Classroom Promise and Portraits

We've been talking, reading and writing about our school motto over the past few weeks, trying to unpack what it means to us in our classroom and in the school community. What does it mean to be kind? How can we be safe at school? What does being great look like? We read some stories about kindness in the classroom, being a friend at school, and school rules. Writing our own classroom promise seemed like a great way to capture what the children felt were the most important ingredients in creating a happy, healthy classroom. A home away from home. After lots of sharing and brainstorming, this promise was crafted with the students' voices and vision.

In this class we promise to try new things and to do our best work. We will use calm voices and speak kind words. We will be respectful of others and responsible for our choices. We will take turns, be patient with others and use our manners. We will share and care for our friends. Most importantly, we'll LEARN together and have FUN together.

The children chose where our promise would hang. They decided on the front chalkboard because it was easy to see from everywhere in the classroom. We'll reflect on this promise throughout our year in first grade. Such important words.

I adore the self portraits the class drew in black sharpies on white paper. They really capture their spirit, energy and youthfulness! I look forward to creating lots more art with this talented group of artists. All of their artwork will be filed into a personal art folder and sent home at the end of the school year. I find it's the best way of preserving their work and allows you to treasure it for years to come. Some favourite pieces may find their way into picture frames on your own gallery walls at home! Such a lovely way to celebrate their work.