Sinterklaas

What an exciting week in first grade! We visited with Mrs. Diaz again in LDC and worked on creating our own stories.  We started our new planner:  Where we are in time and place.  Tuesday we learned all about Hanukkah and the symbols associated with that holiday.  Wednesday we had student led conferences for the first time in first grade!   The Superheroes did an amazing job!  We ended the week by traveling to another country: The Netherlands and learning about their winter holiday.  The students learned the story of Sinterklaas and created klompen to leave for his horse.  Boy, were we surprised the next day.  We found the door locked and the windows covered with this Dutch song.  We entered the dark room to find the window had been opened and our klompen were filled with treats!  Not only that, Ms. Musters' klompen were filled with treats and a riddle!  We figured out the answer and found a gift left by Sinterklaas!

Student Led Conferences

I always love listening to my students during student led conferences.  They are so proud to show their work and talk about what they are accomplishing in the classroom.   If you were unable to make it on Wednesday, please schedule another time convenient for you.  You are welcome to come in the classroom anytime to have your conference.  

Fifth Grade Buddies

In preparation for Student Led Conferences, our fifth grade buddies came to visit today!  They did a great job meeting with The Superheroes and showing them how to have a successful conference with their parents.  

Happy Hanukkah!

The Superheroes received quite a treat today when several moms came to present a lesson on Hanukkah.  We read a story about the holiday and learned all about different symbols.  

Next, the students had an art activity where they created their own stained glass dreidel.  

The lesson ended with students sampling a typical treat - Jelly Donuts!

A special Thank you to Amelia's mom, Nora's mom and Camryn's mom for taking the time to put together this wonderful learning experience.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Isaiah's mom brought me this lovely wreath and we decided to turn it into a Thankful wreath.  

Here are some things The Superheroes are thankful for:

  junk food, dogs, family, school, teacher, shelters, friends, for the things we have, toys,

 and for food we already have.

Field Trip!

Wow, today was a special day - The Field day shirts arrived and we were going on a field trip! (Thank you to my amazing chaperones: Camora, Marc, Kim and Lauren!)  The Superheroes were very excited to go to the Museum of Fine Arts to see some of the art we looked at in books.  I think everyone found the Van Gogh and Monet, unfortunately the Klee was not on display.   We had a great time sitting and discussing the art.  We sat under the Calder and watched it move and talked about how it made us feel.  All in all, I would say it was a very successful trip.  The best part was later in the day when all the students decided to share their journals with each other and describe the art they enjoyed the most.  I hope those journals made it home to share with parents because The Superheroes did a great job!

Field Day Shirts have arrived!!

Congratulations to Kate for creating the winning design! 

From My Window Art

Here is a small selection of the different types of windows created.  We used crayon, sharpie and watercolor on paper.  The published pieces should be completed by next week. 

From My Window...

We have been hard at work using the writing cycle.   During Writer's Workshop, we write, edit, revise and conference with our friends and Ms. Musters.  This week's writing project ties into the planner:  How We Express Ourselves.  The students have been studying different artists and how they use lines.  We were inspired by one of Matisse's pieces to create a window and then a picture of what we see out the window. We are using the art to inspire our writing.  

A Superhero Art Museum

Today was a very exciting day for the Superheroes!  Everyone brought pieces of art to examine and we created our own museum.  First, the students labeled each piece with the title and materials used to create the art.  Next, we spent some time viewing each piece and talking about the art.  We looked for shapes, lines and what possible materials could have been used.  Finally, we used the art to write our summative for 

the planner:  How We Express Ourselves.  

Art A La Carte

Today's art ala carte was a family affair!  Rowan's parents came and his sister, Amara helped out too!  We had a great discussion on warm and cool colors.  We also wondered why the artist would choose a certain color and what does it mean?  Then The Superheroes got the chance to explore on their own.

Storybook Parade

Wow, what an exciting morning!  Students came to school dressed as their favorite storybook character.  We had a lot of fun parading through the hallways and then outside around the track.

Can an egg float?

