Wrapping up our graphing unit

"I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand."

Yesterday we took our first math test to wrap up our unit on graphing.  In this unit we practiced using picture graphs, tally charts, and bar graphs.  We used these graphs to sort, show, and compare data.  After practicing with each type of graph the scholars had their most meaningful graphing experience when they worked in teams to design their own question, survey their classmates, record the data in a tally chart, and finally record the data in bar graphs.  Here is a sample from each table group:

Our next math unit will be on addition and subtraction.  Thanks to the new common core standards and pacing I will have a very large amount of time to work with the scholars on these essential skills before our next assessment.  Because of our new standards (which I am very happy about!) the focus is on conceptual understanding, not speed.  Timed tests are not considered essential for first grade anymore.  Understanding operations and number relationships is the main goal.

Classroom business

We welcomed a new scholar to our class today, bringing our class total to 22.

We also started using Class Dojo today to track our choices in class.  I sent invites via email to the addresses you provided in the Friday Folders.  If you do not receive an email or wish to add another account (for example, if both mom and dad want to be on the account) please email me at lgravessmith@ggusd.us.  That is a letter "L" at the beginning of my email address, not a 1.

You may notice me working to pack up the classroom over the next two weeks.  Don't worry, we aren't going far.  Our class will be moving permanently into Room 5 once the modernization is completed on that building.  We will move classrooms over the weekend of September 20th.

Reading Log

Many of you have asked me about homework.  I typically do not give the full amount of homework right away while the scholars are adjusting to being in first grade.  I do not want to overwhelm them.  Today we began our reading logs, which will be a daily assignment from now until the end of the year.  When I say daily, I mean Monday-Thursday nights.  I will collect the reading logs on Friday mornings.

The purpose of the reading log is to have the scholars reflect on the books they read at home.  They may choose whatever books they like (and are appropriate to their reading skills).  I have a HUGE variety of books in my classroom that they are welcome to borrow, and they may also read books from home or the library.  The important thing is that they are reading something that interests them.  I don't want reading to become a chore, I want my scholars to LOVE reading as much as I do.

After your child reads (for 15 minute or more) they will write about the book they read.  As the reading log shows, there are many different ways that they can write.  A summary, an opinion, a connection to another book.... I leave it up to your child.  You can refer to my posts from last year about the reading log if necessary.  What I want to stress is that I value quality over quantity.  I would rather your child write one GREAT sentence than 5 simple ones.  More words does not necessarily mean their writing is better.  With that said, if your child needs more room to write they are welcome to use a separate piece of paper and staple it to the reading log.  I've included a sample of a fantastic reading log completed by one of my scholars last year.  Please note the way that he chose different types of writing (summary, opinion) and showed his understanding of the different books he read.  This sample was from the end of the year last year, it is a good example of what your child can work towards as a goal:

Please see me if you have questions about the reading log and how to help your child!

Welcome Back to School!

What a wonderful first week of school!  This is such a nice class of eager scholars who are so excited to be in first grade.  I wanted to share a few photos from the first few days.  I do not share students' photos online out of respect for your privacy, but I like to share some photos of our work to keep you informed.

Welcome to our classroom!

We discussed how to make our classroom a safe and happy learning community.

The scholars are beginning to build their understanding that there is more than one way to "see" or solve a problem.  We begin our day with number talk activities to build math fluency and understand numbers at a deeper level.  These number bonds show some of the ways that the scholars viewed the ten frame to see the number six without counting each dot individually.  As you can see, whether the scholars saw two or three addends, they were all able to agree on the same sum.

We have been exploring our new common core math standard for graphing by creating AND reading different types of graphs.  We have worked with tally charts, picture graphs, and bar graphs already!

I marked each pencil box with the two most important big ideas for our classroom.  I am taking a lot of time right now to build routines, comfort, and expectations among the first graders.

We have started to explore our Universal Theme of RELATIONSHIPS.  This will be a year-long theme that we will be relating back to in all content areas.  The Universal Theme is an important component in GATE.

I have really enjoyed the first week and I hope that your child has as well!

What I expect from my first grade scholars

Here are some of the BIG IDEAS that my scholars will show in our classroom this year.  What I expect are scholars who come to school curious about what we are learning, have kind manners and a friendly attitude towards others, and show that they care by checking their work and behaving appropriately for a learning community.

First grade scholars are friendly, curious, and careful.

First grade scholars are problem solvers who always try their best.

First grade scholars sometimes work by themselves, and sometimes work together in a team.

When first grade scholars work in a team, they take turns listening to each other and sharing ideas.

First grade scholars can find more than one way to solve problems and explain their strategies.

First grade scholars know that mistakes can help them learn.

First grade scholars feel proud of themselves and their classmates.

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year!

Dear 1st Grade GATE Families,

         Welcome to an exciting new school year at Ethan Allen!  My name is Mrs. Smith and I will be your child's teacher this year.  I enjoyed meeting many of you already and I have heard such nice things about this group of scholars.

         I would like to tell you a little about myself.  This is my 8th year of teaching, and I absolutely love it!  Working with gifted children is a very rewarding job.  Each day is exciting and interesting for both my scholars and for me.  When I am not teaching I love spending time with my son Sebastian, playing with my three dogs, and reading.

         I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing school.  If you are new to Ethan Allen you are in for a treat.  This school is filled with the most wonderful students and teachers imaginable.  Everyone works hard, and we also have many fun celebrations and activities.  One nice thing about our class is that all of the scholars are new to GATE and many of the children are also new to our school, so everyone will be making lots of new friends.

         Since you know your child better than anyone, I would like to ask you to write me a short letter telling me a little about them.  Does your child have a special talent or interest?  What do you feel they will need the most help with this year?  Was there a particular moment when you realized that your child was gifted?  Is there anything important about your child that I should know?  I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter.  You can email it to me or your child can bring it on the first day of school, which is Tuesday, September 2.

If you didn’t have a chance to attend GATE bridge, Jump Start is a great chance to have your questions answered and for your child to meet some of their classmates.  Jump Start will be on Friday, August 29 at 11:30 in the Ethan Allen MPR. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend, but our fantastic 2^nd Grade GATE teachers will be there to welcome your child and show them around.

         In the meantime, feel free to visit my classroom blog at www.ethanallenscholars.blogspot.com.  My blog contains a calendar of important events as well as photos and descriptions of some of last year's work.  It can help give you an idea of what to expect during this exciting new school year.

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                               Mrs. Smith

                                                               lgravessmith@ggusd.us

Link to GGUSD GATE photos

If you haven't visited the GGUSD GATE page lately, you may have missed these nice photos of myself and some of Room 8's scholars at the OCDE Gifted Showcase last May!

Some special photos from the OCDE Gifted Showcase