Hello, First Grade Families,
Last week we packed our classroom supplies and headed back outdoors. The children did the majority of the work themselves by first cleaning our indoor space. They then took several trips up and down the stairs bringing all of our important supplies outside. The children put everything in its place on the platform and organized the supplies independently. At the end of the day, the children learned how to pack the supplies neatly into the shed. Now, each morning, the children take the supplies out of the shed and arrange the classroom, and each afternoon, the children put everything away. Practical work such as this supports a child’s will development, builds their inner confidence, gives them a sense of accomplishment, and allows them to work toward a goal that serves the entire class. It beautifully illustrates how much they have grown as a class community.
Last week we continued practicing the vowels and consonants, and the students are excited and eager to write new words each day. We are learning to write CVC words such as hop, pan, kit, and sun, and the children continue to gravitate towards reading during their free time. It is lovely to see the class taking their first steps into reading in such an organic way. Some choose to look at the books that only have pictures, others prefer to sit and read with the teacher, and others yet, are reading beginner books independently. A Waldorf education gives room to meet the students where they are each day.
Next week we will be away for our mid-winter break. When we return, we will begin our third math block. In this block, we will move deeper into the four processes and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend conferences. It was nice to catch up and discuss how much the students have grown this year!
Announcements and Reminders:
As has been our tradition at The Garden School, instead of bringing cards from home on Valentine's Day, please save all card and gift exchanges for off-campus playdates.
Winter is not over; we will spend as much time outdoors as possible. Please continue to dress your child in layers and send in winter coats for our chilly mornings.
Upcoming Events:
2/19-2/23 Mid Winter Break (No School)
2/26 Teacher In-Service (No School)
3/9 Community Work Day 9 am - 12 pm
3/15 Teacher In-Service (No School)
Warm regards,
Meredith
