Alpha-School

As part of our Alphabet book study, we read this amazing Caldecott winner, Alphabet City.  The Caldecott medal is given to children's books for illustrations.  The book is full of city photos that have all the letters of the alphabet made from city scenes. The students loved the book.  We talked about how the author really had to concentrate on details to find the letters hidden in around the city.  We decided to be letter detectives as well.  We searched the playground to see if we could find the letters in the details.  We all worked together on the detail search.

 

The letter detectives did end up finding all 26 letters....although we had to get a bit creative on a few.  View the slideshow below and see if you can see the letters we found.  Thank you, Mrs. Dye for the photographs!

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An Apple A Day

Fall is officially here!  To celebrate, we did several activities with apples this week.  We started with some nonfiction text reading using our Scholastic news magazine.  We learned all sorts of interesting facts like the seeds are called pips.  We enjoyed an apple snack while we read our magazines.  The magazine had several nonfiction text features.  We made our own books about apples with nonfiction text features like a table of contents, labels, captions, and a diagram.  The students worked very hard on their books.

In math, we used the apple theme to practice addition.  We solved story problems and built equations with apples.  We also practiced the addition strategy of counting on.  Miss Schultz planned so many great apple activities that met important first grade objectives.  She even made the children delicious apple sauce.  Who knew math could be so yummy!  Thanks Miss Schultz!

Speaking of yummy, we also tasted different kinds of apples.  The students had to pick their favorite color of apple: red, yellow, or green.  After the students taste tested, they used an apple to stamp their favorite apple on a graph.  We love data!

Of course, we had to do some science with our apples.  One tool scientists use is a scale.  We compared the weight of an apple to different supplies in our desk.  In our science journals, the students sorted the objects into heavier than an apple or lighter than an apple.  The scientists did awesome.

We also got creative with apples.  The children really enjoyed this song made about the Dr. Seuss book Apples On Top.



After watching the song several times, the children set out to make their own "Apples On Top" book with a book making app called Scribble Press.  Scribble Press is an awesome book creator for $3.99.

To create their books, students had to be very techie.  They learned how to take a selfie, adjust the picture, import the picture to their page, add stickers, type text, and publish an e-book. 

Raz Kids Reading

These Connected Ones are ready to read!   What an exciting time in first grade!  We have an amazing opportunity to read with a subscription to Raz-Kids.  Raz-Kids is a digital library that our class has access too.  Two weeks ago, I sent home a letter to tell you how to access the subscription from home.  We have already had some amazing reading champions.  Last week, our class champ read 2 hours and 39 minutes in one week!  We also had 5 children that logged over an hour of reading at home.  Amazing!  If you are unable to access Raz-Kids, please let me know and I am happy to help.

The Raz-Kids library is available on both computers and devices like kindles and ipads.  You can get to the site through the blog.  Just click on the Raz-Kids button on the top tool bar.  Or, go to this site: http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login   Here, it will ask for our class' user name.  Type in ConnectedOnes (no space).  Then find your child's name and put in his/her password.  Now, you should have access to your child's leveled book assignment. Just a note, the website uses Flash Player so ipad access has an additional step.  You will be unable to download and read books using the Safari browser.  You can download the free Raz-Kids app (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learning-a-z/id474207297?mt=8&affId=1449142) and have access to the books and quizzes through the app.

Each book has the option to listen to the book (with word by word highlighting), read the book, and take a quiz.  In class, when children are working independently, I have the children do all three in order: listen, read, quiz.  They receive bonus stars for each activity completed.  Further, as a teacher and parent, we get reports on which activities are complete and how the child is performing on the quizzes. The children are LOVING Raz-Kids, they are so motivated to read and earn stars.  I am so impressed.  Please give this amazing site a try!

Colors Everywhere

We did some color mixing in science but were also able to mix reading, writing, spelling, and science objectives.  Our scientists worked together to mix different colors of water to make new colors.  The scientists made predictions and recorded their findings in their science journals. 

In spelling, we are practicing spellling the color words.  We worked together to make a color reference wall with all the color words posted.  We have been listening to color songs to help us remember how to spell the words.  Click on each color word to be linked to the song: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, black, white.

We also wrote about colors.  Each student published a book about the colors he/she likes.  Then, they painted an illustration to match the writing.  The students worked hard on conventions of print like starting with a capital, using spacing, and ending sentences with periods.

An App For That

 So many apps, so little time!  I have had several requests to find out what apps we are using in class.  I've also heard the children saying that many of you have already downloaded some of the apps we have done in class.  That is so great!  I love to share!  There are bunches and bunches of educational apps.  Here a few of our class's favorites.  As we add more in class, I will continue highlighting student and teacher favorites.

 Letter School- This is an incredible handwriting and phonics app.  It helps children with correct letter formation and letter/sound association. $4.99
Starfall- In this app, students see, hear, interact, and play with letters and sounds.  $2.99
 Letter of the Day- This app, again, works on letter and sound identification and association.  The game provides instant feedback and helpful hints.  $1.99
 Sound Sorting- Here is an interactive game that let's children sort pictures by beginning sound. $0.99
 Sight Words PhotoTouch- The ipad says a sight word and the kids have to touch the correct word out of 4 different choices.  The same app is also available for just letter identification.  Free.
Reading Rainbow- (with subscription)  This is an amazing resource.  With this app, children have access to an incredible library of wonderful literature.  Children can read the books themselves or get the books read to them.  Further, the app has short video clips that compliment the stories.  How do children become better readers?  They read, read, read!  This app is packed with reading opportunities and probably my all time favorite.
Scribble Press- I have this app on the students' dock because we use it all the time.  This app allows the children to write and illustrate books then has an option to share/ publish their creations into ibooks.  $2.99
Teach Me First Grade- This app has several games that cover and practice important first grade skills, both math and reading.  Plus, the app tracks progress and has an parent screen where you can monitor your child's progress.  This app also has a kindergarten and second grade version. $1.99

On our math page, we also have several awesome apps.  Here are just a few for now.
Quick Images- This app is spectacular for developing number sense and mathematical strategies.  See the post below for more specifics.  I highly recommend this app. $0.99
Counting Board- A great app to practice counting and identifying the numbers to 100.  Free.
123 Number Magic- An app to practice counting and number identification.  Free.
PrestoBingo Shapes- This app explores geometry.  Students have to find shapes hidden in pictures.  $1.99
Sid's Science Fair- Here is a science app that really engages the kids.  $2.99
Math Tappers- Find Sums- This app builds a foundation for addition and develops early addition skills.

This is certainly not everything, but a good start.  Like I said, I will continue to update as we introduce new apps in class or as I discover new apps.  You will notice at the top button bar of the blog there are links to Reading Apps and Math Apps.  Here you can see apps we will use through out the year.  If you click on the icons for the app, it will take you to the itunes store and more information about the app.  I appreciate your interest and support!