Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Scavenger Hunt

Finding something that crawls
Last week, 1st graders and their Kindergarten buddies went on a Weather Scavenger hunt in the courtyard. Using all their knowledge of weather, spring and Mother Nature, 1st graders used the iPads to take photos of items on their scavenger hunt list.
Finding something that changes with the seasons
Looking for something that grows towards the sun
On the hunt for something that
can be carried by the wind

Here's a peek at life through a 1st grade lens:

Something that is shaded from the sun


Something that can be struck by lighting
Something that reminds you of summer

Not only are these photos National Geographic ready but it was also wonderful to hear the scientific discussions going on. 1st graders and Kindergarten friends came up with different creative photos for all the items on their hunt.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the wonderful Moms of the students in room 116. We hope you enjoy your day; may it be filled with hugs, loves and snuggles. Cherish your gifts that came home this weekend.  Someday many years from now you will look back at your card and jade plant and think fondly of your child at this age. Thank you for all that you do to send smiling happy students to 1st grade everyday.
 

A virtual Happy Mother's Day is sent to Mrs. Klipfel (an avid Klipfel & Kids reader).  Mrs. Klipfel even came to visit first grade this week and helped with our Mother's Day projects and plants.  Ever wonder where I get my creative ideas, or who helps cut out laminating projects or who's the editor for this blog or even buys endless supplies for our classroom? Well she gets the credit for all that and more! She is a stupendous Mom and does so much for all of us in room 116. Happy Mother's Day! xoxo

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Clouds

1st grade, meteorologists have become cloud experts.  It's as much fun as being on cloud nine. We have learned about four main types of clouds: cumulus,cirrus, stratus & cumulonimbus. Students have learned describing words for these clouds, constructed cloud flip books and even went on a cloud QR hunt with the iPads.
Come on down, you are the next contestant on Name That Cloud
After 1st graders learned all about the four different types of clouds, they used the iPads to go on a QR hunt. Using the app, Qrafter, students worked in pairs to scan the QR codes located around the classroom. When students scanned each code it brought them to a question about clouds. They discussed the answer with their partner and then recorded it on their answer sheet. Try scanning the code below (all you need is any free QR scanning app).
Try scanning this code!
Once students became experts on clouds, they made their own cloud flip book. Students used cotton balls to make realistic looking clouds then flipped open their books to write describing words. Do you know which clouds are the dark and stormy cumulonimbus clouds? Or which clouds sometimes look like pancakes?
Can you tell which clouds are high and wispy?
Make sure to take a peek at the clouds with your child. They have tons of cloud knowledge to share!