Length

As we continue to learn about length and measurement, our class got to measure each other using string. I gave them one large piece that they had to cut down after they measured the length of their partner. After that we ordered them from tallest to smallest. Here is a picture of all the string lengths laid out before we ordered them.

After that we decided to take it a step further and line up from tallest to smallest and see if our string measurements were correct (some of their stances crack me up!)

We then wrote in our writer's journals people who were taller and shorter than us. I displayed the picture on the Inter write board so they could have a good visual to guide them.

Measurement

My students LOVED learning about estimating and measuring. 

The hands on activities really got them into the process and helped them better understand the concepts.

Here are the standards we worked on:

Measurement & Data:

Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.1

Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.2

Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps.

We chose objects from our class to measure using Unifix cubes as our non-standard unit of measurement. The objects we chose were scissors, a glue stick, the classroom iPad, a pencil, a book and their pencil boxes. 

We first estimated how many Unifix cubes we thought each object would be and wrote our answer in marker so no one could erase their answer when they found out the exact number!

Then we got to work measuring. We measured the book and iPad as a class then they got to measure the other objects on their own.

Many of the students thought their original estimates were funny because some were pretty far off. However, it worked as a perfect teaching and learning moment as I explained that estimating doesn't mean we will always be right and that the more practice we get estimating, the better we get. 

Here are some pictures of them measuring:

Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed!

We celebrated Johnny Appleseed's birthday and boy, was it delicious!

We learned that Johnny was a kind and giving man who took good care of his trees and supplied the early settlers with seeds so they could grow their own. I used this PowerPoint to introduce Johnny to the students.

We also learned about the parts of an apple by labeling this diagram of an apple.

Throughout the day I was making crock pot apple sauce so our room smelled quite yummy. Before we dug in and ate some we did a writing activity and wrote down the ingredients and cooking instructions for the homemade apple sauce. The template for the recipe can be found here.

You have to be wondering though...what IS the recipe?

What you will need:

crock pot

peeler

masher

about 15 apples (I have 17 students in my class and had some left over)

cinnamon

vanilla

Instructions:

Peel and slice all of the apples and place in a crock pot. Add as much cinnamon and vanilla as you'd like. Put the lid on and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Use masher to achieve the consistency you desire.

So simple and SO tasty! Here are some pictures of our class enjoying it:

Everyday Learners

These first graders know how to get down to business and work hard!

I love catching snap shots of them working and focusing.

Here are a few of them reviewing how to write the alphabet and doing a sort on short /e/ words.

Aren't they the best?!

Welcome To First Grade

I finally got to meet all of my fabulous first graders today! 

They are super cute and friendly and I can't wait to spend this next year with them.

Of course I had to take their first day picture:

I can't wait to teach these little ones and watch them grow.

Happy first day!