September 12th - Do you have this book?

Today we read September 12th.  As we sat down to read this book, we checked and double checked our calendar to see that our book's title was the same as today's date.  Before we read this book we talked about what yesterday was (September 11th) and I let students talk about what they knew, saw on T.V. and what their parents had told them.

After our discussion, we read this book that was written by other first graders in Kennett, Missouri.  My students LOVED that this book was written and illustrated by first graders AND first graders that are in the same state as us.  At the end of the book it shows pictures of all the first graders that wrote this book.  I had to read all of their names per the request of my kiddos.  We also talked about how that these first graders that wrote this book are now Juniors in high school.  Our discussion was so precious.  We talked about heroes and what it meant to be a hero.  Even after talking about all the horrible things that happened on September 11th, this book really ended our discussion on a positive note.  I loved seeing the wonder, sincerity and innocence in the eyes of my students.  Did you discuss the tragedy of 9-11 with your little ones?   If so, I would love to hear about it. 

Forest Freebies!

I have spent the day working on my research paper for my master's class and I think (fingers crossed) it is finished!  I turn it in tomorrow and hopefully will be able to focus more on my classroom and getting plans and copies together.  Before I head off to bed, I thought I would share a few files I created for my classroom. 

 I made some labels for my book boxes.  I originally used the plastic book boxes from really good stuff... I like them but they did not fit in my cubbies well, and when sitting on the floor they always toppled over.  I hear they have new ones that have fixed that problem, but last year I decided to go with the plastic tubs from Dollar General (the kind that have holes in them).  They are white and plain but they worked wonderful.  They fit into the tops of my cubbies and my students could put plenty of books, folders and other reading supplies in their boxes without them toppling over.  SO, this year I did not want them to look so plain. I bought some brown ribbon with blue polka dots and weaved it through the top of the basket to give it a little something.  Then I created labels for my baskets that I laminated, hole punched and attached with small binder rings.  I numbered my labels so hopefully I will be able to use them again next year.  Here is a picture of my first basket.

I think they turned out pretty cute.  Here are some pictures of how they look in the cubbies.

I will have student names in the back of the cubbies (I just haven't done that yet). I have found that my kiddos can learn their student number pretty quickly.  I'm hoping this will keep me from labeling my book boxes again next year. If you would like the file, click on the image below.  AND I thought if you don't happen to have a "forest" or camping themed classroom, these little number cards would be perfect to use with number recognition, what comes before and after, and tons of other possibilities. 

In addition to this file, I'd also like to share my color owls.  I was going to put up crayons with the color words, but thought to myself... why not use OWLS?  Here are how they turned out.

Aren't they just the cutest?  So HOO-Ray for colors!  Here is the file:



I hope you like the freebies.  I can't believe I have gained over 300 followers in such a short time.  I appreciate all the wonderful comments and feedback and look forward to sharing with such a wonderful community of teachers and caregivers.  Have a wonderful evening and look forward to sharing more soon!



Writing Secrets...

Have you ever read this book?

I ran across this book when I was choosing books for our class from the bookmobile.  I instantly fell in LOVE with this book and had to own a copy.  First, it kids think they are going to learn secrets about cats... something they have NEVER heard before.  However, the cats in the book want to make SURE the people reading the book are cats and not human.  So they put you through a test consisting of meowing, purring and finally napping which ends the book without revealing any secrets.  I thought... INSTANT writing stem.  So I found the cutest shape book from scholastic that has a cat holding a sign.  I couldn't BELIEVE how quiet the kids were... writing and writing about cat secrets.  

Here are a few examples of my kids work:

I love the secret rescue cars!

I just about FELL OUT when I read that the cats go the the "club" and dance with the girl cats.  Check out the disco ball and boom box.  TOO CUTE!

This is one writing project the kids really got into and used their creativity.  I hope it might spark some fun creative writing in your class too. :)

SUPER SCIENTIST

I want to share with you one of my FAVORITE things in First Grade.  After January, our first grade class begins a Super Scientist Experiment each week.  First, I MUST say this is NOT my original idea.  One of my teacher buddies has done this with her first graders for a couple of years.  I believe she got the idea from Mrs. Meacham's site. 

Here is what we do... a student is chosen to be the Super Scientist and is sent home with a Science Experiment book, a Super Scientist Journal that includes a Lab Report and Pictures of past experiments and a letter to the parents explaining the procedure.  Here is the book I send home with my students:

Students usually choose an experiment to do from this book, however they do not have to.  They may come up with an experiment on their own if they choose.  This book has AWESOME color photos and ranges from very simple to more difficult science experiments.  It also uses items that you can usually find around the house.  

Once students have chosen their experiment they must fill out a LAB REPORT.  I have included a picture of one below.

CLICK HERE to get yours!

Then students prepare all of their materials for the big day and bring them to school on their scheduled day to share their experiment.  Students can't wait to wear the lab coat and safety goggles.  I have to document everything and arrange the pictures in a word document.  I then print two copies.  One for our Super Scientist Journal and one for the student. 

So that other first graders get a chance to see a variety of experiments, our first grade classes SKYPE with each other.  Since we have document cameras that can be used as web cams, we create free accounts and can see into each others classroom via our projectors and smartboards.  Students can then ask questions about the experiment and the Super Scientist is actually being interviewed by the other students.  It is amazing at the answers these first graders give.  It shows just how much they understand!

The students then complete a JOURNAL PAGE about the experiment and it is compiled into a book for the Super Scientist of the week along with their pictures.  Here is the journal page:

 CLICK HERE for the journal page!

I would like to share the lab picture page I create of a student after their experiment.  Here is what the page looks like without the smiley faces ~ privacy.

 Notice the microphone in the last picture on the table.  This allows the student to talk to the other class that is watching via SKYPE.  I am also sharing the Super Scientist Journal Cover (that contains all the lab reports and pictures for our class), and the Parent Letter that is sent home with the Science Book and Journal.

CLICK HERE for a copy!

Here is the Parent Letter.... Addressed to the next Super Scientist!

CLICK HERE for your copy!

I will try to post some pictures of the actual journal I send home with the students and some of the completed lab reports.  I would love to hear about your favorite things in first grade or if you do anything similar for science!