Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Back To The Farm!
Today was our first trip back to the farm! It was wonderful to be back. The weather was nearly perfect - we caught warmth, sun, and just a hint of a breeze. The kids opened two garden beds today. In both beds, they planted more sugar snap peas. Before they could plant them, though, first they had to remove the seaweed, turn the soil, and incorporate compost. They also explored the greenhouse. They saw the peas they planted in the classroom a few weeks ago. They also got to plant spinach in some more six packs. Everyone was so pleased to be back at the farm!
Friday, March 22, 2013
March 22, 2013
Happy Friday!
After a week that was jostled by another snow day, we finally made it!
Today was another good day. In skills, the Organic Squirrels worked more on er. They read a story and started answering the questions. We're still working on turning the question around when answering, but they are remembering what they read well!
The Zesty Wombats had grammar day today, and we worked extensively on nouns. They reviewed common, proper, and plural nouns, and then discussed irregular plural nouns and strange ways to make nouns plural (like changing leaf to leaves).
The Screaming Mustaches finished Frindle today and started on a paragraph explaining whether the main character made the right decisions based on the outcome of the book.
The kids all worked more on their blogs today. It was a big writing day, and they wrote as much as they could on their topics. It's been impressive to see how much they're willing and able to write when they are motivated! We will continue the work on Monday!
During writing time, the kids all worked on paragraphs they've been writing - opinion paragraphs. They are coming along nicely. We started a new system during writing so the kids don't have to wait in line as long when they need help or review. They move a clip from one side of oak tag to another, and I see them in that order. While they're waiting, they do some free writing. This way, they keep writing and the classroom stays calmer, since they're not standing in line waiting idly.
We recently started a new read aloud book called Luka and the Fire of Life. It's about a boy who goes to a magic world to try to save his father. It's roughly a sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories. The kids seem to be enjoying it so far!
Everyone has been pretty chatty, but I feel like their output has been greater than before. It's difficult to calm engines at times, but it is still nice to see it not affect the volume or quality of the work being done!
After a week that was jostled by another snow day, we finally made it!
Today was another good day. In skills, the Organic Squirrels worked more on er. They read a story and started answering the questions. We're still working on turning the question around when answering, but they are remembering what they read well!
The Zesty Wombats had grammar day today, and we worked extensively on nouns. They reviewed common, proper, and plural nouns, and then discussed irregular plural nouns and strange ways to make nouns plural (like changing leaf to leaves).
The Screaming Mustaches finished Frindle today and started on a paragraph explaining whether the main character made the right decisions based on the outcome of the book.
The kids all worked more on their blogs today. It was a big writing day, and they wrote as much as they could on their topics. It's been impressive to see how much they're willing and able to write when they are motivated! We will continue the work on Monday!
During writing time, the kids all worked on paragraphs they've been writing - opinion paragraphs. They are coming along nicely. We started a new system during writing so the kids don't have to wait in line as long when they need help or review. They move a clip from one side of oak tag to another, and I see them in that order. While they're waiting, they do some free writing. This way, they keep writing and the classroom stays calmer, since they're not standing in line waiting idly.
We recently started a new read aloud book called Luka and the Fire of Life. It's about a boy who goes to a magic world to try to save his father. It's roughly a sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories. The kids seem to be enjoying it so far!
Everyone has been pretty chatty, but I feel like their output has been greater than before. It's difficult to calm engines at times, but it is still nice to see it not affect the volume or quality of the work being done!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013
Wednesdays are always such full days!
Today we had an introduction to blogging. I used the overhead projector while the kids all had iPads. We went through how to log in and how to make a post. They all made their first post, which was a sentence or two about their project. I still have to approve them, but most everyone got a tiny start!
In skills the Organic Squirrels started learning about bossy r. They learned the "er" spelling and sound. Then they read the first story in their new skills book.
The Zesty Wombats continued working on the /aw/ sound.
The Screaming Mustaches and Ice Dragons came ever closer to finishing Frindle.
In project today, the kids all finished their models. They came out wonderfully! We put them up on the wall with the soil and the animals that live in soil. They labeled all the parts they learned about, and also made labels for their plants. They are beautiful, and displayed in the great room for anyone who wants to come check them out!
