Giving Thanks in First Grade
Our First Graders spent some time this afternoon thinking about what they are most thankful for. As I am always looking for ways to include skill development in our activities, I began by giving them a list on which to write those things - in ABC order. :) Some found the alphabetizing an annoying distraction, others simply went around the room copying words from books and posters. Nothing was off limits, and in the end, all the things listed were, indeed, things for which we can be thankful.... Everything from book titles to names of animals to names of friends went on the lists, along with Jesus, God, and Family members. Next, we made our requisite Thanksgiving Turkey craft. The students had fun cutting and gluing, then adding their best from the lists they'd written. It was a joyful afternoon, and I am so thankful for each student with whom I share my days at school. While they are still learning to be considerate, polite, and to maintain their focus on our work, they are filled with love and they share it freely. I give thanks to God, and to you, for these precious children!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
Life, Post Kindergarten
10/3/2018
Sometimes when the first graders are in art or gym I stop in to see my good friend, Jackie Johnson, who is the senior kindergarten teacher here at Grace. Her students at that time of day are a combination of Junior and Senior kindergarteners who participate in her afternoon program, affectionately known as "Lunch Bunch". Those kiddos are engaged in a variety of activities. Exploring art materials at the tables, reading books, doing puzzles. Most of them are having play time, exploring toy areas, working through social dilemmas. (As the former Pre-K teacher at Grace, I can tell you that those dilemmas are essential to social learning.) The room is abuzz with activity and Ms. Johnson is ever-present, directing, correcting, consoling, praising, and sometimes scolding.... Life is good in kindergarten.
It's hard to believe that many of our First Graders were in that room just a few months ago. And yes, they spent the morning working hard on academics. That's kindergarten in this day and age. But the "work day" was shorter by about 2 1/2 hours, and oh, so many toys! When they walked into the first grade room near the end of August, they were faced suddenly with a whole new definition of school. I am acutely aware of the culture shock that many of your children faced the first few weeks of school. Their mantra was "When will it be time to go home?" They were tired, getting hungry, and ready for play time. I get it. After teaching half days for 6 years I was feeling a little bit the same way! But we are stretching our muscles, both academically and physically, growing into our new roles as First Graders. And we do get to have some fun. Our math workshop is about exploring materials, concepts, and dealing with social dilemmas (as human beings always will). We have our brain breaks and get to be a little silly. We know Jesus loves us. And we reserve time out of each day for read-aloud stories and discussions. After all, you're NEVER too old for a good picture book.
-Ramona