About Our Class

This year is full of exciting learning adventures, and I can’t wait for you and your child to be part of it! Our days are filled with meaningful experiences that help students grow not only in reading and math, but also in creativity, problem-solving, confidence, and self-expression.

Here’s a peek at what we’ll be learning this year:

Foundational Skills (Phonics & Reading Patterns): A big part of first grade is learning how words work! Through phonics, students will learn spelling and reading patterns that help them become stronger, more confident readers and writers. Throughout the year, we’ll work on short vowels, long vowels, vowel teams, r-controlled syllables, and strategies for reading longer and trickier words.

You’ll probably hear your child talking about green words and red words at home:

• Green words are words students can sound out and spell because they follow a phonics pattern they have learned.

• Red words (also called heart words or high-frequency words) do not follow typical spelling patterns, so students learn them “by heart.” Each week, students will practice 5 new red words along with their weekly phonics patterns.

Reading: We’ll read many different types of stories and texts while practicing important reading skills like finding the main idea, identifying the theme or message, making connections, and thinking deeply about what we read. One of my favorite parts of first grade is watching students grow from beginning readers into confident readers throughout the year!

Writing: Students will explore different types of writing, including storytelling, opinion writing, and informational writing. Writing gives students a chance to share their ideas, express themselves, and discover their unique voices.

Math: First grade math is hands-on, engaging, and full of discovery! Students will build skills in counting to 120, addition, subtraction, place value, measurement, time, and more. We will use games, activities, and problem-solving strategies to help students become confident mathematicians.

Other Subjects: Beyond reading and math, students will explore:

• Science, Social Studies, and Health – asking questions, exploring the world around us, and making connections.

• Dance – moving, expressing creativity, and having fun.

• Specials – Art, P.E., STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), Music, Digital Literacy, and World Language.

Looking Ahead: Our classroom is a place where learning is active, joyful, and connected to students’ interests. I am so passionate about teaching and watching each child grow, not only academically, but also in confidence, friendships, and creativity. This year will be filled with growth, fun, and unforgettable memories, and I am so excited to begin this journey together!