Show Me the Money!!!

Have you heard?  1st Graders are in the money!  I hope you have heard about our 1st grade economy.  Students have been working the last 4 weeks to earn, save, and spend money.  Students have pay day on Monday mornings.  They can earn more money for doing their "job" all week, but also get fined for things like noise pollution, not being prepared, and not following rules of the road.  Every Friday, students have the opportunity to spend on a special Fun Friday Activity.  Those that don't have enough or those that choose to spend, use the time to enjoy some silent reading.  Every few days they have the opportunity to buy mints during station time.  I try to encourage them to think ahead at what they the long term plan is, but instant gratification seems to win!  This becomes an important lesson on Friday, when it is time to pay for their activity.

We even "rent" special pencils and pens to use during writing time!  One shoe serves as a  "security deposit".   It only took a few times for them to understand that they don't get their rent back, but returning the pen in the good condition will return their security deposit  (very important before recess time).   This is a wonderful introduction to making good choices with money.

Take time to find out how much is in their wallet?

Week 1 - Tadpole Report

Today was tank cleaning day. Students were divided into Tadpole teams. Each team is responsible for a week. They will clean the tank, add fresh water, and report on the changes that have happened. Today students used the i-touches to record their observations about week 1.

The tank is full...

While we were at he zoo, our special order of tadpoles arrived. We used this morning to set up their habitat (after seeing all that we did yesterday, this was GREAT timing). Students helped with all the jobs, and are excited to see them grow (or metamorphosis - our word for the day) into frogs. They are Bullfrog tadpoles, and very BIG! Thanks Caden for being the photographer for today!

Wild for Measurement!

This has been a great week of hands on learning. During our trip to the zoo (I will post pictures after I get more from each group), each group had a job to measure something using popsicle sticks. Today we used that information to create life size examples of things we saw. This was a great way to problem solve (I am a little concerned that our Rhino may be on the BIG side!). See the pictures of the hard working zoo keepers.

If you are at school next week, stop by and visit our zoo!

Junior Achievment...our family is important!

Today, Mrs. Smith, visited from Conco Philips to help up learn about jobs in the family. Be sure to look for the book they made about different jobs. Thank you Junior Achievement!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

What a great night for some baseball. I had a great time watching all of MWE's players. Way to play Haytham and David! We are PROUD of you!