Humpty Dumpty - Rhymes and More

Having props that go with the books add so much to the children's enjoyment.

The rhyme and repetition of a nursery rhyme contain some of the basic skills needed in learning how to read. For instance, students are learning phonemic awareness when they can point out the words that rhyme at the end of each line. They increase their memory skills in recalling the rhyme and sharing it at home. When we chant these rhymes in class, we point to the words on a chart (shared reading), ask questions about the story, talk about the characters, dance to the song and then have the students work on an art project about the subject. All of these poems will be put into their own Nursery Rhyme book for them to practice "reading" and chanting the rhymes. Our favorite is Humpty Dumpty and you can see why!!

 

 

Class Promise

 Every new year we come together as a class and decide what we think will help our class be a nice and safe place to learn, work and make friends. As we gave the class the opportunity to work with a partner to come up with some ideas, we decided on the above list. For instance, one idea was "to pick up our friends when they fall" and "not to hit anyone." Those ideas were morphed into "We will be kind to our friends." and "We will use our hands for helping."  Then we added two ideas, "We will raise our hand to speak." and "We will be first time listeners." Next the children drew in their faces, added a safari hat and some hair and they were glued along side our promise. We will chant our Class Promise every morning to remind ourselves about the importance of being a good student and friend in the class room.

The other option is to post the below picture -- that might be a little too scary at this time... :)

Settling Into Kindergarten - Rituals and Routines

We have just completed the third day in school and it is amazing to see the transformation that is taking place. Students already know how to put their folders in the bin, set up their cubbie (lunch outside their backpack), and settle into their morning work which has been beginning number practice. There has been a lot of lessons with our rituals and routine including how to come to the floor,  how to tuck chairs in and how to give out and collect papers. There has been an art project where the children made giraffes. This included lessons on how to hold the scissors, how to place the cap on the glue stick, and where to put project when it is completed. We have been upstairs to visit some of the animal displays so we even added a lesson on how to walk up and down the stairs (on one side of the staircase) and how to hold on to the railing. Children are constantly learning the whole day (even if they don't realize it). All of these lessons will make our kindergarten a fun and safe place to be, 

First Day of K - What a Great Day!

The first day of Kindergarten and the start of a new school year kicked off today with all of the children meeting in the dining room and saying one last "good bye" to their parents. After entering the classroom,  backpacks were unloaded and the students started getting acquainted with each other. Lessons such as how to use the bathroom, how to line up and how to come to the floor were given. We discussed lunch behavior and playground rules. However, the highlight of the day was the visit to see the wild animals. Experts in the field explained the various North American animals and the children were permitted to pet them (using two fingers) so their fur would not be disturbed. It was a wonderful experience for our students and one they really enjoyed. We wonder what the rest of the week will bring...

 Wild Animal Tour -- First Day 2013 on PhotoPeach

Preparing for a Wild Adventure in Kindergarten

The Mall-ard's will be officially open for business on Monday. Our sign is out and welcomes our "Wild Things" for an adventurous year "Walking on the Wild Side" (our school theme). We had a wonderful Kindergarten Orientation on Friday where we had a few minutes meeting the children and having them look over their new classroom. Parents were given an overview of what to do for the first day drop off and where to pick up their child after school along with other important information. A weekly newsletter, daily communication folder, and this blog will ensure parents feel a part of our classroom community.  

The pencils are sharpened, the crayons are ready, and the books can't wait to be opened...just waiting for our "Wild Things."  :)

Getting Ready for Kindergarten 2013-2014

 The Mall-ard's  have been busy getting ready for our new Kindergarten students who will be starting their first day of school next Monday, August 19th. Last year our school theme was a "Recipe for Success" and our classroom was "The Mall-ard Diner" . This year the school theme is "Taking a Walk on the Wild Side" and our class is "Where the Wild Things Are." We can't wait to see all of our new students on Monday. Meantime, enjoy the video prepared by Principal Phillips to welcome all students back to school.

Last Day of First Grade 2013

 We were surprised by two visitors from the the town of Mozzarella on the last day of school. One was Vincent Van Dough and the other was Leonardo Da Munchi. They had a problem. Vincent's pizza has delicious dough and Leonardo's has superior sauce. After some arguing, they came to the conclusion that joining forces would made for an excellent pizza all around. Lourdes and Randy Smith did an awesome job keeping the children entertained with the book, "The Great Pizza Contest" by Riley Roam.

 Listening and watching "The Great Pizza Contest."

 Students would join in the fun -- if they liked "sauce" better or "dough."

Vincent was trying to persuade the children to like dough better than sauce.

