Week 1

Some highlights from Week 1 in Room 112:

We talked about and practiced reading to self. The students chose spots around the room where they could read successfully to themselves and they learned about the 3 ways to read books (read the pictures, read the words, retell the story). Just like with running, or physical activity, reading takes stamina. The students will continue to read to self in short increments to help build their stamina and turn them into voracious readers!

Along with learning about the different ways to read books, we talked about how to pick a book that is just right. In our discussion we talked about a book not being too hard, not too easy, but just right. The students made a connection to the infamous tale of Goldilocks and her search for "just right." Finding that just right book is critical when developing a love for reading and I can't wait for each first grader to be able to find their Goldilocks book!

For math this week, the students were exploring the math tools that we will be using this year. It is pretty incredible to see their creativity when working with the math manipulatives. Students are recognizing and building patterns, identifying shapes, counting and adding. The students also learned about ten frames and how to use them for addition. We played a matching game where students with equations had to find the insect ten frame that matched their equation and the first grade mathematicians all found their matches in less than 2 minutes!

We ended the week with the start of a Stephenson Lion art project (that turned out great so far), and a class promise that we all made together and signed.

It was a great week in Room 112!