It was such a nice brain workout going outside to practice counting backward from 30. We used our outside voices to help us practice. Not often is an outside voice a "good" thing. It was Friday afternoon.

August Already?!

It is hard to believe that it is August already. I have done a lot of reading. How about you? I have worked in my flowerbeds and played in the pool, too. What have you been up to this summer? In addition to these fun summer activities, I have tried my hand at being a carpenter, electrician, inventor, seamstress, and a writer. Have you tried anything NEW on your vacation? Well, for the next 3 Mondays, I get to play student because I have classes to take in preparation for this school year. I am looking forward to meeting you. Enjoy the rest of the summer and don't forget to enjoy some good books.

Back on Line

We're back on-line. I like the technology as an option to stay in contact with my students and their families. Please follow the blog and feel free to post your comments. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Let's start with your plans for summer. I'm going to do some reading, some gardening, and some playing in the pool.

Impressive Math

I'm impressed with the math brain power in my room this year. The students have come up with some very unique ways to express 114 for the 114th Day. You must keep in mind that these are 1st graders and they are doing the computations in their heads. I would never have thought of 10x10+20-6=114. When young minds are left to explore alternative ideas, they will surprise you. What would you give as an equivalent name for 114?

Sustainability as an Everyday Thought

I am very proud of my students' thinking in terms of sustainability. It has become part of our daily language. I will be reading a book that truly has nothing to do with a lesson on sustainability, and my students will raise their hands to point out something in the picture or the story words that is related to sustainability. For example, I was reading Go to Sleep, Groundhog! when Sam discovered on the very first page that the groundhog was brushing his teeth with the water running down the drain. Then as part of their Gifted Resource lesson later that day, many of them were sorted pictures according to recycle categories (paper, plastic, metal), nature things, reusable things, things that once lived. It is very inspiring. Just think about how much ties into being a sustainable planet everyday.

Grant Award

1st grade received a grant for $900 from the Virginia Beach Education Foundation and underwritten by Lifetouch. The money is for purchasing digital cameras so that the students can take pictures of seasonal changes, patterns in nature, and explorations of the Frog Bog outdoor classroom. The pictures will be used to help the students to make a stronger connection with their studies and their writting. We will also be using the cameras to create our Earth Day celebration presentation. I cannot wait to see how their perspective changes as they look at their own pictures and focus in on pieces of their surroundings. What would you look for in nature?

Fall Festival

Fall Festival was fabulous as usual. I just wanted to share a few conservation notes about it. The PTA used can drinks this year so the cans could be recycled and paper plates instead of styrofoam. I am very proud of them for making the switch. The paper won't take as long to decompose as the styrofoam, so it is a better choice. Thank you PTA! I was pleased to see students who made their costumes or reused a sibling's old costume. It makes for a great tradition to create your own outfit. By the way, how do you like my newspaper dress? It is totally recycable. Finally, I want to thank everyone who was interested in the pop-top earrings and cork board that were part of the raffles. I am thrilled to know that you are as interested in reusing things as I am. It is a rewarding feeling. So if you are doing something at your house for conservation that you think is worthy of mentioning, let us know. I have heard some wonderful stories of how we have inspired families in the community to conserve and rethink how they do things. Just post a comment.