Today, after independent reading and Morning Meeting, we began our day in earnest. We first had Reader's Workshop, in which the kids again practiced writing a Reader's Response - their personal reaction to a book that they have read. This will become one of the staples of our literacy time as the year develops.
After Reader's Workshop, and a quick break, we moved onto Writer's Workshop. The kids continued to work on the books that they began this week - they are doing some amazing writing!
Then it was on to lunch and recess (indoors today, because of the overall sogginess outside), and then on to Read-Aloud, where we read some more of Jenny and the Cat Club. After that, we headed up to music for class (Mr. Hofmann was absent today, so the kids had a substitute). When we got back to the room, we had math, in which we continued to work on comparing numbers - the kids got play a fun guessing game (and got to use the dry erase markers too!!).
In science, we were going to go out and sketch our class tree, which we selected yesterday. (If you want to visit it, it is out in the back of the school, and it has a sign hanging on it. We're going to follow it throughout the seasons, sketching and doing leaf and bark rubbings.) We didn't go out today, due again to the rain, but we did a fun collage project - the kids each got an old National Geographic magazine, and cut out pictures. They then had to decide if the picture was of something living or non-living, and glue it on the proper poster. This is a par tof the introduction to the "Organisms" science unit that we will be starting in 2 weeks.
Thanks - enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Another great day in Room 240 - here it is:
After beginning the day with independent reading and Morning Meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today I taught the kids a mini-lesson about predicting (it's one of the habits of good readers). We read a cool book by Chris Van Allsburg called The Z was Zapped, which is a great book for predicting. After the lesson, the kids each got a book and went to go practice the strategy. After the work time, we gathered for the lesson closing, and the kids each talked about the strategy or strategies that they used as a reader today.
After that, we had a short break time, and then were on to Writer's Workshop. The mini-lesson for today was about making little stories bigger by including more details, splitting the events up and using multiple pages to make a book. We read another cool book, this one by Dav Pilkey, who also wrote the Captain Underpants books, among many others. The book is called The Paperboy, which helped to illustrate how a simple story is much richer with details. After the book, many of the kids went and tried to write like Dav Pilkey, and at the end of workshop, when we gathered, each writer shared how they wrote (not what they wrote, but how they wrote).
It was then time for lunch and recess, and then back up to our room for Read-aloud, in which we finished Cam Jansen and the Monster Movie Mystery. Then it was up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
When we got back to our room, it was time for Math Workshop. We continued our study of the hundred chart. Today we worked on comparing two digit numbers using the chart. Then the kids played the game "It's Mine, It's Yours" again, but this time with 2 digit numbers and 100s charts. At the end of the workshop time, we again gathered to talk about the various strategies that they discovered for comparing numbers.
After math, it was time for science - we read a fun book about butterflies, so that we woudl know what to expect as our caterpillars grow up and get bigger.
After all of that, it was time to get ready to go home, to Spanish class, or to Minneapolis Kids!
After beginning the day with independent reading and Morning Meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today I taught the kids a mini-lesson about predicting (it's one of the habits of good readers). We read a cool book by Chris Van Allsburg called The Z was Zapped, which is a great book for predicting. After the lesson, the kids each got a book and went to go practice the strategy. After the work time, we gathered for the lesson closing, and the kids each talked about the strategy or strategies that they used as a reader today.
After that, we had a short break time, and then were on to Writer's Workshop. The mini-lesson for today was about making little stories bigger by including more details, splitting the events up and using multiple pages to make a book. We read another cool book, this one by Dav Pilkey, who also wrote the Captain Underpants books, among many others. The book is called The Paperboy, which helped to illustrate how a simple story is much richer with details. After the book, many of the kids went and tried to write like Dav Pilkey, and at the end of workshop, when we gathered, each writer shared how they wrote (not what they wrote, but how they wrote).
It was then time for lunch and recess, and then back up to our room for Read-aloud, in which we finished Cam Jansen and the Monster Movie Mystery. Then it was up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
When we got back to our room, it was time for Math Workshop. We continued our study of the hundred chart. Today we worked on comparing two digit numbers using the chart. Then the kids played the game "It's Mine, It's Yours" again, but this time with 2 digit numbers and 100s charts. At the end of the workshop time, we again gathered to talk about the various strategies that they discovered for comparing numbers.
After math, it was time for science - we read a fun book about butterflies, so that we woudl know what to expect as our caterpillars grow up and get bigger.
