January Update

January has been busy with assessments and report cards. We have concluded our informational writing, "All About" books, are beginning to wrap up our science unit on patterns of the night sky.  In addition, we continue our work with subtraction in math, and reading non-fiction text.  The children started a culminating project for our science unit, in which they choose one pattern of the night sky and are creating a way to share their learning through art and writing.  We will continue these projects next week!  Finally we have read several books to promote discussions about race and kindness. We certainly have some very kind, empathetic learners in our classroom!

We had a few special visits this past month, one from a local dental hygienist to tell us more about the work she does in our community, and a taiko drummer who taught us about the art of drumming.  We also participated in a great Four Winds lesson on animal skulls, and had our monthly first grade sing along.  Enjoy the following pictures from our our past month together!

Day in the Dark

We had a great day on December 21st learning about the winter solstice by having a "Day in the Dark". The children brought in different tools that make light, and we discussed what else can make light, and what things reflect light. This discussion helped us launch our next science unit in which students, predict, observe, discuss, and record patterns in the night sky. We will focus on patterns of the sun, moon, and other stars. Ask your child to tell you more about the recordings of sunrise and sunset that we have made over the past two weeks!

A Community Visit to the Police Station

The first graders had the opportunity to learn more about our community of Montpelier by visiting the Police Station. Our school resource officer, Corporal Matt Knisley explained his role in helping our community and let us tour the station and a police car. The children saw a holding cell, and the 911 dispatchers. They were also able to see and try out some tools officers use. Ask your child to tell you more!

Community Projects

The children have been practicing skills of speaking and listening as they present and ask questions about the community projects.  We've had a wide variety of community places represented, from natural spaces, to public buildings, and local businesses.  Mr. Hennessy enjoyed checking them out too! It's been fun to learn more about the resources in our community!

A Reading Mystery!

You may have heard that we have a mystery in first grade!  This week, we received a "top secret" envelope from the "Super Secret Detective Agency"!  The agency wants us to join their word detective team, and has given us five missions to complete in order to earn our word detective badges.  As you can imagine, the children have been very eager to take part in each mission!  Check out the word decoding strategies we have been using this week for each mission.

Happy Veteran's Day!

We had a cold, but fun walk in the parade!