Learning About the Loon...

Wargo Nature Center came to visit and teach us about our MN state bird... the LOON!

We learned that the word "loon" actually means "clumsy". This is probably because loons' legs are attached at the very back of their body, making it difficult for them to walk on land! We also learned that loons are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to TEN minutes! See the picture of all of us attempting to hold our breath for just ONE minute! Thanks, Wargo!

Hip, Hip, Hooray! It's the 120th Day!

In first grade, all of our math skills are extra challenging, as we have to do everything up to 120! So, why not celebrate when that day comes around! We had so much fun making 120 hats, representing the number 120 in different ways, counting by tens to make a cereal necklaces with 120 "loops", and creating artwork mosaics using 120 squares that we measured and cut ourselves! We also worked our bodies by completed 120 different exercises! Whew! What a busy, but super fun day!

How Sweet it is to be Loved by You!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We had so much fun with our game party, making "Bee Mine" art projects, and opening our valentines! So thankful for this amazing crew of kids that I get to call mine all year! 

Halfway Done with First Grade!

Can you believe it? We are halfway finished with first grade! 

It has been so amazing to watch your children grow... I can't wait to share it all with you! Next week Semester One Progress Reports will be electronically delivered and additional detailed progress reports will come home in your children's folders. 

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

With the turn of the semester, that also means another opportunity for communication meetings. There is one right away on January 31st and another about a month later on March 7th. Please click on the link below to choose one of the dates that works for your family. Looking forward to seeing you all again!

Communication Sign-Up Link Here

STEAM Bee Bots and the Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

Our most recent science learning has led us to the life cycle of the pumpkin.

To help us practice the stages, we used our coding skills to program our Sunnyside robots, 

the Bee Bots, to travel, in order, to each stage on the mat.

Such a fun introduction to coding and a great way to reinforce our science learning!

Ask your child about it today!

Ta-Da! Metamorphosis!

And we have butterflies! (Five painted ladies and one monarch so far...)

What a Great First Week of First Grade!

Whew! This week sure flew right by!

We spent time getting to know one another and exploring Big Sunnyside!

We had an exciting surprise today, as a few creepy-crawly critters joined our class!

Our caterpillars have arrived! We had a chance to take our first observation... 

and boy are they tiny! Next week we will learn more about their life cycle and their journeys to becoming beautiful butterflies!

Enjoy the weekend!