Classroom Highlights!
This is the place to see what's happening in Room 108!
2017-2018
Upcoming Events
*June 20: Last Day of School!
Upcoming Events
*June 20: Last Day of School!
June 20, 2018
In the final weeks of school our 1st graders have been hard at work on their reading, writing reflections on their year, learning about measurement and telling time to the hour and half hour, and investigating how to communicate with light in Engineering with Mr. Riley. We've also just been enjoying being with each other for the last times as a community. Our 1st Grade Picnic was one of the best examples of that! :)
It's been a great year, full of growth. I am so happy to have been a part of each 1st grader's journey and look forward to watching them continue to grow in years to come!
Have a great summer...hope to see you all back at HTe in August!
It's been a great year, full of growth. I am so happy to have been a part of each 1st grader's journey and look forward to watching them continue to grow in years to come!
Have a great summer...hope to see you all back at HTe in August!
May 24, 2018
Here are some photos of our Ocean Experts in action at Exhibition!
May 11, 2018
As mentioned in a previous post, the final products for this project are being divided up among the three classes. We are creating a PSA, hoping to make people aware of the plastic pollution problem in the ocean and how they can help take care of it. To prepare for the creation of this PSA, our researchers decided that there were three main jobs to make this video: 1) Writers, to create the script; 2) Actors, to deliver the message; and 3) Graphic Designers, to decide what images and sounds will help deliver the message. (There's really a fourth job, Editor, that's me!). Then they chose jobs, ranking them in order from most to least desirable, so we could form teams of 7 for each job. Once they had their role, they got to work...
The Actors read the script and chose their parts (there were lots of rounds of Rock-Paper-Scissors to make final decisions here ... I wonder if that's how they do it in Hollywood??) :) Then, they started practicing their lines, remembering what they had learned from critiquing other videos: to speak loud, clear, and not too fast, to look at the camera, smile/be enthusiastic/be serious (whichever was appropriate for the line). Finally, they were recorded in front of a green screen ... that was exciting! |
The Graphic Designers chose images to support each part of the script and added them to the storyboard. They are currently working on some final touches, including adding some text, and music (they determined that dramatic music is necessary for the parts where they talk about the problems in the ocean, and happier music is needed for when they give ideas on how to help take care of it! I think they understand their job!) :) We are excited to show our finished PSA and share all the learning from our Wonder the Sea Project at Exhibition next Thursday, May 17th!
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Besides working on our final product, which is part of our investigation into the question: "What can we do to teach others about the ocean?", we also dove right into one of our other essential questions: "How can we help take care of the ocean?" when we went to Torrey Pines for a beach clean up! The kids were all very proud of themselves for the work they did, knowing that all those bags of trash will not end up in the ocean now, harming the environment and the animals that live there, because of their help!
April 20, 2018
Since returning from Spring Break, our Ocean Researchers have continued to investigate the ocean and some of its interesting wildlife, as well as the enormous pollution problem. They also discovered that the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Living Coast Discovery Center (both places we've visited) have identified a need for their facilities and asked for our help! SIO would like a guide to help visitors identify specimen in their tide pool touch tank, which would include a picture and information about the animal. Similarly, the LCDC would like a guide with information about their animals that also include an activity sheet that kids can complete during or after their visit. Both places would also like to share how pollution is impacting the ocean and ways we can all help. Well, this is going to be a big job! So, we decided to divide and conquer... each 1st grade class will be responsible for a different part - Ms. Claire's class will create the guide for SIO, Ms. Amy's class will create the guide/activity for the LCDC, and our class has become so passionate about the plastic problem that we wanted to create some kind of PSA (Public Service Announcement) that both locations can use! We have begun looking at video PSAs and are critiquing them to learn about what we might (or might not) want to include in our own video (we think that's what we might create!). Make sure to ask your researcher about how this process is coming along in the next few weeks leading up to Exhibition (that's when you will get to see the final product(s))!
Our Mathematicians have started working with geometry! They are investigating different 2D shapes and noticing things like number of sides and vertices (that's the mathematician's word for corners!), and are sorting shapes into groups like triangles or quadrilaterals (shapes with 4 straight sides that connect).
Next, they will get to investigate 3D shapes!
Next, they will get to investigate 3D shapes!
In other big HTe news, our playground finally has a new feature...the Gaga pit has arrived! This very popular game has almost every student excited and engaged during recess these days. If you haven't already heard about it, make sure to ask your child to tell you all about how to play! :)
March 23, 2018
First Graders have been diving in to their ocean research since the launch of our "Wonder the Sea" project! They are investigating these Essential Questions:
* Why is the ocean important?
