Grade 1 — I Notice, I Wonder

ND-Friendly Tips for Grade 1 (Ages 6–7)

• Demonstrate everything first — Show every activity with your own hands before students try. For 6-year-olds, "do what I do" works far better than verbal instructions alone.
• Hands on objects before any words — Give students the buttons or blocks to hold FIRST. Vocabulary comes after physical experience, never before.
• Sensory sensitivity — Always offer an alternative to touching (just looking is okay). Have visual supports for attribute words posted on the wall all term.
• Signal cards over hand-raising — Use Yes/No cards for surveys so students who are uncomfortable with public responses can still participate fully.
• One rule at a time — Post the current sorting rule as a picture card. Visual rule cards reduce anxiety about "doing it wrong."
• Allow recounting — Counting is new and hard. Never rush a student who is pointing and counting carefully. Recounting IS the learning.
• Physical first, writing last — All activities should involve moving, touching, or placing objects BEFORE any writing or drawing is asked.
• Brain breaks every 10–12 minutes — Animal walks, "show me with your body," jumping to answers keep regulation on track for this age.
• Celebrate all sharing styles — A student can share by pointing, drawing, or saying one word. Verbal sharing is not the only valid form.