I Think I Can!

    The first read aloud and first concept explored in first grade is an important one.  On the first day of school, we read the book The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper.  (Click on the story's title to see a video version of the book).  The story is about trying your best and not giving up.  We discussed in length how first grade will have some challenges and how the students will accomplish so much by putting in their best effort and having an "I can" attitude!  
    At school, we are building a large train to hang in the front of the classroom.  On the engine we wrote as a class, "I think I can."  Then, each train car will have one of the children's pictures and his or her writing.  If we ever find something really challenging, we can point up to our class "I can" train and remember this important lesson.  The students also built a train to take home and share the lesson with you!  I hope you had a chance to talk about this wonderful book.

Complimenting our "I can" attitude, the first graders have really enjoyed singing and watching this video called "Don't Give Up" with Bruno Mars.

First Day of First Grade

The first day of first grade was fabulous!  What a terrific group of enthusiastic learners!  I am so excited to be teaching these 18 amazing children.  It is going to be an great year!  We were busy, busy, busy today!  The day started by learning others' names.  We sang a song called "Hickety Tickety Bumblebee."  Each child introduced themselves using our class' microphone.  Then, the students used the interactive whiteboard to put their names into a beehive.  The children were excited to be using the interactive tools and were naturals.  We also made a book of the "Hickety Tickety" song.  All the students made a beautiful name page to add to the book.  

     Next, we read the book The Little Engine That Could (click on the book's title to see a video version of the book).  We discussed having an "I think I can" attitude in first grade.  See the post above for more details about the "I think I can" lesson.  We made a train art project using shapes.  Since we were talking about shapes, we learned an app called Presto Bingo Shapes.  The students worked really hard on the app and were able to learn some ipad basics. If you are interested in the Presto Bingo app, click here to go to the app store and learn more.  The app costs $1.99.

 Between these fun activities, lunch, three recesses, music class, a school tour, and learning rules and procedures our day was packed.  By 1:30, we were all pretty tired.  We ended the day by using the ipad to project the Reading Rainbow app and listen to the book First Day Jitters.  Reading Rainbow is my favorite app.  For a small subscription fee, you have access to hundreds of high quality digital books and video field trips.  Click on Reading Rainbow for more information about getting the app at home. 

   When we closed our first day of first grade, we discussed what we had jitters about.  The children also shared what they thought the best part of the first day of school was.  Below is a slideshow of some of the responses.  Thank you for a great first day of school!

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Introductions

   Welcome to our classroom! My name is Mrs. Niemeyer and I am so thrilled to be your teacher! I can't wait to learn ALL about you!  In the meantime, here are a few things about me. 

     This is my 14th year as a teacher.  I am from a family of teachers. My younger brother teaches 8th grade history. My mom is a school librarian/media specialist and my dad just retired after 49 years in education. My husband is a principal at Newman Elementary.  Teaching is in the genes!   

     I went to college at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Go Huskers! I have a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in early reading. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, Reading Recovery, and I have been a Math Instructional Coach for teachers. I am so excited to begin my third year at Eagle Cliffs.   

    I am married to a wonderful man, Travis. We have two amazing children. My oldest, Layne, is a student at Eagle Cliffs. He is giving me an all new perspective on teaching primary grades. My daughter, Jensen, is a spunky four years old. 

    It will be a fabulous year of learning and growing. Our classroom has the unique opportunity to learn with the latest technology tools. Thanks to grants, the Billings Education Foundation, and a generous donor named Mr. Wardell students in our classroom each have an ipad to use that is loaded with a number of learning apps. Further we have a classroom audio system, an interactive whiteboard, and classroom computers, and more. To learn more about our technology journey and how the tools enhance learning, watch this short video made about our classroom.