Reading/Writing Workshop - Personal Narratives

First graders learn the writing process by...writing! We do several Reading/Writing Workshops during the last half of the year, and the kids just completed their first one in January. The goal was to write a personal narrative about a trip, and we started by filling in a planning sheet.

We first had to think of a destination, how we got there, and and then three events from the trip.

After planning, we had to put our ideas into sentences.

We tried really hard to print neatly, spell correctly, and remember periods! Then we got to decorate the "suitcase" papers.

Then, it was time to cut out the papers and design a cover for our stories.

Everyone got to share their stories with the whole class.

They got to sit on the "reading stool" and...

practice reading with expression.

Some even got to use my camera to take the last three pictures (good job, kids)!

The rest of the class practiced being polite listeners, and they applauded for each student. First graders have traveled to some interesting places!

All of the stories are on display on the bulletin board outside of our classroom. Stop in and read our personal narratives!

CF PTO Miniature Golf

The last weekend in January means indoor miniature golf at our school! Sponsored by the CF PTO, this is a major fund raiser for projects for our students. The theme for the 1st grade hole this year was "Love Makes the World Go Round." Our philosophy has always been to have the kids help with the decorations, and this year was no exception. We started with having the kids decorate Valentine boxes from cereal boxes (thanks, parent volunteers, for covering 21 boxes with pink and red paper), and then they made an art project showing themselves giving out huge hugs to their families.

The characters made great decorations above the coat hooks!

Aren't they cute?

We used the decorated boxes as hazards for the golf hole.

Here's Charlie, my little grandson, checking out the hole.

Hopefully, many of you had a chance to do the same! What a great activity on a cold January weekend!

48 Hours Later (after our 53 degree day - see previous post)...

The kids were inside today due to below 0 wind chills. Only in Minnesota - a temperature swing of almost 60 degrees!!

PLEASE send warm winter clothes every day, regardless of the morning temperature or the weather prediction!

January????

Could it really be January? The temperature in Cannon Falls hit a record-breaking 53 degrees today, and the kids had a great time playing outside at recess. They even went outside again later in the afternoon for Phy.Ed. I think that's a record, too! Since I had recess duty, I couldn't resist snapping a few pics to record this beautiful day!

Last year at this time, the equipment was buried in about 3 feet of snow, and the kids were bundled up in multiple layers of warm clothing.

Today, they were climbing on the bars,

playing football on the bare hillside,

hanging out with friends,

and digging in the sand!

The ground isn't even frozen!

Unbelievable!

When it was time to line up at the end of recess, I decided the kids should do a ...

SNOW DANCE!!

Maybe it will work - the prediction is for about 1"of the fluffy white stuff for tomorrow. We have a LONG ways to go, though, to catch up to last year!

Please continue to send warm clothes, snow pants, and boots. You just never know what will happen with this crazy weather in Minnesota!

December Students of the Month

Mrs. Fick visited our classroom today to present the December Student of the Month awards. And... the deserving students are:

Jadan, Cannon and Mia!

Congratulations, kids! Keep up the good work!

Snowflake Snowmen

It's winter, and although there isn't any snow outside, there's lots of it inside. However, the snowflakes in our classroom are made of paper instead of water. We have been learning how to cut snowflakes this week, so by the end of the day our floor has been covered with little scraps. We've spent lots of time picking up!

First, we cut three snowflakes, then we stacked them up and added details.

We worked really hard!

One of these days, we may be able to make the real thing on the playground, but these will have to do for now!

Dress For Winter!

We had a few snowy days in December when kids needed all their winter gear, and there are sure to be a LOT more in January. What a project, getting 21 kids ready for outdoor play. And you think your entryway is a mess? Come check out the hallway when everyone is getting ready! I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of the process. It only took about 5 minutes to get eveyone outside, and that time will decrease as eveyone gets better at new zippers, snaps, boot ties, etc.

Snow pants are a requirement for outside play on the hillside. They keep kids warm and dry (sitting in wet pants all afternoon doesn't feel very good)!

Boots are a must, too.

And don't forget hats and mittens!

Putting on all this "stuff" can be quite a project,

but playing in the snow is so worth it!

We're soooo ready!

Can we go yet?

Playing with friends is the best!

The pictures say it all!

Please be sure to label ALL outerwear, especially snow pants and boots, since many of the children have similar styles. Last year, one mom tied a piece of yarn to the buckle on her son's snow pants, and he never had trouble finding his! The lost and found gets pretty full as the winter progresses, so if your child is missing something, be sure to check there!

Hopefully, snow will arrive again in the new year, and next time you're getting one or two kids ready for outside play, think of me with a whole crew of them!