During our math block this week First Graders began their journey into Unit 4, titled,

Leapfrogs on the Number Line. Our work during this unit revolves around using the number line as a mathematical model. We began our focus by creating a life-sized number line on the rug using number cards through 20 and a long length or cord. This module challenges students' reasoning abilities as they work to determine the value of the empty number boxes placed strategically on the open number line.     

 

Back In The Saddle!

 

Organizing for the challenge!

We returned to school today after a generous two week break! It was business as usual as we met as an entire school community in the multi-purpose room for All School Meeting. Ms. Harvey led the children in a greeting which was followed by News and Announcements. What typically follows is an activity that involves the children gathering in mixed grade groups engaging in a challenge. Today's challenge required the children to dress in their cold weather gear, head outside, and build a prototype of a winter survival shelter that could keep a rock (or a team member's hand) dry while Ms. Harvey pored a cup of water over it!

Widening the search for natural materials.

Ice chunks and snow pass the test!

Explore!

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!

Winter Sports at Cornwall School!   I have posted about our skating program and about the opportunities for snowshoeing at Cornwall School. This seems like a good time to include a post about the incredible cross country ski school program offered by Rikert Nordic Center. Long time fifth grade teacher, Paul Kaplan, (now retired and skiing the big hills in Gunnison, CO) created a program at school in conjunction with Rikert. Paul took those fifth graders on weekly treks averaging between 8 and 10 opportunities on snow. I am so pleased that this tradition at Cornwall School lives on! Grades 1-6 all have scheduled dates for the 2015 Ski Season. We are indebted to our ever faithful families who take time from their lives to transport the children to and from. The best news is that the school is able to offer this experience free of charge using monies from the Gilligan Fund. Come join us!  First and Second Graders will ski according to the following schedule:
Tuesday February 3rd
Tuesday February 10th
Tuesday February  24th  
All morning time slots!

Photo Op with the Piston Bully

We are Kings of this Mountain!

Over a decade ago, I wrote a grant to purchase a set of snowshoes for young children from Red Feather, a company based in Evergreen, CO. Over the years we have added to our collection including sizes for the older children as well. It is now possible to have at least two classes outfitted in snowshoes at the same time. The snowshoes have been used for outdoor education in conjunction with our Four Winds Program, treks to the Robert Frost Trail, and just for fun in the fields and woods surrounding school. Last week we experienced one of the earliest snow dumps in my memory. The best news is that the temperature has remained mild. After returning from skating today, I decided to take advantage of the snow, mild temps, and the already mixed up day, and have our maiden snowshoe trek of the First Grade year. I organized for the event while the children were at recess by setting up the nine pair of snowshoes on the porch walkway so that I could nab the children as they returned from recess. I am admitting to all who reads this that helping nine six and seven year olds into snowshoes requires incredible fortitude, stamina and patience! (I almost failed!) After some deep breathing, I donned my pair and off we went. We headed to the outdoor classroom. While passing the garden the children noticed that the depth of the snow was so great that it covered our raised beds. The sitting stones were also buried under the snow. We circled past toward the hedgerow and over the stream into the far off field. Walking through the field was actually easier going. We wound our way back to the playground via of the village created by the sixth grade class. They have constructed three huts using all natural materials. The children were amazed and their curiosity was sparked! I was incredibly proud of their positive energy, stamina, and support of one another and look forward to more times in the snow with these trekkers!

The much anticipated "first day of skating" arrived today! We are fortunate to be able to have rink time at the Kenyon Arena at Middlebury College. It is an amazing rink complete with a locker room, lights, music and a few chairs to assist the beginners as they find their balance and their stride! The time went by all too fast, but no worries, we return
again on the 8th of January with our Middlebury College Women Hockey Mentors to offer support.

First Grade Skaters take time from their skate to pose for a picture!

Four Winds

Cornwall students are fortunate to participate in an enviromental program called Four Winds. Four Winds Nature Institute is a non-profit organization advancing the understanding, appreciation and protection of the environment through community-based natural science education and research. Four Winds staff members are educators and scientists dedicated to helping children and adults gain the background knowledge and science skills needed to understand the world around them and the creative problem-solving and citizenship skills needed to protect it.  Five times a year a staff member meets for an afternoon with Cornwall's finest parent volunteers for a training for that year's focus and theme. The parent volunteer for each grade then makes a date with the classroom teacher for our own workshop. Four Winds programs encourage children to learn about and explore nearby nature, connecting people to the natural world where they live, work and play.  On Thursday our two volunteers introduced us to a "Blanket of Air." The air we breathe is part of the earth's atmosphere, a layer of gases that surrounds the planet protecting us from harmful radiation and keeping us warm. Although air is invisible, children discovered that it takes up space, exerts pressure and has weight. Through the following activities; a puppet show, Paper Flip, Pump Action, and Egg in a Bottle, the children had opportunities to understand the concept of "air takes up space."