Penguins

I always enjoy this time of year as we begin to learn about penguins.  To start our learning, students recorded what they knew about penguins using Padlet.  Next we had a gallery walk where I placed a picture on one of the 5 sheets of chart paper.  As students walked around they jotted down things they noticed and/or wondered.  After we shared and compared each chart, I pulled out my non-fiction penguin books.  Students gathered around reading/talking/sharing as they browsed the books.  I can tell they are just as excited as I am to learn more about penguins just by their engagement!

Patterns of Movement

In science this week we have been learning about patterns of movement.  We created a KWL chart, read books, sang a Science Rock song, and watched a Brain Pop Jr.  Students observed, recorded, and tracked the path of wind up toys to determine different ways objects move.  Then we spent a little time web surfing to gain additional information about movement and recorded our learning.  Next, I had them predict which car they thought would travel the furthest on different ramp surfaces. They tested their hypothesis and recorded results on their blog.  Finally, the class went on a scavenger hunt to look for items that could be pushed or pulled.  Students snapped pictures using their iPad, created a Pic Collage, uploaded it to their blog and explained the difference between the two movements.

Popcorn Party

We love D.E.A.R. time!  Total engagement daily!!  Watching and listening to them read during this time makes me so happy.  I just thought we needed to have a little popcorn party. 

Community Project

In Social Studies prior to the holidays we discussed important characteristics of good citizens and how people can help others in our community.  Well, one of the girls in my class went home, wrote a letter requesting that our class do our part for the community by helping the local animal shelter and received principal approval the next day!
I am so excited to announce that today the project started to take shape!  She had recently visited the shelter and learned they are always in need of supplies for their animals (i.e. leashes, toys, blankets, food etc.)  On behalf of the shelter, her mother came and spoke to the first graders.  The students listened attentively as she spoke about their needs.  After her presentation, the students were so excited about the project and immediately got to work.  They wrote letters to their parents explaining their community project and made posters to hang up in the school.  There is nothing better then watching students work together for a great cause and the excitement on their faces when items are added to our collection boxes!

 

Busy working on their posters!

New Goals, Mitten Activities and a New App

To start the new year off we talked about goals and resolutions.  I shared one of my resolutions, eating healthier, and then asked the students to think of one goal they would like to make for themselves.  Once goals were recorded, the students made a 2014 flip book and a little craft to go along with the lesson.

Next up, I began reading books about mittens.  We did a variety of mitten themed activities in math, science and writing as well as compared different versions of the story The Mitten (one written by Jan Brett and the other by Alvin Tresselt). Because Jan Brett is a favorite author in our class, I decided to also read her book, The Hat and do an author study.  During our study we learned that Ms. Brett lives in Massachusetts with her husband and Buffy, their pet hedgehog.  She is author/illustrator for her books and often travels to different countries to get ideas for her writing.

Finally, to end the week I taught the students the new app, Venn Diagram.  With this app the students independently compared/contrasted Jan Brett's books, The Mitten and The Hat.  Once their diagram was completed they uploaded it onto their blog.

Guest Reader

Listening to one of my students read to the class always puts a smile on my face!

Welcome Back!

I was so excited to see my students Tuesday morning!  They were so eager to get back to class and reconnect with their friends.  I just loved hearing each one share stories about their break.  It sounded like everyone had a nice time but they were also ready to get back into our school routine.  Yay!