Welcome To Sweden!

Next stop on the RES tour, Sweden! Students boarded our plane and watched a short in flight movie that taught us all about traditions from Sweden including Santa Lucia Day.  Students colored a map and flag for the country and then created their own Santa Lucia crown as a souvenir. In addition we learned a little about Pepparkaka (gingerbread) and Lussekatter (saffron buns) that are traditionally served as part of December celebrations.  We also learned a little bit about the tomen, the rascally gnomes or trolls that can play tricks on children!  

Next Stop, Israel!

Our First Graders boarded RES Air for our second stop on our journey around the world.  We are headed to Israel to celebrate Hanukkah!  Our travelers enjoyed learning a few facts about Israel.  We all decided that taking a dip in the Dead Sea sounds like a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.  Ask your child why it is called the Dead Sea.  While visiting Israel, we will be learning a few songs and playing a few traditional games.  Our class will even pick a up a few souvenirs while we are here!    

First Stop Germany!

Our First Graders have taken off on our first flight to Germany. During our flight we had a brief in-flight movie about different holiday traditions found in Germany. Did you know the nutcracker originated in Germany? While we are in Germany we will tour holiday markets, learn about Saint Nicholas Day, and other traditions found in Germany.

Inventor's Workshop Coming to RES

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our classroom to your home.  Please take the time to enjoy friends and family during our Thanksgiving break. Each learner created a turkey decoration for your holiday table. If you have some leftover turkey, try our classroom turkey casserole recipe!  

First Grade Writing Celebration

First Graders at RES came together to share their Small Moments Writing.  Each learner shared their writing and then listened to their friends' Small Moments pieces.  We are so proud of the work these First Graders are doing.  Each piece has a beginning and an ending with lots of details in between.  In addition, students revised and edited their own work.  Published pieces will be coming home soon for you to enjoy with your child. 

Dairy In The Classroom

Today we had our fourth visit with Miss Virginia through our Dairy in the Classroom Grant.  Students got to choose what kind of cow they would like to put on their T-Shirt.  They could choose Holsteins, they produce the most milk, or Jerseys, they produce the creamiest milk.  Students worked to add lots of details to their T-Shirts.  Our First Graders will be bringing their shirts home on Monday with washing instructions.  Our learners have discovered so much about Vermont Farms.  They know so many details about farms and what they produce.  Thank you Miss Virginia for helping on this adventure.  

Pumpkin Gate STEM Challenge

Our First Graders have been learning all about pumpkin farms, but that is only the beginning of our discoveries.  Today we learned the song 5 Little Pumpkins and added the song to our song and poem binder.  As the day went on we discussed what kind of gate you would need to hold those 5 pumpkins so they don't roll out of sight like in the song.  We decided to find out.  Students could work in teams, pairs or on their own to create a gate that would hold all 5 pumpkins.  Their gate had to fit on a 9"x6" piece of tag.  They could only use supplies found in our Makerspace.  Once again I was more than impressed by the creativity of our learners.  We had so many different gate designs.  Some included arches and trusses, while others went for a more solid brick and mortar (aka cardboard and tape) type approach.  Every student was successful at designing a gate to support their pumpkins.  Then as a special treat we sampled a few of our leftover over pumpkin candies.