FIRST GRADE HAPPENINGS

December 9, 2007

In the first grade, we are learning so many new things.  In social studies, we learned about the Pilgrims and about Plymouth Plantation.  We read about the first Thanksgiving.  We also have Ms. Peggy visiting us every week because she is our Junior Achievement volunteer and the students are very excited to see her every Tuesday.

In science, we are learning about different habitats and the types of animals and plants that are unique to each habitat.  The students are learning about how different animals and plants adapt to their individual habitats and how it is our duty to help keep these habitats clean and healthy.

In reading and language arts, we continue to develop our reading and writing skills.  The first graders and their buddies in fourth grade are continuing their work on their fairy tales that we plan on publishing into a book at the end of the year.  We are at the drafting stage of the writing process.  Also, this month's "Author of The Month" is Dr. Seuss and the students are enjoying reading his many wonderful books.

In the coming weeks, students will be learning the meaning and importance of Advent.  They will learn about the Nativity story and the true meaning of Christmas.  They will also learn about how other children around the world celebrate Christmas and how it is all based on the birth of Jesus.  The first graders and I would sincerely like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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My name is Mrs. O'Malley and I am the new first grade teacher here at St. Domitilla School.  This year is going to be an exciting one.  This month the first graders learned about the parts of plants and how we use them for food and materials.  They are also learning about communities and how we are all part of different communities.

They are also learning about other countries and the different languages spoken in each country.  For a project, the first graders painted flags of countries from around the world where Spanish is their official language.

The students are continuing to strengthen their reading and math skills everyday, as well as becoming creative writers. 

In religion they are learning the "Hail Mary" and how Jesus' message to us is love.

In October we will be doing a unit on fairy tales, learning about Christopher Columbus and getting ready for Halloween.  Stop by and see the exciting things that are going on in our class.