Weeks 1-3

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WEEKS 1-3

We have had a wonderful beginning of the school year. I am very thankful for the beautiful temperatures we've had. It has allowed us to be outside throughout the day--playing, learning, and doing cooperative games. We have such a sweet group of kids in our class and I know it is going to be a wonderful year.

Here is a brief recap of some of the highlights of the last three weeks:

During the first week, we learned about the difference between "fairness" and "equity."

Filled out surveys of our interests. 

Worked on the self-portraits that will be hung outside the door to our classroom.

Started reading Pippi Longstocking.

Discussed what it means to have a "growth mindset." We watched a short film called Piper that demonstrates the importance of trying until you get it and finding creative ways to solve a problem. You can see this Pixar short film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPUFUrX5eiQ

Working together in groups to change phrases from "fixed mindset," to "growth mindset."

The first years worked on their handwriting in their new composition notebooks. 

Working on ABC's of Me books

In groups, the students worked together to design and build a tower with index cards. This proved more challenging than we expected, but the students did a beautiful job of working together and demonstrating, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Pink series beginning reading work

The first years are working on their addition facts and exploring some various manipulatives they can use to help them with adding.

The second years are working on multiplication

Four types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory

The one hundred board

Another cooperative challenge: building structures with marshmallows and toothpicks that can support some weight

One new project we've started this year is the Adopt A Tree project. The students each select a tree on the school grounds and will observe it once a month to notice changes that correlate with temperature.

Onto week 4!