Tally Marks

Another math skill for first grade is counting by 5s and tally marks are a good way to practice.  Today we used popsicle sticks to practice making tally mark bundles.  (I promise those aren't the popsicle sticks from yesterday's popsicles!)

 

Puzzles and Popsicles

During reading time at this time of year, most children don't read well enough to read independently for sustained periods.  So some of their "other" activities need to be fun and engaging, but also independent.  Puzzles are a great way for children to practice teamwork and cooperation. 

Click here to see more pictures of the class puzzle teams! (Link below for popsicle pics)

Our first math unit uses twin pops to practice counting by 2s.  Since it's been so HOT, it seemed appropriate to eat popsicles at school!  As you can see by their faces, these children really enjoyed their twin single pops!  (They didn't have any TWIN pops at my three closest grocery stores so they got single pops two days in a row!)  Click here to see more popsicle pics!

Scholastic News

Every week your child will have the opportunity to read a children's magazine article from Scholastic News.  The articles are appealing to first graders because the subject matter targets topics of interest to young children (pumpkins, spiders) and their teachers (feelings, politeness, school rules).  I can project an interactive version of the article on our Smartboard so that the children can tap and draw to answer questions and play a game.  This week they read an article called "School Feelings."  Afterward I gave them an activity page where students drew a face to match the feeling he or she would have in that scenario.  Here are some fun pics made by some very artistic students!