One Slice at a Time

Every week, our students share a little “slice” of themselves with our community. The Slice, a weekly writing and identity project, began with a former first grade teacher at Shore. I fell in love with the project, and it has become one of my favorite ways to encourage students to reflect on who they are and to learn more about one another. 

Students answer a new prompt, thoughtfully chosen to help them think about their identity, where they fit in the world, and how that can change over time. They share what they can do, who is in their families, and what they feel are their important inside and outside traits.

Sharing can be difficult in first grade, and sharing something personal can feel even more difficult. I get a front-row seat as I watch each student’s confidence grow. The Slice helps create a safe space for them to share their work and themselves. I have watched our quietest students stand up proudly to share something beautiful about themselves.

“It feels a bit scary sometimes because it’s your work and it can feel scary to share it. You should still do it because it will help you learn and grow. After I share it, I feel happy and good about it,” shares first grader Lilly K. 

Each week, my first graders answer questions about our monthly theme for The Slice, and their responses are shared with our families so everyone gets to know our classroom community. The Slice also helps me learn things about each student that I might not otherwise know, sometimes moments that seem small but turn out to be really big. When a student shares something they find important or love, I can bring it into the classroom, whether that means finding books about their favorite animal or giving them something in their favorite color. It shows them that they are seen and heard, and in these moments, I show them that I am listening and that I care about them. By the end of the year, I know how each child thinks and feels about themselves and how they see themselves in our community. 

I email a new edition of The Slice each week to families and the adults who work with our students, so parents get to know their child’s classmates too. It helps families build community and celebrate growth, and gives students a meaningful audience.

Jamee S., a former first grade parent, shared, “The Slice was such a joy. It provided us a real glimpse into the class because we got to see our child’s answer but also the answers of their classmates. It was insightful, informative, interesting, and often hilarious. It boosted the sense of community and connection by helping us all get to know each other's kids and what they were like. I miss The Slice every day!”

At its heart, The Slice shows students that their voices matter and that they are visible members of our community.

By Kelsey Mercier, Grade 1 Teacher