The Power of Ten Using a Rekenrek

Today students used a rekenrek (calculating frame) to see how many combinations of ten they could make with their partner.  These young learners used this tool as a visual model which helped them not only discover number relationships but also aided in developing automaticity especially with the landmark number 10. This is a great way to provide hands on learning and develop basic facts by using patterns and relationships.  Using the rekenrek is one of our classes favorite activities.

Writing Partners Spice Up the Work

 Students were very excited to share their writing with their writing partners today. This partnership gives children a chance to read and revise their stories with a partner's recommendations. When a sentence doesn't make sense, the partner may say, "Can you say that again?" "I didn't understand it." Or a partner may ask questions that gives the writer more to write. This partner time always spices up Writer's Workshop which we always like to see.

Visiting Our School Rabbits

Let the questioning begin! Students were amazed to see our school rabbits. They are in a pen behind the school and are well taken care of with lots of food and love. The children are encouraged to ask lots of questions about them. So far we have had: Why does one have long hair?  Why do some have brown eyes and some have blue eyes?

They will get to hold and/or pet them if they wish on our next visit.

The rabbits are very friendly and run to their visitors to greet them.

Making Goals for Reading

 Today students learned how important having goals are especially in Reading. They sorted their books from easy to hard and then set a goal as to how many books they thought they could read in Reader's Workshop. Students wrote the goal on one Post-it and after it was read, they recorded it by tallying it on post it. They were very serious about reaching their goals and are aiming to make tomorrow's goal even higher. They are reading more and more, setting goals, and keeping track of their progress. What a great idea from Teacher's College.

What Do Scientists Do?

As a beginning Science lesson, students brainstormed things they think scientists do. They wrote their ideas on sticky notes and shared them with the class. They come up with:  make potions, look closely at bugs, compare, count, try and try again, see what makes sense, experience and of course, have fun. Then we went on line and found out that scientists research space, the oceans, and the world around us. Below are samples of their personal Science Journals:

I-Ready Testing - Diagnostic Time

Today our class completed i-Ready diagnostic testing. This testing gives us a baseline as to the child's entry level in First Grade and focuses on Reading and Math. The students will continue to work on lessons in these subject areas independently at home and in school and are monitored weekly on their progress.  There will be a mid-year and end of year formal diagnostic to assess gains in these subject areas.

Pirate Art - Working Independently

We love First Grade. The students can use scissors, glue sticks and follow a pattern that has been modeled for them independently. Today we finished up our pirate people and the children were focused and used their create juices to create their pirate.

Class Promise - Our Pirate Oath

Our Pirate Oath has been brainstormed and discussed by the class and all hands approve. We will raise our hands to speak be a first-time listener, and be respectful and kind to others. That covers most of what we all agreed upon. Establishing rules are an essential part of creating a learning community where everyone feels safe, valued and a part of the team.

Our First Day in First Grade

F.irst Grade is always a pleasure being able to loop our Kindergarten class. After a little dusting off, we will be able to pick up where we left off. We welcome a few new additions to our class and we are looking forward to learning and growing together. Our first grade was WOWed  by a pirate game show assembly featuring the pirate interacting with the children. Today we all got on board and made pirate hats and treasure maps. We are off to a wonderful adventure in First Grade!!