Thursday, November 17, 2016

An Introduction

Dear Parents,

My name is David Ackerson and I am a sophomore at Montpelier High School. I'm doing my Community Based Learning experience at UES working with Mrs. Koch's class.  I started volunteering last week and I'm already having a blast.  I am writing to make sure you know I am working in the class every Monday and Thursday morning.  I am looking forward to working with your children, furthering my experiences and  learning how to effectively work in a first grade classroom.  :)  Thanks.

Sincerely,
David Ackerson

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Community Visit - Montpelier Fire Department

 We were welcomed at the Montpelier Fire Department during Fire Safety Month. First graders had the opportunity to see what firefighters might look like when arriving at a fire. They had a chance to explore the vehicles, learn about fire safety, and ask many questions. The Montpelier Fire fighters were kind enough to demonstrate the fire pole, and also handed out Jr. Firefighter hats to all. Many thanks to these community partners.






Educating Children Outdoors(ECO)

 Our ECO lesson had an insect focus. how perfect for October! We looked for insects, played insect games, and then created nature art using our "plans" for creating insects. What a great day in the forest!!





One group even decided to make an insect hotel to help the insects stay warm.

Insect Project Bonanza

Many first graders shared their insect projects in October. We had a wide variety of models, labels and information about insects. Congratulations to all who worked on these projects!!









Teamwork

During the first six weeks of school, our class community spent time learning how to work together as a team. We played a variety of games, and did come cooperative activities to encourage this learning. One activity was dubbed the "Balloon Challenge". Groups needed to work together to transport balloons to the determined goal9 without using hands). We started with small groupings of students, then increased the size. Eventually, the whole class was involved. That's some great teamwork!!








Sunday, September 25, 2016

Open House- THIS WEDNESDAY

Open House

Wednesday, September 28th 

6:00 pm -7:00 pm

We can't wait to share the learning that has been happening in first grade.

Buggy About Insects

Buggy About Insects
Optional Independent Project

In science, we are studying insects. Our learning focus on how the structure and function of insects help it to survive, i.e. the beetle’s “hard shell” is actually a set of wings called elytra that protect its soft flying wings hidden underneath.  Students are so excited about this topic and are enjoying studying different insects each week at school.  Now is their opportunity to explore an insect that interests them the most.  
This project is optional and can be done as a family or individual at home and brought into school to share.  

Here is what we would like to have included in the final project.  Your child can present it any way they would like, but we would like to see students demonstrate these components:

1.) Choose an insect.
2.) Make a model of the insect (clay, playdough, legos, construction paper, etc.).
3.) Label the model (bug name and body parts).
4.) Have at least one real photograph of the insect (magazine, internet, own photograph).
5.) Where does it live?
6.) What does it eat?
7.) How does it protect itself from predators?
8.) Include some interesting facts about your insect.  
9.) Use your imagination and have fun!

If you have any questions about this project, please send us an email!  

Have Fun!

Blanchard Park Outdoor Learning

Making Music
We traveled to Blanchard Park in Montpelier with Ms. Closter's first grade class. Since we will be having outdoor learning opportunities with ECO starting in October, we wanted to begin practicing traveling, and meeting outdoors.
Blanchard park is located off Wilder street, near River Rock School( just a few blocks from UES).
It is an area which offers a variety of physical acticity stations, and amazing views of Montpelier.
As you can see in htese photos, the first graders enjoyed the space.
Meeting Together
Pretending
Swinging- Taking Turns
Climbing

Balancing and Giggling



Finding the "Gold Dome"
Building
Playing

What a wonderful place to visit!