Integrating seasonal elements –with generous measures

of creativity and imagination– into first grade curriculum

by Cassia Leffin

One delightful, learning-filled way to spark the engagement of young students includes incorporating a seasonal, monster-themed curriculum. In recent weeks, my Mount Madonna School first graders have written poems, created oil pastel monster drawings and begun to learn a choreographed dance. The students listened with rapt attention as I read monster story books aloud to further inspire their vibrant imaginations, individual creativity and to explore first hand some of the biological concepts being taught in the classroom. Link to Cassia's delightful description of the children's monster projects > > >

Kenia: This was most certainly not what I imagined my first year teaching to be, yet it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Although I will probably forever be mourning my unfulfilled end-of-year plans and celebrations with my first group of students, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take a step back and embrace a more purposeful and meaningful approach to my teaching.

Feeling depleted after completing UCSC’s intensive 12-month MA in Education and Teaching Credential Program and not having the time to prepare curriculum prior to the start of the school year, I labored away and fell on my colleagues for support.

I felt as though I was on training wheels the entire time. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that the training wheels were instantly and unexpectedly knocked off. Link to Kenia's story about her first year of teaching > >

"As we begin this new school year, the MAH is eager to continue to adapt and meet the needs of our future community builders, leaders, and social justice activists. For now, head over to our Educational Resources page to browse our current selection of free lesson plans. Then, be sure to stay tuned and sign up for email updates as we announce upcoming lesson plans on art and creativity, Dìa de Muertos, and more. And as always we are happy to collaborate with teachers and welcome feedback so please feel free to email me at oscar@santacruzmah.org so we can connect."