Welcome to our classroom! 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 lots of different subjects and experiences that help students grow not only in reading and math, but also in creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression. Here’s a peek at what we’ll be diving into this year:
🌟 Foundational Skills (Phonics & Reading Patterns): One big part of our learning is called Foundational Skills, where we focus on phonics. This is where your child will learn spelling and reading patterns. Throughout the year we’ll cover short vowels, long vowels, vowel teams, and r-controlled syllables. We’ll also work on strategies to tackle longer and trickier words with confidence.
You’ll probably hear your child talking about green words and red words at home:
Green words are words your child can sound out and spell because they follow a phonics rule they’ve been taught.
Red words (sometimes called heart words or high frequency words) don’t follow the usual spelling patterns, so students must learn them “by heart.” Each week, students will get 5 new red words to memorize, alongside green word spelling patterns.
📚 Reading: We’ll read lots of stories together and practice pulling out big ideas like main idea, theme, and message. We’ll also enjoy poetry and other genres that spark curiosity and discussion. One of my favorite parts of the year is seeing how much students grow as readers; from the first day to the last, the transformation is always amazing!
✍️ Writing: Students will explore many different kinds of writing, from storytelling to opinion writing to informative pieces. Writing is such a powerful way for students to express themselves and discover their passions, and I love watching their voices grow stronger as the year goes on.
➕ Math: Math in first grade is hands-on, exciting, and full of discovery! We’ll work on counting forward and backward (all the way to 120!), adding, subtracting, telling time, and so much more. First graders really enjoy math, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence grow as they master new concepts.
🎨 Other Subjects
Beyond reading and math, we’ll dive into:
Science, Social Studies, and Health – exploring the world around us, asking questions, and making connections.
Dance – moving, expressing, and having fun.
Specials – each week students will go to Art, P.E., STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and Music. Throughout the year they’ll also rotate between Digital Literacy and World Language.
✨ Looking Ahead: Our classroom is a place where learning is active, joyful, and connected to what students care about. I’m so passionate about teaching and about watching each child grow; not only in academics, but also in confidence, friendships, and creativity. This year is going to be full of growth, fun, and memorable moments, and I’m so excited to get started!
