Our First Week as Firsties

We have officially finished our first week in first grade! What a great week it was. We talked a lot about rules, procedures, and how to be a successful first grader. We also learned that first grade is a lot of work! The expectations are high, but we will all rise to them and be FABULOUS! Here are a few pictures of us hard at work!

Working on a Four Square in the Reading Nook area.

We do a lot of writing in first grade!

Finding a relaxing place to work.

Hard work pays off!  Mrs. Torian doesn't let just anyone sit in her chair!

I hope Chip approves of her work...

Sometimes Mrs. Torian cannot always get a candid shot. 

It took weeks, but I think our classroom is finally set up.  I have plans for each area.  Here are some spots I am most proud of!

Our guided reading area.  I am so excited to start groups!  The beginning of the year is hardest for me.  I just want to start reading with students!

This is my first year using a clip chart for behavior.  The kids really seem to like it!  We get really excited about pink.

Here is a view from the back of the room.

One of my favorite spots...the Reading Nook!

New Year, New School, Not So New Grade!

Welcome back parents!  Some of you that are reading this may be parents from my wonderful group of Kindergartners from Little River.  Others reading will be parents of my new group of Fabulous Firsties at North End.

Yes, I left a wonderful school to work closer to home at another wonderful school!  I am new to North End Elementary, but not to Person County or to teaching First Grade.  I was formerly a first grade teacher at North Elementary before leaving Person County Schools to teach in Durham.  After 6 wonderful years and an addition to our family (my now 2 year old), I realized that I needed to be closer to home.  I feel so blessed to have found a wonderful position only a few miles from my home.

This past school year, I taught Kindergarten and am returning to First Grade this year.  I just cannot seem to get enough of the class of 2025!  For my past parents, I have changed the name of this blog to reflect my new beginnings.  I will keep our old posts from last year up for a while.  To my new parents, please feel free to peruse the old posts.  Our new year together will look very similar!

I believe in hands-on learning and lots of excitement!  We will have a structured, yet fun learning environment this year.  Students need rules, procedures, and lots of structure.  They also need to experience what they are learning about.  I will try to provide as much experience as I can this year!  I am looking forward to working with you and your families during the 2013-2014 school year.