Dear First Grade Families,
The class is thriving and growing in confidence daily! Our Consonants Block, which wraps up at the end of this week, has brought the letters M, B, P, D, T, L, and N (followed by F later this week) to life. Why not follow the alphabet in order? When giving eurythmy training early in the Waldorf movement, Rudolf Steiner followed what has come to be known as “the evolutionary sequence” of consonant sounds. These consonants reflect the development of the human being’s speech faculty and form the rough basis for our sequence of letter introduction in First Grade. Although each child is operating on their own individual level in terms of phonemic awareness, it has been clear that the lesson content has inspired every child in unique ways and enhanced their understanding of the relevant letters. The class expresses interest and joy as they progress through the consonants! In addition to forming capital letters, the class had the opportunity to make mini picture-word books (such as “The M Book”) that they can proudly read aloud.
In Handwork, students completed their colorful wet felting projects. This very soapy undertaking engaged each child, especially as it yielded a visible result of the transformative work wrought by their own hands. Our Day of Courage songs and verse have been practiced during both Circle and Music. The class is looking forward to sharing the fruits of their labor with the other grades’ classes on the day of the festival. After the break, we will commence our first Mathematic Block: The Quality of Numbers.
Announcements and Reminders for First Grade:
On Friday, please remind your child to wear fiery colors (red, orange, gold, yellow) for our Day of Courage festival. On this half-day, we will enjoy activities internally as a school and finish by 12:15. Have a restful Fall Break, and we look forward to welcoming children back on Tuesday, October 1st.
Please remember to send in two full water bottles daily, even as the weather turns cooler. The children are doing a great job with hydration!
If your child’s lunch or snack requires a fork or spoon, please double-check that one is packed.
Fall Conferences are on October 10th and 11th and will be held at school. Please sign up here.
Warmly,
Ki Michelle