Today we had an introduction to blogging. I used the overhead projector while the kids all had iPads. We went through how to log in and how to make a post. They all made their first post, which was a sentence or two about their project. I still have to approve them, but most everyone got a tiny start!
In skills the Organic Squirrels started learning about bossy r. They learned the "er" spelling and sound. Then they read the first story in their new skills book.
The Zesty Wombats continued working on the /aw/ sound.
The Screaming Mustaches and Ice Dragons came ever closer to finishing Frindle.
In project today, the kids all finished their models. They came out wonderfully! We put them up on the wall with the soil and the animals that live in soil. They labeled all the parts they learned about, and also made labels for their plants. They are beautiful, and displayed in the great room for anyone who wants to come check them out!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Busy Monday!
We dove back into the week!
We've had a rearrangement in our teaching situation. Michelle's duties in her special education role have amped up in the last few weeks, and because of that, Amy is now teaching all skills groups! It's a very exciting change, and although Michelle is very sad to have had to step down, Amy is super happy to be able to teach first grade skills through the rest of the year.
The organic squirrels are starting a new unit, all surrounding bossy r. Their new book is The Green Fern Zoo.
The Zesty Wombats are also nearly done with their unit. They're working on tricky y and a few new spellings for the /aw/ sound.
The screaming mustaches and ice dragons are finishing up Frindle this week.
Because of this change in skills, we've also started a new writing project. The kids are going to be writing blogs! They've picked a topic and have starts brainstorming posts they can do. They'll be working on writing a lot, but also a lot of other skills, including more on the technology side. I'll be sending more information about this home tomorrow.
Even though there are a lot of changes, everyone seems to be very positive about everything. They're loving the blog idea, and our first day of skills together was a blast!
We've had a rearrangement in our teaching situation. Michelle's duties in her special education role have amped up in the last few weeks, and because of that, Amy is now teaching all skills groups! It's a very exciting change, and although Michelle is very sad to have had to step down, Amy is super happy to be able to teach first grade skills through the rest of the year.
The organic squirrels are starting a new unit, all surrounding bossy r. Their new book is The Green Fern Zoo.
The Zesty Wombats are also nearly done with their unit. They're working on tricky y and a few new spellings for the /aw/ sound.
The screaming mustaches and ice dragons are finishing up Frindle this week.
Because of this change in skills, we've also started a new writing project. The kids are going to be writing blogs! They've picked a topic and have starts brainstorming posts they can do. They'll be working on writing a lot, but also a lot of other skills, including more on the technology side. I'll be sending more information about this home tomorrow.
Even though there are a lot of changes, everyone seems to be very positive about everything. They're loving the blog idea, and our first day of skills together was a blast!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Catch Up
Keeping this blog up to date was a goal of mine at the beginning of the year. I totally lost track of it, and realized this week that I really needed to get back into it in order to keep everyone abreast of what was going on in the classroom. Here's a general update!
In reading:
The Organic Squirrels have been working on diphthongs. These are sounds like oi, ou, oo, aw, etc. They're reading with greater fluency and recognizing more words and sounds! Hopefully you've noticed this at home, too.
The Screaming Mustaches and Ice Dragons have been reading chapter books. The most recent is Frindle which is a book about how words are created and spread, and the importance of language.
The Zesty Wombats have been working a lot on nonsense words, and have been focusing on the long e sound. They've learned 8 spellings for long e (e, ee, e_e, ei, i, y, ey, and ea).
In writing:
The First Graders have been learning how to craft a paragraph. They are learning the parts of paragraphs, and primarily working on topic sentences. They understand that topic sentences tell what the paragraph is about, and are working towards creating solid ones that capture their paragraphs.
The Second Graders have been working on opinion paragraphs. We spent a lot of time talking about the difference between facts and opinions, and they are coming to understand that an opinion is best argued when backed up by facts. They are working towards writing opinion paragraphs that incorporate facts as well as feelings.
In Project:
The kids have learned all of the parts of a plant - the root, stem, leaf, seed, flower, and fruit. They have been making models of different kinds of plants that include all of the parts of the plant. They know that some plants have fruits, while others only have flowers. When the models are finished, they will be displayed!
