First Grade: March 23 - 27, 2026
Dear First Grade Families,
The class has been reveling in the beautiful springtime weather and colors all around! Eager to share their discovery of “pollen bombs” on the ground one day after lunch, the children gathered under pine trees in the meadow and learned that these were, in fact, pollen cones. At the pond, the class has been curious to observe signs of life. Any time they walk past these days, there is a host of turtles basking in the sun. Sometimes, students are able to view them for a while before the elusive shelled creatures slip into the water. The children are always delighted to see turtle heads popping out of the water as they swim along! During a picnic on the dock, an eagle-eyed student spotted a tadpole while watching bubbles emerge from the fecund pond bottom. Many children turned into fisher folk and stick sellers; each location on campus inspires a plethora of play scenarios.
During the Main Lesson last week, the class learned about the digraph ck. One way in which they explored the sound was through a game during Circle that involves imagining a loaded ship and saying rhyming words while tossing the beanbag around. Students gave a thumbs-up or down to whether they liked the idea of each image: a ship filled with tacks, sacks, cracks, etc. Through this playful exploration of phonics, students practice the sounds while speaking in front of others and sharing some laughter. For math practice, the class has used dice to make math problems before recording and solving them on paper. At this stage in the year many students are able to perform mental math without the use of additional aids such as modeling, number lines, and manipulatives. Repetition helps learners to create a bedrock on which to base their math knowledge.
In Form Drawing, students returned to the figure eight/infinity shape, but this time, with smaller forms nesting inside larger ones. The form involves crossing the midline, which improves brain integration, contributes to handwriting skills, and produces a calming effect on the individual. Form Drawing lessons, while requiring focus and attention to detail, can provide a calm period in the day in which learners become meditative as they work with form and color. Last week during free drawing, one student even chose make up a form drawing! The forms learned thus far are also entering Main Lesson book artwork as borders and decorations. Students are feeling proud of their book work and brimful of excitement to take those precious pages home!
A special note as spring break approaches: Building in plenty of time to connect with your child and continuing to minimize media exposure will go a long way in nurturing and refreshing them before they return to school for the final stretch of First Grade. When students come to school with their minds full of time well spent with their families and doing healthy activities as opposed to content from movies, video games, and the internet, they are better able to learn without distraction in our carefully cultivated learning environment. We are committed to our low-media policy and look forward to our continued partnership as we work to preserve the magic of childhood. Thank you for all the work you put into it! Have a wonderful break!
Announcements & Reminders:
Grandfriends Day is this Wednesday, April 1st! Parents, grandparents, and other special grownups in your child’s life are welcome to join us in our forest classroom for light refreshments and time to enjoy community and watch your children at play! You are also welcome and encouraged to attend the Grade performance at 10:30 am.
April 1: Grandfriends Tea at 11:00 (All students and family members are welcome to join)
April 6-10: Spring Break (No School)
April 24: Annual Auction Fundraiser (Half Day)
April 25: Community Work Day
Warmly,
Ki Michelle