After all of that, it was time to get ready to go home, to Spanish class, or to Minneapolis Kids!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Hello again - sorry for the lack of posts for two days.
Here's our day today:
After independent reading time and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today the kids learned about thinking about and using background knowledge before they read - it's a skill that all readers do (although most of us do it unconconsiously, at this point). They then got a book that they had never read before, and practiced that skill before they read it.
After reading, we had Writer's Workshop. Today the kids looked back at all of the writing (a surprising amount) that they have done thus far and organized their writing folders into pieces that they are done with and pieces that they still have more to say about/are still working on. Then, of course, we wrote.
After that, it was lunch and recess time, and then back up to our room for Read-Aloud - we read another chapter form Cam Jansen and the Monster Movie Mystery. Then, it were off to Media for class and book check-out with Mrs. Hennen.
When we got back to the room, we had math - we are still working on the hundreds chart - I read off a list of numbers, they kids colored the numbers in, and then we connected the dots to make a picture. The math homework for today is dealing with hundreds charts as well.
After that, we had science, and began a 24 hour experiment to see how much caterpillars eat in a 24 hour period. Ask your child all about it - we'll have results tomorrow!
Finally, it was time to pack up and head home!
Here's our day today:
After independent reading time and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today the kids learned about thinking about and using background knowledge before they read - it's a skill that all readers do (although most of us do it unconconsiously, at this point). They then got a book that they had never read before, and practiced that skill before they read it.
After reading, we had Writer's Workshop. Today the kids looked back at all of the writing (a surprising amount) that they have done thus far and organized their writing folders into pieces that they are done with and pieces that they still have more to say about/are still working on. Then, of course, we wrote.
After that, it was lunch and recess time, and then back up to our room for Read-Aloud - we read another chapter form Cam Jansen and the Monster Movie Mystery. Then, it were off to Media for class and book check-out with Mrs. Hennen.
When we got back to the room, we had math - we are still working on the hundreds chart - I read off a list of numbers, they kids colored the numbers in, and then we connected the dots to make a picture. The math homework for today is dealing with hundreds charts as well.
After that, we had science, and began a 24 hour experiment to see how much caterpillars eat in a 24 hour period. Ask your child all about it - we'll have results tomorrow!
Finally, it was time to pack up and head home!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Another busy and full day in Room 240 - I bet that your first grader is almost as tired as I am at the end of the day!! :-)
After we had independent reading time and Monring Meeting this morning to begin our day, we had Reader's Workshop. The kids continued a lesson that they had yesterday with our "guest teacher" - Mrs. Pershica, who is our building's literacy specialist. They learned about "buddy reading" - reading with a friend. We practiced that again today - buddy reading will become a stapleof our literacy program, once all of the pieces are in place.
Afetr reading, we did Writer's Workshop - we read two books as examples of good ways to write - one was called Gregory the Terrible Eater and the other was Goodnight Gorilla. After that, we had some good and productive writing time!
Then it was time to head off for lunch and recess, then back to our room to read a chapter of Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie - the kids are loving this book and this series!
We then headed up to music for class with Mr. Hofmann, and then back down to our room for math - the kids learned how to use a Hundreds Chart, and especially how to move around (adding and subtracting ones and tens).
After that, it was time for Friday Fun, after a surprise Fire Drill. We played out on the playground for a bit, and then had a bit of free time in the room. After all fo that, it was time to pack up and head out!!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
After we had independent reading time and Monring Meeting this morning to begin our day, we had Reader's Workshop. The kids continued a lesson that they had yesterday with our "guest teacher" - Mrs. Pershica, who is our building's literacy specialist. They learned about "buddy reading" - reading with a friend. We practiced that again today - buddy reading will become a stapleof our literacy program, once all of the pieces are in place.
Afetr reading, we did Writer's Workshop - we read two books as examples of good ways to write - one was called Gregory the Terrible Eater and the other was Goodnight Gorilla. After that, we had some good and productive writing time!
Then it was time to head off for lunch and recess, then back to our room to read a chapter of Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie - the kids are loving this book and this series!
We then headed up to music for class with Mr. Hofmann, and then back down to our room for math - the kids learned how to use a Hundreds Chart, and especially how to move around (adding and subtracting ones and tens).
