Classrooms - Grades 1 & 2

Welcome to the first and second grade classroom at Grace Lutheran School.

Our day starts with praise and prayer. During our devotion and Bible story times children learn of Jesus’ love. A weekly, all-school chapel provides further opportunities to share God’s love. Our first and second graders learn values such as solving problems peacefully, and social skills like acceptance of our differences. These skills are a part of our curriculum and are practiced as a part of our day-to-day classroom life. In the context of a Christian classroom these skills, reinforced by an attitude of forgiveness, reflect our Savior’s life.

In our combined classroom are many opportunities for cooperative learning. Active learning is especially present in our hands-on science, math, and social studies units and projects. Throughout the year our many field trips provide experiences and enrichment that are built into our curriculum. Children in first grade get a “sneak preview” of the year ahead and are prepared to meet the challenges of second grade. Second graders get a gentle review of important skills as well as challenging programs to encourage their highest achievement. The presence of a Teacher’s Aide helps students achieve success.

In the two years children are in this classroom at Grace Lutheran they will experience God’s creation and learn to love and take care of the earth God has given us. Children will learn about God’s miracle of life as they hatch chicken eggs and raise the chicks. They will care for the classroom pets—Anansi the tarantula, our two hermit crabs, Sally the salamander, our ant farm, and our habitat for crickets and caterpillars. The children will see tadpoles develop into frogs, mealworms into beetles, larva into ladybugs, and caterpillars into painted lady butterflies. After experiencing the butterflies flying freely in the classroom, the new life our Savior has given us is much more easily imagined.

First grade is a time of tremendous growth and enthusiasm for learning. Reading and writing skills, as well as all basic math skills, are developed. Reading strategies and problem-solving strategies are taught and practiced. Our school’s Accelerated Reading (AR) Program is implemented at this level. Second grade continues the development and practice of reading, writing, and basic math skills as these students reach for independence. The AR program as well as SRA reading and listening programs provide enrichment and extra challenges for those second grade students who need them.

• Enthusiasm and excitement for learning.
• Growth and development of academic and social skills.
• A growing knowledge and love of God that is shown in how we treat each other.
• A respect for the creatures that share this earth.
• The support of parents and famiies.
• Weekly letters sent home to the family.
• Regular and appropriate homework.
• Weekly packets of children’s work.

These are the hallmarks of the first and second grade classes at Grace Lutheran. You are always welcome!

Mrs. Meyer has been teaching for thirty-three years. This is her twenty-fifth year at Grace. Her degrees include a a B.S. and an M.S. from UWM, and the colloquy, qualifying her as a minister of religion—commissioned, from Concordia University Wisconsin. Mrs. Meyer is currently enrolled at Cardinal Stritch pursuing an additional certification in special education. In 2007 Mrs. Meyer was named the South Wisconsin District Lutheran Elementary Educator of the Year.

In her spare time Mrs. Meyer enjoys reading, spinning, weaving, and refinishing. During the summer she is involved with the Wisconsin State Fair. Mrs. Meyer and her husband share their home with a dog and two cats.