Growing as Writers

As we work on our unit, Writing Reviews, we are learning to respectfully disagree with someone else's opinion. Here are some pictures of the First Graders having discussions about one another's collections. They practiced disagreeing with the owner's opinion about which item was "Best in Show." Then the collection owner responded with, "I disagree because...", or "Some people might think ____, but I think _____." Once students were able to speak in these terms, they tried to add these ideas to their writing.

Goodbye to Our Student Teacher

Last week Friday, we said goodbye to Miss Czarapata. She had been with us for nine weeks, and it was time for her to move to her middle school student teaching placement. Some tears were shed, but we all wish her the best!

Alphabetical Order

We practiced putting words in alphabetical order by alphabetizing words written on wooden craft sticks. The sticks were easy to move, alphabetize, copy, and then trade with a friend! We learned how to look at the second letter -- or even third letter -- when the first letters were the same.

Working With Equality

In math class, we have been using number balances and mathematical thinking to figure out problems in this format: __+__=__+__. For example, 6+2=4+4.
Here are a few First Graders using number tiles to make true equations.

Creepy, Crawly Mealworms

Our new science unit, Insects and Plants, is off to a great start! Our first insect of study is the mealworm. We learned that mealworms need air, food, water, and space, so we created mealworm habitats with all of those things. 

At first, most First Graders observed the mealworms from a distance...

Before long, some of us were up close and personal with these new insect friends!

Collections

The First Graders are beginning a writing unit called "Writing Reviews". Our first activity was to bring in a collection from home and to choose Best in Show, First Place, and Second Place. The students are writing about which objects won the awards, and they are practicing giving reasons why.

More American Symbols

In social studies, we have continued to learn about more American symbols. The Liberty Bell was a favorite! We also talked about the Pledge of Allegiance and what it means.

American Symbols

We have been learning about symbols of our country. 
Here are some of our drawings of the Statue of Liberty.

We also made bald eagles. The brown parts are hand-prints and footprints.