In Social Skills:
We've really been working on expected behavior in all parts of the day. We've been talking a lot about what's expected, and working towards having expected behavior every day. We also spent a lot of time talking about bossiness, being a role model, using I-statements, and being inclusive. We're working hard to appreciate everyone's differences and celebrate how special each member of the class is!
I plan to keep up with the blog for the rest of the year. I apologize for the lapse, but I recognize how important it is, and will work hard to update regularly!
In reading:
The Organic Squirrels have been working on diphthongs. These are sounds like oi, ou, oo, aw, etc. They're reading with greater fluency and recognizing more words and sounds! Hopefully you've noticed this at home, too.
The Screaming Mustaches and Ice Dragons have been reading chapter books. The most recent is Frindle which is a book about how words are created and spread, and the importance of language.
The Zesty Wombats have been working a lot on nonsense words, and have been focusing on the long e sound. They've learned 8 spellings for long e (e, ee, e_e, ei, i, y, ey, and ea).
In writing:
The First Graders have been learning how to craft a paragraph. They are learning the parts of paragraphs, and primarily working on topic sentences. They understand that topic sentences tell what the paragraph is about, and are working towards creating solid ones that capture their paragraphs.
The Second Graders have been working on opinion paragraphs. We spent a lot of time talking about the difference between facts and opinions, and they are coming to understand that an opinion is best argued when backed up by facts. They are working towards writing opinion paragraphs that incorporate facts as well as feelings.
In Project:
The kids have learned all of the parts of a plant - the root, stem, leaf, seed, flower, and fruit. They have been making models of different kinds of plants that include all of the parts of the plant. They know that some plants have fruits, while others only have flowers. When the models are finished, they will be displayed!
In Social Skills:
We've really been working on expected behavior in all parts of the day. We've been talking a lot about what's expected, and working towards having expected behavior every day. We also spent a lot of time talking about bossiness, being a role model, using I-statements, and being inclusive. We're working hard to appreciate everyone's differences and celebrate how special each member of the class is!
I plan to keep up with the blog for the rest of the year. I apologize for the lapse, but I recognize how important it is, and will work hard to update regularly!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Social Skills
This week we are learning about what to do when our friends make us uncomfortable or hurt our feelings.
First we talked about different things that friends do that bother us. Things ranged from being bossy to not letting us choose what we play. The kids said that they don't usually tell their friends when they're upset because they worry that they won't want to be their friend anymore.
Next, I introduced the "I-statement". An I-statement is a way of explaining how a person feels and why, while keeping the focus on themselves. The general guideline goes like this:
I feel __________ when you __________. I need __________.
If someone was making fun of my boots, I'd say, "I feel hurt when you call my boots ugly. I need you to stop doing that."
The main idea of this is that the focus is initially on the upset person's feelings, not on the aggressor's actions. Also, it specifically labels the action that the upset person finds bothersome. Last, it explains what needs to change.
We've been practicing it whenever something comes up in the classroom, as well as in role-playing. The more it is reinforced, the more likely kids will use it on their own when the need arises!
First we talked about different things that friends do that bother us. Things ranged from being bossy to not letting us choose what we play. The kids said that they don't usually tell their friends when they're upset because they worry that they won't want to be their friend anymore.
Next, I introduced the "I-statement". An I-statement is a way of explaining how a person feels and why, while keeping the focus on themselves. The general guideline goes like this:
I feel __________ when you __________. I need __________.
If someone was making fun of my boots, I'd say, "I feel hurt when you call my boots ugly. I need you to stop doing that."
The main idea of this is that the focus is initially on the upset person's feelings, not on the aggressor's actions. Also, it specifically labels the action that the upset person finds bothersome. Last, it explains what needs to change.
We've been practicing it whenever something comes up in the classroom, as well as in role-playing. The more it is reinforced, the more likely kids will use it on their own when the need arises!
Project - January 30, 2013
Today we divided project up into two separate parts. First, the kids did some research on the iPads for their Exhibitions of Mastery. I made a packet of questions and found some good websites that have a lot of information written in a fairly kid-friendly way. The kids looked at the websites and started learning more about their vegetables.
In the second half, the kids learned about leaves. They also tasted some leaves. They ate radicchio, chicory, and rainbow chard. I'm trying to help them see that we eat all parts of plants, though not usually all parts of any one plant. Then, they continued to work on their plant models. Many students are finished with their roots, stems, and leaves! They are very cool, and are starting to look like the plants they are supposed to be!
