Building a foundation of phonics skills is an essential part of first-grade language arts. Phonics skills are critical for students to learn more complex words and read more advanced stories. Mrs. Schweizer, our first-grade teacher, has incorporated American Sign Language (ASL) into the student’s daily lessons to help reinforce the student’s phonics skills. Each morning, the children go through the letters of the alphabet and annunciate each letter’s sound, and it’s ASL sign. Then they sign the song “One Small Voice.” It is the class’ goal to learn to sign the Pledge of Allegiance by the end of the school year. Learning ASL goes beyond reinforcing phonics skills, the students are learning that there are various ways to communicate, and all people should be included in society.
Seeing God’s creation everywhere is a concept that is not just taught but experienced in 1st grade. Mrs. Schweizer utilizes a hands-on approach to allow the children to realize the beauty of God’s creation. Recently, the students studied the life cycle of tulips and pumpkins. After learning how each grows, they planted tulip bulbs in front of the convent with their 8th-grade prayer buddies and spent an afternoon sorting pumpkin seeds by ten, roasting, and sharing a tasty snack. The class also cares for three hermit crabs. The class observes the animals and takes turns feeding, watering, and keeping their living area clean. Each Friday, a student who has demonstrated leadership, respect, or kindness throughout the week gets to take one of them home. These activities show the students that all living things are gifts from God to be cherished.