Our first graders have enjoyed the beginning of the 2021-22 school year! In September, we work to build relationships with our first graders to ensure they feel respected, valued, and seen for who they are. Building those relationships helps them build community within the classroom and with each other, which is extremely important. We also try to draw on their prior knowledge in order to contribute to group discussions, which provides an anchor to learning.
Our students are encouraged to listen effectively. As teachers, we provide 6 weeks of training in listening skills. Our students are given opportunities to share their feelings, beliefs, values, and perspectives, and we teach them to receive and embrace this information, while still honoring the differences of their classmates. We provide activities and learning opportunities that allow students to practice and develop into our classroom family.