* How can we help take care of the ocean?
* What can we do to teach others about the ocean?
* Why is the ocean important?
* How can we help take care of the ocean?
* What can we do to teach others about the ocean?
Students are recording observations, wonderings, and things they've learned in our "Specimen Research" center. They are also jotting notes and questions in their journals after we read articles together or watch informational videos about the ocean. They have been learning about the different ocean zones, food webs, and animal adaptations. They have also begun to discover the problems facing the ocean, which have already sparked lively discussions about ways we can help and spread the word to others! One idea they've had is a beach clean up day that will happen in May... more to come on that later :)
Finally, we went on our second field adventure to the Living Coast Discovery Center. We had a docent-led tour, explored the aquarium with a fun scavenger hunt, went on a short walk along the trails, and got to investigate sharks in a special workshop! What a great day!
Finally, we went on our second field adventure to the Living Coast Discovery Center. We had a docent-led tour, explored the aquarium with a fun scavenger hunt, went on a short walk along the trails, and got to investigate sharks in a special workshop! What a great day!
Have a wonderful Spring Break...see you back at school in 2 weeks!
March 2, 2018
Two important events have happened the last two weeks. First, we had our Performing Arts Exhibition
with Ms. Araceli and it was beautiful! The kids (in all grades) were amazing. It always fascinates me
how she is able to get kids to dance like that in such a short amount of time. We will miss her and hope
that she will be back with us next year! In the meantime, we are finishing out our trimester with our
lovely new theater teacher, Ms. Starry.
The second big event was our trip to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for the launch of our next project! First Graders got a very special behind-the-scenes tour of the research facility, which is not open to the public. They toured the pier, visited the experimental aquarium and touch tank, and viewed the biological collections used for education and research. Now they are feeling inspired to become ocean researchers too...we even have ocean animal specimen in our classroom now!
Stay tuned for more about our project soon.
Performing Arts Exhibition
with Ms. Araceli and it was beautiful! The kids (in all grades) were amazing. It always fascinates me
how she is able to get kids to dance like that in such a short amount of time. We will miss her and hope
that she will be back with us next year! In the meantime, we are finishing out our trimester with our
lovely new theater teacher, Ms. Starry.
The second big event was our trip to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for the launch of our next project! First Graders got a very special behind-the-scenes tour of the research facility, which is not open to the public. They toured the pier, visited the experimental aquarium and touch tank, and viewed the biological collections used for education and research. Now they are feeling inspired to become ocean researchers too...we even have ocean animal specimen in our classroom now!
Stay tuned for more about our project soon.
Performing Arts Exhibition
Project Launch/Field Trip
February 16, 2018
Here's a peek into what we've been up to since we returned from Winter Break...
Buddies
We sure do enjoy our 3rd Grade Buddies! We see them every week and no matter what we do with
them - read, draw, play at the park, craft, share our project work, practice for Exhibitions, or go to our monthly HTe Community Meetings together - we always have a good time!
We sure do enjoy our 3rd Grade Buddies! We see them every week and no matter what we do with
them - read, draw, play at the park, craft, share our project work, practice for Exhibitions, or go to our monthly HTe Community Meetings together - we always have a good time!
Reading
Our Readers continue to work on using different reading strategies. Sometimes they do that in small groups with my support, sometimes they read alone, and sometimes they enjoy reading with a partner!
Our Readers continue to work on using different reading strategies. Sometimes they do that in small groups with my support, sometimes they read alone, and sometimes they enjoy reading with a partner!
Math
Our Mathematicians are working on solving different kinds of story problems, especially those involving multiple groups (2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s). They also continue to try to create precise representations of how
they solved the problem, by carefully drawing or writing (with words or numbers) what
strategy they used and how they counted.
Our Mathematicians are working on solving different kinds of story problems, especially those involving multiple groups (2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s). They also continue to try to create precise representations of how
they solved the problem, by carefully drawing or writing (with words or numbers) what
strategy they used and how they counted.
100th Day of School
Hard to believe we've already reached this milestone! 1st Graders enjoyed sharing collections of 100 things they brought in from home, as well as a few other fun activities throughout the day!
Hard to believe we've already reached this milestone! 1st Graders enjoyed sharing collections of 100 things they brought in from home, as well as a few other fun activities throughout the day!
Valentines Day
Kids love Valentines Day! Excitement was in the air from the moment they arrived at school. They thoroughly enjoyed passing out/getting treats. Their goody bags were stuffed and their hearts were full of joy (and so was mine!). Thanks to everyone for all the treats (for the kids and for me!)!
