A Week In Review

This week we continued to get to know each other. Here is a scavenger hunt. There was much collaboration, and plenty of comparing answers.

We did some draw and writes to accompany a reading of Eric Carle's A Very Hungry Caterpillar

We started a Cooperation Coloring Project. I'll post the final puzzle when it's finished.

Exploring the math manipulaitves is always fun.

We read I Drew A Yellow Unicorn, a poem by Jack Prelutsky. This is a class of imaginative artists. They drew fantastic images and then wrote their own poems.

Our daily reflections, when we remember, are starting to show more specifics on the day's activities.

It was a great week. Looking forward to getting our routines down, writer's workshop up and running, and building more connections during Number Corner. What was your favorite part of the week?

Finally two pictures I couldn't help but publish.


Look at this creative take on building a structure...

...and this fabulous drawing! GO BEAVS!

Reading

Reading is one of my favorite things to teach. I try to make sure students get as much exposure to quality literature as possible.

In the beginning of the year students are eager to get their hands on the hundreds, if not thousands of books in our library. Week 2 started off with much exploration in the Library, and reading with friends.

Then we got our book boxes and started building our reading stamina with Read to Self the first phase of our reading structure called The Daily 5.
It is a fabulous structure created by 2 sisters, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. For more information about The Daily 5 and the 2 Sisters click the links above.

Before starting we brainstormed what Read To Self would look like, and sound like in Room 9. The class decided Read to Self expectations are:
Get Started Right Away
Read The Whole Time
Stay In One Spot
Read At A Level 0 Voice.
We were able to read following these behaviors for 5 minutes! It might not sound like much now but keep checking back to track how our reading stamina grows.

Here's a look at everything we read this week. We also started Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. Ask about it. We only read the first chapter but oh it's a good one!

Room 9 Publishing

Finally got a photo of our first published work based on The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.

The class had plenty of connections to how the main character felt on his first day of school.

Wow we made it!

What a week. As Friday came to a close, and I sprayed sticky popsicle covered hands in the sweltering September heat I felt a calm sense of satisfaction about our first week together, but also one of mild panic as I thought of everything we have to accomplish this year. Here are some highlights of the week.

Once the dust settled we discovered our final count; 27 students, many different languages, and a lot of different learning styles. We practiced procedures, like walking in the hall.

We added some color to the classroom...

...talked about respect and what it looks like at school...

...read many books. We even published one too but I forgot to take a picture of it.

We explored math materials and worked together.

This is a Rhinocerous.

We always do lots of math week one. Here is our "Getting to School" graph, the observations we made, and the vocabulary we discussed: more, most, greatest, least, less.

Finally we started the very important process of reflecting on the day. Right now it's rather simple but it will become more complex as the year goes on, and serve as one of the foundations of this blog.

Everyone was very excited so see photos of the classroom on the internet when I introduced the blog this week. They are quite enthusiastic about sharing their learning with their families through this medium. Cheers to an exhausting but fulfilling, and fun first week.

Here we go...

Here it is friends, the final product. I am so thrilled by the layout of the room this year. We have a lot of space for getting comfy to read, spreading out to work on projects, and maximum movability so everyone can maintain personal space. Sorry for the blurry photos, I am still getting used to my phone.

Our journey together begins now...

Number Corner

Cafe Menu and reading/meeting area. Ahhh reading. I have so many read alouds planned for the first week.

Look at my clean and neat desk. That wont last long for sure.

Morning message for day 1.

We have 3 class computers this year.

Look at all your seats.

Cozy fiction library...

and very well organized.

Non-Fiction Library

Writing process wall

Reading Buddies!

Finally, my teacher center. This is where all the magic is kept.

See you all soon.

Back To School BBQ

The Back To School BBQ was a huge success! There were so many families present. It was great to meet a few families and get to know a few of the faces that will be in Room 9.

Many parents asked about the supply list. I didn't have one and neither did the office! Here is the list for all of you so you can get ready for the first day of school.

GRADE 1/2
2 boxes Crayola Brand (16) crayons (reg. size
– NOT jumbo)
36 pencils – plain yellow #2 Wood pencils
(sharpened)
10 glue sticks
l pr. pointed (sharp) (left handed if needed)
child scissors
1 lg. box facial tissue
4 erasers (pink)
2 sets (8) large tip washable basic color
markers
1paint set water colors- Crayola Brand
1 backpack
1 pkg. of dry erase markers
1 ream of white copy paper
1 pkg. of fine tip black sharpies
1 set colored pencils
1 pack vis-a-vis wet erase markers
1 spiral notebook
2 Containers of disinfectant wipes
3 pocket folders: Red/Yellow/Blue
1st. Grade: PLEASE DO NOT MARK
SUPPLIES WITH NAMES: THEY WILL
BE POOLED TOGETHER
FOREVERYONE’S USE.


Get all those pencils sharpened...I will see you soon!