So Much Learning!

Boy, have we been busy readers, writers and scientists! Here is what we've been up to!

Reading

We have been working hard learning several different decoding strategies. Decoding means to solve an unknown word while reading. So far we've learned how to use picture clues, reread and get our mouth ready. These decoding strategies are invaluable for 1st grade readers!


Writing

The fabulous 1st grade writers in room 100 continue to improve their writing skills in writing workshop. In the last few weeks we have really focused on way to make stories come to life! We've added movement and talking to our characters, we've written about our thoughts and feelings and we've noticed the craft moves of some of our favorite writers. Writing workshop is one of our favorite times of day!


Science

Geologists have been spotted at McDole! They reside in our classroom and look very much like the boys and girls in my class. :) We have begun our exploration of rocks and learned so much already! Check out some of our learning:

Here is a group of 1st graders explaining how they sorted their bag of rocks. We learned that they can be sorted by different properties including size, color and texture. 

D.M. shares some of the properties of his rock. 

Math

Your child got their new math teacher this week. They should have brought home a small slip of paper with the name of their teacher circled. Here are the links to the rest of the 1st grade teachers' blogs:

Mrs. Bright: http://mrsbrightsclass.blogspot.com/
Miss Christensen and Miss Listecki: http://www.1stwithmissc.blogspot.com/
Miss Steimel: http://jensteimel.blogspot.com/


Please check out our Math at McDole blog to see our mathematicians in action. This is a great resource!

Math at McDole

This year, we are participating in the Global Read Aloud author study of Peter H. Reynolds. You probably recognize that name. He wrote The Dot! Over the next 6 weeks we will be reading different books by Peter H. Reynolds and connect with classes around the country and even around the world! We have made a connection with a classroom of 1st graders in Japan! How exciting! We will be sharing our thoughts with them via Skype, Twitter, TodaysMeet, Padlet and our blog. Please stay tuned for more info!