Density, Recess, and Compliments

In science, first grade finished the bodies of water unit. To wrap up the unit we discussed why things float in some waters and not in others. The short answer is because waters like salt water have more elements in them making the water more dense and the density allows things to float. Fresh water, having fewer elements in it, is less dense and things sink. Before coming to this conclusion, the class experimented with grapes and different types of water. There were four glasses of water, one being the control, and the others were a salt water mixture, fresh (tap) water, and a baking soda water mixture. The students and I created the mixtures by combining the ingredients. Once all of the ingredients waters were made and/or set out, we hypothesized what would happen when the grapes entered the water. It was a lot of fun to hear all of the guess and their explanations. The class knew that once the grapes sank in the control, they would sink in the fresh water too. The excitement came with the mixtures. The students were unsure what would happen with the baking soda and salt water. They were shocked and awed when the grapes floated in the salt water. It was such a fun and easy experiment to demonstrate water density.

The weather has been perfect at recess. The students love finding insects and other creatures. The all got tickled when the little lizard ran an up my arm. “St. James where I did spend my childhood days.” This is a favored quote from our school song and it resonates in these moments. Students having fun and being carefree on playground during recesses.

Several times throughout the year I sit the class down on the rug and we have a compliment circle. I start the activity by calling on one student and I give them a compliment, then they give one to a student, and then that child gives one to another until everyone has received one compliment. To make sure everyone receives one, you crisscross your legs when you get your compliment. The last child gets to give one person an extra compliment. By the end everyone is crisscross and a little happier after being lifted up by their classmate. Since this was our first we had a long discussion on how it can be hard to give and receive compliments. We also talked about how to compliment the person and not just physical attributes. Afterwards, the students had to each say one thing they liked about themselves and I gave each a specific to them compliment. A fantastic way to start the day!!