Today we had a very special visitor, Ethan's mom!  She came to perform a little experiment with The Superheroes.  The question was:  Will an egg float in salt water?  As you can see,  all the students were enthralled with the experiment!  We had a ton of questions!  We also made some great observations - for example...  Is the egg going to float like people float in the Dead Sea?  Thank you Ethan's Mom!!!

Having a little fun in the classroom

We were working hard and listening to some music and I just had to record the students responses. 

We were laughing so hard unfortunately we were interrupted by an announcement.!

The Art of Paper Cutting

Today we had Art Ala Carte with Colin's dad.  The kids were very excited to learn about Matisse and his unique style of paper cutting.  It tied in very well to our recent lesson on creating collages with torn paper; 

a technique we learned from Leo Lionni. 

 Go to:  http://www.henri-matisse.net/cut_outs.html to learn more about Matisse's paper cutting. 

Painting like Klee

As part of our planner, we are exploring how artists express themselves using various types of lines and shapes. We have looked at Matisse and his use of straight and zig zag lines. Our favorite was Paul Klee.  Klee says that you have to make the invisible - visible through art.   So here we are experimenting with lines and shapes to create a piece of art.  The Superheroes also liked the way Paul Klee gave each piece of work a title.  Jenny's piece is called, " The Deep Sea of Happiness." 

 Everywhere you look you will find hearts! 

Exploring Pumpkins

Before we cut open the pumpkins, we made a few scientific observations. 

Pumpkin Investigation Part II

The next phase of our pumpkin investigation got a little messy!  

We made estimations of how many seeds we thought were in the pumpkin.  

Our range was from 10 to 3,000!!  I cut the pumpkins in different ways so the students could see how the seeds are arranged inside the pumpkin. 

 Then we reached inside and grabbed all the seeds.  In the end, our official count was 181 seeds!

Pumpkin Investigation

The Superheroes explored pumpkins today using math and science! 

 First we used our senses to examine the pumpkins.  What did they look like and feel like?  We even had a pumpkin that wasn't orange! Next, we determined how tall our pumpkins were using math manipulatives.  Finally we performed an experiment to determine whether pumpkins would sink or float.  At first we thought since they were so heavy they would sink, but we tried an apple first and it floated.  The conclusion was that no water can get in and it will float. And we were right!  The interesting thing was that the pumpkins turned sideways in the bucket of water.  We think that might have something to do with the stems.  The only pumpkin that did not do that was the white pumpkin. 

Pumpkin Graphing

Today, The Superheroes had a new graphing challenge!  We worked together in cooperative groups to sort the Jack-o-lanterns and then we had to create a graph showing how many we had of each kind of face. 

Pumpkin Challenge II

After completing the pumpkin challenge, The Superheroes used a rubric to choose the pumpkin they felt best met the criteria.  It was interesting to see that there were several winners!  This helped us to understand that everyone has a different perspective when looking at art. Next, I asked them to write their names using chalk. WELL, my Superheroes said, "Can we create a setting for our pumpkin?"  That was music to my ears and my answer, "Of course!"  Here is a small sampling of what they created.  

Pumpkin Challenge?

Can you make a pumpkin using only six one inch wide strips of orange paper.  The artists got right to work experimenting with different possibilities.  We ended up with square pumpkins, round pumpkins and even three dimensional pumpkins!!

Classroom Visitor

We were reading "Alvin Ho" and our main character Alvin was trying to play the flute.  Emil remembered that his mom knows how to play the flute.  She graciously made a visit to us today! 

 Not only did we get to hear "true stories" about Vietnam; we also learned a little about the culture.  

Then Ms. Tu played the flute for us.  The students were mesmerized by the sounds.  It was very beautiful.  

We decided that playing the flute can also be an art form where people express themselves. 

 Instead of using paper and paint, Ms. Tu used the flute.  

Collages

Here are some final products of the torn paper collage activity.  The Superheroes were a little concerned that you could not use scissors, but those rose to the challenge.  They were all risk-takers trying something new and creating these masterpieces!

Line Drawing

Today The Superheroes experimented with line drawings.  We drew different types of lines: zigzag, 

curved, straight, short, and long.  After we drew the lines, we used our new knowledge of 

primary and secondary colors to paint what we created.  

