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

I love using a compliment circle to encourage kindness, change the mood in my class, and teach the children how to give genuine compliments to others. In a pre-pandemic class, the children would sit in a circle with their legs straight in front. We would be close enough that all of our feet would be touching as we sat in a circle. Then, taking turns, a child would name another student and give them a compliment. Once your name has been called and you have received your compliment, you criss-cross your legs and choose a classmate whose legs are still straight. I typically start the compliment circle. This year, everything about the compliment circle remained the same except for feet touching. To keep everyone distanced, the children sat in front of their desk and stretched their legs in front. Our circle may have looked a little different, but the goal remained the same. To give heartfelt compliments to one another to enhance our day, lift the classroom mood, and learn how to give meaningful encouragement to others.

I used the compliment circle first thing in the morning. I knew we were going to have a challenging math lesson and I wanted the children pumped up for it. I truly believe that it made the math assessment go smoother because each child had a positive affirmation from a classmate and from me. Every morning since the children have been asking to do it again. I assure them that we will definitely have more compliment circles in the future.

Mrs. Claire

In social studies, first grade has been studying early American civilizations, such as the Mayans, Aztec, and this week we will begin discussing the Inca. To wrap up the early American civilizations located in Central America the children, along with their parent(s), built their interpretation of a Mayan or Aztec temple. The guidelines were broad and the purpose was to enjoy a shared educational project with your child/parent. These projects are great for a multitude of reasons, but one thing I love is that this is their first big project as a lower school student. Their temples will be on display in the commons for everyone to see. It builds their confidence to see the temples being shown off and all of the older students, and staff, remarking on how awesome the temples look. It warms my heart when I hear my previous students see the temples and reminisce about the time they built temples in first grade. So much fun and a great way to reinforce what we have been learning about in social studies.

Have a blessed week!

Mrs. Gordon

One tool that I love to use while teaching math lessons is a personal whiteboard. Each student has their own personal whiteboard, dry erase marker, and felt square to use as an eraser. It’s nothing fancy and all made from office supplies. Having all of these tools in their desk gives them a sense of maturity and responsibility. I’ve relayed to them the importance of taking care of their tools and the consequences of losing or tearing the tools up. So far, they have all valued their supplies and have taken excellent care of them. When I instruct them to get their whiteboards out and get ready to have math, they get excited! These help the children to stay engaged and have hands-on experience with the concepts they are learning. Working with me to solve problems lets me know almost immediately who is on track and who needs more scaffolding. It builds the children’s confidence in math and builds them up to their daily work.

This year we have a long term community service project and, at least one, short term project. Our long term project is to collect pop tabs and donate them to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Little Rock. The RMH is a nonprofit charity and it makes it possible for families to be close when a child is being treated at Children's Hospital and other local hospitals. The class made a little house that the Ronald McDonald House charity sent to me to hold the pop tabs. The little house will serve as a great little reminder to collect tabs. I’ve never seen them so eager to cut and glue! They took their time and worked hard on coloring and constructing these houses. They’ve spent a week, working here and there, on the houses and you can definitely see the accomplishment that they feel shine through their smiles. They’ve been wanting to take them home all week, I know they will put them in a great place to help us bring in a lot of tabs to help this fabulous charity!

Tuesday was our day to go to chapel. This year, to keep in adherence to safety guidelines and the health of our students' top priority, chapel is being live-streamed and we take part in our classroom. Every week one class attends chapel- with just one class it is easy to keep everyone distanced and ensure everyone keeps their masks on. It was so nice to have the covered face to covered face experience. Chapel is one of the most special aspects of St. James. It was refreshing to get to be there and set a great tone for the week!

Have a blessed day!

Claire