Friday Fast 5 Catch-Up

It's that time! Here's 5 quick recaps of what we have done in our class recently....I'm even throwing in a picture of me.

That's right.....that IS a packet of ketchup. If you didn't read the title and immediately think of ketchup I bet you will next time. This picture will pop into your mind every time you read catch-up now. You're welcome! Now let's get to work!

Each month we introduce a new author to our class. This author becomes a close friend as the month goes along. We start to see similarities in their writing and illustrating techniques. We also get to become close friends with the characters.

Last month we focused on Bill Martin Jr. This month we are becoming fast friends with Eric Carle and his wonderful colors!

One of my favorite ways to review our math concepts with my kiddos is to break out the flashlights, turn the lights off, and hunt for our problems. We are still using the school math curriculum but printing the questions off and hiding them around the room is a lot more interesting than working from a book.

The kiddos had a blast. They worked well with their partners, managed the flashlights and navigating the room well, and the discussions I heard about the problems warmed my heart. We will definitely be reviewing by flashlight again this year!

Does this really even need explaining? GoNoodle brain breaks are the best kind! My kids already have their favorites: Slo-Motion Machine (Koo Koo Kanga Roo), Milkshake (Koo Koo Kanga Roo), and Don't Read Like a Robot (Blazer Fresh)

Watch us in action!

Comment below you favorite GoNoodle brain break! We'd love to try it out!

 We have started our first science unit and we are investigating Sound. I am loving the way our updated FOSS curriculum is set-up. Each investigation part is driven by a focus question that students then try and solve. This unit on sound has taught us that sound is caused by vibrations. We've also gotten a chance to explore different sound sources.

We finished off this week doing a little listening outside in our learning garden to figure out what sounds we could hear outside. We then discussed what the sources of those sounds could be. Thanks to the Kansas weather for cooperating with us! :)

https://theglobalreadaloud.com/

Last but not least, we began our journey with the Global Read Aloud. This is my first time joining this initiative but I can tell you I am hooked. If you are wanting more information be sure to clock on the header to visit the website. My kids are loving the idea of kids and classes all over the world reading the same books. After we read the specified chapters this week, groups discussed the guided questions. Check out our answers.

Q1. Why doesn't Sophie leave the window when she sees something strange?

Q2. Why doesn't Sophie wake the other children?

Q3. What were Sophie's first impressions of the giant?

Q4. What is one character trait you would give Sophie?

Q4. What is one character trait you would give Sophie?

Be sure to follow along with our journey, as well as readers around the world, as we explore this story. If you're on Twitter, follow the hastags #GRABFG and #BGFslowchat to join in the fun!

As you can see, we've had an awesome start to our year! Be sure to check-in and let us know how your start has been. We love getting comments!

New Year, New Tricks?

Happy New School Year!!! Okay, even I chuckled writing that seeing as it's already October. Where did the beginning of the school year go? Hopefully you all have had as great a start to the school year as we have. This is my 9th year teaching! You read that right, 9th year! While I feel like I've finally got a great handle and picture of myself as a teacher, my content, and my classroom style I haven't just gotten comfy. This was the perfect time for me to step out and try new things. We never gain or learn without trying, right?

So this year I'm trying a few key changes in my room.

These are the 3 biggest changes I have made this year. Let me tell you a little bit more about each one as so far, they have been great additions to our class and connecting with families. First up lets discuss my main communication tool.


Last year, I began using the Remind service (previously Remind101). This is both an app and web based service. I've created our class. Parents can then join the class. They can choose to have messages and announcements sent to their phone via app, text, or email. This really allows for parents to choose their contact preference while allowing me to reach them all from one app. I have the app on my phone and can quickly contact parents as well as instantly get notified when they contact me. I can send out mass emails to all families or I can individually chat with families. This has been a great tool for our class. While it has really helped when dealing with behavior issues, this week I am challenging myself to start using it for more positive communications. I am hoping this app will continue to strengthen the school-to-home connection.


At the beginning of the year I tried thinking of ways to cut down on my paper usage. Our school has recently moved to online newsletters and I thought I'd take the leap as well. I've started using the website Smore to create classroom newsletters. I got this idea from the fabulous Mrs. Koster who also uses their service. This website lets me create beautiful "flyers". I can include text, pictures, videos and more. Why is this such a great change? Let me list the reasons for you:

•  No paper to keep track of!
•  Families can revisit the newsletter as often as they need
•  I can email it out to all families quickly from the site.
•  It tracks and reports to me (who opened the flyer, who interacted with the flyer, where in the world it was accessed).
•  It can easily be shared with other family members if wanted.

Lastly, I decided to lessen our paper load and really focus on the work I was sending home. I understand that families have responsibilities outside of school. I also understand that my little kiddos work hard 7 hours out of the day while they are here and need a break from that just as I do. I also still want to give families a chance to connect with the content we work on in school. Some families ask for work and want students practicing each night. How did I manage to melt all of these together in a happy concoction? Please welcome my weekly homework grids.

These go home on Mondays and are due back the following Monday. Students have the choice of completing as many or as few tasks as they and their families would like. I incorporate items for each of our key content areas (reading, math, science or social studies, writing & grammar) as well as fun activities they may or may not already be doing with their families. I wanted to give students a chance to show their families the skills they are learning in the classroom while also acknowledging the fun they are having outside of the school day. So far, these have been a huge success. This week I had all but 3 students return their forms. "What about the reward each week?" you ask. Each week it varies. Some weeks it is a sticker. Other weeks it may be a few extra recess minutes, working with a reading companion or even a coupon for a treat. It is always different from the week before which keeps students interested but the rewards are always my choice, simple, and manageable.

So that's what's changed in my room. Small changes but they have had a huge impact. Don't ever get too comfy. Growth comes from trying new things!

In the words of Ms. Frizzle, here's to taking chances, making mistakes, and getting messy!

Memories and Words of Advice to Start the Year

You guessed it, the 2016-2017 school year has officially started. As I looked forward to welcoming a new batch of first graders I also scanned the hallways for those familiar faces from last year. I couldn't wait to hear about their summer adventures and their hopes for the upcoming year. As I met my new little kiddos I remembered all of the fond memories and advice last year's group left for this year's group. Enjoy the awesomeness that was my last group.

Here's to another great year!

A Little Poetry.....Name Style

Hey all! In working with our poems we made descriptive poems about ourselves using our names! The kids may have struggled a little coming up with describing words that started with specific letters. However, just like I knew they would, they perservered and made some awesome poems! Have fun reading our first grade acrostic masterpieces!