Many Colors

Today we read, My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss.  We used the book as an introduction to our new planner, How We Express Ourselves.  The students then explored water color paints and mixing primary colors to create secondary colors.  Next, we mixed colors to describe a feeling that we had. 

Look Out! Scientists at Work!

The other day we were on are way to music (which is located in the cottages) and it began to rain.  However, the sun was still shining!  We were amazed and curious as to why that was happening.   First, The Superheroes explored the three basic types of clouds: cirrus, stratus and cumulus.  Next, we learned about which clouds produce rain.  Finally, we performed a little experiment to find out how many droplets does it take before it rains.  It was a very exciting experiment!  We noticed that as we added drops the cloud got heavier.  Some clouds began to rain before others.  We continue to ponder this question!

Torn Paper Art

Listen to find out what torn paper art sounds like when it is being made!

How We Express Ourselves

As an introduction to our new planner, I read Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni.   

Mr. Lionni is known for using the torn paper method to create his illustrations.   

We will be exploring many different mediums throughout this planner. 

How We Express Ourselves 

Central Idea: Through art, people express ideas, thoughts and feelings. 

Lines of Inquiry:

1.  different art forms and styles

2.  materials used to create art

3.  personal reactions about art

The Carrot Experiment

Today we explored a carrot using our five senses.  We began to use other tools also.  The magnifying glass allowed us to see the patterns inside the carrot.  We also noticed a correlation between the top of the carrot and how the inside is formed.   We could only break the carrot in half and next we want to examine the inside by cutting vertically through the length of the carrot. 

Who We Are

The Superheroes are working on their first summative for a planner!  As you can see,

 they are working and thinking about how to answer the questions. 

 Each student had to choose a profile word and explain using words and pictures how they exemplify it.  

Here are some examples:

• Risk-Taker:  I jumped in a twelve feet pool on a diving board when I was scared.  I was scared to jump but I did it! And I touched the floor.
• Principled:  Be quiet in the hallway.  Waling quietly and not bother the other classes because they are working hard. 
• Caring:  When I accidentally bumped someone in gymnastics with my foot. I picked them up and then I said sorry. I think I was caring by saying sorry and making sure they were okay. 
• Balanced:  I am balanced when I exercise at the gym and eat healthy.  And run laps at PE

Scary Numbers!

Come by our classroom to see if you can guess the number?

Number of the day

In honor of Spooky Spaghetti, The Superheroes decided to complete number of the day a little differently today!  We created ghosts or spiders with a hidden number and then added ways to represent that number.

A Profile Pennant

The Superheroes are hard at work explaining how to exemplify the Learner Profile.  As we move towards the end of our planner,  Who We Are, the students are gaining insight into the meaning of the words and how to use the words to describe certain events.  Way to go, Superheroes!

Cookie Project Part II

After completing the project, we met as a group to discuss the results.  Next, we got to solve math problems using the cookies! It was fun and the room smelled good too!

The Cookie Project

Wow, we were so excited when boxes of cookies arrived in our room!  Ms. Patin supplied all of first grade with cookies to perform an experiment with.  First, The Superheroes had to divide the cookies among the eight first grade teachers. ( Talk about real life math experiences!) 

 We have been exploring scientific tools, five senses and science safety rules.  We put it all to good use during the Cookie Project. The question was how many cookies can you stack in a tower before it falls down!  We started by making predictions.  Then we got to work. 

 We split up into cooperative groups and utilized our social skills to decide how we wanted to do the experiment and who had what job.  I think our highest tower ended being 29 cookies!!

  We had a great time exploring, discussing, and trying different ways to make a tower.  

At the end some students decided to turn the cookies into a sculpture!

Our First Field Trip!

Our first field trip to Main Street Theater was a blast!  The performers did a great job with the story, The Cat in the Hat.  We are not sure what parts we like better:  the singing fish, the disco ball, the way Thing One and Thing Two appeared or the awesome cleaner up machine!  

(p.s. The bus was loads of fun too!)

Playground Time!

It's October and we are enjoying the cooler weather!  

