St. Dominic Catholic School

Grade 1

Welcome to first grade!

My name is Kathy Buchholz and I have been part of the St. Dominic family since 1987. Even though I have watched many students pass through the doors of the first grade classroom, I never cease to be in awe of the miracle of learning that takes place each year. Learning involves all aspects of a child, including academic, spiritual, physical, and social growth.

As our guideline for spiritual growth in our classroom we recite these words each day, "Do to others as you would like them to do you." My goal for first graders is to grow toward becoming responsible independent learners who respect adults and fellow students as well as themselves.

Students learn to develop strong reading skills using both the whole language and phonetic approaches. Writing skills are stressed using inventive spelling along with instructional spelling lists. In math, students learn through many hands-on activities, as well as drill in computation.

We enjoy many science and social studies units. My particular interest in nature is reflected by special units on butterflies, bats, the rain forest, and whatever creature happens by! Computers are integrated in many areas of our curriculum.

Although our days in first grade are active and busy, we never forget that we are a family; in our classroom, school, church, home and community. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the St. Dominic family!

If you would like to get in touch with me, you may call the school or e-mail me.

First day of school

Mrs. Buchholz has been teaching her first grade class to count money. Above are some photos of them putting that knowledge to work having a classroom "garage sale". Items were brought from home and labeled with prices. First grade students were able to make purchases, count out the money, and give back change when necessary. It was a hit! Be sure to visit their rain forest also!!
The first grade students share Dominic the teddy bear (shown above right). Dominic goes home with a different student at the end of each school day. He brings his journal with him everywhere he goes. The students take him home and write his experiences in the journal daily. On the last day of school a drawing is held to determine which lucky first grader gets to keep Dominic!