First Grade World Travelers!
Our first graders have done some 'world traveling' lately, and hopefully you've heard all about it! Most recently, we have been learning to tell details and sequence events from our stories about the Maya - the indigenous people of Mexico and Central America. We have read several stories that have taught us about their beliefs in many gods, the importance of Maize, their location in the world, the leaders, and more!
Our students tried their hand at recalling facts and retelling events from the stories using picture prompts on SeeSaw. They did a great job! Thank you to those of you that are leaving comments and feedback for your child on SeeSaw. They absolutely LOVE that you are are tuning in to their learning. It is so fun to show what we know when we have a familiar audience!
Many students were able to tell about the location of the Maya people, and that a peninsula is an area of land with water on 3 sides!
Check out Annika's response about the importance of Maize HERE! <----CLICK TO LISTEN to the audio!
On Friday, we took a virtual field trip to MEXICO with GeoShow and our guide, Brandon! This is the second year that Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Quist have used GeoShow for a Virtual Field Trip experience, and they never disappoint! We learned EVEN MORE about the Mayan civilization and explored temples, ruins, and even learned a little bit about the animals from that area with live video that felt like we were really there. It was amazing to hear the sounds of the jungle...it's so noisy! Students had a chance to ask questions - and WOW! What great questions they had!
Abrielle wondered why they built the temples, and learned that they were used for worship and ceremonies - just like our stories taught us!
We saw HUGE termite nests on our virtual field trip, as well as the insides of the temples and pyramids. In some of the temples, our guide pointed out wood used for beams at the top of the structure, and Emma wondered why the termites didn't eat that wood. How was it still there after all these years? GREAT question!
Termites, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, lizards, crocodiles, and turkey are some of the animals found in this area!
This is Jaguar temple. Jaxxon wondered why it's called Jaguar temple, and we learned it was traditionally called Temple 1, and was changed to Jaguar temple because of a lintel that represents a king sitting upon a jaguar throne.
Ivanka wondered about the tools to build the temples and arches. How did they cut the stone and wood so long ago?
When talking about the architecture, our guide asked us why we thought the left side of the temple had sharp corners and the right side had more rounded, worn out, corners along the sides. Izzy thought it was because of the wind, and she was right! Weathering has taken a toll on the buildings over the years.
We used Google Earth to zoom in and 'travel' to Mexico.
Coming up next, we will learn about the Aztecs!
February 1 was World Read Aloud Day and we had fun connecting with a first grade class in CANADA! Their teacher read us a story via live video chat and it was fun to meet first graders from another country and compare classrooms!
We had a lot of fun doing author's chair with our PopSong bluetooth microphone! This really gives our writers a voice and is a fun way to share our work!
Math---what are we up to?
We have just finished up Chapter 4 in math and students did a great job! It is fun to look at their growth from the pre-test to the post test. Students have gotten really good at graphing their progress and reflecting on their learning! How amazing that this student was able to use their math vocabulary in their written reflection---and that spelling! Stellar! January is such a turning point in first grade----everyone is growing and learning by leaps and bounds!
In our new math unit, we will focus on:
-adding 3 whole numbers in vertical and horizontal form
-finding a missing number in an equation or story problem (missing addend/partner, or total)
-finding ten more/ten less than a number <----this is often difficult! Please practice at home!!
-add a 2-digit number to a multiple of 10
-subtract multiples of 10
Science
We have continued our learning about the Solar System! Our students have been challenged to name the planets in order (from memory) to earn a prize that is out of this world! We only have one winner so far. Give it a try! Ask your child about our memory trick: My Very Excited Mother Just Served Us Nachos! We are excited about an upcoming day of "space station" learning. Stay tuned!
Social Studies
Students have been learning about goods/services. We are excited to announce that our first graders will be participating in a First Grade Market right before spring break! This project aligns with everything we have been learning in our reading series and social studies unit about the civilizations that rely on trade, buying/selling goods, and services - both long ago and today. We will introduce this project to students Monday Feb 12, and send home an informational letter as well. You can find it on our website HERE. This project does have a home component, so please be sure to read carefully so that your child will be prepared to participate in this very fun event that we will host for the entire school!
Spelling/Phonics
Please remember that our spelling test is on Tuesday! Our focus sounds and spellings are: ar, er, ir, ur, oi. Word lists went home last week, but are also available on our website if you need another copy.
Valentine's Day
Our HeART party will be on Wednesday! On our agenda is valentine canvas painting, a special valentine snack provided by Abrielle and Annika (thank you!), and passing out our valentine mail to our friends. Please be sure that your child brings a valentine for everyone (please no candy/food with the valentines!). Looking forward to a FUN day!
