Kathryn Naughton

K-1 Integrated Multiage Class

Dear Kinder and First Grade Stars~

I am so excited to meet all of your children this year. It will be a big learning experience for your child.  They will learn to read,  write and do all kinds of mathematics in First Grade.  Like mad minute math, double digit addition, double digit subtraction, learn what the 10’s and 1’s are all about and to tell time.  I encourage you to start at home with your child as you are their first teacher.

A little bit about me, I graduated from CSUSM in 2000 and completed my teaching credential in 2001.  I have been married to my husband for 28 years.  We have a daughter that has graduated from St. Mary’s preschool and elementary school and continued through her Catholic Schooling at Cathedral Catholic High School.  Our family has been a part of St. Mary’s Parish since moving to Oceanside 21 years ago.  

I have been teaching at St. Mary’s Star of Sea Catholic School for the last 7 years and have done all of my teaching in first grade. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey.  I am a passionate, dedicated educator that cares and loves all of my students above all else.  I like to establish a positive, productive learning environment that helps each child get ready for their education journey.  I meet each child where they are in the learning process to help them continue to learn with strategies.

I teach so each child will reach the standards of first grade, while educating our students with problem solving and life learning skills. I teach my students  how to be responsible for their learning along with  valuable life lessons that include social skills that  include compassion, curiosity, communication, while giving them the confidence they need to go forward.

Each child learns how to learn in first grade, this is why my role as a teacher is so important.  I feel that I am one of the facilitators in your child’s education, incorporating real world applications, while maintaining high expectations. I am very blessed to be able to teach each of your children.        

 Many Blessings, Mrs. Naughton

“The future of the world is in my classroom today~ Ivan Welton Fitzwater

K-1 Integrated Class

The students will be learning at their level in those subjects. During specialty classes of Spanish, Music, Art and PE they will be integrated together. Likewise with their Social Studies, Religion, and Science. This multi-aged integrated approach will maximize learning potential, foster collaboration amongst peers, develop social and emotional growth, and pave the way to progressive grouping and student learning.

Please take a moment to read the benefits of have a multi-aged classroom at this level: Research states there are several benefits of multi-aged classrooms for children in these age groups.

  1. Individualized Learning: Multi-aged classrooms allow for more individualized instruction since teachers can tailor their approach to meet the diverse needs and abilities of students of different ages. Younger children may receive extra support and scaffolding, while older ones can be challenged with more advanced material.
  2. Peer Mentoring: Older students in the classroom can serve as mentors to the younger ones. This peer mentoring fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership in older students, while younger children often feel more comfortable seeking help and guidance from their peers.
  3. Continuous Progression: Multi-aged classrooms offer a seamless transition from one grade level to the next. Younger children become familiar with the routines and expectations of the classroom, which can reduce anxiety and facilitate a smoother transition to 1st grade and beyond.
  4. Social and Emotional Growth: Interacting with peers of different ages helps children develop social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. They learn to communicate and collaborate with others who may have different perspectives and abilities.
  1. Flexibility in Grouping: Multi-aged classrooms allow for flexible grouping based on interests and abilities rather than just age. Students can be grouped for various activities, projects, or subjects, providing more opportunities for cross-age collaboration