After that, it was time for Friday Fun, after a surprise Fire Drill. We played out on the playground for a bit, and then had a bit of free time in the room. After all fo that, it was time to pack up and head out!!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Today after independent reading and Morning Meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. I taught the kids a lesson about using context clues (the words and pictures that are around a 'tricky' or If the dinosaurs came back, in which I had put tape over one word on each page, and the kids had to figure out what the word was using clues. The the kids went out and practiced the skill in their own books.
After reading, we had a short break, and then worked on school bus safety again for a few minutes. After that, we had a short Writer's Workshop, in which we practiced how to use the portable white boards and markers, which we will use tomorrow in the workshop.
After that, it was time for lunch and recess, so we washed hands and headed down to the lunchroom. When we got back upstairs, we read another chapter of cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, and then headed up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
Back down in our classroom, we had math - the kids worked on filling in a blank calendar for the month of September, which served two purposes - the objective for the day was to learn about the calendar, but also one of the beginning of the year assessments that we do is to see how the kids are writing their numbers (which we will talk about at fall conferences).
After math, we did science, and we worked on observations of the caterpillars that are living in our room - they are getting bigger and bigger!
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head home - before we did, though, we read another bit of Cam Jansen - she and her friend were just discovered spying on the thieves - we'll find out tomorrow what happens to them!
After reading, we had a short break, and then worked on school bus safety again for a few minutes. After that, we had a short Writer's Workshop, in which we practiced how to use the portable white boards and markers, which we will use tomorrow in the workshop.
After that, it was time for lunch and recess, so we washed hands and headed down to the lunchroom. When we got back upstairs, we read another chapter of cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, and then headed up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
Back down in our classroom, we had math - the kids worked on filling in a blank calendar for the month of September, which served two purposes - the objective for the day was to learn about the calendar, but also one of the beginning of the year assessments that we do is to see how the kids are writing their numbers (which we will talk about at fall conferences).
After math, we did science, and we worked on observations of the caterpillars that are living in our room - they are getting bigger and bigger!
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head home - before we did, though, we read another bit of Cam Jansen - she and her friend were just discovered spying on the thieves - we'll find out tomorrow what happens to them!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Today, after independent reading time and Morning Meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today the kids learned again about how to write a Reader's Response - a reaction to a book. This will form one of their weekly tasks once reading groups are up and running. Today we read Bread and Jam for Frances (an 'oldie but a goodie,' as we say in the business...) and then the kids either wrote about a favorite part or a character connection that they had. The inportant thing about Reader's Response is that it includes the word "because." They are doing some really, really nice writing!
After that, we had a short break, and then had Writer's Workshop. We worked again today on stretching words to help spell them - ask your child to sing the song that we learned for you - the lyrics are here. Then the kids went and wrote for about 20 minutes. Again - they are fantastic writers and storytellers!
After writing, we headed off for lunch and recess. When we got back to the room, we read another chapter of Cam Jansen and the Diamond Store Robbery. We then moseyed on down the hall to the Media Center for class with Mrs. Hennen.
When we got back to the room, we had Math Workshop - the kids learned another comparing game, similar to the one that they played yesterday. It's a game like "war" that you may remember from when you were small, but in 1st grade we call it "It's Mine, It's Yours." :-)
We also had a quick review of tally marks - some of the kids had forgotten how they worked form last year.
After math we had science, and we learned about the life cycle of the butterfly. The kids came up with the life cycle of a human first, and then we compared that to the life cycle of a butterfly. They really had some good ideas to contribute to the discussion
After all of that, it was time to disinfect the tables (literally - with Clorox wipes), pack up and head out!
After that, we had a short break, and then had Writer's Workshop. We worked again today on stretching words to help spell them - ask your child to sing the song that we learned for you - the lyrics are here. Then the kids went and wrote for about 20 minutes. Again - they are fantastic writers and storytellers!
After writing, we headed off for lunch and recess. When we got back to the room, we read another chapter of Cam Jansen and the Diamond Store Robbery. We then moseyed on down the hall to the Media Center for class with Mrs. Hennen.
When we got back to the room, we had Math Workshop - the kids learned another comparing game, similar to the one that they played yesterday. It's a game like "war" that you may remember from when you were small, but in 1st grade we call it "It's Mine, It's Yours." :-)
We also had a quick review of tally marks - some of the kids had forgotten how they worked form last year.
