We had so much fun exploring math with two hands-on activities! During Math with a Partner, students worked together to find different ways to make a number. For example, when given the number 6, partners explored combinations like 1 and 5, 2 and 4, or 3 and 3. They practiced counting, combining groups, and discovering that there are many ways to make the same number!

Next, we made comparing groups extra sweet using marshmallows and M&Ms! Students counted each group, decided which had more or fewer, and composed number sentences to determine the difference between the groups. These fun activities helped our mathematicians build number sense, problem-solving skills, and confidence!

Our students enjoyed visiting the 5th and 6th graders’ live-action Colonial Village presentations! They had the opportunity to learn about daily life in colonial times as the older students dressed the part and shared what they had learned. It was a fun, interactive way to explore history and see all the hard work our 5th and 6th graders put into their presentations!

We have a lot more fun learning to do!

-Claire

Our first graders had a wonderful time welcoming their parents to school for a special temple-building activity! Working side by side, students and parents brought their creativity and teamwork together to build some amazing Mayan temples. It was a beautiful day filled with hands-on learning, laughter, and sweet memories! We are so thankful for our parents who took the time to join us and make this experience extra special!

Our first graders had an exciting —their first visit to the school library this year! Students enjoyed exploring the shelves, learning how the library works, and discovering all the wonderful books waiting for them.

There was plenty of excitement as each student chose a book to have in class and enjoy. This first library visit is just the beginning of a year filled with stories, imagination, discovery, and a growing love of reading. We can’t wait to see where their books take them!

First grade had a sweet treat to go along with our phonics lesson! While learning the -dge spelling pattern, students enjoyed some delicious fudge—a tasty example of our new spelling rule in action. Who knew learning to spell could be so sweet?

Can’t wait for another great week!

Mrs. Claire

First grade wrapped up their science unit on matter in an extra sweet way—with a Root Beer Float Science Lab! This hands-on experiment gave students the opportunity to put everything they had learned about solids, liquids, and gases into action.

Students began by identifying the different states of matter in the ingredients. The ice cream represented a solid, while the root beer was a liquid. Once the two were combined, students watched closely as bubbles and foam began to form, giving them the perfect opportunity to observe and discuss gas. Before creating their floats, students used their science skills to make predictions about what they thought would happen when the ice cream was added to the root beer.

Students observed the fizzing, bubbling, melting, and foaming that occurred as the ingredients came together. They compared their observations with their original predictions and discussed what they discovered.

As the wrap-up to their unit on matter, this activity allowed students to review what they had learned while practicing important science skills such as predicting, observing, describing, and drawing conclusions.

What a fun—and delicious—way to celebrate all that our first graders have learned!

This week, students explored drums in music.

We spent some time learning about September 11, 2001. We discussed the events involving the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Pennsylvania in an age-appropriate way. The focus was on helping students understand why this day is important in American history. I explained to the students that one positive outcome of the events of 9/11 was that Americans came together and showed strength. We talked about what makes us proud to be Americans and completed an activity to help bring those ideas into focus.

Our first graders have been busy learning all about matter, states of matter, and physical properties through hands-on science labs! We put our learning into action by creating squishies using balloons and Play-Doh and exploring different types of crackers to observe and describe their physical properties. These fun investigations gave our young scientists the opportunity to use their senses, make observations, and experience science firsthand!