Art: Winter Landscape Collages

First graders are learning about how deep space can be created in a landscape, and how texture can add interest in a collage. We have looked at the paintings of Grandma Moses as well as illustrations from children's books. The girls are making collaged winter landscapes with a foreground, middle ground, and background and are showing deep space by changing the scale of objects such as trees. First graders have had some lively discussions about activities they like to do outside in the winter, and have made connections with their classmates over the topic. The final step will be adding action to their winter landscape. 

From the Library

First Graders have been enjoying some classics and some great new books recently. We wrapped up the Strega Nona unit a while ago, but will come back for one more Tomie DePaola soon,
Helga's Dowry, considered by some to be a feminist fairy tale. Oldies include:
Harold and the Purple Crayon (ask your daughter how Harold found his way back to his room), The Story of Ferdinand (why did the matador cry?) and Blueberries for Sal (how did the humans and the bears get ready for winter?). New favorites include: Tornado Slim (what about that magic hat?!), Neville (how did he find new friends?) and Otis (how did the old tractor save the young calf?).

Even and Odd and Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

This week in school, First Graders have been busy in all of their subjects.  The girls continue to enjoy a variety of books in Language Arts, and we look forward to meeting with parents in a few weeks to discuss their daughters' progress.  In Math, the girls have been practicing addition facts and solidifying their understanding of even and odd numbers.  We have been playing games, using flashcards and exploring new iPad apps.  At this time of year in Social Studies, the First Grade learns about the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr.  All of the girls have enjoyed the books and videos, and they have also been busy writing their own dreams and wishes for the world.

Measuring the outside temperature 

Measuring the inside temperature

Recording in our science books

Playing an odd and even partner game

Exploring a new app:  Math Doodles!

Even and Odd with dice

Addition with playing cards

Can you tally the even and odd numbers?

Arnold Lobel author study

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Happy New Year!!

We are so happy to be back in school!  Despite the frigid weather, our first week back was great.  We began learning about even and odd numbers in math class and we started our new science unit, Weather.  Also, the girls wrote resolutions for the new year and enjoyed being back with their friends.  Take a look at what we have been up to!!

Art: Adding Underglaze and Glaze to Vessels

First graders are adding colorful underglaze and clear glaze to their coil vessels. They are being attentive as they cover their entire piece with multiple layers, as well as detail. Ask your first grader about the differences between underglaze and glaze. 

First Grade Happenings

We hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Before our break, First Graders were thrilled to share their sound instruments with the rest of the school in a parade through the Elementary Center.  These homemade instruments were a part of our Sound Unit in Science and our parade was the perfect start to the Thanksgiving weekend.  Maybe you'll see us at Macy's in NYC next year.

Miss Lacy leads the parade

First Grade Debut!

Marching to the tune of "Make New Friends"

As a First Grade community we often meet together for different activities.  Our three homerooms recently spent time playing Addition Bingo.  The girls were excited to test their addition strategies and work with a partner from a different class.

As a part of our Social Studies curriculum, we continue to study holidays and celebrations around the world.  This week we have been learning about Hanukkah customs and traditions.  The girls have been listening to read alouds, making menorahs, and playing dreidel in class.

Playing Dreidel

Who will win?

Painting Menorahs

Coloring each candle

Happy Hanukkah

French: Transportation

The girls have been learning how to talk about different kinds of transportation in French.  Last week they played transportation bingo.  Then they listened to the sounds of different kinds of vehicles and tried to guess what they were.  Today they had to figure out what kind of transportation would be the best way to get to each place we wanted to visit.  Then they worked with partners to read a little story about traveling in different kinds of transportation.  Last but not least they listened to two songs in French about traveling.