Estimation

In 1-Thomson, we just completed our math unit on numbers to 100, which included practice with estimation. The first graders practiced visualizing groups of ten to make an estimate and then checked their estimates by finding an actual amount.

Visualizing groups of ten to make an estimate

We practiced this skill using Cheerios to cover the size of our hands. First, we traced our hands and guessed how many Cheerios would fit inside the outline. Then, we placed the Cheerios inside to find the actual amount.

Making our estimates-How many Cheerios will fit inside of my hand?

Actual Amounts

Practice estimating at home on IXL.com, click on H1-estimating to the nearest ten!

Pond Life

In science, we have been learning and exploring tide pool life in preparation for our field trip to the tide pools at Odiorne Point State Park in June.  This past Friday, we were lucky enough to have Landen's dad join us to give a presentation on pond life to coincide with our study of the natural habitats that surround us!  We learned about the metamorphosis of a frog, and we were able to see tadpoles and adult frogs up close, along with a musk turtle and a baby painted turtle!

Thank you for coming!  We learned a lot and enjoyed having you as our guest! 

Telling Time

In math, we have been busy telling time to the nearest hour and half hour.  The students are becoming experts at reading analog and digital clocks, while also writing the time using "o'clock" and "half past".  We've hunted for analog clocks around the room, recorded the time, and even made our very own watches out of paper to practice sharing the time with our friends!

Practice telling time at home by clicking the"Stop the Clock!"link below (a 1-Thomson favorite!) Click to Play Stop the Clock

Common Core Standard: 1.MD.B.3: Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks.

Earth Day

This week we read and wrote about Earth Day. It was great to hear all the ways that the first graders in 1-Thomson keep our planet healthy!  First, we read Growing Green: A Young Person's Guide to Taking Care of the Planet by Christina Goodings and Masumi Furukawa.  This book included many suggestions for how to leave less of a footprint on the earth.

Next, the students shared ways that they already care for our earth each day:

Finally, the students wrote a "how-to" piece on how to make Planet Earth a healthier and happier place to live.  Check out our writing below!

Common Core Standard W.1.2: Writes informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.

Mystery Readers

Some more mystery guests have joined us in 1-Thomson recently. This past week, Kaeley's mom and younger sister joined us to read Mr. Munson's Itvice by Nancy Nolan.  The previous week, Mr. Thomson visited and read Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg (one of Mrs. Thomson's favorites).  Both books were enjoyed by all!  Thanks for visiting!