Collect 20

Playing a new first grade game called Collect 20 with our Math partners.  Each partner rolls a single dice and then counts that many counters to add to a twenty frame.  After each addition the students figure out how many they have by counting each one, by "adding on," or by finding other ways to count such as by 5's or 10's.  Fun game.

What is a Scientist?

Today we had our first 1st grade Science lesson.  It was all about Scientists.  Mrs. Raurk started by reading a simple book about Scientists and then moved quickly into making a chart of what Scientists have,  what they can do, and what tools they use.

The children were so influenced by the experiences they had with Science as kindergartners.  They remembered putting on goggles and lab coats and working with thermometers and hand lenses and balance scales.  They remembered gardening.  They remembered that they were just like Scientists when they wrote in their Science journals.

As the children cut and colored their own little Scientists they talked about all the things that they had done as Scientists and about Scientists they saw on television, in books and in videos.  What a fun way to begin a year of Science investigations.

What makes 10!

We have been using a new song - well, rap - to introduce Math Workshop.  It helps the children practice combinations of 10.  You have to read really fast to keep up - did I say it was a rap? - and the students wanted me to post it so they could practice it at home and memorize the words.  It really will help when we get to combinations of 10.  I know it says second graders, but we're as smart as any second graders!  Enjoy!

Class Picture: 1st Grade, 2014-15

What a great group!  It's going to be an "oz-some" year!

Up, Up and Away!

Each year the new year starts with a WOW for the kids that is related to our theme and this year was the best yet.  Just like the Wizard flying away in a hot air balloon, today the children witnessed a hot air balloon as it raised into the sky with Dorothy and Principal Susan Phillips!  WOW!

We had a wonderful first day!