Cooperative Learning

Last week the students worked collaboratively in small groups to build a skeleton.  First, we defined what a skeleton really is (all your bones in just the right order) and learned about the human skeleton and joints through literature.  Afterwards, each group was given a picture of a skeleton and this...

Working together, the plate of bones eventually became this...

And finally, this...

A+ Character Traits on Display!

At our assembly yesterday, this guy was honored for his fine manners on the bus.

While these friends were recognized for showing respect!

We Dig Math Games!

We love playing games during math, especially games with partners.  Many of our games involve manipulatives (tools and materials we can feel and manipulate).  We also use playing cards frequently!
Here are some pictures of a game we have been playing called Snap It.  A predetermined amount (the whole) of snap cubes are placed behind the back of one partner.  The cubes are snapped into two parts (or groups).  One part is revealed, while the other part stays hidden.  The other partner has to determine the quantity of the part still hidden!
We added another layer to this game when we introduced number bonds.  Now the partner who is guessing records the whole and two parts using a number bond template.  The template is inside a plastic sheet protector so we can write on it with a dry erase marker, wipe it off and start another round!

Head, Hand, Heart!

During indoor recess a student eagerly invited me to the rug.  She wanted me to check out her creation. And what to my wondering eyes should appear...

How clever and thoughtful!  As a school, we talk about what we know (head), what we do (hand) and what we feel (heart).  We Know.  We Do.  We Feel.

I smiled a really big smile!

Check out the other pages!

If you look on the homepage above this post, you will see links to other pages with useful information. These pages are taking the place of the paper newsletter that I sent home the first few weeks of school.

What's Happening Next Week:  
Find information about our upcoming school week, including what we will be learning in ELA, math, writing, social studies and science.  You can also find our weekly schedule of specials here!

Upcoming Dates:
This page will be updated periodically to include important district and school wide information, along with items specific to our classroom.

"Ask Me" Questions:
These questions are to promote conversation with your child.  The questions stem from the previous week's learning.

Moving forward, it is my hope to have these pages updated each week by the end of the weekend.  Fingers crossed!

Thanks for stopping by!

Be on the lookout...

Two new items are heading home this week!

Reading Counts!
We all know how important it is for children to practice reading EVERYDAY!  Starting this week, students will be able to borrow books from our classroom for nightly reading at home.  A letter explaining Reading Counts! will be in the reading bag that your child brings home.

IXL
IXL is an online math experience for students.  Each student has a unique user name and password.  We will be using IXL to practice math skills at school.  At home use is also encouraged.  There is even a free app!  A letter will be coming home that includes your child's user name and password.

Be on the lookout!

Beautiful day for the orchard!

We had a blast at the apple orchard today!  Lots of sun, wind and juicy apples to pick!

One Apple Up On Top!

We read the Dr. Seuss story Ten Apples Up on Top! and had some fun trying to balance an apple up on top!  Look at this first grader!  He was able to balance two stacked apples!  We were amazed!

We Have a Winner...

This is from a few weeks ago, but I want to give a shout out to one of our very own for earning the Principal's Chair!  Way to go and keep on filling those buckets!

We Love Our Grandparents!

Here is a little video to show those grandparents in our lives just how much they mean to us! Feel free to share with anyone that couldn't make it to school on Friday!

Under construction...check back soon!