First graders learned how to partner read! 

They sit side by side - elbow to elbow, with a book in the middle, taking turns reading a book from their book bin!

     Yesterday we ventured out into the woods!  We traveled out like a school of fish.  We can learn so much from nature! When we arrived in the outdoor classroom we sat around and read the very charming book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.  This book is all about growing confidence in making your mark in the world and is a celebration of art - all kinds of art!  We discussed the idea of trying hard things, persevering, and taking pride in our efforts!  
        We then were prepared for rain with watercolor rain pictures, however, it didn't rain!  We were prepared to make our own rain with a squirt bottle!!  It was such a peaceful, beautiful time out there!  Students were very mindful while making their art!   
                
                       International Dot Day is this Sunday!! 
                                           Make your mark!!

This week continued...

This week we played math games that had us counting, adding, and writing numbers!  We also practiced reading on our own with our book bins. We talked about different ways to communicate and the importance of eye contact.  We also discussed the importance of  following the group plan and when we work together we can create great things!  Together we made a plan to create and build a town out of blocks.  Everyone cooperated and our town was fabulous!  We also went out for our very first Woodsy Wednesday on Thursday!! It was fantastic getting out to the woods on that beautiful morning!  We read a story, wrote in our journals about things we wonder about, and then explored around with our backpack tools - binoculars and magnifying glasses! I can already see their natural curiosity and love for nature! 🌳

Game:  Where are my arrow eyes pointing? 

Exploring the outdoor classroom!

A sneak peak at our reading workshop! I like this video clip because it shows all the flexible seating choices that are available in the classroom to help students do their best learning! 
💚

What a great week we had together!  First graders are working hard on learning more and more about our school, routines, and expectations!  We discussed how we have many different types of thoughts, some are great to share (green thoughts)  and some are meant to stay in our thought bubble (red thoughts). We learned your mind is a garden poem and how it relates to how our thoughts can be encouraging or hurtful.  We then made green thought gardens!

  

First few days of school!!

Hello!  We have had a great start to the school year!  We have sung songs, played community building games, explored areas in the classroom and outdoors, too!  I have been blown away by these first graders and their kind words towards others!  Please watch a snapshot of the past few days!

Welcome back summer letter! Looking forward to seeing you all in a few short weeks!!

             July 30, 2019

Hello First Grader and Family!

Can you believe the summer is flying by so quickly? 
In just a few weeks we will be starting up school again.
  I have been busy enjoying the summer with my family
soaking up this sunny summer weather while hiking, camping, and swimming!

I have also been busy planning lots of fun activities for the beginning
of the year, along with Mrs. Hackett and Mrs. Purvee. We will begin
the year building “Our Caring Classroom,” by working on ways to create
a safe, respectful community, both in our classroom and our school.

Please remember school will begin on Wednesday, August 28th. School
begins at 7:50 am, students are invited into the building at 7:30.  Please
bring a healthy snack and lunch to school or plan to purchase one from
the cafeteria. Remember to label your lunch box and backpack.  I have
included a list of back to school supplies. Some of these items are for
just your child and other things on the list are combined for our classroom
community use. Please let me know if there is anything on the list you are
unable to find or purchase. I will have extras of everything.

***In order for our first day to run smoothly, please bring a note about
where you are going after school and how you are getting there.

I would love to hear about what you have been up to over the summer!
Remember if you mail me a letter or a picture, I will write you back!
Just remember to include your address on the envelope. 
My address is 3028 Stage rd. Jericho, VT 05465.

I can’t wait to hear all about your summer fun!  I look forward to seeing you
in just a few short weeks! Please continue to enjoy your summer and
I’ll see you soon!! Thank you for all your help and support!

Your first grade teacher,

Mrs. Poor     

 **Amy.Poor@MMUUSD.org  ** https://mrspoorgrade1.blogspot.com **

Back to School List- Mrs. Poor’s First Grade Class

-1 sturdy 2-pocket folder (labeled with your name to use as a home-to–school
folder for the entire year)

- 1 wide ruled composition book (marble cover type) (labeled with your name)

-White T-shirt (labeled with your name - for RES annual tie dyed t-shirt project)

- Over the ear headphones in a gallon Ziplock bag with their name on it.
(**We will also have some classroom headphones to use, but it is very helpful
for students to have their own, as well as being more sanitary)

Optional / Wish List Items (for Classroom Community Use)

-3x5 and/or 4x6 index cards (white or colored)

- Post-it Notes (3x3 colored)

-Dry erase markers

- Sharpie Markers

- skinny markers, thick markers, colored pencils

- No. 2 Ticonderoga pencils

- eraser caps

- glue sticks

- bottles of Elmer’s (white) glue 

- tissues

-Baby Wipes 

-Lysol or Clorox Wipes

- Ziplock bags- all sizes

- hand sanitizer - large bottles for classroom use

Thank you so much, any little bit will be helpful for our classroom community!!