What are we thankful for?

First graders have been working on a small writing project about things we are thankful for.  We had so many things, it was hard to narrow it down to our top 5!  Each learner thought of 5 things in their lives that they are thankful for. We then attached our writing to our thankful turkeys!  We will be sending them home tomorrow. We know their words will warm your hearts!  

Shelburne Farms Trip

First graders loved exploring farm life at Shelbure Farms as part of our Vermont Farms unit.  We got the chance to step back in time and see what life was like long ago.  First graders had a chance to make candles, feed the chickens, card wool, and make butter.  These were all chores that 6-7 years olds were charged with in the early days.  We also learned how farmers earned money and the met that wants and needs of their families.  

Farm Share Soup

First graders are learning all about CSA's or Community Supported Agriculture as part of our farming unit. The students have been learning that CSA's help farmers get money when they need it, at the being of the planting season.  CSA's also help the consumer get a fresh and diverse mix of produce delivered weekly.   

Our class signed up for a mock CSA.  We paid the farmer (Mr. Berry) for a share of the RES farm crop.   This morning our share basket was delivered to our classroom.  We sorted the share and decided which vegetables should be included in our soup.  we decided to slice and eat the other vegetables raw.  The students enjoyed washing, peeling and chopping all our vegetables.  The soup was delicious!

Informational Text in First Grade

First graders are starting to learn all about informational text.  We are using books, brochures, forms and even an online database.  In the computer lab, learners explored the emergent reader database, Pebble Go! Students read facts about reptiles, birds, mammals and more!  This research is going to help give us ideas as we begin writing our own information texts.  

Authur Juli Brenning Coming to RES

We are delighted to announce that author Juli Brenning will be visiting RES on Wednesday, November 19. Juli will be meeting with kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classes to talk about her writing process and to share her picture book,Maggi and Milo (Dial Books, 2014). More information about Juli and her delightful book is available at www.maggiandmilo.com.

During her visit, Juli will be available to sign books for RES students. If you would like her to sign a book for your child, please purchase a copy of Maggi and Milo from a local bookstore or online (if you use the Amazon link on the RES FOCUS page, it will help support RES activities). Please print out the Author Signing Form linked below, fill it out with your child's information, place it in your child's book, and send them inon Wednesday, November 19. We will return your child's signed book to you that afternoon.

Author Signing Form

If you have any questions about this exciting event, please contact teacher librarian Beth Redford at beth.redford@cesuvt.org or 434-2461. 

Snowboarding at ECHO Lake and Science Center

Today first graders got a chance to learn a little bit about the basics of snowboarding during our visit to ECHO.  Our trip was broken up into 3 parts, the movement of snowboarding, the science behind snowboarding, and free explore of the museum.  

 

During the movement of snowboarding section, students had a chance to practice movements they would be making on the snow if they were snowboarding.

Then we got a chance to learn what makes a snowboard slide the best!  We tested ramp height and surface to find the best combination.  

We also got to explore the other  ECHO exhibits.