Michelle Robidoux
Grade 1
After attending the University of Maine at Orono, I worked for several years for a small airline company and did some traveling.
I later moved to Vermont, attended and graduated from Castleton State College with a B.S. in Elementary Education, with concentrations in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. During my first few years of teaching teaching at Chester-Andover I discovered a real love for teaching beginning reading. I then pursued and received a Master of Arts in Education, in Reading and Language Arts, also from Castleton State College. I continue to learn by taking college courses at the graduate level, attending workshops, working in collaboration with colleagues, and by my work with children and families.
I live in Chester with my husband, an accomplished blues musician, and our two German Shepherds. Our wonderful daughter currently attends college, studying music and music education.
I have taught first grade, special education, and multi-graded first and second grades. The first grade year is such an exciting year of learning! I love helping young children unlock the ìsecretsî to reading and discover the joy and power reading can bring!
Most of the learning we do in first grade is centered around learning to read, write, spell and to use numbers and mathematical concepts. It is also an important time for developing good learning habits, which include good listening skills and learning behaviors. We also work on social skills, and how to get along with others as a community of learners.
Science and Social Studies lessons in first grade are integrated into theme study, and based upon the Vermont Standards and Learning Opportunities, Grade Expectations for our grade level. Our ìUnit Themesî include: Self-Concept (All about Me!); Our Five Senses; Animals (life cycles and classification) ; Simple Machines and Transportation; and Water (properties and the water cycle.) We study the history of, and celebrate some of, the special days and holidays we encounter in our daily lives during the year.
We try to have fun every day, but also know that learning can be hard work! I believe that children benefit from encouragement to do their best, and know that when they put good effort into their learning they will succeed!
Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Parents teach their values and attitudes about life and education in many ways. Your interest and support in their homework, and having conversations about school let children know that you value education. Reading to and listening to your child read, writing with your child, listening to what they are interested in learning about, and helping them pursue their interests are great ways to help them become lifelong learners!
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