First Thoughts on First Grade

UPDATE:  I love first-grade!  I think I should actually change that to "I love first-graders" because they're so stinkin' adorable.  I'm especially in love with the sweet smiles and "Good morning Ms. Chin!"s I'm greeted with every morning.

I taught 4th grade for the past two years, so this is my first time actually teaching 1st.  I'm learning so much about phonics, reading, and basic math from this experience which honestly has made some most days a SERIOUS struggle.  I've had about a million and a half realizations and "Oh righttttt, they're only six years old." moments, but overall I know this year is off to a great start and it's going to be a blast!

We had our first field trip to the National Zoo this week and the kids had so much fun!  We researched gorillas for our non-fiction writing this quarter and we were so excited to see the gorillas at the stinky ape house.  (Although some of them were over dramatically gasping for air once we got out!)

Right after we exited the ape house, we got to see the orangutans walking across the O line.  This was by far my favorite part.  Of all the times I've been to the zoo, I've never been able to see this.  So glad I got to experience this with my students!

Hmmm.. what field trip should we go on next?