Apples All Around

So we have done a lot with apples lately. We explored last week by making observations, weighing, measuring, and tasting. Monday, we compared our observations about apples and fresh, chunky applesauce. Wednesday, we tasted apples in their liquid form as apple cider. Today, we read a mini-book called "Apples All Around" in two of our small reading groups. The strategy was supposed to be "using picture clues" to figure out unknown words. Well, you have to be flexible when working with young people. They kept reading it as "Apples are"...here and there page after page. Page after page I reminded them to read the words that were on the page. Then a light-bulb comes on in my head. They are, unknowingly, using the "Does it sound right?" strategy. It didn't sound right because it was phrases instead of sentences. They wanted to hear it as sentences. So what do you think we did? Of course, we added the word "are" appropriately to each page and reread the book. It made me smile. Awesome day!

A Spectacular Day for Learning Science

We had so much fun. We first collaborated with classmates to identify the 3 states of matter, the characteristics that define them, and examples of each. Then we made Jello. We discovered that Jello disappears in water, but in the language of scientists it really "dissolves". And in the language of scientists, steam is called "water vapor". We predicted that the Jello would change from a liquid to a solid if we chilled it. We were correct. Then we had to use Mama's rule to split our pieces of Jello with our partners. One child cut, the partner picked their piece, and nobody argued. Math and science are so much fun.

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.