A favorite activity of the First Grade crew is EXPLORE! Most Friday afternoons the children re-enter the classroom after recess and gather for chapter reading which is followed by the opportunity for the children to make a choice of an activity that may include; drawing, writing, building with blocks, working at at the Lego table, creating with Duplo or spending time at the light table. This less structured time allows the children to make decisions about what station to spend time in, which classmate to invite, and what to create. Rarely is making a choice during this time difficult! I spend my time nestling in with the small groupings listening in to their play and conversations, as well as their negotiations! ("I had that little car first," "Hey, don't wreck my building!" Etc...) We spend a great deal of time discussing rules and expectations with the children but often don't provide opportunities for them to walk the walk. Friday EXPLORE is just the place and time to practice these lifelong skills in context, as well as being a magical way to end our week as a community of learners!
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