Example of my 1st Graders

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Example of my 1st Graders
By Kellie

Hi!
I've taught 1st grade for 3 years now, and here are my experiences with it.

-You're right to know that they are still babies for the first few months. Most of them will probably be very needy still. (Need constant
reassurance, direction, attention, etc.)
So for the first couple weeks you'll want to do whole group lessons, such as rules of classroom, teaching routines for cleaning up and centers, singing songs about the alphabet and letters, etc.
-For me, the curriculum for at the beginning is seeing what they remember/learned from Kindergarten. Review alphabet, colors, knowing how to spell

their first and last name, numbers 1-50 or 100...check with your other 1st grade teachers.

-You are going to want some basic centers for those children who are advanced...early in the year I have a shoelace board to practice tying, magnetic letters for spelling, headset with books on tape, computers (if you have them). Of course you want to show the students STEP BY STEP how to use/put away each of these!!

-My best tip for first grade is to MODEL EVERYTHING YOU DO. Most students at this level cannot handle verbal directions - you need to show them how to do things, or how you want things done.

First grade is my favorite grade! They are very precocious and so ready to learn. Wait til you see their growth and progress from beginning to end. Spend lots and lots of time with your reading program - this is the grade where they are heavily learning to read, so make them love literature with you!! Read lots of fun books to them, at least one a day. I use lots of poetry and song in my class.

You'll do great!!!