Old School Recess Games, Extra Credit, AND the 100th Day!

It was raining today during recess so we had to be, "under cover". It was refreshing to see children playing hopscotch (boys who were discouraged from playing a game where they would "destroy" one another), duck duck goose (a personal favorite from my youth), and a counting baskets game. The basket counters are up to 300! The more things change...the more they stay the same!

Here's a fuzzy picture of the duck duck goose game. (Notice the conga line in the background:)

Extra Credit

This paper came home with your child's homework today. This is not homework, but if your child completes it and brings it back by Monday, March 3 he/she will get to choose a prize from the prize box. Please remember to encourage neat handwriting, use capitals correctly, and end punctuation.

 100 Days in First Grade!

Today was the 100th Day of School. It was acknowledged here with a couple of fun read alouds and a brief writing activity. I am thankful every day to spend time with such special children. This really is a wonderful group of learners. Even though our celebration was low-key, we still had a happy day with lots of laughter!

One last thing...
The class took a long test today as the final part of the ROOTS research from UofO. The test was long and fast-paced. Our kiddos were troopers, but I could tell they were really tired afterwards. They did a great job and the test administrators were really impressed!

Reflections on Prosperity, Olympic Events, and Rodents Making Predictions...and Happiness

I spent an hour today getting caught up on scoring our writing homework. We have a class of talented writers! I loved reading about plans for prosperity in the new year, thoughts on which Olympic event to dream of and strong opinions for and against Punxsutawney Phil.

On prosperity in the new year...
exercise more
eat better
travel
talk more
learn how to use oil paints
get a new puppy
spend more time together as a family (this one was mentioned many times!)

Watch out in 2022! We might have some Olympians participating!
Events we'd like to compete in...
luge
speed skating
figure skating
ice dancing
snow boarding
skiing
hockey

Groundhog Day...
Our class was divided. Some thought it was all for show and frankly, not nice for that poor groundhog. A few used science to support their opinion and pointed out that one little cloud could make all of the difference. Others used evidence to support Phil's opinion (I am standing in snow. It is snowing now. It has been snowing for four days!). I tend to think it's a fun tradition that spawned one of my favorite movies. Either way, I was thrilled to see that our students could state an opinion and support it with one or two reasons. 


Finally...the tune I can't get out of my head and is super fun to dance to with 28 first graders at the end of a long day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM&noredirect=1

Run With the Eagle 5k

Our PTC is recruiting volunteers and runners for our First Annual Run With the Eagle 5k!

Please visit the following links if you are interested in participating:

Registration site:  http://runwiththeeagle5k.com
Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/runwiththeeagle5k
Volunteer signup:  http://vols.pt/QBSBEG