First grade is a year of amazing growth, not only in learning but in the social development of the child.
Your child is likely going to come home for the first few days or weeks feeling very tired and perhaps even a little emotional. This is okay, expected, and really not something to be too concerned about. First grade is a big transition. It is very different from Kindergarten and Preschool. You may hear comments such as, "We don't get to play." "It's boring, all we do is work." "I miss Kindergarten." "I miss home." I heard all of these comments when my daughter entered grade 1 and sometimes I felt worried - but I knew this was a big change. So, I acknowledged her opinions and feelings, and talked a lot with her that first grade was very different than Kindergarten and Pre-K but in its own wonderful ways. The trick, I told her, was to notice what differences she loved about first grade, not the differences that made her miss the old days.
First graders will be encouraged to acquire a new sense of independence, learning how to help themselves more than they did previously. For example, trying to open a packaged snack. Of course, they will ask for help. One of my jobs is to teach them how to help themselves. An easy solution is to get a pair of scissors and snip the top off. Easy-peasy and done!
First graders will also learn how to be responsible for handing in notes, as well as to unpack their own backpacks in the morning. This practice takes time and often, lots of time!That's okay and expected. They are on an awesome learning curve, one which we, the adults, are so fortunate to be part of!
The first six to 8 weeks are essential in allowing the children to get used to being a first grader. I feel that it is critical for me to take time to get to know each and every student as a student and as their own unique person. In doing this, I am much better able to understand the needs of each child and know how best to meet those needs. We will spend tons of time getting to know each other, creating classroom rules together, engaging in "guided discovery" of classroom materials and routines, and practicing what being a first grader looks like and sounds like at MES.
I promise ... there will be books. And art. And music. And snacks. And recess. And friends. And lots and lots of FUN!!!!
I am truly so thrilled to be your child's first grade teacher this year. I am here for each and every student, and you! If you have any questions or concerns, or you just want to know, "How is my Little doing?" you are welcome to get in touch with me and we will talk!
Your child is likely going to come home for the first few days or weeks feeling very tired and perhaps even a little emotional. This is okay, expected, and really not something to be too concerned about. First grade is a big transition. It is very different from Kindergarten and Preschool. You may hear comments such as, "We don't get to play." "It's boring, all we do is work." "I miss Kindergarten." "I miss home." I heard all of these comments when my daughter entered grade 1 and sometimes I felt worried - but I knew this was a big change. So, I acknowledged her opinions and feelings, and talked a lot with her that first grade was very different than Kindergarten and Pre-K but in its own wonderful ways. The trick, I told her, was to notice what differences she loved about first grade, not the differences that made her miss the old days.
First graders will be encouraged to acquire a new sense of independence, learning how to help themselves more than they did previously. For example, trying to open a packaged snack. Of course, they will ask for help. One of my jobs is to teach them how to help themselves. An easy solution is to get a pair of scissors and snip the top off. Easy-peasy and done!
First graders will also learn how to be responsible for handing in notes, as well as to unpack their own backpacks in the morning. This practice takes time and often, lots of time!That's okay and expected. They are on an awesome learning curve, one which we, the adults, are so fortunate to be part of!
The first six to 8 weeks are essential in allowing the children to get used to being a first grader. I feel that it is critical for me to take time to get to know each and every student as a student and as their own unique person. In doing this, I am much better able to understand the needs of each child and know how best to meet those needs. We will spend tons of time getting to know each other, creating classroom rules together, engaging in "guided discovery" of classroom materials and routines, and practicing what being a first grader looks like and sounds like at MES.
I promise ... there will be books. And art. And music. And snacks. And recess. And friends. And lots and lots of FUN!!!!
I am truly so thrilled to be your child's first grade teacher this year. I am here for each and every student, and you! If you have any questions or concerns, or you just want to know, "How is my Little doing?" you are welcome to get in touch with me and we will talk!