Veterans Day

Today, I decided to introduce Veterans Day to my class.  In the past, I have not taught the meaning of this holiday to the students in much detail because I was afraid they would not be able to grasp so many unknown concepts.  I don't know what really possessed me to try this year, but my confidence grew as I saw other teacher blogs sharing their projects and power point presentations.  I read about some ways to introduce the idea simply and with such ease!  So, after lunch, I confidently walked my class in from recess and was determined to have a great discussion on Veterans Day armed with my simple Veterans Day Holiday book in hand.

Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?  I was so naive!  The discussion started out wonderfully.  I read the first page of the book and it spoke about honoring the people in the armed forces and named the different groups.  It spoke of celebrating the national holiday.  Then, I stopped to ask the students, "Did you hear me read any words that you know?"  (Looking for national, holiday, army, navy...you get it.)  Most students understood and I was sooo delighted. Then, I called on one student and she said, "Mermaids!"  (hmmm....maybe we're not getting this)  Then, another student said, "Christmas?"  Uh-oh.

I steered the class quickly away from Christmas and mermaids and brought the class back from "dancing sugar plums."  Our final discussion was who is a veteran.  I named my dad who served in the army.  Other students spoke about their grandfather or uncle.  Yeah!  We're on topic.  A hand raised up.  I called on the student that said excitedly, "Every Thursday, I go to the Navy!"  Hmmm...I am going to have to work on this lesson for next year.

On the other hand, it gave me a good giggle inside!  Thanks for peeking.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs: Week of 10/31-11/4

Here I am!  I have returned to tell you about this week's math tubs.  In our math adopted program, the students are learning about reading the half hour on an analog clock.  We have also added dimes to our coin jar and are practicing counting coin combinations.  Please practice this skill at home.  It is also a good idea to give your child some practice in using money at a store.  Allowing them to purchase a small item will help them understand the monetary system.
Now, here's our math tubs...


Nickel Penny Grab (counting combinations)



Pumpkin Number Compare (greater and less than)



Fall Graphing



Scarecrow Sort (addition and subtraction practice)













We only have a few more weeks of pumpkins and fall, then we move on into winter!  Time is flying fast.  Enjoy peeking!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht 

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Our class went to the MEF Pumpkin Patch on Friday, October 21st.  We wore our brand new leaf t-shirts, took our empty backpacks and walked to the pumpkin patch at 8:25 in the morning.  When we arrived, parent volunteers cheerfully greeted us.  Our class walked through the Haunted Trail, took pictures as the "Five Little Pumpkins," and heard a story.  THEN, we picked our own pumpkins to take home.

 

 

 

Finally, some of you may have noticed a young tag-along girl.  Her name is Miss Trang Nguyen.  She is observing and helping in the classroom on Friday mornings.  She is also a former third grade student of mine!  Yes, she is now attending SJSU and wants to become a teacher.  <<happy sigh>>  I am so proud of her.

 Hope you enjoyed your little pumpkins at the patch!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Turning Over a New Leaf. . .T-shirt

Good evening!  Here is a quick look at our first t-shirt project of the year.  Thank you to Mr. Hendricks and Ms. Tracy for helping the class create these beautiful t-shirts.  We started with "Going on a Leaf Hunt."  We chose leaves with interesting outlines and good veins.  After returning to the classroom, the students chose four leaves to paint using acrylics with textile medium.  Then, the leaves were pressed onto the t-shirt.  Ta-Da!  A first grade fall t-shirt completed!  The students had fun choosing leaves and colors for their shirts. 

Now, all the students will sport their new fall t-shirts on the walking field trip to the pumpkin patch.  We'll be a good looking pile of leaves! 

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Shadows

The class has been working hard on special projects, beginning flex groups, and just a lot of work.  So, we had a few minutes at the end of the school day to decompress after a busy afternoon with computer lab, then library time.  After packing up, I took the students outside and they traced each other's shadows and decorated them.  They were so creative and happy.  Here's a few snaps I took:

Strike a Pose!

Getting Creative

Finished Product

A busy morning plus a busy afternoon deserves a "little" bit of fun and relaxation. 

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht


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