All of the students had a special treat waiting after the skit -- pizza bagel bites.  What a wonderful way to end their first grade year. Thank you Lourdes and Randy for closing the "Mall-ard" diner so memorably!!

Preparing for Second Grade

 As summer is fast approaching, we would like to offer some helpful hints about the next grade level. One of which is a list of summer preparation games and activities that one of our seasoned second grade teachers (Mrs. McLeod) prepared. You will find Reading, Skills, Writing, Math and Science activities. We strongly suggest that you utilize this site so that your child's learning will continue during this "down" time. It will pay off and the transition into second grade will be much easier. Remember to bring books on trips. A Magic Tree House adventure will help pass the time while waiting for a plane. Make sure there are books in the car and the beach bag. Please do not make "getting out your book" a punishment. Show by example and get your book out or read together ("You read one page and I'll read the next.") Happy Summer!!
http://ccesummer.wikispaces.com/New+Second+Graders

Our Year in Pictures - Group Photos 2012-2013

 As the Mall-ard Diner is getting ready to close its doors for the summer, we look with fondness over the past year and all of the great learning and experiences our students had...just remember...once a Mall-ard....always a Mall-ard...
Group Photos - First Grade 2012-2013 on PhotoPeach

Random Pictures First Grade 2012-2013 on PhotoPeach

End of the Year BBQ

The Mall-ard Diner was open for business on Friday. We had parents and children enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch together.Thanks you parents (moms and dads) for sending in all of the needed food and supplies and a special thanks to the dads for cooking up a storm. The kids said it was "the best day ever" and we surely do agree. The Mall-ard Diner will be closing in two short weeks but the memories will last a lifetime!
First Grade - End of Year BBQ 2013 on PhotoPeach

May Happenings at the Diner

The days are flying by so quickly that it is hard to believe we are looking at less than 14 days left of school. The following pictures are from various activities from the month of May, 2013 which include the author book signing, our potato harvest, and the field trip to make our pizzas at CiC's.

May Happenings 2013 on PhotoPeach

Cultural Arts Week - 2013

We have many traditions at our school and we are right in the middle of one called "Cultural Arts Week."  This is the time when student's Art work is displayed throughout the school which includes sculptures, self portraits, and photos. The portrait above was completed in Art class by Anna and is representative of the techniques of  line, form, and function learned in a formal Art class. This is why having these types of resources are so important to a child's education. 
Also during Cultural Arts Week, students enjoy an assembly of varying cultural arts media. This week we had an artist that drew to music, dancers,  and a puppet master.  Tomorrow is a visit from the children's author Kevin O'Malley and on Friday we have the Fletcher Middle School Band. The week ends Friday night with "Arts Extravaganza" where parents and children are invited back to school to see their child's art work displayed in the halls and have fun on some interactive arts and crafts.  

Persuasive Writing - the beginnings...

For the past two weeks, our class has been working on persuasive and opinion writing. They are learning the basics of letter writing including where to put the date, salutation, body, and closing of letter. Students have come up with topics from asking parents for a trampoline to how we can recycle more to save the Earth. We have reviewed the value of adding reasons to their letters to help persuade the reader to see things their way. This is such an exciting workshop because students are designing their own stationary, writing for whatever cause they choose, and getting to "mail" their letters in our classroom mailbox. This following letter was written by Briella and we just had to share it!


Dear Mrs. Mallon,
How are you?  You have been a great teacher today!  I was thinking do you think that the whole class should decorate our mailbox? because 
1.  It will look pretty
2.  The students and me have amazing ideas of what to draw on the mailbox
3.  You and Mrs. Dillard might be impressed.
Sincerely, 
Your best student
Briella

Now how can we deny such a great request given the beautiful "softening up" approach at the beginning and that it was written by our "best student"?  Needless to say, the request was approved!!

FCAT Words and Treats of Encouragement

 

 Of course our First Graders are too young to take the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) this week but we have "adopted" a fifth grade class to show our support. This is the same Fifth Grade class that we "partner read" with every Thursday. The children wrote them letters of encouragement and parents sent in treats for us to give them for every day of the test. The students had fun bagging up the candy and cookies for their friends taking the test. Clever sayings were added to their treats such as: "You're a SMARTIE pants" and "You are one SMART COOKIE".  The letters that the class wrote were amazing. Below is a sample:

Dear Alexa,
I hope you ROCK on your FCAT. I bet you will get an A+. You know I am always with you if you need anything.  Love Hannah

Catching Up on the Month of March

The Mall-ards have just returned from Spring Break and we are ready to tackle the last nine weeks of First Grade. Meanwhile, here are a few pictures and updates of the last month that will bring us up to date:

 The students wrote books about the planets including an introduction and table of contents.

