Friday, September 26, 2014

Gorgeous Day

It was too beautiful to stay inside today, so we headed outside to do some writing. What a great way to spend a Friday morning. 






 
We also got in a game of Gaga Ball! 




Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Dots Continued


Today, with our buddies, we went on a walk in search of dots. Using iPads, they took pictures of their discoveries. Then each pair picked their favorite photograph. As a group we will create a collaborative poem and then create a digital slide show. 







Monday, September 22, 2014

Reading at Home...

Reading at home with your child for 15 or 20 minutes each day can make a huge difference! In today's Home Folder I sent home a two sided page with tips on reading with your child. Be sure to check it out and let me know if you have any questions. 

Here is a copy of what I sent home today. 





Friday, September 19, 2014

Math

Every day in math we spend time practicing important early numeracy skills such as place value skills and counting by 5s and 10s.

Great activities to do each day with your child are to practice counting forwards and backwards, starting at different numbers. Backward counting can be especially difficult. Also, you can practice counting by 10s off decade with your child (3,13, 23, 33, 43, etc.).  

Periodically, I will post more ways you can practice skills at home, so be sure to check back often. 

Check out our counting by 5s hand poster! 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Dot Day Celebration

We celebrated International Dot Day (a day late) with our buddies today.  After reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, we made our own dot pictures. What creative kids!!!



Check out some of the artists at work!














Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Wednesday Learning and Fun

Today we learned that the setting of a story is when and where it takes place. After reading Harry By the Sea by Gene Zion, the kids practiced using clues from the story to identify the main setting. Then, using their best first grade illustrations, they drew pictures of the story's setting.







Some of the kids also had the opportunity to make PlayDoh for the classroom with Ani!


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Buddy Time

Today we met our 5th and 6th grade buddies!  Each year students from my class are partnered with students from Heidi Ringer's class. Each week our classes get together to complete projects or to just have fun together. Having an opportunity to connect with the older kids in the school is a wonderful experience for everyone.

Our first activity was to created time capsules about each buddy group. Each pair completed a page about themselves, measured their heights with string, made a handprint with paint and had a picture taken together. These items will be placed in their time capsule. At the end of the school year they will complete the same activities and then open the capsules to see how much they have changed over the months of school.





We can't wait until the next time we get together!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Butterflies and Apple Picking


Today Kellen's mom, Julia, visited our room with Monarch butterflies they hatched at home. Everyone was very excited to check them out. 


Also, we are starting a mini-science unit on apples. As part of our study we will be going apple picking at Happy Valley Orchard next Friday afternoon.  We'd love for parents to join us. Please let me know if you can come. Thanks!