After math we had science, and we learned about the life cycle of the butterfly. The kids came up with the life cycle of a human first, and then we compared that to the life cycle of a butterfly. They really had some good ideas to contribute to the discussion
After all of that, it was time to disinfect the tables (literally - with Clorox wipes), pack up and head out!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Happy Friday!
We had a great day today in Room 240! After we began our day with independent reading and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. I read Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes to the kids, and then they wrote a "reader response" to the book (basically a reaction to what they read). They learned today that they can write about a 'character connection' or about a part of the book that they particularly liked.
After reading, we had the annual (and much anticipated) bus safety lessons, and the kids got to do a little bit of coloring. After all of that, we did a little bit of writing, and then it was time to head off for lunch and recess.
When we got back to the room, we started another High Rise Private Eyes book, and then went to music with Mr. Hofmann. After that, we watched the speech that President Obama gave to schoolkids last week - we invited Ms. Mooney's class over to our place to watch with us.
After that, we went outside for a little bit of recess, and then back in for Friday Fun in the room.
THEN.... (whew) - it was time to pack up and head out!
We had a great day today in Room 240! After we began our day with independent reading and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. I read Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes to the kids, and then they wrote a "reader response" to the book (basically a reaction to what they read). They learned today that they can write about a 'character connection' or about a part of the book that they particularly liked.
After reading, we had the annual (and much anticipated) bus safety lessons, and the kids got to do a little bit of coloring. After all of that, we did a little bit of writing, and then it was time to head off for lunch and recess.
When we got back to the room, we started another High Rise Private Eyes book, and then went to music with Mr. Hofmann. After that, we watched the speech that President Obama gave to schoolkids last week - we invited Ms. Mooney's class over to our place to watch with us.
After that, we went outside for a little bit of recess, and then back in for Friday Fun in the room.
THEN.... (whew) - it was time to pack up and head out!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Another great day in Room 240!
After we began our morning with independent reading and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today, I taught the kids two mini-lessons - one was about the proper care of books in our classroom libraries, and the other was about selecting books. The lesson about selecting books was fun - I tried on shoes (that's all I'll say - ask your child!!). In the middle of reading, we had our first fire drill of the year (there will likely be another one next week). The kids were forewarned, and we discussed the procedures, so it waent very smoothly.
When we got back into the room we took a short break, and then we had Writer's Workshop. Today the kids learned about two authors that they may try to emulate in their writing - Don Freeman, who wrote Corduroy (among many, many books) and Richard Scarry. Don Freeman uses a large picture and then adds text below the picture, while Richard Scarry make elaborate pictures, and the text is largely labels.
After that, it was time for lunch and recess, and then back up to the room to finish the High Rise Private Eyes book that we started yesterday. Then it was time for gym, and then back up to the room for math. The kids played a number game in math, and then we discussed the various solutions and strategies that they came up with.
After math, we did science, and we looked at monarch caterpillars and eggs that we will be hatching and eventually releasing this fall. After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
After we began our morning with independent reading and morning meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today, I taught the kids two mini-lessons - one was about the proper care of books in our classroom libraries, and the other was about selecting books. The lesson about selecting books was fun - I tried on shoes (that's all I'll say - ask your child!!). In the middle of reading, we had our first fire drill of the year (there will likely be another one next week). The kids were forewarned, and we discussed the procedures, so it waent very smoothly.
When we got back into the room we took a short break, and then we had Writer's Workshop. Today the kids learned about two authors that they may try to emulate in their writing - Don Freeman, who wrote Corduroy (among many, many books) and Richard Scarry. Don Freeman uses a large picture and then adds text below the picture, while Richard Scarry make elaborate pictures, and the text is largely labels.
After that, it was time for lunch and recess, and then back up to the room to finish the High Rise Private Eyes book that we started yesterday. Then it was time for gym, and then back up to the room for math. The kids played a number game in math, and then we discussed the various solutions and strategies that they came up with.
After math, we did science, and we looked at monarch caterpillars and eggs that we will be hatching and eventually releasing this fall. After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sorry for the lack of post yesterday - two meetings after school, and then a soccer game to attend.
At any rate, here is our day today. After independent reading time to begin the day, we had Morning Meeting. Then, we began Reader's Workshop. Today I taught a lesson about using the pictures in a book to preview the text and anticipate any 'tricky words' that might be in the book. We read A Mother for Choco, doing a 'picture walk' first, and then reading second. After the lesson, the kids got books and read independently to practice the skill. After reading, we had as short break, and then had Writer's Workshop. I taught a lesson about including things that are hard to draw in our stories, and then the kids had some quality writing time.
