In first grade, we have spent the first weeks of school building a learning community. One activity included reading Swimmy by Leo Lionni. From the book we learned that a community is made stronger when it sticks together. Swimmy emphasized the meaning of community and how people, even fish, could collaborate to solve problems. After our reading, we worked together to design
a class poster. Each student created a unique fish, and then we made one picture together. We reflected on community and how we could collaborate. The conversation started when a child said, “I will help others with their work.” One child added, “I will be a good friend.” Another noted, “I will be kind.” Others said, “We will help by sharing.” We are learning about friendship and common interests, and growing as a first grade community.
