Place value

We are continuing to get a better handle on place value. Students are understanding the value of the digits in two digit numbers, using tens and ones. We have been modeling this using ten sticks and ones, the smart board and the number pieces app. They are able to represent and draw the value of two digit numbers and write it in expanded form(ex. 4 tens and 5 ones would be 40+5=45). We are using math talk to have rich discussions on being able to compare numbers using place value. 

Starting this quarter we have the help of three math support teachers. They are splitting up first grade classes to teach in another classroom. All students are receiving the same core lesson. This benefits all of first grade because it reduces our class sizes to around 15 students in a math class during this time. Having smaller groups is a more effective use of instructional time to best support all students! 

First quarter recap

We have had a great first quarter together! 

Here is a look at some of the literacy stations; buddy reading(asking and answering questions), word work (focused on word families), writing, and responding to reading. 

In science we learned how to compare and measure. 

In math we learned how addition and subtraction are related. We just started learning about place value for two digit numbers. 

We worked on small moments stories in writing. Below Hunter is planning his "big watermelon moment" and choosing one of the seeds(details) to focus on for his writing. In literacy, we focused on what makes a good reader and strategies to solve tricky words. Below Saffie and Kyiara are recording their voices while reading to work on fluency. When they hear back how they are reading they can reflect on if they are using expression and reading fluently. 

We've had lunch bunch groups, lots of dance breaks, and learned(as Madison's shirt says) that first grade rocks!!  I've loved getting to know your children these first nine weeks and I'm already seeing such growth. 

All About Me projects

Check out the first tech project from the beginning of the year

We are leaders and good sports

A huge part of the beginning of the school year is establishing a positive classroom environment and giving students an active role in doing so. The class created their own class mission to live by daily that "they are leaders and good sports." Students were each given a special leadership role and were able to apply for a new role this past Friday. They had to give a speech to the class to tell them why they'd be a good fit for their leadership role and how they would show responsibility in their new role. 

Classroom routines and expectations have been set and they are now given more responsibility to follow them. Students are now leading the morning meeting and helping lead classroom discussions, such as math talk. 

Leaders are often recognized and rewarded:) We have leaders of the week for each habit. Once all students receive leader of the week for all 7 habits  the class earns an ice cream sundae party. At the beginning of every week students get to "cash out" their dojo points from the previous week at otter den. There are small trinket items the can buy or they can buy special rewards such as; no HW pass, lunch with the teacher, teachers assistant for 15 min, play the wii with staff member, etc! 

First tech project

We started simple with our first tech integration project. Students created "all about me" collages to teach others more about themselves and get comfortable navigating the devices. 

A look into lit

Here's a look at our literacy stations. We follow the daily five, incorporating; writing, reading, listening, word work and buddy reading into the literacy block. After read to self students work on retelling the beginning, middle and end in their notebooks. Word work activities follow the letter land pacing and vary. Below they are using magnet letters on iPads to create words in the word family provided. In writing, students are given a prompt to independently respond to. For listen to reading they go on mobymax.com where they read a story at their level and have to respond to questions. During guided reading they are grouped by ability to work on the strategies necessary to help build their reading skills.

I know, it's about time!

Now that we are halfway into the first quarter I figured it was time to post!! There has been a lot of fun and a lot of learning happening! Below is a look at math stations during the first few weeks. We focused on being able to count to 120, number sense(one more, one less) and being able to add and subtract with in 20. We are now working on using a variety of strategies to solve math word problems for addition, subtraction and partner unknown equations. We are also looking at how addition and subtraction are related.