After all of that, we had lunch and recess, and then back in. Before we went up to the art room to see Mr. Fairbanks, we finished Nate the Great and the Phony Clue. When we got back from art, we had math - the kids learned a new game called "Making 20 Together" that they played with dice and teddy bear counters. Then then used math tools again, and we did a summary of our 'findings' from our experiments with pattern blocks for the closing of Math Workshop.
After math, we did science (we had so much fun in math that there wasn't a whole lot of time left for science) - we watched a couple of short videos: this one, which shows a worm coming out of a worm cocoon, this one, which shows one of an earthworm's 5 hearts, and then this one (which wasn;t working very well) about worm farming.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
At any rate, here is our day today. After independent reading time to begin the day, we had Morning Meeting. Then, we began Reader's Workshop. Today I taught a lesson about using the pictures in a book to preview the text and anticipate any 'tricky words' that might be in the book. We read A Mother for Choco, doing a 'picture walk' first, and then reading second. After the lesson, the kids got books and read independently to practice the skill. After reading, we had as short break, and then had Writer's Workshop. I taught a lesson about including things that are hard to draw in our stories, and then the kids had some quality writing time.
After all of that, we had lunch and recess, and then back in. Before we went up to the art room to see Mr. Fairbanks, we finished Nate the Great and the Phony Clue. When we got back from art, we had math - the kids learned a new game called "Making 20 Together" that they played with dice and teddy bear counters. Then then used math tools again, and we did a summary of our 'findings' from our experiments with pattern blocks for the closing of Math Workshop.
After math, we did science (we had so much fun in math that there wasn't a whole lot of time left for science) - we watched a couple of short videos: this one, which shows a worm coming out of a worm cocoon, this one, which shows one of an earthworm's 5 hearts, and then this one (which wasn;t working very well) about worm farming.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Today was another great day in Room 240! To begin, we had independent reading, and then morning meeting. After Morning Meeting, we had Reader’s Workshop, and the kids learned about what to do when they need help and the teacher is not available (like after we start reading groups, for instance). They had a chance to practice, by reading books, and then asking a neighbor for help in a small voice.
After Reading, we had Writer’s Workshop, and I taught the kids a lesson about going back to previous pieces of writing and adding details to make the story richer. The kids then had a lot of good writing time – their writing will make you proud!
After writing, we had a bit of time for another room decoration project – the kids each decorated a paper t-shirt with a favorite summer memory. We then showed each one, and talked about our summers. We didn’t quite get to everyone, but we will finish up on Tuesday.
Then it was time for lunch and recess, and then back to the room, where we read a book by a local author, Phyllis Root. The book was Aunt Nancy and Cousin Lazybones. Then it was up to music for class with Mr. Hofmann.
When we got back down to the room, we had Math – we read a math book called Anno’s Counting Book. After we gave our room a quick cleaning, we had a little free art time, and then headed down to the playground for a surprise extra recess. By the time we got back up to the room, it was time to pack up and head out!!
After Reading, we had Writer’s Workshop, and I taught the kids a lesson about going back to previous pieces of writing and adding details to make the story richer. The kids then had a lot of good writing time – their writing will make you proud!
After writing, we had a bit of time for another room decoration project – the kids each decorated a paper t-shirt with a favorite summer memory. We then showed each one, and talked about our summers. We didn’t quite get to everyone, but we will finish up on Tuesday.
Then it was time for lunch and recess, and then back to the room, where we read a book by a local author, Phyllis Root. The book was Aunt Nancy and Cousin Lazybones. Then it was up to music for class with Mr. Hofmann.
When we got back down to the room, we had Math – we read a math book called Anno’s Counting Book. After we gave our room a quick cleaning, we had a little free art time, and then headed down to the playground for a surprise extra recess. By the time we got back up to the room, it was time to pack up and head out!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Another great day in Room 240!!
After the kids had a bit of independent reading time to begin the day, we had morning meeting. After meeting, we began Reader’s Workshop, in which we talked about the tools that people use in various jobs, and then talked about the tools that we use in Reader’s Workshop, and how to take care of them, especially books.
