Book Club Update!

We finished up our nonfiction book club posters and presented them to the class on Monday. Each group shared information they learned or found interesting when they researched. The other students listened and responded by asking questions to the group members. Here's some pictures of groups finishing up their posters and presenting them. I was really proud of all the hard work the clubs did to showcase their learning!

This week, we chose new topics we would like to research about. The students will be put into a different nonfiction book club to start researching a new topic they want to know more about!

Thank You

Thank you to everyone for the sweet messages and notes last week. We had a death in the family, which is why I was out Friday for the services. It really means a lot to know you were thinking of me.

Because I was not there on Friday, we will have our gumball quiz tomorrow. I explained this to the kids on Thursday so they should already know! I will also catch up on any emails tonight if anyone sent one over the weekend. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner and just want to thank everyone for being so understanding.

Nonfiction Book Clubs

Last week we started our nonfiction book clubs. I introduced the book club topics: Dinosaurs, The Ocean, The Rainforest, Butterflies, Transportation, and Birds. The students chose two topics they would be interested in learning and researching more about. Then, I put together groups and we got started! Throughout the week, our mini lessons were focused on making a plan and reflecting on what the group wanted to learn more about, comparing and contrasting books, and jotting down important or interesting facts while researching. The students got together with their book clubs each day to read and discuss their topics. 

This week, the book clubs are each making a poster to showcase all they have learned. I will post some pictures of these posters and the book clubs working on them later this week. :)

NMES News Show

Here's the link to our school's first TV news show. Our class was featured in a few of the segments. Just copy and paste the link below into a new window to watch! 

http://vimeo.com/87699967

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love love LOVE being a first grade teacher, but this week especially, your little ones have reminded me just how special of an experience it is. From their hysterical costumes and fun spirits on Wednesday, to the sweet, kind words and thoughtfulness they shared with each other today- they keep me smiling and loving my job so much more. :)

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and I hope you got to enjoy some time with your little loved ones tonight! Here's a quick peek into what our day at school entailed. Thank you again to Liz Novak, Emilie Mackinnon, Molly Johnson and Robin Pyy for coming in to help run some awesome craft workshops for us this morning!!  

Sending lots of love from me to your families! Enjoy your night! xo

100th Day

We had so much fun today celebrating the 100th day! Even though it was a half day, we were able to squeeze in some fun activities centered around the number 100. Everyone looked adorable dressed like they were 100 years old too! It was a great day! :)

Presidents

In honor of President's Day next week, we have been learning about two important Presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We read several nonfiction books about each of them and had some great turn and talk partner discussions. We created anchor charts that highlighted important facts we were learning. We also discussed new vocabulary we came across as we researched these two important people. 

To demonstrate our new learning, we created posters about both Presidents. The students each chose four interesting and important facts to write. We also did drawings to display in the middle of our posters. Check them out!

George Washington: 

Abraham Lincoln: 

Ask your child to tell you about each President- you will be so impressed with all they have learned!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our 100th day! I have my wig, glasses, dress, shawl, and pearls ready. I can't wait to see everyone dressed up! :)