What Are Maps For?

As part of our Communtiy unit, our first graders are learning all about maps. We are learning what maps are and why people use them. Today we read the book Mapping Penny's World by Loreen Leedy. This story is a great introduction on beginning mapping skills. Our class then had a chance to create a map of our RES playground! 

Developing a Love of Reading

Our first graders have really developed a love of reading!  It is a top choice in our class for free time. Students have grown to become independent learners during our literacy block.  They know that their job is to become a better reader and they know tasks that will help them do that.  Students are able to pick the task that will help them the most.  Some of our groups have been wrapping up constructed reading responses, while others are practicing fluency.  Here are a few pictures of our learners hard at work.  

Whiffle Ball in PE

Beginning the week of May 18th, 1st graders will be starting a whiffle ball unit in P.E.  We will be focusing on running the bases, throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting.  A combination of whiffle balls and tennis balls will be used to help develop scholars skills. It’s not required to use a glove; however 1st graders are welcome to bring in their gloves from home to use during the unit.

Happy Spring!

Mr. G

Read for 300 Hours = Silly String Mr. Berry

Friday our 1st graders had a huge celebration!  They read for 300 hours and to celebrate we got to Silly String our principal, Mr. Berry.  Each first grader earned their very own can of Silły String to spray at Mr. Berry.  I'm so proud of the readers we've become. A special thank you to Mr. Berry for being a good sport! 

Reading Looks Like Many Things...

As the year winds down, I like to take a moment to reflect on how far our first graders have come.  We have readers!  We have kiddos that devour words.  Today we took a moment to check out how reading looks in our classroom.  We were amazed at how different reading can look.  In just a 60 minute snippet learners were:

-Reading and Spelling on the iPads and Kindles

-Playing the Reading Ball

-Partner Reading

-Close Reading in groups

-Reading Response Articles

-Book Groups

-Reading to Self

It is so amazing that first graders can make choices that help them to become better readers! They have truly taken ownership of their reading growth.

Stay tuned because we are hoping to have our 300 hour challenge completed by Friday!  Then we will celebrate by SILLY STRINGING Mr. Berry!

The Vermont Red Clover Award-winning book is...

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.

Yes, the top Red Clover Book choice of RES students also got the most votes all across Vermont. Click here for a list of the Red Clover Award-winning books from previous years.

image from amazon.com