Science Matters!

So, the students have officially started their first science unit.  We began by discussing what is a scientist, then launched into making our first scientific predictions.  I had the students make their best predictions and answer the question: What is matter?  Here is a list of their answers:

• a feeling
• future
• when we collect data
• doesn't "matter"
• something needs to happen
• can't touch poisonous leaves
• liquid, solid, air
• another word for what happened
• mistake
• being nice and helpful
• camouflaging
• measuring 

LOVE IT!  They were so willing to put themselves out there and take risks.  We finished off the discussion with a 20 Questions game, and we discovered that everything is made of MATTER!  This Friday, we launch ourselves into properties of matter.  Did you ever think your first grader would be learning about such things?!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

No, David!

We just completed a project based on the books by David Shannon called No, David!, David Gets in Trouble, and David Goes to School. 

Then, we discussed ways to be Peacemakers vs. Peacebreakers.  David is a great example of a peacebreaker.  After that, the students made their own Davids and wrote about how they can be a peacemaker.  These projects turned out so cute, and I was so happy to hear of all the wonderful peacemaker ideas they shared.

Here's one example of a student's David and their peacemaker idea!  Talk with your child about how they can be a peacemaker at home.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs!

I have started something new this year, Math Tubs.  Each week the students will visit four interactive math activies, in addition to our regular Everyday Math Program. I have made it a point to not show student faces to protect their privacy.  I am so excited about these activities because they have immediately caught the interest of the students.  Here's a few pictures of this week's tubs.

Here are a few students working on patterning with school supply pictures.

Watermelon Math Addition, so fun!



Count Those Things!  Counting and grouping larger numbers.



I can't take all the credit for these ideas.  Mrs. Carroll from a blog site called First Grade Parade has given me much inspiration.  I hope you enjoy occasional sneak peeks into our world.  I am very new to blogging, though and my uncontrolled enthusiasm to post things may wane during the school year as things get more busy.  However, I hope to keep you more informed with bits of information through this medium.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Back to School Night Success!

Thank you parents for attending last night's Back to School Night.  I hope you found the session informative and helpful.  I am truly so excited about all the activities I have planned for your children this year.  The volunteer sign up will be on the door bright and early.  If you missed a chance to sign-up, no worries.  Email me your desires to help and I'll see where you might fit in.  I always need help as the year continues and the special events start to pile up!

Just quick reminder:  I am sending home the first speech project called All About Me today.  It is due the week of September 26-30.  Daily Homework will be begin Monday, September 19th.

Thanks,

Mrs. Sienknecht