Read / Write /Explore Time

Choice...we all want it.  But it's risky to let loose 25 wiggly, giggly little ones and allow them to explore the room and the learning activities that jazz them.

 But I'm willing to take that risk.  Because I know it empowers kids.

Here are some of the activities the kids are choosing in these early days.  As they choose, I learn about them as people and learners.

 I watch to see where they are at as collaborators and communicators.  I'm watching to see who sticks with what they start. I'm noticing who shows responsibility and stewardship.

I'm noticing...and loving getting to know each one of these precious children! We are off to a great start.

Welcome to First Grade 2015-16!

Jack, Ms. Mary Beth, Eddie

Dear Crew,

I am getting excited to meet all of the new members of my "daytime" family for this year.  The boys (my dogs), however, are not so excited.  They have seen my teacher's cart and they see the stacks of books on my table that I'm flipping through each day and they know that the time is coming soon that I'll be back to work. 

It is hard for me to be inside...I love, love, love being outdoors.  We are getting ready for the changes that are coming, as are you!  But it's all going to be wonderful.  I want your child to LOVE coming to school everyday.  My room is a nurturing and exciting place to be.

This vine will sprout little white flowers very soon.
It looks like a halo of baby's breath!

I am a homebody.  I spend a lot of time in my lovely backyard watching the birds and reading. I have two flower gardens and one small vegetable garden.  Thought these photos might help you to get to know me a bit better.

I've harvested lots of beans and the zucchini and pumpkins are coming along nicely.  This summer's rain has truly been glorious!

During the school year, I will be capturing our school days right here for you to see.  You will want to subscribe to my blog so you don't miss a thing.  On my homepage you can find this on the right hand side of the page.  Go ahead and subscribe now before things get any busier for you!  

Soon we will meet to chat about your child.

Here are some things you may want to share with me:

Your hopes and dreams for your child, things that are easy or hard for your child, your child's expertise and passions, your goals for your child in first grade. 

Looking forward to August 3 and 4th!

Mary Beth

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Every Spring I bring my kite into school and I let the crew fly it with me.  This year I found a great kite making video on Pinterest and decided that we could do this and create our own kites. 

What joy to see the children running with their kites!  We were so glad for the sun and just the right amount of wind.  Enjoy!

Reading for Meaning with Debbie Miller!

I'd like to introduce you to Debbie Miller!
Author, Teacher, Mentor. In the world of elementary teachers, she is somewhat of a goddess!  We revere how she teaches us that little children can be deep thinkers of their reading.

On the left is one of her books that I have studied and worked from as I teach reading.  On the right is wonderful book that she taught from today during her visit to our room.

Today's lesson: Synthesizing!
It goes like this. As you read a book your thinking grows bigger and your thoughts about the story change.
Here Debbie is helping Chase learn to share his synthesizing by saying, "First I was thinking this....But now I am thinking this..."

After Debbie read this book and taught us how to synthesize the children were sent off to practice this in their own books. Some of them used sticky notes to mark their thinking.  Debbie stayed to confer and support our first attempts at this new reading tool.

What a gift Debbie is to the world!
Even more than what she knows about reading, it's her sweet spirit and tender heart that moves us all to tears.  And we are forever changed from her touch.
Thank you Debbie.  You've changed our lives!

Castlewood Canyon Voyage 2015

Every year when we walk up to the rock wall I can feel the children's hearts start beating a bit faster as they look up.
I can only imagine how big it looks to 6 and 7 year olds and certainly different than the climbing they have done inside!

But proudly each child was determined to do their personal best and they came away feeling empowered by the challenge.  We had a wonderful day playing together.

Spring Expedition: The Garden System

One of my students came up with the definition of the garden system.  I couldn't have explained it better myself! As we learn more about the system of the garden we are adding to this wall.  

Here is how our study is rolling out:

1.  Worms and how they help the soil.

• We began our study with a mystery piece...the kids thought they were just studying soil but soon discovered the soil had worms in it!

• We built a worm farm and have been keeping a journal as we observe them in this habitat.
• We conducted worm experiments and measured earthworms.

• We began a circle of learning, adding what we thought we knew about worms to what we now know about worms.

•  We read expert text about worms in small groups, practicing communicating, collaborating, critical thinking and creating. Then we presented our learning to the crew.

• Finally, we used pictures and words to explain what we know about the interdependency of worms and soil. The children have learned so much!

2.  Planting the garden

• With the help of Ms. Marla in kindergarten, we have begun planting peppers and tomatoes indoors.  We are journaling about the plants as they grow.  In May we will plant a salsa garden outdoors.  

3. Bees and how they help the garden

• We have begun studying bees and Mr. Leo helped us to begin understanding how the bees and garden depend on each other.  Honey bees are our friends!

Wow!  Expeditionary Learning is awesome!

Stay posted for more on bees and the garden.