Kids love Valentines Day! Excitement was in the air from the moment they arrived at school. They thoroughly enjoyed passing out/getting treats. Their goody bags were stuffed and their hearts were full of joy (and so was mine!). Thanks to everyone for all the treats (for the kids and for me!)!
December 15, 2017
~ Tinker Town Project Exhibition ~
We had a fantastic first Exhibition of the year! Our Tinkerers were so excited (and a little nervous) about sharing their learning with all of you! It was so great to see families creating with Tinkering Experts, interacting with How-To Experts, and sharing with the Reflection Experts. I hope you all enjoyed the evening as much as I did! I am so proud of our Tinkerers!
We had a fantastic first Exhibition of the year! Our Tinkerers were so excited (and a little nervous) about sharing their learning with all of you! It was so great to see families creating with Tinkering Experts, interacting with How-To Experts, and sharing with the Reflection Experts. I hope you all enjoyed the evening as much as I did! I am so proud of our Tinkerers!
Have a great Winter Break! See you back at school on January 3, 2018!
December 1, 2017
Tinkering Walls
Our Tinkerers have been exploring with our Tinkering Walls! Their challenge has been to build a marble machine that will get a marble from the top of the wall to a cup at the bottom as slowly as possible. This is has not been an easy task. They have had to get very creative, explore the use of different types of materials, work collaboratively, revise their ideas, and persevere through confusion and frustration. It's been fantastic to watch!
Check out this video from the Tinkering Studio at the Exploratorium to learn more about tinkering with marble machines :) |
Take a look at some of our tinkering creations!
Inspiring Others
One of the Essential Questions we have been wondering about in our Tinker Town project is "How can we inspire others in our community to create and persevere?" Our Tinkerers recently brainstormed some ideas and decided to write a How-To book to teach others how to build one of the creations they have made while tinkering. They thought we should make copies so each 1st Grader would get a book to share with their families, and we would share books with our school as well. They also decided it would be important for other kids in our school to have access to building material... so, since each class has two Tinkering Walls, we will each donate one to our school for others to create and build, too! :)
These pictures are from when their 3rd Grade Buddies critiqued the 1st drafts of their How-Tos.
They worked so hard to write all the steps to build their creation and draw an illustration to
go with it. Their Buddies tried to follow the steps to see if they made sense, and gave them some
feedback to help make their work better. Next they will do some final revisions and edits, on their 2nd drafts, and prepare to publish. They are excited to share their final book at Exhibition on December 14th!
One of the Essential Questions we have been wondering about in our Tinker Town project is "How can we inspire others in our community to create and persevere?" Our Tinkerers recently brainstormed some ideas and decided to write a How-To book to teach others how to build one of the creations they have made while tinkering. They thought we should make copies so each 1st Grader would get a book to share with their families, and we would share books with our school as well. They also decided it would be important for other kids in our school to have access to building material... so, since each class has two Tinkering Walls, we will each donate one to our school for others to create and build, too! :)
These pictures are from when their 3rd Grade Buddies critiqued the 1st drafts of their How-Tos.
They worked so hard to write all the steps to build their creation and draw an illustration to
go with it. Their Buddies tried to follow the steps to see if they made sense, and gave them some
feedback to help make their work better. Next they will do some final revisions and edits, on their 2nd drafts, and prepare to publish. They are excited to share their final book at Exhibition on December 14th!
Reading Work
Each of our small reading groups are focusing on different things, depending on the needs of that group. One thing this group is working on is reading fluently and with expression, instead of "like robots". Our special "reading phones" help them concentrate on listening to themselves so they know what they sound like when they read (it also looks pretty cute, right?!).
Next month, we will have our next round of SLCs and we will get a chance to talk about what your child is working on in their reading group. If you have questions about that before then, though, feel free to reach out and to email me.
Each of our small reading groups are focusing on different things, depending on the needs of that group. One thing this group is working on is reading fluently and with expression, instead of "like robots". Our special "reading phones" help them concentrate on listening to themselves so they know what they sound like when they read (it also looks pretty cute, right?!).
Next month, we will have our next round of SLCs and we will get a chance to talk about what your child is working on in their reading group. If you have questions about that before then, though, feel free to reach out and to email me.
Math Work
Mathematicians have continued working on story problems in math to develop their problem solving skills and math reasoning. they've also been working on a new math unit called The Double Decker Bus, which involves finding quick ways to count the passengers on a two-level bus. Through repeated practice with these problems, students are building their skills in addition, mental math, and manipulating numbers to make addition problems easier. We've been using arithmetic racks, also called Rekenreks, (pictured below) as a tool for these lessons. Please ask your first grader about the problems they've been solving!
