How to Make a Class Silent

My class this year LOVES art.  Oh my, I have never experienced pure silence with a class of first graders!  The first time it happened with an art project inspired by the book Ish.  I thought to myself, "Huh, they really like this project."  Then, I introduced them to the surrealist artist, Joan Miro.  We discussed his life and looked at some works of art.  They were impressed by his use of lines and bold colors.  Then, we proceeded to make a rendition of his piece called "People and Dog in Sun."  Absolute silence as they worked.  WOW!  A-mazing!  Here is an example made by me and some student examples:

My example

Hard at work

Time for color!



As one student finished, he exclaimed, "Phew!  That was hard work!"  Then, he gave me a big, satisfied smile.  Made my day.  LOVE it!
Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs: Week of 10/3-10/7

I have been so excited to observe the students this year with our new math tub activities.  Every day I see students engaged in these hands on math activities with excitement.  Here's a quick note to parents: the students have an opportunity to complete one math tub a day with the exception of Wednesdays (there's just no time for tubs).  At the end of the week, I try to give some students time for make-up and review, but it doesn't always happen.  So, the students turn in whatever work they have done.  When I correct their work, you will sometimes see that I have written "unfinished" at the end of the week.  If you observe a lot of these papers, you may want to have a discussion with your child about using their time wisely at school. In the classroom, I will pick and choose what is most important to finish in class.  I want them to complete math tubs, but these activities are already in addition to our district adopted math program.  Therefore, if I see the students practicing hands on in class, that may be enough for me.  You know, sometimes you just have to pick your battles.  Thanks for listening and here are this week's tubs!

Roll, Order, Write

Less Than/ More Than Candy Jars (YUM!)

Calculating Sums (They LOVE the calculator.)

3 Way Apple Math

I love these math tubs!  The kiddos are challenged and engaged.  Have fun peeking!

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs: Week of 9/26-9/30

It's almost the end of another school week, but I wanted to show you these fun math tubs.  The students have been busy learning about so many math concepts already!  We are sprinkling apple activities throughout the week and into next week until it's time to turn into pumpkins.  Enjoy! 
Here, a student is working on addition skills with an individual game called Shake Those Beans!.  This other student is finding missing numbers in a sequence of three numbers.

Here is an introduction to even and odd numbers on apple trees.  They also solved Apple Pie Addition problems.

Have a great weekend!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Happy Birthday, Johnny Appleseed!

Today, the students participated in a Johnny Appleseed Extravaganza to celebrate his birthday.  They rotated through five parent led, apple themed centers in the morning period.  Look at all our exciting activities!  Thank you to the parent volunteers in helping out with these centers.  The kids had a blast.

 The students are working on Apple Math Hats.  Here is a student sporting her new fashionable wear!

 Apple Tasting was a highlight.  They tasted apple cider, apple sauce, apple butter, dried apple, and apple chips!  The precious ones also worked on Apple Science.  They drew a diagram, weighed, and measured the circumference of an apple.



They also made Apple Turnovers.  I sent the recipe home with the students today.  You'll have to try them for an easy dessert some time.  Finally, they practiced patterning by making an Apple Jack Necklace.

The students truly had great time.  Thanks again for all the volunteers. 

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Inspiration

So, I have been teaching since I graduated from UC Davis many years ago.  I have always loved working with kids of all ages.  Each school year has never been the same, and each school year I look to improve my teaching.  This year, I have discovered crazy teacher blogs that have inspired me.  Here's a quick thank you to The First Grade Parade, Fun N First, and One Extra Degree.  Thanks for the ideas, ladies!

Would You Trade Your Kids?!

Ha! Ha!  Got your attention?  No "real" trading going on here, but the students and I thought about a similar topic today.  We read the book Would I Trade My Parents?  by Laura Numeroff that followed a young boy's observations of families and their special qualities. With each family, he wishes that his parents would...let him have chocolate milk before dinner or let him have a dog.  In the end, he realizes that his family is also special and he wouldn't trade them either.

After reading the book, the students wrote about their own families. I was amazed by the students thoughtful and humorous points of view.  Most of all, I can tell that all these precious ones feel very loved at home.  Thanks for doing a wonderful job, families!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs for 9/19-9/23 and Reading Centers

We have been busy with lots of real school now.  The students have been working hard learning new routines, new skills, and gaining more independence.  We are completing brand new math tubs this week.



Ordering Numbers



On and Off: Combinations for 8-12

Pattern Block Designs

All Boxed Up!

Students are excited about math tubs, and I love that they are receiving necessary practice and review!  Here's a quick sneak peek at reading centers in my class completed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

These precious ones are busy concentrating on stamping words, seatwork, phonics wheel, and a counting turtles minibook.  Hope you enjoyed a window into Room 12.  We LOVE first grade!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht