Looks Natural, Feels Comfortable

Our nonfiction studies have been sailing along rather splendidly these past two weeks.  

The purpose of investigating nonfiction in first grade is to achieve several goals.  Our objective rests with providing our students with an introduction to features of nonfiction texts (table of contents, diagrams, glossary, index, photographs, headers, etc.) and how to navigate them (unlike fiction, this material does not require linear reading from front to back).

After immersion in the reading of a wide variety of nonfiction texts we begin to explore how to write them.  

These days, as opposed to back when I was a child, there are many, many options related to how information may be accessed. Inquiring students can still search in books or encyclopedias but today's clever lads and lasses also have access to the Internet.  And make no mistake, they learn to click and search with jaw dropping agility.  

In keeping with the thread of using all available resources we could not neglect the importance of interviewing an expert in the field. So, we invited a makeup artist to come speak with our students. Charline arrived fully prepared to 'wow' our class and deepen their understanding.  She created a PowerPoint presentation outlining the purposes of makeup (everyday use, special occasions, to create special effects, performances on the stage), tools (mascara, blush, etc.) and how to apply it.  

A Q&A followed the presentation as well as a demonstration and hands-on experimentation. Kids covered in clown makeup giggled together while others blotted on tissue paper.  All in all it was a fun, educational afternoon.  

A huge THANK YOU to Charline for exceeding our expectations (a PowerPoint!) and for sharing her time and knowledge!

OH, NO!

OH, NO! is a simple game that Lauren modified from another game she saw once (but I cannot remember the original name). It is an easy game that motivates students to build their sight word vocabulary. Sight words are words that children recognize as soon as they see them. Their response should be immediate. The development of a strong sight word vocabulary leads to fluency and comprehension while reading. Conversely, if a child is expending a great deal of effort in trying to figure out an unknown word there is little cognitive functioning left for understanding.

OH, NO! encourages students to build this skill through continued repetition. Plus, they really enjoy playing. Here is all you need to do to play.

Get a shoe box, cut a hole in the top and cover it with colored paper.  Cut 5x7 index cards in half and write one sight word (or Dolch word) on each card.  Throw in a few cards with the words OH, NO! into the mix.

Now take turns pulling out a card and reading it.  If the word is new for the student support them by telling them the word but they must then put it back into the box. The object is to collect as many cards as possible. 

If you pull out an OH, NO! card you must put all of your cards back into the box.  However, the OH, NO! card is yours to keep.

See, SIMPLE. 

Earth

I was really interested in getting a child's perspective on the very broad topic of "Earth" so I asked a couple of children to share their thoughts.  

The happy 4-year-old I was holding in my arms laughed when I said the word and said that the earth was falling down on my head. BOOM!  

The 9-year-old took things a bit more seriously.

He immediately seized on the necessity to go green (see his artwork above).  As he meticulously drew the continents he discussed how his picture would include a speech bubble containing the word "Help" as well as indicating the effects of global warming. See the beacon of light on the right side of the picture? That is global warming.

He expressed concern about the state of our world but his worry didn't impact his ability to play with abandon when he was finished. 

That got me thinking...

Has the Inconvenient Truth of climate change and what it means to life on our planet become commonplace?  We were all up in arms a few short years ago asking 'what can I do?' but lately I don't sense that same type of urgency.  Is it because it does not exist or because it has become a way of life?

As we approach Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22) perhaps we can renew our vigilance in doing what we can to combat the terrible mess we've made of things. The point that folks tend to miss is that the earth will continue to evolve and find ways to survive with or without us. 

Circus Clowns

When I was a wee, wide-eyed youth clowns represented merriment, joy, fun and wonder. I can picture the giggly innocent child I once was seated in front of the television mesmerized by the antics of Bozo the Clown.

Since then I have noticed a definite shift in the clown persona. Juxtaposed with those old happy images are others of creepy, evil clowns. These clowns dwell in the land of terror and nightmares.  

How did that happen?

When I was planning a school trip to The New Victory Theater on 42nd Street, NYC, to see La Famiglia Dimitri the clown issue was on my mind.

One adorable little tyke with big eyes and lots of curly hair told me in utter seriousness "clowns freak me out".  

Happily, Clown Dimitri (yes, that is his name) brought about no such fright. La Famiglia Dimitri is a small family circus.  The five members consist of patriarch Clown who at 74 years of age can still bring on the laughs, his three children David, Masha and Nina and son-in-law, Kai.

David is a talented tightrope performer and musician.

Masha is a slack wire walker and musician.

Nina plays the guitar like Charo. Believe me this is a huge compliment (Coochie! Coochie!). She also performs solos in Italian with a knowing twinkle in her eye. 

Kai is a clown and singer. One of his bits had a student in first grade belly laughing so hard he couldn't breathe.  For a moment there we were really concerned.

They will be performing at The New Victory until April 19th so if you are in New York City please check out this enjoyable show. It is time for clowns to mend their soiled reputation and return to the positive force they once were.  La Famiglia Dimitri is taking us a step in that direction.

Online Resources

Teacher share.

Teachers share a lot!

In the spirit of sharing I would like to pass along some of the fantastic, helpful websites that others have shared with me.

For starters, our school's library website is chock full of incredible activities. Once you have clicked over to the homepage look the Free and Recommended Software Downloads for PreK-6 header for Tux Type - Learn to Type. It reminds me of the old Atari Space Invaders game only here a penguin is trying to type his way to either catch fish or shoot down aliens. I must admit that it is fun, even for a grown man. There are many fun, educational links on this page so if you have the time go exploring.

For games, coloring pages, videos and more with popular children's book characters visit pbskids.org.  I'll give a special shout out to the Curious George Pogo-A-GoGo game! Children develop computer skills, such as using a mouse, without any stress.

or

Between the Lions for books you can read along with and tips for parents.

There are many websites that allow you to print off traceable letter pages to give young ones a chance at handwriting practice. This link allows you to create your own sheets. 

For a multitude of other nifty activities check here, here and here.

The one I use the most however is Starfall. They have lots of activities for students at varying readiness levels AND they have a Greek Myths section under the I'm Reading header!

The final website I'll offer up is called Reading A-Z.  This is one that requires a fee.  I have not used it that often but I know many, many teachers who L-O-V-E it.

If you have any other please pass them along.

Thanks to Cheritha, Dawn, Sara, Mark and Rani for your contributions.