Mathematicians have continued working on story problems in math to develop their problem solving skills and math reasoning. they've also been working on a new math unit called The Double Decker Bus, which involves finding quick ways to count the passengers on a two-level bus. Through repeated practice with these problems, students are building their skills in addition, mental math, and manipulating numbers to make addition problems easier. We've been using arithmetic racks, also called Rekenreks, (pictured below) as a tool for these lessons. Please ask your first grader about the problems they've been solving!
November 3, 2017
We have been busy in 1st grade! Here's a little look into what we've been up to lately...
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Tinker Town
Tinkerers experienced a new challenge ... they worked in teams to build a track with straws and tape that would guide a Hex Bug (tiny robotic bug) from one point to another. As they tested out their designs, they had to figure out what was keeping their bug from making it successfully through the track, then revise their plan until it worked! They needed to collaborate, problem-solve, and persevere through some frustration when their bug did not make it through the track ... and they had so much fun! We've decided to keep this as an optional activity during tinkering time! |
Authors!
Our writers have just published their small moment stories! They revised to make sure their story made sense and told as much detail as they could. They worked with a partner to edit for ending punctuation marks, Word Wall words spelled correctly, and capitals at the beginning of sentences. They also checked that their illustrations showed movement and added life to the story. They practiced reading them to a partner in our class, then shared them with their 3rd Grade Buddies! Soon, they will bring them home to share with families, too! |
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Halloween!
The Halloween parade is always a good time! I mean, kids in costumes ... there's not much that's cuter than that! |
Outdoor Leadership Adventure
Field Trip What a great day we had exploring Cuyamaca Rancho State Park with Mr. Scott! We went on a hike, built animal habitats, and played a fun game where we got to act like animals using the environment to hide from predators! The next day, we reflected on why it is so important for us to take care of places like this. Some of the kids' responses included: * So the animals have a safe place to live. * So people can keep having fun there. * If we don't, the plants and trees might die and we need them to help give us oxygen. I think we have some budding Environmentalists! :) |
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October 27, 2017
We had such a great time on our trip to the Fleet Science Center! We enjoyed learning about how to build stronger structures in the "Adventurous Architects" Workshop, and exploring all the science center activities!
If you get a chance to visit The Fleet, they have a Tinkering Studio that is open to the public on certain days/times (sadly, it was closed while we were there). Click here for more info!
We continue to tinker in our classroom as well - creating interesting designs, and persevering through challenges. Several of our 1st Graders have also been tinkering outside of our class (which is very exciting!) and have shared their creations - it has inspired others to want to do the same!
If you get a chance to visit The Fleet, they have a Tinkering Studio that is open to the public on certain days/times (sadly, it was closed while we were there). Click here for more info!
We continue to tinker in our classroom as well - creating interesting designs, and persevering through challenges. Several of our 1st Graders have also been tinkering outside of our class (which is very exciting!) and have shared their creations - it has inspired others to want to do the same!
October 2, 2017
Our classroom community is really coming together! We are expressing our own interests and strengths, and are starting to recognize and appreciate that in others!
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In our Tinker Time project, engineers have been tinkering with blocks, gears, tinker toys, and other materials. They've been reflecting on moments when they've experienced creativity, frustration, inspiration, and breakthroughs to better understand their design process. Sometimes their tinkering is open ended, where they create whatever they'd like, while other times they are challenged to try something specific (make sure to ask your Tinkerer about the pipe cleaner animal or the bridge building challenge!). |
We have been working very hard to set up our "Centers" routines, and the kids are really enjoying these activities! This is a special time of the day when I will be able to work with small groups of kids on their reading development (one of my favorite things to do!). But first, everyone else needs to be able to work independently at their centers so that I'm freed up to focus on each reading group. Right now, maintaining a quiet voice level (especially when rotating from one center to another) is challenging. We'll keep working at it, and very soon I'll be meeting with reading groups!
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Also, the last of our friends shared about themselves ... including Ms. Alex
who supports all of the 1st grade classrooms!
who supports all of the 1st grade classrooms!
September 15, 2017
Here's a peek into whats been happening the last couple weeks in our class...
* Readers have been exploring our classroom library. They are getting to know all the fantastic books in there, and they're learning how to keep it organized so everyone can find what they need.
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* First graders met with their 3rd grade buddies! Once to do a get-to-know-you activity called
"Find someone who...", and once to do some book browsing together.
"Find someone who...", and once to do some book browsing together.
