We have been learning about synonyms over the last several weeks. We have spent a lot of time paying attention to great vocabulary in our read alouds.  We created a chart of all those interesting words we are hearing and then connected them with synonyms that mean the same thing.  Borrowing Cara Carroll's idea from First Grade Parade we cooked up some more synonyms on some delicious cinnamon rolls. Thanks to my great parent helper for making the hats as well as cooking our cinnamon rolls. It was a great time had by all!

Can't wait to cook up something else.

 

 

 

 



Acting out kindness

Beginning of the year things:

 Student Interest Survey

One thing that I love for my parents to do is fill out an Interest Survey for their child.  A former grade level partner developed this years ago.  It is great to find out information not only about the child but also about their learning styles from their parents.  Often, I will go back and look through these when I need to find out how to motivate that child.  Check it out here! Student Interest Survey

Open House

I love that we do an Open House for our incoming first graders.  What a great way to calm those nerves before the first day of school.   And, I mean calming my nerves!!  Here is something I put on top of a ziploc bag filled with goldfish.  It a little snack for the kiddos.  They have it after they finish their scavengar hunt.  I have included my template for you. I found it on pinterest and re-created it to make it my own.

O-Fish-Ally-In First Grade

 

Math

Here is another little activity I like to do for math time during the first couple of days.  The students have to count domino dots, cut out dominoes and then glue them down on the corresponding number.  It provides a "snap shot" of my kids cutting and gluing skills along with counting. 

Domino Counting, Cutting and Matching

 

 

Here is another great activity for the first week. I found it on Falling into First.  It is a graph for the kids to complete of pattern blocks. Check it out here.

Classroom Rules

I don't like to make strict list of rules. Instead, I like when the kids and I create a list of ways to "Stay Safe" in the classroom.  Examples: Treat others kindly, share materials, raise your hand to speak. All of these guidelines allow the kids to physically stay safe and it allows their feelings to stay safe.  There are many great books to read to go along with this activity.  My favorites are: Miss Nelson is Missing, Chrysanthemum and David Goes to School. Here is an extension activity to go with it. We make a class book called "Staying Safe in Room 106." Each kid writes their own page stating how to stay safe.



 



August

I can't believe it is August already! This month is always bittersweet. I'm filled with sadness knowing that I won't be spending my days with my two little girls, however, I am super excited to get back to the classroom. I love meeting my new kiddos and their families!! Also, who can resist those endless aisles of school supplies and not feel excitement? I love a new pack of thick Crayola Markers!