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!!

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!

Afternoon snack

Hello all,

We are looking for donations for our afternoon snack time. Popular items include dried fruits, crackers, popcorn and pretzels. Some parents have sent applesauce pouches, fresh fruits, yogurts and rice cakes. Please consider picking up an item for the class when you are shopping this week.
We really enjoyed the goldfish crackers sent in by the Groff family. Thank you!!

Reading Workshop

First graders have been super excited about reading workshop time. Learning time usually begins with a mini- lesson, time to practice a new strategy and independent reading time. This week, we are also learning about buddy reading.

The class has been engaged in independent reading and is working to build stamina.

Here are some voracious first grade readers:

School pictures are coming!

President Obama in elementary school !( looks like first grade teeth to me)

Picture Day is Wednesday, September 7.

Union Elementary School Picture Day: Wednesday, September 7 

Please visit mylifetouch.com for more information about online orders.

Our Picture Day ID is VJI76029Q0.

A Fantastic Launch!

We had a fantastic launch to our year! The day began with a bang as thunderstorms hit at arrival time! We then proceeded to the classroom to take a traditional first day of school photo. I wore my NASA flight suit, as all space camp grads are asked to do. ( more about that experience in another post)

We then had morning meeting, writing workshop and snack time. Everyone was excited to head to PE with MJ then a morning recess. We took a silly class photo on the playground. 

We read a great story about Anya's first day of school. Ask your child what happened when Anya woke up.

After recess and lunch we had a restful quiet time, then enjoyed math exploration time in small groups. 

We had a wonderful day of learning  today with many moments of kindness. What an exciting liftoff!!