Welcome to first grade! This is going to be an exciting year. For many of you this will be the year you begin reading, writing, and losing your teeth! Together we are going to embark on various adventures while we learn about subjects like science, math, art, and language arts. We will be become very familiar with the computer lab visiting a few times a week to help us with our reading and math skills as well as creating several different projects. Most importantly, we will build a classroom community that will help you feel safe and secure to try all the new activities.
The first homework assignment I have for you is to ask your parents to write a short story about how and why they chose your name (or nickname). Your parents can write the story on a piece of paper or type it using the computer. You must also ask your parents to send the letter to me (using the school’s address) with one picture of you as a baby and a current picture of you by September 7th. The story and pictures will be hung up on our classroom door for all the children and adults in the school to read and learn about you.
Your second assignment is to bring in a family artifact on the first day of school that will be used throughout the week. An artifact can be something that is important to you and your family. For instance, you may want to bring in a cooking tool that was used by your grandparents or a blanket that may have been your parents, or siblings. Another suggestion is an old doll or toy that has been used by many members of your family. Perhaps there is a box that is very special or some old photographs that go with a story. You should be able to explain to the class what the artifact is, where it is from, what it is used for, who it belongs to, and how old it is. You may want to read a few books with your family that explain the importance of artifacts. Some books are, The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy, The Ticky, Tacky Doll by Cynthia Rylant, The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Mathis and Dumpling Soup by Jama Rattigan. We will use this artifact to learn about each other and create our first class book. The class book will include your thoughts through drawings and writings.
Hopefully, you are starting to feel excited about first grade. I have a wonderful year planned with many trips and a study of Central Park that will last throughout the year. I cannot wait to meet you and hope that you are ready to sing your way through the day!
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Evans
St. Stephen of Hungary School 408 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028 (212) 288-1989 info@saintstephenschool.org
