Mastering Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have been learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, and how he led our nation to change significant laws regarding the fair treatment of all Americans. Using language they understand, RESPECT and FAIRNESS are the focal points of learning about him. In an activity to organize some thoughts about King, specifically to write three words to describe Martin and three more ideas about what he did, I left the dry erase board. What happened next was a natural reaction by one, then many students, which I found both exciting and memorable. When some children walked up to the board to get a better look at the few ideas that were already brainstormed, it wasn't long before students were uncapping markers and writing MORE thoughts and ideas, beliefs and facts. Sharing the marker is something this class will continue to do more of, because this is proof that they've got it! Thanks, first graders, for teaching your teacher once again.

The Power of 10! Base Ten Block Explorations

In order to better understand and use teaching tools, the students must familiarize themselves with different manipulatives like these Base 10 Blocks. While this exploration was fun for using our imaginations, and helped us learn terminology, we will soon use these blocks to help us learn ones, tens and hundreds.

A Cupcake Party! Reading Extension

The children of 1C were grateful for some work with recipes, and the chance to connect a story from our reading series to real life baking! We are lucky, this year, that we don't have the food allergies that might have kept us from celebrating, learning and eating.