First graders teach younger peers
Students in kindergarten and first grade studied nonfiction and read together just before Winter Break.
by Elizabeth Ammerman, first grade teacher
First graders wrapped up their nonfiction unit by practicing interactive read alouds with the four kindergarten classes. As they studied nonfiction, students learned that good nonfiction readers stop to study each page, retell what they've learned across their fingers, think about the meaning of keywords, and have "chats" with themselves and others about what they're learning.
By doing this with a kindergartner, first graders got to be "teachers," practicing "smooth and lively" reading with correct phrasing, appropriate emphasis, and dramatic gestures in order to bring their topic to life and engage their listeners.
First graders wrapped up their nonfiction unit by practicing interactive read alouds with the four kindergarten classes. As they studied nonfiction, students learned that good nonfiction readers stop to study each page, retell what they've learned across their fingers, think about the meaning of keywords, and have "chats" with themselves and others about what they're learning.
By doing this with a kindergartner, first graders got to be "teachers," practicing "smooth and lively" reading with correct phrasing, appropriate emphasis, and dramatic gestures in order to bring their topic to life and engage their listeners.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.