Realism vs Fantasy

We have been reading and discussing many stories to determine whether they are realistic fiction or fantasy.   Although it may be real for characters to dance in a story, it is not realistic for bears to be dancing!

Open House

Thank you all for participating in Open House.  I realize traffic and the weather made it very difficult.  I posted my power point on Living Tree so that you can review it.  Don't forget I have also posted the High Frequency Words for first grade.  There is a link available that allows you to download them and make cards to use at home.   The Superheroes were thrilled to find their special messages the next day.  The bookmarks are a hugh hit!  If you did not get to make one for your child let me know. 

 I will get you the paper and laminate so that they may use it in class.

Looking for Nouns

We will be doing a lot of cooperative group activities.  This is a great way for the students to exemplify the Learner Profile.  We spend time looking at what a group does and what do they sound like.  I think the most important profile word would be communicator.  We are learning how to listen to others and accept their ideas and at the same time be able to communicate our own ideas.  

Retelling Station Part II

We couldn't let that plain box be a place to tell stories!  So we had to turn into something special.  The students all added artwork or painted the box to make it look like a 'real' station!  I love walking by and hearing the students retelling their favorite stories.  

Literacy Workstations

We have begun to choose our literacy workstations.  This is a time during the day that students will be working on concepts taught in mini-lessons.  Each students learns how to be responsible for their learning by working with a partner and completing the job assigned.  The Superheroes have a very important role in designing these stations so that they work for them too.  The idea is that we are always reading and thinking!

Shared Reading

Another important part of our day is shared reading.  I model a lesson and then the students give it a go. 

 We come back together and discuss how the reading strategy worked for us!

Retelling Station?

You never know what is going to happen next with the Superheroes!  Today we received a big book reading stand which came in a huge box.  The students of course loved the box.  They decided we should keep it and turn it into a "retelling station".  How smart is that?!

Buddy Reading

Every day in first grade we are having new and exciting experiences.  Today we spent some time 'buddy reading'.  We sat with a friend and took turns reading and checking for understanding. 

Summer Fun

Today we worked on patterns in math.  We made a fun project by creating a pattern around a paper plate.  Next, we wrote about one of our summer adventures in the middle of the plate. 

This turned into a class book which we love to reread!

The Superheroes

As a class, we have been working on defining the Learner Profile.  Together we are deciding 

what it means to be a thinker or an inquirer.  At the end of our discovery, 

I found a new look for our Profile Man and the Superheroes were born! 

Ask us what power we used today!

Fun Friday

For our first Fun Friday, we did a hands-on activity with unifix cubes.  After reading the story, Chrysanthemum, the students tried to find out how much their name was worth.  We had to use an alphabet chart that gave each letter a value.  Here you can see the students working hard and working together to help each other!  After completing our own name, we went on a 'gallery walk" to see what others found out about their name.  We had a great time building towers and then counting all those unifix cubes!

Essential Agreements

One of the first jobs our new first grade community had to decide was the rules.  How were we going to operate among each other?  What attitudes should we exhibit?  The students worked in cooperative groups drawing pictures and using words to describe the rules that they felt were the most important.  In the end, our essential agreements were very simple: Be Kind, and Be Respectful!  

Our First Planner

Who We Are: 

Central Idea:  Attitudes and actions contribute to the community in which we live. 

Lines of Inquiry:  Ways attitudes affect our social behavior

Relationships within and among communities

Connecting kindness, citizenship with respect and responsibility. 

Who We Are

The Superheroes are taking a very close look at Who We Are.  First we read the story of Camille, a boy who lived long ago.  He made a friend who was a painter, but the townspeople didn't like the painter because he was different.  We learned that you should be kind to everyone.  Next, we took a very close look at ourselves and drew a self-portrait just like Van Gogh! 

Back to School Rumble

What an exciting day!  Meeting all my first graders for the first time!  Everyone had a great time looking around the room and finding things like a float, a dragon and a silver box with their very first homework assignment!  It was wonderful meeting all my students and exploring the room together.  So far, I think the reading float is the favorite!  Can't wait to see the students 'floating' away with a good book.