After Reader’s Workshop, we did a “room decorating project” to beautify our room a bit. Each student cut out an outline of a person, and then dressed him/her with scraps of fabric glued on and cut to fit. They then each drew on a face – they turned out really cute, if we do say so ourselves. ☺
We then had Writer’s Workshop, and then kids learned about how to choose an idea to write about. They then had the choice to either continue with a story that they began yesterday or begin a new one.
After writing, it was time for lunch and recess, and then back up to the room to finish the Nate the Great story that we are reading – ask your child how Nate solved the case! Then it was off to the gym for P.E. with Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson. On Thursdays we have class with Mrs. Lasser’s class, so the kids got to see some old kindergarten friends.
When we got back up to our room, we did our monthly self-portrait for September, which will be hanging up in the room – and we will add to it each month for a really fun collection at the end of the year. After that, we had Math Workshop, in which the kids experimented with Math Tools again.
After math, we did science, and we got out the worms and the magnifying glasses again. This time, the kids were scientists and drew and wrote down their observations on a recording sheet.
After all of that (WHEW!), it was time to pack up and get ready to go!
After the kids had a bit of independent reading time to begin the day, we had morning meeting. After meeting, we began Reader’s Workshop, in which we talked about the tools that people use in various jobs, and then talked about the tools that we use in Reader’s Workshop, and how to take care of them, especially books.
After Reader’s Workshop, we did a “room decorating project” to beautify our room a bit. Each student cut out an outline of a person, and then dressed him/her with scraps of fabric glued on and cut to fit. They then each drew on a face – they turned out really cute, if we do say so ourselves. ☺
We then had Writer’s Workshop, and then kids learned about how to choose an idea to write about. They then had the choice to either continue with a story that they began yesterday or begin a new one.
After writing, it was time for lunch and recess, and then back up to the room to finish the Nate the Great story that we are reading – ask your child how Nate solved the case! Then it was off to the gym for P.E. with Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson. On Thursdays we have class with Mrs. Lasser’s class, so the kids got to see some old kindergarten friends.
When we got back up to our room, we did our monthly self-portrait for September, which will be hanging up in the room – and we will add to it each month for a really fun collection at the end of the year. After that, we had Math Workshop, in which the kids experimented with Math Tools again.
After math, we did science, and we got out the worms and the magnifying glasses again. This time, the kids were scientists and drew and wrote down their observations on a recording sheet.
After all of that (WHEW!), it was time to pack up and get ready to go!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Another busy, but very good, day in Room 240. To begin the day, we had independent reading time, followed by Morning Meeting. The kids had a chance to share something if they wished, and several did.
After Morning Meeting, we had Reader’s Workshop. Today the lesson was about what the classroom should look and sound like during Read-Aloud. The kids also learned about what their “inside the head jobs” to do while they are listening to a story are: thinking, asking themselves questions, paying attention, and predicting. Then I read them an Amelia Bedelia book, which, as you can guess, involves a fair amount of predicting. We then closed up Reader’s Workshop by recapping the skills that they learned today.
After Reader’s Workshop, we had a short break and then we had Writer’s Workshop for the first time. I taught the kids how to begin a story – so many of them are already great writers! They all wrote for about 20 minutes – I can’t wait to read their writing tonight!
After Writer’s Workshop, the kids had a little free art time – they got to draw whatever they liked before lunch and recess.
When we got back from lunch and recess, we had a little bit of time to continue reading the Nate the Great book that we began yesterday, and then we headed up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
After art, we had math, and continued with the explorations of math tools that we stated yesterday.
To wrap up the day, we had science, and we generated a list of questions about our worms. Then, each student got a magnifying glass and a partner, and then observed one of the worms with their magnifying glass. After examining two different worms, we discussed their research findings – they came up with some very interesting observations about the worms, as you can guess.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
After Morning Meeting, we had Reader’s Workshop. Today the lesson was about what the classroom should look and sound like during Read-Aloud. The kids also learned about what their “inside the head jobs” to do while they are listening to a story are: thinking, asking themselves questions, paying attention, and predicting. Then I read them an Amelia Bedelia book, which, as you can guess, involves a fair amount of predicting. We then closed up Reader’s Workshop by recapping the skills that they learned today.
After Reader’s Workshop, we had a short break and then we had Writer’s Workshop for the first time. I taught the kids how to begin a story – so many of them are already great writers! They all wrote for about 20 minutes – I can’t wait to read their writing tonight!
After Writer’s Workshop, the kids had a little free art time – they got to draw whatever they liked before lunch and recess.