* Our Artists started creating name tags for their work boxes
(a place to keep work folders and crayons). After critiquing the first drafts, they determined what they needed to do to make their next drafts really beautiful. Here's what they decided: make them colorful; decorate with cool designs or patterns;
color "turtle slow"; and make sure their names are dark and easy to read. Then, they set off to work on their second drafts!
(a place to keep work folders and crayons). After critiquing the first drafts, they determined what they needed to do to make their next drafts really beautiful. Here's what they decided: make them colorful; decorate with cool designs or patterns;
color "turtle slow"; and make sure their names are dark and easy to read. Then, they set off to work on their second drafts!
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* Some of our friends continued sharing about themselves with things they brought in from home....
we're enjoying learning about each other! |
* Our Writers have started writing "small moment" stories, which focus on their lives. Right now they are working on "How to Write a Story" ... make sure to ask your Writer about this! Next, they will be working on small moment writing ideas - for example, "building a sand castle" instead of "going to the beach".
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* First grade mathematicians have started solving story problems. Right now, the focus has been on having the students learn the routine we will use all year, every time we do story problems.
If you're curious, here's what the routine looks like:
1. Set up materials (students put their "tool box" and pencil in their work spot)
2. Launch (I introduce the problem, then 3 mathematicians retell it in their words)
3. Work time (students work to solve the problem independently)
4. Discourse (2-3 mathematicians share the strategies they used to solve the problem so others can learn from them)
5. Clean up (put materials away)
If you're curious, here's what the routine looks like:
1. Set up materials (students put their "tool box" and pencil in their work spot)
2. Launch (I introduce the problem, then 3 mathematicians retell it in their words)
3. Work time (students work to solve the problem independently)
4. Discourse (2-3 mathematicians share the strategies they used to solve the problem so others can learn from them)
5. Clean up (put materials away)
* I recently posed this question to the class: "How can we be a great classroom community?" This sparked several conversations where the kids came up with lots of ideas about how we should treat each other and our school. From there, we started to narrow the list down to what we think are the most important ideas. We will use our final list as our "class agreements" which will hang in our room all year in case we need a reminder about how to be a great classroom community. We'll share the list with you soon!
* Well, the biggest news in first grade is... we launched our first project of the year! Hopefully, your child has already told you a bit about this. We challenged teams of 1st graders to build the tallest tower possible using uncooked spaghetti, string, and tape. It needed to stand by itself, hold a marshmallow on top, and they had 18 minutes to complete it! This was very challenging, but fun (for most, some were a little frustrated at times)! This is the lead into our project called "Tinker Town" where first graders will explore building, designing, and engineering. As they tinker, they will experience the design stages of inspiration, creativity, frustration, and breakthrough - which, will help them develop perseverance and a growth mindset. For a little more info, click here to take a look at our project handout.
We look forward to sharing more as this project progresses!
September 1, 2017
First graders have been having so much fun connecting with old friends and making new friends. We have been building community through sharings, teamwork activities, and read-alouds. After one read-aloud, called Chrysanthemum, they discussed how our words can be very hurtful if we're not careful, then started brainstorming kind words that they can use with others. We call these "Heart Words" and will work on using them throughout the year! We are also working on being "Whole Body Listeners" as another way to show others we respect and care about them.
First graders were able to meet their new third grade buddies, and play an active “get to know you game” called Mingle-Mingle. They also enjoyed our first 2017-2018 HTe community meeting with their buddies where they were able to participate in our school-wide “Shabooya” cheer. Students have also been busy learning about our new classroom, writing, and decorating new name tags for their cubbies (they noticed the other ones were too big and falling off, so they have solved that problem!).
Our class enjoyed two days of their first trimester exploratory class, Outdoor Leadership with Mr. Scott (actually, they were with Ms. Paige this week who stepped in for Mr. Scott who was home with his new
baby boy!). Students had a blast diving into becoming outdoor leaders and I am so excited to watch
them continue to develop these skills and gain confidence over the coming months! Then, we ended our
first week together at the park as a first grade community, where the kids were able to take on the
"Hula-Hoop Challenge"... that was a lot of fun!
Be sure to ask your first grader about these events and check out these photos from the week...
Our class enjoyed two days of their first trimester exploratory class, Outdoor Leadership with Mr. Scott (actually, they were with Ms. Paige this week who stepped in for Mr. Scott who was home with his new
baby boy!). Students had a blast diving into becoming outdoor leaders and I am so excited to watch
them continue to develop these skills and gain confidence over the coming months! Then, we ended our
first week together at the park as a first grade community, where the kids were able to take on the
"Hula-Hoop Challenge"... that was a lot of fun!
Be sure to ask your first grader about these events and check out these photos from the week...