Becoming STARs

This past week in room 107, a lot of time was spent on discussing and practicing the rules and routines of the classroom. It is a lot of work but is one of the most important pieces to work on at the beginning of the year to help shape a safe learning environment for the rest of the school year. The goal is if more time is spent on practicing the expectations at the beginning of the year, less time is needed to focus on them throughout the year and more time can be spent on teaching and learning.
As you may have noticed, I use the theme STARs in my classroom which is an acronym for Students That Are Responsible. Studies show that when students are independent and take on responsibilities, they become more engaged in their environment and in their learning.
This past week we practiced using and taking care of classroom materials, learning the different jobs of the classroom, what it means to be a good student and friend, and I timed the students in working independently.
After discussing my expectations for their independent work times the students practiced "building their stamina." Once we begin to teach reading through guided reading groups, students are expected to work independently at centers for approximately 40 minutes (20 minutes at 2 centers). Building their stamina simply helps them learn how to stay in one spot and work quietly in one spot for 20 minutes.
This past week, they were able to work at one center for 5 minutes on the first try!
Reading independently was more difficult and we got to 32 seconds. This is typical and is why I try to practice everyday :)
I hope this information is helpful and I will definitely talk more about this at Back to School Night but wanted to let you in on how things are going and what we are doing. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.
It was a fantastic week---I am so excited for this school year and am so proud at how hard all of my students are working to be a 1st grade STAR!
Next week, we will finish up the introduction to color words and begin our learning about mammals through a bear theme.
Enjoy the weekend...GO PATS!

First week down!

It was great meeting all of the new students this week. They are working really hard at learning and following all of the new rules and routines. The children are beginning to make nice friendships and are learning to become STARs (Students That Are Responsible).
Many important papers went home this week that need to be filled out with important information about your child. Please be sure to send those back as soon as possible.
Next week, the students will learn and practice writing and recognizing color words, we will begin the FUNdations and Investigations programs, and we will talk about the importance of reading and learning to read. They will also practice working independently while being timed. The goal is for each student to be able to sit in one spot and work or read independently for 20 minutes. We call this "building stamina." Last year, my class started at 3 seconds the first day but by the end of the week were able to work for close to 10 minutes :) It takes a lot of work, but it's a great goal!
Please feel free to email me any time should you ever have any questions or concerns. This weekend I will be updating the calendar with important dates you need to know for the school year.
Enjoy the long weekend!

WELCOME BACK!

Hi Everyone!
I can hardly believe it's time to get ready for school again. I have enjoyed the summer very much and I hope you have as well. I have all ready begun getting things prepared for the new school year and as much as I LOVE the summer, I am excited to get started! There are so many great things in store for us.
I hope you check this blog regularly...become a follower if you'd like. Last year was the first year I used the blog and am hoping I will be better at updating it this year. I will try to post all new information and resources you need to know here as well as photos and videos of the students hard at work or enjoying a fun time :)
To the right is a calendar I will update with scheduled events and happenings as they come about to help you keep track.
Please don't ever hesitate to email me~it's the best way to get in touch with me. I check my email {too} often.
I am looking forward to meeting my new students and families and to a great school year. There is a survey to the right of this post for the students. Please let them know that I am nervous and excited for the new school year!
Enjoy the last weeks of vacation and see you soon.

Author's Lunch

Well, it's the day before the last day of the school year. I still cannot believe how fast this year went by. I have been reflecting a lot on this past year and without a doubt, the beginning was tough. As a district and a school, there were a lot of new changes...we were "trying things out" through the end of the winter. I do have to say, once things clicked, the schedule and structure felt like second nature.
I am so proud of my students and how far they've come this past year. Their excitement and enthusiasm for learning is something I hope they hold onto.
This was the first year I held an Author's Lunch and...WOW...what a success it was! I never imagined it would've turned out as great as it did. The students wrote so much over the course of the school year and were so excited to share their hard work to their families and other teachers. There was not one child who did not feel proud of his or her accomplishments. Every adult, myself included, was beaming with pride and excitement for the achievement of these young learners.
Thank you, to all of my students, coworkers, and parents for making today and this past school year so successful.
To tomorrow's second graders....MAGNUM OPUS!!
Please be sure to check the blog regularly this summer as I will try to keep you posted on some happenings.
Enjoy the videos of the Authors' Lunch and have a superbly fantastic, fun summer!!!
Ms. Grigway :)

Tide Pool part 2

Here are some great pictures that Mrs. Afshar took and sent along. I couldn't leave them out :)
Thanks for sharing Mrs Afshar!




AND...I finally remembered Miss Sloth! Thanks for being so patient :)


Stay Tuned...

Field Day

Well, I can hardly believe there are only a few days left in the school year. With it, brings many celebrations. The next couple of posts will show celebrations of fun as well as growth and hard work. To start, we had our official "Ground Breaking" ceremony with Mrs. R. ...

...followed by the BEST day of the year, thanks to the fantastic Ms. Banon. She truly puts so much thought and dedication into field day and it's always amazing!

After our morning of fun and exercise we had lunch and then the water slide:



Until tomorrow...

Tide Pool Exploration

Well, we're 166 days into the school year and we had our tide pool field trip today. First and foremost, I would like to thank ALL of the parents who volunteered to chaperone. We couldn't have had such a successful trip without all of the help you provided. We had perfect weather, great finds, no major injuries, and every child was accounted for. Couldn't ask for anything more! The lessons about the treasures of the sea by Mr. Papadonis and Ms. Pavlicek, as always, were fantastic. I bet all of you parents learned a thing or two about seaweed.
I took many pictures and as you will see, the students were engaged the whole time...until the ride home that is :)
I have to confess that I did try to use my Flip Video but my batteries were dead :(
Enjoy and stay posted for a couple of more posts before the year ends.
Oh, sorry for not posting the Sloth...it's on my computer at school I will try to remember to post it. It's just so much easier working on my home computer.
Stay tuned...