Learning About Properties of Objects

The past few weeks in Science Workshop, students have been using their five senses to learn about our world. They have also been using their senses to sort objects based on their properties. In our class, we define properties as the characteristics of an object; we think 'How can we describe this object?'
We have been focusing on shape, color, size, weight, and texture. Today, we studied weight and texture. We had the awesome opportunity to use balances to weigh our objects and to work around the room with our table partners to describe the texture of objects! We made sure to record all of our data in our science notebooks because we know that good Scientists make sure to keep track of all of the information they collect. We have done a super job with this unit and can't wait to see more from our Super Scientists this year!

Counting 20 Together!

This week in Math Workshop, we learned a new skill center called Counting 20 Together. In this center, students work in pairs using a dot cube and counters. The goal is for the pair to collect 20 counters together and fill the Twenty Frame. For example, one friend will roll the dot cube and place the number of counters they rolled in the boxes of the Twenty Frame. The next friend will roll and add their counters to the Frame. Together, they will count their collection and keep rolling until they collect at least 20 counters.

Students learn how to quickly recognize the collection of dots on the cube without having to count each dot. They also use different strategies to keep track of their counters on their Twenty Frame. Students are encouraged to adopt strategies for counting. For example, they learn to count by 5s and 10s as well as counting on. The numbers along the right side of the Twenty Frame help students to visualize the counters in groups of five. As they are practicing this skill, Mrs. Alvarado and Miss Donofrio walk around with checklists to see if students are using their strategies and can answer questions about their Twenty Frame. This is a great way for us to know where to take our skills in math and is also great exposure for our blooming mathematicians!

Happy Labor Day!

We hope that you enjoyed a nice three day weekend!

Scientists at Work!

We are scientists! Students went outside to use their five senses to collect information about their surroundings. They drew pictures, discussed with their friends, and then described in their journals what they saw, smelled, heard, and touched. No tasting...at least not for this lesson. The next lesson was for students to describe all sorts of items and compare/contrast them. Students are learning about properties (size, weight, color, temperature, and texture) and how to sort objects by different properties. Ask your scientist what two objects he/she recorded in their science journal last week.

New Friends!

Here are a few quick pictures of some outside fun! They have made new friends already!

Exploring Materials in Math

This past week, students have been exploring linking cubes, pattern blocks, and geoblocks. They have been comparing and contrasting them. They also tried to see how the shapes can connect and build.

Our First Day!

We had an amazing first day this year as we work to Cultivate a Community of Excellence! Our principal, Mrs. Phillips, had some awesome surprises for us that aligned perfectly with our theme for this school year. We started out the day by interacting with farm animals. Then, we learned all about bees and their homes and how they help plants grow. Next, we planted seeds so we too can be farmers and each have a plant of our own. Because it was pretty hot outside, we took a break to have some fun and rolled watermelons in the field and then enjoyed a slice of the refreshing treat! Finally, we had a REAL farmer teach us a song and read a story to the entire first grade! It was a day we will never forget :)