Language Arts & Science
November was filled with field trips, habitat exploration, leaves, trees, symmetry, sharing, and thoughtful reflection.
Our first field trip was to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. We learned how marine animals use their body structure and function to survive in the ocean. Students engaged in hands on lab investigations and were invited to observe “behind the scenes” in the research center. A rare treat for all!
Our second field trip was to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Students walked the Redwood Grove Loop Trail and learned about the Redwood habitat, history, physiology, and how Redwoods utilize adaptations to survive.
Students worked in small groups to design and construct scarecrows for the garden. Thank you to Leah for helping bring them to life! Our garden is growing rapidly with all of the rain!
As part of our seeds and plant life cycle exploration, students collected seeds on socks and planted the socks for a “sock seed” garden. Students also planted lima beans in wet paper towels, to see if they will grow without soil. Students are observing, recording, and comparing each groups results.
Sticking with our roots and garden theme, students prepared root vegetables and zuchinni muffins for our Thanksgiving Feast. Thank you Kelsie and Jenny for helping us chop and prepare! It was a delicious and bountiful gathering.
As part of our learning of indigenous culture, we read; Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message, by Chief Jake Swamp. Known as, The Thanskgiving Address this beautiful message is based on the Native American belief that the natural world is a rare and precious gift.
After discussion and reflection, students wrote about what they are grateful for and created beautiful Grateful Heart Art to share.
Students are exploring symmetry in nature and learning about seasons, trees and why leaves change color.
Students enjoyed making dye from scratch and tiedyeing bookbags. Purple and gold were the colors of choice using purple cabbage and turmeric. :-) Thank you to Bjorn, Forrest, Linnaea, and Marine for assisting with this project!
In November, we also learned how to sing in “rounds,” created riddles, wrote poetry, reflected in our writing journals, and wrote to our Penpals in the 3rd and 4th grade.
Early December was dedicated to the The Wizard of Oz. We learned that L.Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz as a series of 14 books over a century ago. We discussed literary elements and what makes a great story. We listened to a shortened version of The Wizard of Oz, wrote about our favorite parts, learned songs, and practiced singing as a chorus.
December is a time for traditions, old and new. We celebrated Hanukkah, learned about the history of the Christmas tree , and had fun comparing The Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Girl, and The Gingerbread Cowboy. Thank you Maya and Eden for teaching us about Hanukkah and sharing your family traditions!
“I’ll run and I’ll run with a leap and a twirl, you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Girl!” A few inspired leaps and twirls :-)
During our last week of school before break, first graders participated in Elf Training. Elf training included spreading cheer, sharing, learning & singing holiday songs, making gifts, writing letters, and of course decorating Gingerbread Cookies. Thank you to all the parents who made delicious cookies for all of us to enjoy ~ Marine, Michelle, Kelsie and Elise!
Students who complete and return their Elf Activity Booklet in January will receive an Elf Surprise!
