First Grade is about learning to read. Most students begin as emergent readers and by the end of the year are independent readers. It is a wonderful cycle to be a part of. The children are read to and study the writings of many good authors: Eric Carle, Jan Brett, Syd Hoff and Norman Bridwell.
After Christmas, they begin to take Reading Count Tests which again spurs their interest in reading. They have book buddies with the fifth graders. This has been ongoing yearly. Students who are in the upper grades remember having book buddies in first grade. Their book buddies listen to their weekly story, play Sight Word Bingo, and prepare them for Friday’s spelling test. This has been a very successful project. It fosters unity within the school with upper grade students that the children rarely see during the school day.
The first graders have lots of fun units. This school year begins with a butterfly unit. The class eagerly follows the life cycle from egg to monarch. Previously we studied spiders and bats. Every year is different based on student interests. We get displays from Lakeview Museum and curriculum related videos from the Family Resource Center in Peoria. We also have guest speakers come. We have a speaker from the Farm Bureau come monthly. Also, Mrs. Johnson, who is with Catholic Charities is coming monthly to reinforce our Character Word of the Month. The American Red Cross will be in the classroom to present lessons on hand washing and Halloween Safety.
There is never a dull moment in First Grade!
Weekly Classroom Schedule
8:00 – 8:45 Prayers, Pledge of Allegiance, Attendance, Morning Paper
8:45 – 9:00 Bathroom Break
9:00 – 9:30 Religion
9:40 – 10:10 Spelling
10:15 – 10:45 Recess
10:45 – 11:15 Handwriting – Friday – Scholastic News Magazine
11:15 – 11:30 Prayers and Prepare for Lunch
11:30 – 12:15 Lunch and Recess
12:15 – 12:30 Cool Down – Listen to Bible tapes
12:30 – 12:45 Bathroom Break – Read to students in Quiet Corner
12:45 - 1:30 Math
1:30 – 2:45 Reading, Writing Centers (Mon – Wed); Social Studies/Science on Thurs
2:45 – 3:00 Enter home work assignments into planners
3:00 – 3:10 Prayers and Prepare to Leave
3:15 Dismissal
Special Activities
Tuesday & Friday Mass 8:00 – 8:50
Tuesday PE 9:15 – 9:45
Tuesday Art 1:30 – 2:30
Wednesday Library 10:45 – 11:15
Wednesday Spanish 12:30 – 1:00
Thursday Computers 8:15 – 8:45
Thursday Book Buddies 2:30 – 3:00
Friday Music 1:30 –1:55
Friday Family Life Videos 2:30 – 3:00