These are especially helpful to our second language learners, who comprise an increasing segment of our school population. The first grade classroom has a wide variety of primary grade literature, from new to classic. Students check out a different picture story book daily. From large charts, they memorize numerous songs and poems throughout the year. These are integrated with various seasonal and holiday studies.
First graders enjoy frequent writing in journals.
Journals change with the students' ability to write smaller words and longer sentences. They begin with four lines in the fall, then move to six, and finally eight lines. The space for a drawing remains the same, just about one third of the page. Phonetic spelling may be used if the correct spelling of a word has not been introduced. Early spelling attempts make young student journals a joy to read.