Below, you'll see a carrot, onion and pumpkin vine!
In the second half, the kids learned about leaves. They also tasted some leaves. They ate radicchio, chicory, and rainbow chard. I'm trying to help them see that we eat all parts of plants, though not usually all parts of any one plant. Then, they continued to work on their plant models. Many students are finished with their roots, stems, and leaves! They are very cool, and are starting to look like the plants they are supposed to be!
Below, you'll see a carrot, onion and pumpkin vine!
January 21 - 25
This week was a good week!
In skills, the organic squirrels are working on story comprehension questions. They're working at answering questions in complete sentences. They started a new book, Fables.
The zesty wombats have also started a new book, The Job Hunt. They're working on tricky vowel spellings and are reviewing long I. The screaming mustaches and ice dragons are all reading chapter books. They're reading either Mrs Piggle-Wiggle, Fantastic Mr Fox, or Henry and Ribsy.
In centers we started learning all about topic sentences. We're also working on writing super sentences. This is the start of a big push in writing!
In social skills this week we talked about thinking with your eyes. We know that when we think with our eyes we learn better because we pick up clues about what's going on around us. We also know that thinking with our eyes helps with communication because it helps us intuit what others are thinking.
It's been tough having so much indoor recess, but the kids have been real troupers. They've worked hard to still get along and be kind and inclusive. It's actually been nice or see how the kids interact when they don't have as many choices about who to play with for a longer period of time, and I've actually seen new friendships develop over the last few days!
In project, the kids are still working on their plant models. It was much more successful this week! Everyone got a solid start on their roots and stems, and they worked together to finish the soil. It had to dry, but they'll add their underground animals next. I wasn't sure how things were going to shape up, but it looks like we'll have some close approximations of plants when they're done!
In skills, the organic squirrels are working on story comprehension questions. They're working at answering questions in complete sentences. They started a new book, Fables.
The zesty wombats have also started a new book, The Job Hunt. They're working on tricky vowel spellings and are reviewing long I. The screaming mustaches and ice dragons are all reading chapter books. They're reading either Mrs Piggle-Wiggle, Fantastic Mr Fox, or Henry and Ribsy.
In centers we started learning all about topic sentences. We're also working on writing super sentences. This is the start of a big push in writing!
In social skills this week we talked about thinking with your eyes. We know that when we think with our eyes we learn better because we pick up clues about what's going on around us. We also know that thinking with our eyes helps with communication because it helps us intuit what others are thinking.
It's been tough having so much indoor recess, but the kids have been real troupers. They've worked hard to still get along and be kind and inclusive. It's actually been nice or see how the kids interact when they don't have as many choices about who to play with for a longer period of time, and I've actually seen new friendships develop over the last few days!
In project, the kids are still working on their plant models. It was much more successful this week! Everyone got a solid start on their roots and stems, and they worked together to finish the soil. It had to dry, but they'll add their underground animals next. I wasn't sure how things were going to shape up, but it looks like we'll have some close approximations of plants when they're done!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Exciting progress for Organic Squirrels
Today the first graders began unit 3! We learned a new sound /oo/ as in moon. We practiced a bunch and they picked it up very quickly! Our new book is called Fables and we will begin reading it tomorrow. The kids will bring home a letter tonight letting you know that we will be starting with weekly spelling quizzes. Please practice with them! I am proud of how hard they all worked today and how easily the grasped the new sound. We will be learning many new sounds more quickly as the year progresses now - but they are ready!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Project Pros and Cons
Today's project was quite an adventure!
During the winter, we do a lot of things during project that somehow relate to the farm, plants, fruits, or vegetables. Today we started a big unit on the parts of a plant. We will make models of different types of plants, and the models will show all the parts of those particular plants.
Today we read two books - one was on roots and one was on stems. After that we attempted to make the stem part of the models.
First, the cons of project: We tried to use papier mâché to make the stems. It was kind of a disaster. The balloons were super hard to blow up (even for the adults) and they were hard to put together to make them look how the kids wanted. Some balloons popped, some kept twisting apart. In the end, nobody got enough accomplished to even resemble a stem! It was at least moderately enjoyable for most of the kids, though, and that was good.
