Our Class Rules

How did twenty first graders create their class rules?

First they brainstormed what they wanted.

Then they read a book, Flight School, to inspire them to create a hope and dream for the year. They discussed how a penguin set a goal and never gave up. He kept trying and believing in himself.

They used new materials (scissors and glue sticks) to create a display of their hopes and dreams. They shared their goals for the year and celebrated their thoughtfulness.

 

They answered the question: "If we want all of our hopes and dreams to come true, what do we need to do? What rules do we need so that can happen?" They brainstormed a long list.

Then they realized there were three categories of rules - rules about themselves, each other, and materials. They sorted the rules into the categories and created big names for each rule.

 They signed the class rules to show they could (and would try) to follow them.

They worked in groups to show what the different rules would look like, sound like, and feel like.

And....voila! Twenty first graders created their class rules.

Ask your first grader for an example of what it would look like, sound like, or feel like when s/he follows a rule!

Using Read Alouds to Learn

Every book we read has a purpose. This week, the books we read launched us into discussions and projects about our classroom community.

Have you ever been hurt? This week we read Chrysanthemum and Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Both characters are faced with problems that could make them feel hurt, so how do they overcome those problems?

We each bravely drew and labeled a time when we felt hurt. Then we sorted our illustrations into "Feelings Hurt" and "Body Hurt." Some ideas fit into both categories! Then we brainstormed ways to react to the examples in these categories.

We read Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship and discussed what it means to be a "good sport." There were so many ideas about when and where you could be a good sport, as well as what it would look like and sound like. We each contributed an illustration to show an example of being a good sport. Ask your first grader how s/he can be a good sport!

First Grade Explorers

We revealed a lot of new materials this week! We shared observations about the materials, how we could use them, and how we could take care of them. We created, learned, and explored together! Check out the pictures and questions below with you first grader to find out more...

What can you create with the math materials?

- Base 10 Blocks, Connecting Cubes, Geoblocks, and Pattern Blocks -

Why do we use Privacy Shields?

How can we use Magnetic Letter Boards?

What kind of books do you like?

What was your favorite material this week?

First Week!

Wow, what a great first week! We explored with lots of new materials this week. We tried new and creative ways to use materials, discussed how to take care of them, and shared our creations! Ask your first grader what his/her favorite material is so far.

Week 2, here we come!

Thank You!

A big "THANK YOU" for all of the family support this week. I was happy to meet everyone at our conferences and see so many families at our get-together. I know summer is a busy season, but the kids had a great time seeing new and old friends, munching on goldfish, and previewing our classroom.

We'll have many other opportunities to connect this year and I appreciate the participation and communication already! Our connections will make a huge difference in your child's school year.

Let's enjoy the last few days of summer and I'll see you all on the first day of school. :) Mrs. Burns

Welcome to Our Class Blog!

We will use our blog a lot this year! We'll use it to share photos, videos, and information on the academic and social happenings in our room.  You can always "Post a Comment" to share your positive thinking on the updates. 

Did you know you can subscribe to our posts? That means that any time something new is posted, you'll get a notification via email. You can also "unsubscribe" whenever you choose. Check it out on the right side bar ("Updates via Email")!

Let me know if you have any questions! :)

Back-to-School Get Together!

Please stop by the Thatcher Brook Playground between 4:30-6:00 pm on Thursday, August 20th for our Back-To-School Get Together! There isn't a presentation planned; just a time for kids to come and play, for parents to ask questions, get to know each other, and get to know me! See you there!