with them throughout the day. Once children reach first grade, they start to seem so big and develop so quickly, but when we have these special experiences, you can still see so much innocence in their eyes. It’s truly a blessing to be able to teach, especially these darling children.