Fabulous First Full Week of First Grade

My weekend began with a home stop at one of the first graders just to drop off some materials.  I was recognized a block away as this kiddo barreled down the sidewalk, eyes lit up like Christmas tree lights while shouting in a jubilant voice at the top of his lungs, "IT'S MY TEACHER!"  Now that's the way to start a weekend!  I also was greeted by another first grader in Wal-mart who shared the same level of enthusiasm as the child described above.  What a lucky teacher I am!


Last week we began settling into a routine.  This week we will complete the reading review and assessments of letters, sounds, popcorn words, and basic skills from Kindergarten.  The first few weeks of First Grade are comprised of a lot of review and establishing the behavior management part of our classroom.  A contractor when building a house places a lot of time, effort, and materials into the foundation.  In First Grade we also concentrate heavily on building that educational and behavioral foundation.  After all, without a solid foundation, the building will most likely topple.


My goal will be to post to the blog once a week--usually on Sunday.  I will email you to let you know to check the blog.

The First and Second Graders planted their soybeans this week!

Hmm... wonder if these soybeans will really grow!

First and Second Grade classes pose at the soybean field with farmer Bob Bowers.

Watching the soybean crop dusting plane from a safe distance.

We celebrated the first full week with slurpy, sweet, can't be beat watermelon!

Must get those seeds out!

I think this stuff is great--how about you?

 

 Have a wonderful week!

Your partner in education,

Ms. Loetscher

   

Exciting first day of First Grade!

Good evening parents/grandparents!


As I was driving to school this morning, I realized that this is my 25th year teaching first grade at Winside, my 50th year of experiencing the first day of school (I was a student Kindergarten through college--17 years and then I have taught a total of 33 years) and in December I hit another milestone--my 60th birthday!  I can't think of a better way to spend the year than with this group of First Graders!


I was going to post some pictures of our day but then occurred to me that I have not sent media permission forms home yet.  Look for those tomorrow!


It was an exciting, educational, and busy day!  The highlights include meeting soybean farmer Bob Bowers at his soybean field across the street.  He told us about his soybeans and then each first and second grader used a paint stick with their name to stake out their own soybean plant.  Then the Winside scientists began collecting data by observing and studying their plants.  They also drew an illustration in their science notebook.  Prior to the visit to the field I read a book about the story of the soybean.  The class also learned about soybean pests including aphids. When there are too many aphids, farmers have the field sprayed with insecticide.  Bob had only seen a few in his bean field so that was good news for him.


Later in the day we received a call from Sierra's dad who is the Winside High School Principal.  We couldn't believe our good fortune--he had spotted a plane south of the school that was spraying beans.  All first and second graders scurried up the playground hill and sure enough there was the plane.  The location was perfect since it was not too close to us to hit us with spray but yet close enough to see.   We waved and waved at the pilot!

Another highlight was math during which the class counted white beads and placed them on vinyl strings.  Then it was recess time and something incredible happened--the white beads changed colors outside!  It was like magic!  The boys and girls took the bracelets home and were going to see if there are others ways to make them change colors.  Ahhh, the magic of first grade!


I will post more pictures when I get all media forms back.  Also, if your child did not bring a picture envelope home for pictures on this upcoming Monday, please contact me.  


One last note.  There were a lot of practice sessions today; however, don't hit the panic button.  This is very common during the first few days of school.  The practice sessions were on raising hands so just something that was forgotten over the summer.  I told the boys and girls that even adults get practice sessions sometimes.  (I didn't share with them that I have been in a STOP class practice session for speeding.  That session lasted six hours!) 


 We are off to an uplifting week!


Your partner in education,
Ms. Loetscher