Learning about Lines in Art

One of our art lessons created from our district's former elementary art teachers was a hit this week!  Students watched a power point that defined and gave examples of lines used in art.  They were able to see and discuss samples of some paintings done by professional artists.  Students were able to pick out several different rectangle and square shaped cardboard pieces.  They added details to transform the cardboard pieces into city buildings.  First graders were able to create a city scape with their buildings, roads and a horizon.  They had so much fun creating their buildings and talking about the different shapes an sizes they were using.  I'm very proud of my great artists!

Our First Science Experiment

We talked about the scientific process.  I wanted the students to use the process to gain full understanding of it.  The scientific process is listed below (in bold).

Question:  Can a seed grow without real sunlight?

Hypothesis (prediction):  We had several students predict yes and several predict no.  We listed their names on our experiment sheet.

Test:  The students received pinto bean seeds to place in a container with some gravel and water.  We watered the bean seeds every other day.

Observations:  We recorded our data by drawing what we observed in our seed containers each day.

Conclusion:  After talking about our last observation, students agreed that the bean seeds sprouted and were growing!

Way to go first grade scientists!

CGI Math Stories

CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) is a time of our day when our first graders work on a math story (story problem) each day.  Students are read a math story, are given time to solve the story's problem, meet in small groups to share their strategies and have a "math wizard" come up and model their work to the entire class.  The goals for this time of our day are to use strategies to solve the stories, show the work that helped you solve the story, share and explain how you solved the story and learn from a variety of strategies by listening to classmates' explanations.  Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what CGI time looks like in our classroom right now.  Students will eventually be offered different levels of difficulty in these stories to help meet the students' academic abilities levels.  

Work on Writing

For the last 3 weeks we have been working on building our writing stamina during Daily Five-Work on Writing.  As a class our writing stamina is up to 5 minutes.  That means that all 21 first grade friends are writing for the entire 5 minutes.  Some other writing behaviors that one can observe from our amazing writers are: writing the whole time, get started right away, eyes in their notebook, underline words they do not know how to spell and move on, write about appropriate topics, write the date, use writing tools appropriately and draw a line to begin writing about another  topic.  Take a peek below at the pictures/videos of my friends practicing their writing stamina. When your child is practicing writing at home have them show you their writing behaviors.  Way to Go First Grade Friends!

Fabulous First Grade Walkers

Our Walk-A-Thon was a great success today.  The first graders enjoyed the walk/run, DJ playing music, and a special apple snack.  Thanks again for all of the parents that helped make today a success!

 Way to Go Team Orange!

Word Work-Spelling Sorts

This week your child is bringing home their first spelling sort.  We have been practicing them throughout the week.  These sorts help first graders practice spelling patterns.  Each week your child will be given a new sort.  Please read the parent letter that came home on Friday for more details.  As our Daily Five time progresses your child will be practicing their sort each day along with their five sight words during our Word Work time.  Your child will be introduced to games on the ipads that will allow them to practice their sight words and spelling sorts.  They will also be introduced to pencil and paper games that allow additional practice in these areas. 

  

Pastel Patterns in First Grade

We have working on identifying and creating patterns in our class last week.  This was a fun way to see what  patterns my students could create.  We used oil pastel chalk to make our patterns stand out with color.  The top row shows 2 close up examples.  The collage below them is our wall of patterns in the hall outside of our classroom.  Way to go first grade pattern producers!