Welcome to First Grade!
                                                                 September 2013 

Caroline, Susan and Betsy are so happy to be a part of this exciting new year. Enjoy reading this  blog as we highlight special activities and everyday adventures in First Grade!

We have had a fabulous first week of school. We've all been busy getting to know our new space and creating a thoughtful and dynamic community. Here are some photos of activities that went on:

These first graders made up this game and problem solved together on their own until it was safe and fair (with just a little teacher guidance to get the inside voices just right!)

Of course, settling into a great book was very popular this week. These friends listened as Betsy read.

 Looking at books with friends was another way we enjoyed our first week back.

A playdoh factory is always tons of fun. The level of cooperation and joy was just delightful!

Our math lesson inspired many friends to share what they know about math.

           A geography lesson is always an important part of first grade!

        Building with blocks has been a very popular choice each day!

 Here is what one friend created in our block area a few days before school began. Wow!

Games and creative writing is always an important part of developing and expressing who we are, alone or with a friend!

 We did a fun circle game where each child picks someone's name and has to greet that child. We talked about how different cultures have different ways to greet. Some kids greeted in Spanish, many shook hands, some hugged, all of us tried making eye contact (though we shared how not all cultures do so), all used the other person's name and smiles, and some greeted with a peace sign! 

 We would like to do this again so please share greetings you have learned with us.

PE with Mr. C and Jeff is every Tuesday and Friday. What great listeners and what fun! And we all remembered to wear sneakers!

 A little show and tell performance is occasionally a part of our          closing circle before dismissal. We also review the day and talk about the amazing things we explored and discovered so when they come home and you ask, "So, what did you do today?" they may say more that "I had snack and recess." Let me know how that's going.

First graders went gardening in the middle school gardens planted by Jim Pierson, who thoughtfully invited us to participate in the harvest. Some eighth graders helped.Even Rich Nourie joined in the picking!

Someone found a wiggling creature and discovered a salamander living among the potatoes.

                   We'll be back to get some sunflower seeds next!

 Tons of fun with friends at recess make every day great at AFS!

We had such an enriching few days getting to know new friends and learning how to be our best as a first grader. We read some fun books about starting school again. One book, First Day Jitters, by Julie Danneberg was about how Sarah was so scared to begin her new school. We talked all about how we felt on our first day and many shared about times when they felt nervous. Ask about the surprise ending! We also shared about what makes a joyful and safe learning community. Ask your first grader about how pretzels are like a community!? (hint: it is something about the ingredients)

                      We can't wait for our first full week!