Workplaces

Today we went to our math workplaces for the first time. Workplaces are math games that students can play together to further their understanding of concepts covered in our lessons. In our first workplaces we get a chance to explore different ways to use manipulatives that we'll use throughout the year. Today we worked with unifix cubes, pattern blocks, and dominoes. 

Popsicle Chant

Today we had our first math lesson! Our first few lessons focus on counting by two's and recognizing patterns while working with pairs. Today we warmed up by counting shoes. We recognized that counting shoes by two is much quicker since we know each person wears two shoes. Then we started our work with twin pops (popsicles that have two sticks). As our lessons continue we'll notice that one popsicle has two sticks, two popsicles have four sticks, and so on. To get us thinking about popsicles we learned the popsicle chant. You can find the words below and ask your first grader to teach it to you.

Time Capsules

Today we created first grade time capsules! We put in an information sheet, a handprint, and a piece of string used to measure our heights. We will save our time capsules until the very last day of school when we'll do the same activity and see how much we've changed! 

Welcome to First Grade!

We have an exciting year ahead of us! First grade is a time of incredible growth academically and socially. This year the seeds that were planted in preschool and kindergarten will continue to grow and develop. First graders will become more confident and fluent readers and writers. Their knowledge of math concepts will become more complex and abstract. They'll develop academic skills that will provide the foundation for the rest of their school lives. My hope is that they will also continue to develop a true love for learning.

This year will be fun, challenging, exciting, and full of growth. I can't wait to go on this adventure with you!