 They gave group presentations about what they chose to learn about - including the sun and moon.

 They collected eggs during our egg hunt before spring break.

 Moms helped hide the eggs for the children to find. 
It was a a very busy month and will only get busier as the end of the school year quickly approaches.

Boosterthon Fun Run 2013

 Our first grade students had a wonderful time today running the track for our Boosterthon Fun Run. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors pledged dollar amounts per lap as a fundraiser for our school. The proceeds will be going for everything from books to computers. The best part about the day was seeing how much fun the children had running (30 plus) laps with their friends. 

Character Education

 

Florida Statues require that all schools in the state provide a character development program in all grades K-12.  Since August, Mrs. Smith, has provided us with a monthly focus, namely, responsibility, respect, cooperation, patriotism, and kindness. In January, it was tolerance (racial, ethnic, and religious) and in February, it was charity. These traits were recognized in the above students (C & A). They were on the stage in the Dining Room last week and awarded a Chick-Fil-A lunch for their positive character traits. Congratulations from all of us and thank you Mrs. Smith for making this such a special treat for the children!! 

 

First Grade "Sleepover" Fun

Sleepover 2013 on PhotoPeach
For the past few weeks, we have been preparing for the First Grade Sleepover.  It's not an overnight sleepover, but just as much fun.  The theme centered around our Solar System. Students learned about the Sun, Moon, and planets. We had a dinner and movie night with a huge telescope outside focused on Jupiter. Children and their parents made a planet pillow or teddy bear for homework. We also read books about sleepovers such as the classic "Ira Sleeps Over" by Bernard Waber. On Friday, we had a pajama parade and dance party, Art, Music and P.E. centers "revolving" around our space theme.  It was a truly a memorable day for our first grade students.

Presenting Group Reports in First Grade

 In Reader's Workshop, students are working in small collaborative groups researching topics of their choosing. There are ocean animals, rainforest, butterflies and penguins being discussed. We are meeting the Common Core Standards in First Grade for "Speaking and Listening - Comprehension and Collaboration" by having the children choose their topic and discuss, listen, and comment with each other to prepare for a group report. It is amazing to see and hear the level of conversation that these six year old students are having.  Group presentations will begin next week so that they can share what they learned with the class.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1b Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1c Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

 Researching the life cycle of the butterfly.

 Whales are the topic with this group.

Working together for their presentation.

Charlotte's Web Artwork

In preparation for our field trip to the Florida Theater this week, we are reading a few chapters a day of "Charlotte's  Web" by E. B. White. The children are on the edge of their seats while listening to story of Wilber and Charlotte and beg for "just one more chapter."  Today it was raining all day so we decided that it would be a great time to do an art project of the spider and pig...just to brighten things up...and they sure put a smile on all of our faces!!

Cookin' Wednesday - Banana-Strawberry Smoothies

 On Wednesday, we decided to use the blender for a change and make smoothies. After a few technical difficulties...i.e. the blender wouldn't work, a new blender was brought in (Thanks Mrs. Davey) and the recipe was saved. Strawberries, vanilla yogurt, bananas, honey and orange juice made this an especially tasty smoothie.  

Twizzlers were used as straws which made it extra special.

How about seconds?

Valentine's Day Fun: Cards and an Ice Cream Social

 

 The children brought in their Valentine mail boxes this week. They came in all shapes, sizes and designs. This tank held lots of fun Valentine cards and candy and was a big hit with the boys.

This sampling of the girl's mailboxes shows lots of pink hearts and flowers.

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 Our ice cream social included sprinkles, chocolate syrup and gummy bears!

 Valentine's Day in First Grade -- what can be better!!

Author Visit: Henry Cole

 Our students were in for a very special treat this week when we were visited by a very special author and illustrator Henry Cole.  Some of the books he illustrated include: 

• Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1997)
• Four Famished Foxes and Fosdyke by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1997)
• Warthogs in the Kitchen by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Livingstone Mouse by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Some Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Wacky Wedding: A Book of Alphabet Antics by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1999)
• Ed and Fred Flea by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1999)
• Little Bo by Julie Andrews Edwards (1999)
• Moosestache by Margie Palatini (2000)

He told the story of being a little boy and getting the best present ever -- pencils and drawing paper...and he has been drawing ever since. Mr. Cole played music and then drew a few pictures for the children.

 While the student's watched, Mr. Cole quickly sketched this alligator.

 Excitement was in the air as he was drawing.

This was his final sketch. He told the children to keep practicing what they love to do and never give up.