Science, Social Studies and Math

Science

In science we started the unit: What is a scientist? What can a scientist observe? Some of the children's responses were: A scientist can observe the weather (Alan). Another student said they can observe a plant (Zaylin). We shared many ways a scientist can experiment using his tools. The students got a chance to explore as if they were scientists. They used a clip board to record their data, funnel  dropper, timer, measuring cup and a scale. After exploring the tools the children shared what they did. Sammy shared that she used the dropper to transfer the water to the scale. Nate timed the experiment he was working on.

We will be going to the Aquarium on October 24. We will be having a workshop about sharks.

Social Studies

Our Mazel students in first grade were exploring the world using a globe. They first discovered United States and then we spoke about were Russia is on the globe. We spoke about how each country has a leader. Sure enough the children knew the leader of our country is Obama. I then asked who was our first president and why he was chosen. Emy said George Washington was our first president. I explained to the children that he was a general and fought and won a war and therefor the people wanted him to be the President.

We began a unit of learning how the president is chosen. We talked about elections. Every four years a president gets elected to be president because the people vote for him. The candidates running for president have a debate about what they would do for their country. I asked the students if they had seen the debate on television. The children were not sure what I was referring to. So together we watched a Youtube video of the debate. Sure enough, students were stating "that was on my television yesterday". Soon, we are going to have our own elections in our class. The children are going to experience their own debate and how to vote.

Math

In Math, students are working on adding numbers using concrete objects. They use a ten frame using counters, in addition, they use number lines to jump when they add numbers.

Ten Frame

Number Line

In the beginning of the school year the children learned that numbers can be used in different ways such as in a sentence or numbers to add numbers and subtract.  For example, the students are proficient in knowing that the number three can be shown as: 3, three, ***. When it was time to work in groups, I would clap my hands three time and they would know to take out the card number 3, the word three, and the 3 manipulative foam.  These may seem like simple concepts but in first grade, we want to first ensure that our students have a very strong base in numeracy.  Over the year, the concepts become more complex and challenging.

Stay tuned for subtracting numbers.

Happy Birthday

I would like to thank parents who gave gift from the wish list. Happy birthday to Emy, Shimon, Sammy and Nate. Wishing many great years to come!