See Subtraction...'Think Addition'

Today in math we once again focused on how to efficiently add and subtract numbers.  One concept that can be very difficult for first graders to understand is that addition and subtraction are connected. This morning students worked with a partner to try and turn subtraction problems into addition problems.  For many children (and adults) addition is a faster way to solve many problems.

This happy girl realized that she had two 'turn around' facts when she solved '4 and what make 5?'

I Love to Read and Write Celebration

On Friday, February 13th our class will have an 'I Love to Read and Write' Celebration.  We hope that you can join us for reading, writing, and of course some treats!  If you are able to contribute to the party please use the following link.

Reading Workshop Today!

Today's reading mini-lesson looked a little different in Room 6.  We had two teachers (myself and Ms. White) instead of one!  Ms. White and I co-taught a lesson in our room and then in her room afterwards.  We continued our study of non-fiction by examining a book called, Me....Jane.  It is a narrative non-fiction book about Jane Goodall.  The goal of today's lesson was for first graders to 'track' their thinking using the iPads.   After hearing the story students were asked to draw a quick sketch of something that the book made them think about or wonder.  They did a great job!  We even had someone say it made them think about zoologists!  Wow!

PebbleGo!

We are fortunate enough at UMS to have a school-wide subscription to PebbleGo.  It is a great research tool for young learners.  If you would like to explore this site with your child please use this link.  The login is: umps   and the password:  read

Sharing What We Know

The boys and girls in our class were thrilled today when Mr. Antonicci happened to walk in our room during reading time.  Students were working with a partner to research their animal's habitat (and other interesting facts) using a great subscription called, PebbleGo.  They were so excited to share what they had learned that Mr. Antonicci stayed to listen as they shared relevant facts.

Mapping

Our current social studies topic is mapping.  We have been discussing why maps are important, how they are used, and examples of different types of maps.  I love when content we've been learning carries over to choice time!  The students below were using the globe to make their own maps.

What is Subitizing?!

Subitizing is the ability to quickly identify the number of items in a small set without counting. Researchers have demonstrated a strong relationship between subitizing skill and math achievement.  We have spent a great deal of time this year working on number sense.  Ten frames, subitizing dots, and rekenreks are just a few of the tools we use to reinforce this skill.  Below students were explaining how many dots they saw when I flashed the image on the screen and how they knew they had the correct answer.

Collaboration

I think these pictures speak for themselves.  When you combine high-interest topics, peers, and technology it is absolutely amazing what can happen!  I love listening as first graders help one another problem solve and discover new information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Over the last few days we have been able to make a great literature connection (narrative non-fiction) to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  There are numerous children's books that teach and inform us about this holiday and why it is celebrated.  Although we have not yet read/listened to a book that is specifically about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (we are building up to that) we have been discussing other important historical figures from that time period (today was Rosa Parks).  I am always blown away by the incredible empathy of first grade students.  I realize that this can be a very difficult topic for young students so we really focus on the idea that it is what someone is like on the inside that matters.

Research!!!

Today students began to research an animal of their choice!  The boys and girls are using a variety of sources to help them become experts on a topic before they begin to write their 'All About' books.  Ask your child what animal they are studying!