Summer Weather Slide Show

As a culminating activity for our summer weather unit the students created a slide show.  Each student recorded weather for one week using the app 'Skitch', took a picture of our 1st grade tree using the camera on their iPad and drew a picture of their favorite summer activity on 'Doddle Buddy'.  Then the students took their 3 slides and downloaded it onto the app 'Doceri'.  I love this app because the students can also record their thinking, which is exactly what they did on each slide.
We will continue to do this for each season.  Then in the spring they will take each slide show and put it into an iMovie. 

Johnny Appleseed

To integrate reading, social studies, mathematics, science and technology this past week we were busy learning about apples and Johnny Appleseed.  We started off with a KWL chart listing things the students knew about apples and what they wanted to learn.  I read a collection of books about apples and Johnny Appleseed.  We discussed the life cycle of an apple, graphed their favorite kind to eat, created a class Padlet on their iPad about Johnny Appleseed and wrote a book about his life describing what a tremendous citizen he was.

Apple Graphing

The students sorted apples they had brought to class.  Then they had a choice to create a line, bar or picture graph to show their findings.  Once graphs were finished, each student wrote questions about their graph for a friend to answer.

     

Rachel's Challenge Kickoff

Math Tubs

Explore More!

Yesterday I introduced the app Tellagami to the students.  I showed them basic tools that are available on the app.  Then I sent them on their way to 'explore'.  The students got busy learning and teaching others (including me) all the things they can do on this app.
Today after reading a story, the students did a retell using the app. They LOVED it!! 

Give One, Get One

As part of our guided math program, students develop flexible ways  composing and decomposing numbers with Number of the Day.  Students are given a number and are asked to show different representations of that number. Some create ten frames, tally marks, number word, dice, addition and/or subtraction sentence etc.  Once ideas are recorded,  I often use the formative assessment, Give One-Get One.  Students walk around and share (Give) one of their answers and in return receive (Get) one from their classmate. I love watching and listening to them.  They are always curious what their partner is going to share.

Daily 5

We continue to practice daily on our 'Read to Self' part of the Daily 5.  Our class goal is for everyone to be completely engaged in their reading for 15 minutes.  The students are really doing well.  We are almost there!! 

Success!

Today the students took their wind socks outside to see if they would show wind direction and speed. They had a great time testing them out.  Everyone agreed that it was a breezy day.

Wind Socks

Today as we continue to learn about seasons and weather, I introduced wind socks.  We discussed their purpose, where they can be found and the parts needed to make this system work.  I asked the students if they thought they could construct their own wind sock to collect wind.   Thrilled with the challenge they got right to work. I loved watching them design, gather materials, fold, tape, glue, staple, tape and glue some more!  Tomorrow we will take the wind socks outside to "test" them out and to see if their system works. 

Seasons

Using the app Doodle Buddy, the students drew 4 pictures showing what they like to do during each season.  Then they used the app Popplet to create a bubble map by importing their pictures. Finally they posted their bubble map on their blog!!  WooHoo!  I am SO proud of them!!

Goldie

This is Goldie our new class pet!!  He is a Half-Moon Betta fish.  When I brought him to school on Monday the students had lots of wonders.  We researched together and got many of their wonder questions answered.  The students are just about finished writing their non-fiction book about Betta fish.  I can't wait until they share their book with you.

Smart Moves

Students worked in small groups to record the "smart moves" (spaces, sight words spelled correctly, detailed illustration etc.) they noticed in a students writing. Each group collaborated and recorded their observations on chart paper.  Once they were finished, I had each group share their work with the rest of the class.  They really did a fantastic job!

                                                               

We LOVE reading!

This week we went to the library for the first time.  Mrs. Keller our new librarian, read us a story and then we got to check out books.   We just LOVE to read!

Graphing

We have been working hard this last week graphing.  On Friday the students were given a handful of Lucky Charms cereal. They sorted the marshmallows and record their data on the graph. Then the students shared and compared their data to classmates.  Building the graph was fun but eating the cereal was the BEST!

Class Blog

We are now blogging in First Grade and would love for you to visit and comment on our blog.  Please follow these simple safety rules.  Thank you!

        *Please do not use last names. The students use a number or first name when blogging.
        * When posting a comment feel free to post "Billy's Mom" or "Billy's Grandpa".  Last names    should not be used. 
        *Please do not post any personal contact information such as phone numbers, email or home  addresses.
        *Students writing will be authentic. The students are learning the writing process including how to type.  Please celebrate how we are growing as writers/learners with only positive comments.

We hope you enjoy our class blogs.  We can't wait to read your comments!