When we got back from lunch and recess, we had a little bit of time to continue reading the Nate the Great book that we began yesterday, and then we headed up to the art room for class with Mr. Fairbanks.
After art, we had math, and continued with the explorations of math tools that we stated yesterday.
To wrap up the day, we had science, and we generated a list of questions about our worms. Then, each student got a magnifying glass and a partner, and then observed one of the worms with their magnifying glass. After examining two different worms, we discussed their research findings – they came up with some very interesting observations about the worms, as you can guess.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head out!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First Day of School!!
Welcome to the blog - I will try to update it every day, so that you can have some insight into what we arre up to in school, and hopefully have a little information to use to pry details out of your child (I know that's a challenge in my house...)
Today was a bit of a whirlwind, as I'm sure you can imagine. We were very busy, and it seems like the day really flew by. When the kids first arrived, they worked on the name plate that they took home today - they were to draw their favorite animal and their favorite sport in the upper corners, and their favorite food and their age in the lower corners. Each child then had the chance to share their work, so that we could all get to know each other a bit better.
We also had a bit of a chance to learn some of the procedures and rules for the classroom - we spent a good deal of the morning working on things like lining up, walking in the halls, raising hands, and the like. The kids also got to meet *most* of the 500 pets that we will have - they are red wiggler worms, that we will use to compost food waste. There is some good information about worm composting here and here, if you're interested, and our worm bin looks like this. Worms will be the first science unit that we will do this year - you will probably hear way too much about worms in the coming weeks.
We has Reader's Workshop in the morning as well - the kids learned about the workshop format (opening meeting, work time, and then closing meeting). The kids got to read independently during work time today.
After all of that, we went down to the lunchroom and goot everyone to successfully navigate the lunch line - then the kids went out for recess (as the process gets smoother, the recess time will be longer).
When we got back in, we had a bit of time for Read-Aloud - we started to read Nate the Great and the Fishy Clue. Then it was off to the Media Center for our time there with Mrs. Hennen. When we got back from Media, we (finally) unpacked our backpacks and bags of supplies, and put them where they belong. The kids also loaded up a homework supplies box, that they can use for their homework. I asked them to find their "homework space" at home and put the box there.
After the unpacking, we had Math Workshop. This workshop uses the same format as Reader's Workshop, and today the kids got to explore using math tools - dominoes, pattern blocks, multi-fix cubes, square tiles, and wooden blocks.
After we got cleaned up, it was time to get organized to go home - get the Take-Home Folders passed out, backpacks packed, and all lined up in order. Then, it was time to go!!
Today was a bit of a whirlwind, as I'm sure you can imagine. We were very busy, and it seems like the day really flew by. When the kids first arrived, they worked on the name plate that they took home today - they were to draw their favorite animal and their favorite sport in the upper corners, and their favorite food and their age in the lower corners. Each child then had the chance to share their work, so that we could all get to know each other a bit better.
We also had a bit of a chance to learn some of the procedures and rules for the classroom - we spent a good deal of the morning working on things like lining up, walking in the halls, raising hands, and the like. The kids also got to meet *most* of the 500 pets that we will have - they are red wiggler worms, that we will use to compost food waste. There is some good information about worm composting here and here, if you're interested, and our worm bin looks like this. Worms will be the first science unit that we will do this year - you will probably hear way too much about worms in the coming weeks.
We has Reader's Workshop in the morning as well - the kids learned about the workshop format (opening meeting, work time, and then closing meeting). The kids got to read independently during work time today.
After all of that, we went down to the lunchroom and goot everyone to successfully navigate the lunch line - then the kids went out for recess (as the process gets smoother, the recess time will be longer).
When we got back in, we had a bit of time for Read-Aloud - we started to read Nate the Great and the Fishy Clue. Then it was off to the Media Center for our time there with Mrs. Hennen. When we got back from Media, we (finally) unpacked our backpacks and bags of supplies, and put them where they belong. The kids also loaded up a homework supplies box, that they can use for their homework. I asked them to find their "homework space" at home and put the box there.
After the unpacking, we had Math Workshop. This workshop uses the same format as Reader's Workshop, and today the kids got to explore using math tools - dominoes, pattern blocks, multi-fix cubes, square tiles, and wooden blocks.
After we got cleaned up, it was time to get organized to go home - get the Take-Home Folders passed out, backpacks packed, and all lined up in order. Then, it was time to go!!
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