First Grade: October 27 - 31, 2025
Dear First Grade Families,
It was wonderful seeing parental participation at Ki Stephanie's Lantern Walk song practice! Thank you also to our Handwork volunteers. Teaching knitting to 13 students goes far more smoothly with your help.
The class has been very busy! From activities centering around consonants to math practice in the form of fingerplays and games, students are wading deeper into the foundational knowledge at the heart of First Grade. To practice adding within 10, they learned a simple game called “10 to the Top” that is played in pairs with glass gems and a paper cup. The sensory experience of handling the gems and hiding them from partners made for a joyous, memorable math experience that will be repeated to solidify students’ adding skills.
As we move toward the winter solstice, the forest is much darker and very cold in the mornings; holding the Main Lesson in our cozy indoor classroom surrounded by beautiful artwork, wool yarn, and house plants is a welcome contrast! The term “hygge” definitely comes to mind. It is natural for humans to seek warmth and light at this time of year. Not only that, but being near so many schoolmates and faculty around the building is comforting and cheering. The forest still calls, though, and the class eagerly responds to the opportunity for fresh air, exercise, and communion with nature. Each day, students suit up and have their lunches al fresco followed by recess. In the recent wet weather, it has been delightful for students to gaze upon the glistening leaves and tromp through their sogginess and accompanying mud! The children’s free play activities have included an impromptu game of tug-o’-war with a found rope (resulting in adorably puddle-bespattered faces), pulling each other on the big rope swing, and fort play. The outdoor fun will continue through the changing seasons!
The class finished out the week with a campfire hosted by Ki Meredith. First Graders enjoyed roasting marshmallows while building community with students in grades 2-5, who regaled listeners with spooky stories they had penned themselves. Campfires will be a special Friday feature from time to time in the colder months, taking the place of Creekcess. How apropos!
Announcements & Reminders:
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Lantern Walk this Thursday at 6:00 pm. Please drop your child off in the sanctuary between 5:50 and 6:00 pm, then continue to our class picnic table for some information and singing practice. We will begin the story directly at 6:00 pm, so please allow time for traffic.
November 6: Lantern Walk at 6:00 pm (Kindergarten and First Grade)
November 21: Grades Presentation in Sanctuary at 10:30 am
November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 11 am (All families and students are invited)
November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Warmly,
Ki Michelle
