Friday, November 22, 2013

Little Inventors

For the last two weeks, we have been studying inventors in science.  We have learned about great inventors throughout time and how everything we use has been invented by someone to make our lives a little easier. Last week, I told the students that I lost my door stop and that I needed their help.  I challenged them to create something that could keep my door open.  I told them that it did not have to be anything like what we used in the past - it just had to help my door stay open.  The students then examined the door and came up with a plan.  They worked in partner groups to invent something to help my door stay open.  Once they had an idea, a name for their invention, and a plan, they looked at the materials that could help their plan come to fruition. (Thank you all for all of the extra materials from home to help with this project.)  Then they set a purpose for each piece of material that they selected.  Then finally after days of planning, they were able to build their invention.  Today we tested out their inventions.  None of the inventions quite did the job.  As one student said after testing all of the inventions out, "our inventions were all a little faulty."   While yes they were all a little"faulty," I reminded them that Thomas Edison tried over 1,000 times to make the electric light bulb before he got one to work just right. Of course then they all wanted to do it again. :-)  Too bad we have to move on to our next unit in science otherwise, I would have some more inventions coming my way.  Below is a sneak peak of what the last couple weeks have looked like.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Monk













The Door Machine by Nikolas and Andrew 



The Incredible Door Stop by Ava and Corinne 



The Opener by Aiden and Brendon



Door Stopper 1000 by Ellie and Samantha



The Diamond by Madison and Jensen 


Thick Stop by Ransom and Luke 


Door Stopper 6000 by MaKenna and Valeria 




Carton Door Stopper by Rhea and Athena


Star Stopper by Gabe and Ethan 


Super Door Stop 100 by Brandon and Taylor


I am thankful for . . .

I am a teacher and this Thanksgiving I am thankful for 20 precious things.

I am thankful for Brendon and his constant curiosity for learning new things.
I am thankful for Luke because he always wants to learn more. 
I am thankful for Rhea and her ability to make learning fun for everyone. 
I am thankful for Athena and her unique style of learning.
I am thankful for Nikolas because he always keeps me in check.
I am thankful for Ava for always having a sweet smile on her face.
I am thankful for Taylor for always having such a positive outlook on life.
I am thankful for Madison and her excitement about being a great student. 
I am thankful for Aiden and for the stories we share.
I am thankful for Ransom because he works hard in everything. 
I am thankful for Gabe and his willingness to help others.
I am thankful for Samantha and her sweet and sassy personality.
I am thankful for MaKenna and her ability to make me feel like the greatest teacher in the world.
I am thankful for Corinne because she is always so sweet and caring. 
I am thankful for Andrew because he has integrity and always wants to do what is right.
I am thankful for Ellie and the fun energy that she brings to our classroom.
I am thankful for Valeria for always giving me the best hugs.
I am thankful for Jensen and how her smile lights up our classroom.
I am thankful for Brandon because he is always making me laugh out loud.
I am thankful for Ethan for always being a great example.

I am also thankful for each of you and the support you provide me throughout the year. Thanks for entrusting me with your children every day.  

Friday, November 15, 2013

Math Videos

This week, our first grade team has been working on putting together some videos that explain the different things that we teach in math for you guys.  We know that we mention the things we are doing in our weekly newsletter but these videos might be a great visual for you as you help your child with math at home.  We hope they help!  The videos will also be placed on our Carroll Academy's website.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Monk


Change Unknown Word Problem


Bridge to Ten


Doubles Facts


Related Facts


Balanced Equations 


Start Unknown Word Problem


Friday, November 8, 2013

Fire Safety Town

To say the kids had a blast today would be an understatement.  They LOVED getting to go to Frisco Fire Safety Town.  They learned about motor vehicle and pedestrian safety.  Firefighter Keith did a great job at teaching the students and helping them have fun today!  They also had the opportunity to ride in jeeps and be pedestrians in and throughout the Fire Safety Town.  A HUGE thank you to all the parents that were able to come and volunteer.  Thank you for steering traffic, helping the accidents, and for probably getting hit by one or two jeeps.  The field trip would not have been a success without you!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Monk
Firefighter Keith

















The kids couldn't have all the fun! Me driving the fire truck!! 

Class Picture

And ... a silly one

Firefighter Keith joined us for this one!