Next Adventure

This blog has chronicled the incredible journey of a terrific group of children for two years of schooling.  We started as Connected Kinders in 2012 and ended as tech-savy, vivacious learners, ready for second grade in 2014.  Now, these special students are divided among three second grade teachers and I am starting the next adventure with a new group of "Connected Ones."  If you are interested in following this new group of Eagle Cliffs first graders, you can find our next adventure on a new blog: The Connected Ones (www.ecconnectedones.blogspot.com).  Thanks for visiting!

Create a photo slideshow

Memories

The children wrote this delightful poem in library after reading the book Last Day Blues. It was hanging on the board when I entered the room on the last day.  I admit, I got a little teary.  We have had such a special two years together.  It has been an honor watching the children learn and grow.  We have some great memories.  The children also wrote letters to the upcoming first graders about how to have a great year.  Each letter is posted to the students' individual blog page but here are a couple examples.

 I am going to miss my Connected Ones.  Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me. 

Join Reading Rainbow

I know I have said it before but I LOVE this app! We have had Reading Rainbow in our classroom for the last two years and it is incredible for developing a love for reading! Ask your child, it is the best. I couldn't be more excited about Reading Rainbow's new campaign to build a web based version and bring Reading Rainbow to schools in need. If it is possible, I love them even more. This app would be great to add to your summer learning list. For only $4.99 a month your child would have access to an incredible library of amazing literature and engaging informational videos. The Reading Rainbow app is worth supporting.

Measure Up!

Our last unit in math explores concepts of measurement.  We are concentrating on length.  In first grade, our objective is to develop accurate measurement techniques.  For example, we must line up our starting points and we must be careful not to leave gaps or have overlaps between units.  We will also use a variety of nonstandard measurements to discover that different units of measure will result in different measurements.

     We started exploring measurement by just comparing length.  We lined up objects in our desk and recorded the longer and shorter.  Then, we used the foot cut outs from last week's homework assignment to compare feet measurements.  We ordered our family's feet on our desk then we used cubes to find out which feet were the same length.  Also, we measured different lines around the classroom with our hands and feet.
      Our class measurement discussions were fantastic.  The students made great connections.  They all got really good at accurate and precise measuring.  Here are some great online games to use at home for practice measuring:

Measurement Games

1. Estimate and Measure

2. Fish Tales

3. How Big are You?

4. Length Strength

5. Can you Fill It?

Mr. Wardell

We had our last visit as a class with Mr. Wardell. It was bittersweet. The children love seeing him and telling him about all they are learning. Mr. Wardell brought them a cute little panda from his most recent visit to China. The children made him this video about all the things they feel are important about Mr. Wardell. He absolutely loved their creation.

Although it was our last visit as a class, it will not be the last we see of Mr. Wardell. He told the children he would be visiting them next year in their second grade classes. He has also generously committed to continuing the project that our class has started. Mr. Wardell is going to help Eagle Cliffs expand our access to 21 century learning.

Between our school's PTA, tech levy funds, the Billings Education Foundation, a Century Link grant, our read-a-thon fundraiser, and Mr. Wardell's incredible generosity we have some amazing opportunities coming our way next year. First, all three second grade classes will have 12 devices in each classroom. The entire first grade will be working in a one to one environment. This means each first grade student will have their own ipad at school! Incredible! Further, Eagle Cliff's kindergarten will have their own ipad lab. We absolutely saw the power in starting with digital tools early so I love that all students starting kindergarten at Eagle Cliffs will get to learn with ipads.

Thank you to Mr. Wardell for being the catalyst for this amazing learning project. Also, thank you to all who have contributed to our students' learning. What an adventure next year will be!

Field Day Fun

It was a perfect day for field day.  We had wonderful weather, great sportsmanship, and super fun games!  The children had a blast.  Here are some pictures from our field day!


Field Day on PhotoPeach

Celebrating Mom

 Happy Mother's Day amazing moms!  The children took such care in making your portrait and writing you a poem.  I hope you enjoyed your gift.  I can tell you it definitely came from the heart!