Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Rilling

Our Mystery Readers from last week!

Thanks for sharing your first grade expertise.

Port Farms

We had a blast at Port Farms!! 

Thanks to all those who chaperoned and spent the day with us.

I hope you enjoy the photos (better late than never).

We had a brave girl act as our Guest Reader on on Special Friday in September! Izzie practiced and practiced one of her favorite books, then she took the hot seat and read it to all of her friends!

Our class showed Izzie tons of respect and listened carefully to her store.

Thanks for reading to us Izzie!

3 Ways to Read a Book

In reader's workshop we learned that there are 3 ways to read a book!

1. You can read the pictures, like Evalynn.

2. You can read the words, like Mason.

3. You can retell a story that someone read to you, like Sarah.

Reader's Workshop

Reader's workshop has been launched! First grade has learned and practiced the three steps of Reader's Workshop.  Every Reader's Workshop begins with a song:

It's time for Reader's Workshop,
It's time to get our books out,
First we'll have a lesson,
Then read our 'just right' books.

Mini-Lesson
Each workshop session begins with a 10-15 minute lesson.  This is where my direct instruction happens.  The classroom teacher presents the teaching point for the day.  She models the concept in order to show the class.  Next, the students are supported as they "try" the new concept.  Finally, they are excused to practice the new skill in their independent work.

Independent Reading
This is the time of day where each student dives into some books! Each child has his/her own book box which contains 'just right' books.  First grade students will build up their stamina for reading independently and will be very efficient with this in first grade. Here's a snapshot of what Mrs. Monaco's independent readers look like!


Share
Each workshop ends with a share where children are asked to rethink the lesson from the day and share their experience practicing this new skill.

Introducing....

Our first grade friends.

Enjoy these smiles.

Yours,

Mrs. Monaco

Welcome! Back to School!

This one is for the parents!  I read this article and I thought it was important to share. I am not, yet, the mother of a first grader, but I feel that I understand "enough". I promise to love yours like they are mine. :) Here's to a great school year!! First grade is the best!

"Your most precious and priceless..."

MLK, Jr.

It's hard to understand how silly segregation sounds until you're explaining it to a room full of innocent 6 and 7 year old children.

They think it is the most unbelievable concept that people would be judged by the color of their skin.  They are right. This concept is so foreign to them and they are so good at embracing each other.

It's humbling and awesome to spend day after day with children who respect and love each other.

Life is good.

We can find word wall words, blends, and chunks in a poem. 

 Evan's illustration. 

 Megan's illustration. 

 Alex's illustration.

Because these were too cute not to post.

Thanks for 100 fantastic days of school. :)

 Little Old Men

Little Old Ladies