Class Scrapbook

Dear Parents:  Our "Class Scrapbook" is posted in chronological order, starting with the beginning of the year at the top.  To take a peek inside our classroom and stay informed about our year together, scroll down to see all the fun we're having learning about new information, ideas, and life lessons.  Thanks for stopping by!  :)

These are some of my new first grade friends... I mean "superheroes!"  What do we know about superheroes?  We know they are strong, helpful, and usually work with a sidekick (or a partner).  Sometimes, they even team up to get a big job done, like The Avengers do!  We'll soar to new heights this year and conquer obstacles to meet our goals... wait to see what we accomplish!  :)

{The children made "Jitter Juice" to get rid of their first-day jitters...

a magical mixture of green Gatorade and Sprite.}

{Taylor and Bryson share information about themselves

as they all get to know each other better.}

The kids learned a valuable lesson about kindness and self-control on this day.  Each took a turn squeezing all the contents out of their group's tube of toothpaste.  Then, I told them I had a super-awesome prize for the team who could get all their toothpaste back into the tube.  I gave them their tube of toothpaste, a plate, and a spoon, and wished them good luck.  Watching them work together and think creatively was encouraging (and hysterical), but not one team was able to put all of the toothpaste back into their tube. We learned an important life lesson that day about being careful about what we say and do without thinking first because it's often difficult to take it back or make it complete again.  Our motto:  "Think it before you say it." 

Zachary says, "Let the squeezing begin!"

Taylor tries to get the toothpaste back into the tube with her finger.

Bryson thinks, "Pinkies are smaller.  Maybe that will work!"

I love Isabela's face here.  I don't think the spoon is working.  :)

In this activity, the children learned the importance of actively listening (one of our Lifelong Guidelines at Mills) and communicating clearly when speaking.  They each took a turn building a small structure with 10 Legos and then describing their structure to their partner who had the same 10 Legos.  By actively listening (with our whole body) and giving clear directions, most of the partners were able to construct the same structure, even with a barrier between them.  Good job!  :)

Learning how to be trustworthy and how to trust others is an important life skill and critical to healthy relationships.  It's one of the Lifelong Guidelines practiced at Mills and the kids had fun beginning to learn how you place trust in your friends and believe that they'll do what they say they'll do.  Each of the children were blindfolded and given a partner.  The partner had one job:  Deliver your blindfolded friend to their own seat and make sure they don't run into anything along the way.  Hold them gently and be encouraging."  

Juan is a great climber!

My little cave dwelling spies, Sean and Zachary

Grace and Zachary climb the long hill to the bridge.

Nothing but trouble, right here.  :)

A couple of weeks ago, my mom came all the way from Asheville, NC to visit our classroom.  She met the kids... LOVED them... and even surprised them with a few treats on her last day.  She was really touched by the cards your children made for her.  :)