Next, the pros: to show the kids different kinds of roots and stems we can eat, I brought in some unfamiliar foods for the kids to try. The roots they tried were jicama and daikon radish. The stems were fennel and asparagus. The kids overwhelmingly liked the jicama, daikon, and fennel. It's hard to keep asparagus a good texture when it was cooked the night before, but the kids tried it!
Even though project today was kind of frustrating, and not much product came from it, the kids still worked hard and persevered. They worked well together and they learned, at the very least, how difficult it is to work with long, skinny balloons!
During the winter, we do a lot of things during project that somehow relate to the farm, plants, fruits, or vegetables. Today we started a big unit on the parts of a plant. We will make models of different types of plants, and the models will show all the parts of those particular plants.
Today we read two books - one was on roots and one was on stems. After that we attempted to make the stem part of the models.
First, the cons of project: We tried to use papier mâché to make the stems. It was kind of a disaster. The balloons were super hard to blow up (even for the adults) and they were hard to put together to make them look how the kids wanted. Some balloons popped, some kept twisting apart. In the end, nobody got enough accomplished to even resemble a stem! It was at least moderately enjoyable for most of the kids, though, and that was good.
Next, the pros: to show the kids different kinds of roots and stems we can eat, I brought in some unfamiliar foods for the kids to try. The roots they tried were jicama and daikon radish. The stems were fennel and asparagus. The kids overwhelmingly liked the jicama, daikon, and fennel. It's hard to keep asparagus a good texture when it was cooked the night before, but the kids tried it!
Even though project today was kind of frustrating, and not much product came from it, the kids still worked hard and persevered. They worked well together and they learned, at the very least, how difficult it is to work with long, skinny balloons!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Squirrels !!
The first graders are working hard at getting back to a regular routine. They were working so hard and quietly I just had to snap a picture of them! We are beginning to wrap up "GRAN" and we will be entering a pushing point to review this week and early next week. Please continue to practice sight words at home and have your child read to you each night!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
What a lovely first day back from vacation! It's nice to have these two days to do a lot of review and ease our way back into the swing of things.
Today in skills, all groups did a lot of review of sounds they've already learned and tricky words. It was a nice refresher for everyone's brain after a long week off.
The kids all wrote about their vacations during writing time today. Some chose to share their writing to the class. It sounds like everyone had a really great time, whether it was through a lot of relaxing or through going away to visit family or have a mini-vacation!
During social skills, the kids started "All About Me" t-shirt drawings. They did this in anticipation of something new we'll be doing in the new year - something I'm calling Fantastic Farmer. This is something like a star of the week in which one child will be the Fantastic Farmer and each day they'll be able to bring in something to share that shows why they're fantastic. They can bring something special, photos of their family, their favorite book, or other things like that. At the end of the week, there'll be a special treat for the Fantastic Farmer!
My goal in doing this is to help the kids embrace and celebrate the things that make them special, even things that make them different. It's important for them to start to learn to understand and respect the things that others value, and how to respond if they don't value or like the same things (the social fake). Plus, it's always nice to feel special and valued!
I hope everyone had a great break! It's wonderful to be back!
Today in skills, all groups did a lot of review of sounds they've already learned and tricky words. It was a nice refresher for everyone's brain after a long week off.
The kids all wrote about their vacations during writing time today. Some chose to share their writing to the class. It sounds like everyone had a really great time, whether it was through a lot of relaxing or through going away to visit family or have a mini-vacation!
During social skills, the kids started "All About Me" t-shirt drawings. They did this in anticipation of something new we'll be doing in the new year - something I'm calling Fantastic Farmer. This is something like a star of the week in which one child will be the Fantastic Farmer and each day they'll be able to bring in something to share that shows why they're fantastic. They can bring something special, photos of their family, their favorite book, or other things like that. At the end of the week, there'll be a special treat for the Fantastic Farmer!
My goal in doing this is to help the kids embrace and celebrate the things that make them special, even things that make them different. It's important for them to start to learn to understand and respect the things that others value, and how to respond if they don't value or like the same things (the social fake). Plus, it's always nice to feel special and valued!
I hope everyone had a great break! It's wonderful to be back!
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