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.

Community service is something greatly valued at St. James Day school. We focus a great deal of our attention on acts of service and supporting our local community. When we are intentional about caring for others and giving back, we teach the students that the world is larger than we are. It also opens the student’s eyes to situations they don’t typically see. First grade partnered with PreK for this year’s community service project. We are working with the local United States Marine Corps Reserve and have been collecting Toys for Tots. This is an amazing program that our Prek students have been working with for a couple of years now. It’s simple, we collect toys (brand new) for tots who otherwise would not get toys for Christmas. It is so eye-opening for our students to hear the Marine Corps Reserve officers describe how there are children who don’t get presents on Christmas. It’s such a good opportunity to teach our children how blessed they are and how we are called by God to take care of those who are in need. We, as a school, collected 150 this year! It has been so heartwarming to see the students excited to donate toys. It’s definitely made a lasting impression on me and I’m sure it has the children as well.

With Thanksgiving being next week the children took some time to think of the things they are thankful for. We are still unable to have our traditional program and feast. So, we made this video of the children telling what they are most thankful for. I hope you all have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving break!