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.

Bingo for our Readers to Leaders

 Every nine weeks, Mrs. Phillips celebrates the students reaching their 25 book goal by having an activity for all to enjoy. This quarter it was one of the children's favorite games to play - BINGO.

 Miss KK (our Media Specialist) had prizes lined up for our BINGO winners. The prizes included posters, books, pencils and bracelets.

 Mrs. Phillips loves calling out the BINGO picture clues. It was theme-related - pots, stirrers, chef's hats, and kitchen utensils.

 Miss KK was prepared for the onslaught of prize winners.

Looks like we have some winners.

A surprise visit from some players on the "Jacksonville Giants" basketball team during our BINGO game!!

100th Day is Worth Celebrating

 Today was the 100th day of school and a very exciting day for our First Graders. We have been tallying each day since the first day of school and talking about reaching the 100th day. Students brought in 100 items contained in water bottles to share with the class. They worked on 100 piece puzzles, played math games to reach 100, made 100 day trail mix, and made a necklace with 100 cereal pieces. We think it was a day worth celebrating!
  100th Day First Grade 2013 on PhotoPeach

Groundhog Gets A Say and More 2013

 On Friday, we were treated to an extra special "Fun Friday Treat" when Mrs. D. came in and read the children "Groundhog Gets a Say" by Pamela C. Swallow.  This is a fact-filled book that teaches the students about groundhogs including: How fast they can run, how loud they can whistle, and how many uses they have for their teeth.

 Afterward, there was a special pudding treat with some cute groundhog cookies popping out...I wonder if  these groundhogs saw their shadows.

 Well, according tot the real groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow so an early spring is on the way!

Potato Planting Time

On Friday, we went out to the Chets Creek garden and planted potatoes. The children learned that you can grow a potato by cutting one in half and planting it with at least two "eyes" facing upward.

The trench had to be least eight inches deep. Students used the trowel to dig and cover the hole. Dr. Zenk helped the children in the planting technique.

 After they planted the potato, students went over to the lettuce patch and learned how to pull weeds.

The final step in the planting procedure was to cover the planted potatoes with two inches of mulch. In this case they used dried leaves. It was a great experience for the students and we will be checking back in a few weeks to see how our potatoes are doing. We may use them for our "Cooking Wednesday" cooking class when they are harvested!

Read Aloud Before the Day Starts

Children come in the classroom a little earlier than usual on Tuesdays. We have our morning reader, Mrs. H. who reads the students a few books before the first bell rings. They have the opportunity to hear the books and answer questions during and after the reading. They love sharing their experiences and talking about the book. It is a great way to start the day and we appreciate Mrs. H. coming in each week.

Cooking Wednesday: Nutella Cookies

 Measuring, pouring, mixing and baking were all included in this "Best Cookie Ever" as described on Pinterest.  With only three ingredients, it made for an excellent example of  how easy it can be to make a batch of cookies. After mixing and rolling the cookies in small balls, they were placed in the oven for about 6-8 minutes. From the general reviews of the cookie, it was a thumbs up!

This recipe calls for:  1 cup of nutella, 1 cup of flour, and 1 egg per batch. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes.  Now how simple is that?

Bulletin Board: Common Core and Technology For First Grade

 The purpose of this bulletin board was to display the work of four students who used the computer to write a fiction story. The characters in their story were taken by our recent Kevin Henkes Author Study and the setting was the field trip to Diamond D Ranch. With this background, they got to work "tip tappin" each day until their story was completed.  According the Common Core Standards for First Grade in Writing it says:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.6 With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. All of them completed this project on their own each day during Writer's Workshop. They typed their stories, added clip art, and drew their own pictures digitally. By incorporating technology into our daily lessons, we are not only meeting the standard but we are making lessons interesting, challenging, and fun for the class.