Ms. Danielle’s 1st grade Class
Danielle has taught at NCSA since 2013. She is a lifelong learner who is passionate about teaching to the whole child while fostering academic excellence, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence. When she is not teaching, you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her husband and daughters. Danielle is thrilled to be a part of such an outstanding and vibrant school and community. Danielle pinches herself on a daily basis, realizing that she is living her dream.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and smarter
than you think and stronger than you seem.” –Christopher Robin to Pooh
In the Helping Hands class, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of family and community. We have virtues that we discuss and practice on a daily basis. We have a small class size of 22 students as well as an instructional aide. In the first grade, students build confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills. In the beginning of the year, we learn rules, procedures, and routines that are practiced throughout the
year. By exploring the curriculum in a hands-on manner, academic knowledge becomes more meaningful and more memorable. Our class goes on several field trips each year. Art and movement are incorporated into each subject to promote creative, happy and free thinking individuals while also keeping learning meaningful
and fun!
First Grade Highlights
● Two classes a week with our art specialist
● Two classes a week with our movement specialist
● One class a week of music
Units of Study
● September
Community building, routines and procedure
Our names and who we are
Insects- structure and function of organisms
Engineering- planning, observing and building
Mindfulness
● October
Harvest, farming, insects and plant structure
Looking at thankfulness and gratitude as Habits of Mind
● November and December
Diversity within traditions, multicultural studies
Bird studies
● January and February
Families and Identity- A look into heredity and variation of traits as well as learning
about others and ourselves.
Bird studies
● March and April
Habitats, Mammals, Geography
Field study to the Sacramento Zoo
Spring performance
● May and June
We will learn about Space and the science of light and waves
A Child’s Place in Time and Space
Field study to MOSAC
A look back on how much we have grown and what we have endeavored to learn
Talent Show and class celebrations
Field studies/Events for this class
Farm
Shady Creek bird visit
Clay
Family Potluck
Class Party
Sacramento Zoo
Museum
Spring Show
Pumpkins
Pancake breakfast
1st Grade Talent Show
Big buddies