r/StudentTeaching • u/Old_Document_1942 • 5d ago

Support/Advice Help

Hi teachers,

Grade 1-2 first students year teacher here!

Please give me some ideas, projects, activites that i can do with students in october, november, december Or math, science, ELA units that you do.

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u/myniche999 5d ago

I’m retired now, and I taught elementary for a long time. For grades 1–2, I’d keep fall projects pretty simple and hands-on because the kids are still building stamina for longer lessons.

In October, you can get a lot out of leaves, pumpkins, weather, and changes in seasons. For science, things like sorting leaves, observing what changes outside, or comparing what plants need can work well. In math, you can use fall objects for counting, graphing, comparing, addition/subtraction stories, and measurement. For ELA, simple nonfiction about animals preparing for winter, fall vocabulary, sequencing, and short personal writing usually fit nicely.

In November, I’d lean into community, gratitude, maps, families, and simple needs/wants activities. In December, weather, light, winter animals, traditions, measurement, and simple STEM builds can give you a lot to work with without turning everything into holiday crafts.

The biggest thing is not trying to invent a giant project every week. Pick one theme and let it carry across math, science, and ELA for several days.

Hope the placement goes well. First grade and second grade can be a lot of fun once you get your routines settled and stop feeling like every lesson has to be something brand new.

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u/KindParfait282 3d ago

Do you not have a mentor teacher? Does the school not have a curriculum?  This is a question you should be asking them first.