Egg-citement in First Grade!

The day has finally arrived that so many of our first graders look forward to all year - the eggs have arrived!  Although we've only just begun to study this incredible process of hatching chicks I think you will be amazed at what your child already knows!  

Chicken Embryo Development

This is one of the best videos that I have seen on embryo development!  We watched this as a class this morning and will watch it many times over the next three weeks!

A Visit from Tom Messner

Today, our first grade students were treated to a visit from Tom Messner!  We were hoping that he could visit during our unit on weather, but his schedule was already full.  Instead, he came today!  Mr. Messner read us all a story, showed us and explained to us how to interpret weather maps, and even gave away the 'secret' of the blue/green screen on TV.  Watch News Channel 5 tonight at 6 and you might just see some faces that you recognize!

Gorgeous Day = Outside Play (and work)!

When you live in Vermont and the sun is shining and the temperature is reasonable you take advantage of it! Today, students enjoyed practicing their 'red' words with chalk outside. :)

Hats!

Congratulations to all of our incredible performers in last night's show, Hats!  I am always amazed at how our kindergarten, first, and second grade students can pull off such a large performance.  Thank you families for helping your child practice the songs and lines.  Of course a HUGE thank you goes out to Ms. Mutz!  Enjoy a couple of pictures from yesterday's dress rehearsal.  

Writing Fiction!

This week we are taking a little break from our regular writing to give students an opportunity to write fictional stories.  They have been begging to do this so I thought the week before vacation would be the perfect time.  Students were given the choice to write independently or with a partner and the creative juices have started to flow!  There was also some incredible cooperation among those working with a partner.

UMS Musical 'Hats!'

By this time you should have heard a lot about our upcoming school musical.  Please continue to watch your child's home/school folder for specific information or check Ms. Mutz's blog!  I hope to see you all on Tuesday, April 14th at Colchester High School!

Our Amate Paintings

Amate paper is one of the most widely available Mexican indigenous handicrafts, sold both nationally and abroad. Most attention is on the Nahua paintings of the paper, which is also called "amate", but Otomi paper makers have also received attention not only for the paper itself but for crafts made with it such as elaborate cut-outs. (Wikipedia) 

On Friday, we spent the afternoon creating Mexican folk art.  Our amate paintings were done on torn, brown construction paper with neon tempera paints.  I think the results are quite impressive!  If you are curious about the art lesson I used you can find it at this site: Deep Space Sparkle!

Spanish-Speaking Expert...Ms. Barnes!

As a connection to our unit of study on Mexico, Ms. Barnes joined our class today for read aloud time.  Ms. Barnes not only taught Spanish at one point in her career, but she also lived for four months in Mexico.  Today, she read us a book that had both Spanish and English words in it.  Your child should be bringing home a copy of the glossary from the book to share some words with you.  Thank you Ms. Barnes for sharing your talent!

Flynn Theater Presents: Curious George!

Yesterday, we had a fantastic trip to the Flynn Theater!  Our students were an incredible audience and really seemed to enjoy the show. If you ever have the opportunity to see a show put on by TheaterworksUSA I highly recommend you go. 

We were only 6 rows back!  Amazing seats. (don't worry I took the photo before the show began)

Learn Zillion

There is a wonderful website created by teachers called 'Learn Zillion'.  This site offers mini-lessons in a video format.  I often use these videos to reinforce concepts we have been studying.  Although the lessons are designed for 2nd grade students up I have found many to be helpful for 1st graders.  If your child seems to be having difficulty in a particular area you mind find these instructional videos helpful.  Today, we watched the following video: tens on a number grid