Silas was ready to start his 1st grade year. He was happy to hear who his teacher would be and he was excited to go on the first day and learn who would be in his classroom with him.
In his picture below, he drew himself as "sad" for the first day. I believe he was excited though, and maybe just a little sad that his summer had come to an end and that he wouldn't be able to sleep in, take trips, and play outside whenever he wanted.
He started right out in the high reading and math groups for his grade level. He is a super smart boy... (Most moms say those things about their kids, but I mean it. He has some big brains in his head.) The enrichment teacher at his school also began pulling him out twice a week to work with him on special learning projects and activities. He liked this and looked forward to his times working with her...as long as it didn't interfere with his recess or Friday free time. Ha!
He likes the special, Technology. He gets to work on a computer, practicing typing and computer skills, sometimes playing games, and learning about things he can do safely on the internet.
Below is his Fall yearbook school picture
He did some work with shapes for math. And, made a plate of spaghetti with paper and yarn.
One morning in early Fall, Silas, Phoebe and went to school early for the annual "See You At The Pole" event. A morning each year, before the school day begins, for anyone (child or adult) to come together at the flagpole and pray for our nation, our schools, our friends, our community, and our leaders.
He danced with all the other 1st graders and Kindergatners at the Disco on the Drive school-wide event one evening in the fall. He had learned all the dance moves and even practiced them at home some.
He is working on paragraph and story writing in his reading small group time. His sentences are improving and so is his grammar. He still needs some reminders to slow down and write neatly.
He was ready to compete in the annual Fall Fun Run. He would be running a half mile race against all the Kindergarteners and 1st graders. There are a few boys in his 1st grade group who he likes to compete with, so instead of having a time goal, his goal was to beat a few of these friends.
Below, Silas is in the middle, wearing gray sweatpants and a light gray t-shirt that says "Play Like a Beast". He is in his "take your mark" position.
Go Buddy, Go!!!!
He got a good start, and quickly got out in the front of the pack with a couple other boys. As he distanced himself from most of the other kids, one of the first grade teachers (and the high school cross country coach) joined him to help push him on.
Here he comes just a little behind the leader of the race, coming up the final small hill and rounding the corner to the straight-away and finish line.... Go Silas! Kick it in!
He was able to speed up at the end, but could not catch the one friend that was in front of him.
He ran a good race. His half mile time was 3:43. He took second place out of all the Kindergarteners and 1st graders with only with 1st grade boy in front of him.
In October, at parent/teacher conferences his teachers had very good things to say about him. Below, his teacher wrote, "It is fun to see Silas again in my class this year! (Last year in Kindergarten, Silas went to 1st grade for reading.) He has been doing very well in reading and math. One thing we have been working on is slowing down and working more independently."
His report card reflected his good efforts at school and in the classroom.
The first graders took a field trip in October to Applejack Pumpkin Patch. I met them there and walked around with a small group of students for the day. It was a cold morning, but the kids all had a good time trying out all the activities available to them and picking out a small pumpkin before heading back to the school.
Silas enjoyed "Lunch with Grandparents" day with Popee and Nanee. They brought him a special lunch from Spangles.
Silas dressed as Duke Kaboom from Disney's Toy Story 4 for Halloween. He paraded around the gym with all of the other kids at school before heading back to their classrooms for their class parties.
Below, in the middle, Silas's teacher was one of the Incredibles.
Silas is doing well in math. He is being challenged by the enrichment teacher to learn some new harder math concepts, but once he figures them out and works on them a little at home and school, then he's got it.
In December, Silas's teacher made a ton of sugar cookies and brought them to school for all her students to decorate and bring home to share with their families. I know Silas loved this! Thank you teachers everywhere for spending your time and resources outside of school to make special projects and fun things happen for your students. You are loved and appreciated!
Silas and his class enjoyed the visit from Santa and his Elf right before Christmas break. Santa brought each student in the school a book.
What are some of your favorite things about 1st grade so far this year?
Silas: P.E. - cause I'm really athletic and I'm really good at playing games and getting people out. I really like the Para. in my classroom. She is super nice. I liked when my teacher did the Christmas Around the World. My teacher brought pretzels and Ginger Ale for us. She did a good job helping my class learn. I like playing math games in my math class.
Who are some of your favorite friends at school?
Silas: Owen, Tyson, Isaac, Abby, Arnez, and Adonez
What are your favorite HOT LUNCH menu items?
Silas: Pizza, Italian Dunkers, French Toast Sticks, Walking Taco, and Quesadilla
And, above, one last project of his that I want to share... He had to create a picture of himself and describe three things he likes about himself. He wrote, " I like that I am kind. I like my hands. I like that Jesus lives in my heart."
