Aussie Adventure- First Day of First Grade

"G'day" from Mrs. Dillard and Mrs. Mallon. Today was the first day of First Grade! Students were greeted in the lobby by the music of a steel drum. There was a lot of excitement in the room when friends saw each other after a few months of summer vacation. Familiar faces made the transition much easier going from Kindergarten to First Grade and seeing their "last year teachers" made for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Parents seemed as happy as the children, dropping them off and happily waving good bye.
Students unpacked their shiny new backpacks and placed supplies and completed forms on the counter. After the morning announcements, they were called to the floor by their new table names: Kangaroos, Wombats, Crocodiles, Koalas, Platypus, and Kookaburras. (The signs over their tables were ordered directly from Australia.) Mrs. Dillard and I shared our new theme, "180 Days Around the World" and our particular country, Australia. The children were quick to add what they already know about the animals of Australia and which animals are their favorites. Children were asked to introduce themselves and tell us something about them. Because we have meshed two classes together, this was a great "getting to know you" activity. Our assembly was at 10:00 and we know that the first day of school always holds a special surprise. It was at this assembly that we heard a great presentation from Bruce, a man who traveled two years on his bike with his wife around the world. He had a fantastic slide presentation that had the children's 100% attention. To read more about his trip check out the following blog http://chetchatter.blogspot.com. This is a student blog from our class!!
When we came back from the presentation, we made kangaroos and before we knew it, it was lunch time.
When students returned from lunch, Mrs. Dillard read the first chapter from Junie B. Jones (First Grader). We had fire drill practice, recess outside, and then had a nice refreshing ice pop. On our return, we read about boomerangs and each child had one to decorate.
Before we knew it, the day was over -- the first day of First Grade is a memory -- and a happy one, at that!