Budding First Grade Authors Presentation

Our first graders took to the podium and proudly shared their hard work at the annual first grade Authors’ Brunch and Reception. Every student read aloud their books to an audience filled with peers, parents, and members of the GDS faculty.

As an introduction, teachers read an opening biography for every author. Students bravely walked up to their place of honor, started by reading their book acknowledgements (ranging from siblings, family members, best friends, and even their very own teachers), and then read their stories from their life. Their vast array of book topics ranged from pivotal big life moments (a new sibling, losing a first tooth, first soccer game), to fun trips (the beach, Disney World, Maine, Sri Lanka), to the ordinary (baseball, sleepovers, babysitter visits, winning a game).

During this year-long work, our first graders learn how to tell their stories—the ones that stand in their memories, no matter how small they might appear to their teachers and families. And on this day, we get the opportunity to listen to their words and see their world from their point of view.