November 2011 Classroom of the Month:
First Grade!
SPV School would like to congratulate November's Classroom of the Month: 1st Grade! Students in Ms. Janine Williams' classroom are some of the busiest kids in Chicago. Because 1st grade is such an important developmental year for kids, Ms. Williams makes sure that every day is jam packed with unique, creative activities. Along with their regular school work, here are some of the things a typical week in 1st grade might include:
Dancing with the Joffrey Ballet
In early 2011, SPV was offered a unique opportunity. The world famous Joffrey Ballet (based here in Chicago) had developed a student outreach program that would teach basic modern dance skills to our 1st grade students. Of course we jumped at the chance to bring such an exciting program to our school! Each week, Mrs. Williams' students spend time with a dance teacher from the Joffrey picking up some new steps and preparing for a big performance at the end of the program. The theme for this year's show is Over the Rainbow, and these tiny dancers couldn't be more excited. Of course, their parents are also thrilled about this class and can't wait to see their little ones show off their new moves!
Learning French
A very good friend to our school, Mrs. Cynthia Keller,
has been teaching SPV students to speak French for the past few years. Learning to speak and read a new language improves literacy skills in a student's first language, but more than that, our 1st graders just love working with Ms. Keller!
Becoming Smart Money Managers
Volunteers from the Junior Achievement program have been visiting SPV classrooms to teach students about financial responsibility. In first grade, students are learning the basics of earning and spending. Ms. Jordan, their JA volunteer, shows them how money moves through a town, making sure their families and neighbors can purchase the things they need and helping local shops and restaurants succeed. Our 1st graders are the business leaders of the future!
Building Technology Skills
Thanks to our Resource Team, 1st grade students are able to improve their computer skills each week. Mr. Mundy and Ms. Scholl bring laptops to the classroom to help our students improve their typing and literacy skills. Students also learn about the internet and how to access sites that are appropriate for their grade level. These skills will be crucial to their success in high school and beyond.
Conducting Science Experiments
Every time you walk into their classroom, the 1st graders are conducting another fascinating experiment
at their science table. One week they will be watching tiny worms build cocoons and the next week they will be learning how different types of food decompose and help other food grow. Students are able to use special equipment like microscopes and magnifying glasses to learn how nature works on a much smaller scale. This week, students are beginning their pet rock project. Each student will paint their rock to look like an endangered animal then will have to care for their pet over the next few weeks. It is great to know that these young students are already learning to care for the world around them!
Thanks to Mrs. Williams, these busy students are constantly expanding their knowledge and having fun at the same time. The new skills they are learning and the energy they bring to our school truly make 1st grade the Classroom of the Month! Congratulations!