Off to a fantastic start!

 It is true...I have an awesome classroom full of first grade students!  They certainly do work hard.  Since school has started, we have been busy learning the routine and getting to know one another.

 The "brag tags" from www.imagestuff.com have truly been my most favorite addition to my classroom this year...save for the students!  (Who are completely obsessed with and want to wear their necklaces all the time.)  However, this is a special treat saved just for Fridays!  We do not wear them to recess or PE so they are not a choking hazard.  Pete the Cat is my favorite charm by far!  It says, "Joined the club, I can tie my shoes!" 

 The message that Pete brings to the children is that when things go wrong, not to worry, because it's all good!
We are building our stamina in reading and learning the skills necessary to become readers that comprehend what they are reading.

  This fall I am leading a Professional Development at Sabal Point for the teachers on the CAFE Book. 

This book helps as teachers begin a more deliberate practice of reading instruction.  I continue to teach the children that good readers turn into good writers.  Below you will find a rubric of sorts that visually explains what makes an okay piece of writing and what makes an outstanding piece of writing.

 The first weeks of school are full of fun, hands on, creative outlets.  Allowing the children time to get back into a routine and retrain their little bodies on the "school schedule" provides opportunities for low stress and high interest activities.  The goal is to build a love for learning and maintain it.  Most importantly, it is of the utmost importance I learn who your children are and build a relationship with them. 

  The children will begin to keep track of their daily behavior the first week of September.  This calendar will keep you informed of how their days are going in the classroom.

 The children are not just being disciplined or positively reinforced. 

 I am teaching and modeling appropriate interactions with their peers, introducing life skills necessary for success, and building character in the children that will prove beneficial for their entire lifetime.  Fair and balanced.

 Science is among one of the favorite topics my class expresses an interest in on a daily basis.  I wholeheartedly enjoy the engaging conversations we have about "blue moons", sun flares and the consequences, as well as the effects of gastric acid on food in the stomach.  No...these were not on my agenda for the day.  However, these topics and questions arise and we explore them as far as interest allows.  I am learning new things every day from your children. 

 The second highest interest activity in my class is the chance to be creative both in thinking and in expressing themselves through multiple means.

 The skills being taught are the nationwide Common Core State Standards.  These are appropriate and meaningful to the success of the first grade student.  Below are the Florida Frameworks written in understandable language.  Here they are in their entirety.  You can click HERE to find them.

Our school is piloting a special type of clustered classrooms for the gifted and talented.  My classroom is made up of several gifted students and children who have shown a talent or high aptitude for certain endeavors.  I have found that this class is first and foremost, just children.  They have their own personal struggles they each must overcome and areas of strength they are able to share with the class.  I am merely the vehicle to provide opportunities and experiences for the students to best meet their needs as students.  I am their coach and we work as a team.  

There have been some questions as to how to study for a comprehension test and what it is.  Please see this old post I had written that helps explain it.
http://mrscarterscalling.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-study-for-comprehension-test.html

This week we will be digging into nonfiction books and learning all about Ants.  Be watching for some real "ant"ics on the blog!