Rapping Tough Words

 Watch the class beatbox to give these brave rappers motivation!

Giggle Poetry

A fun poem presented by the firsties by one of my favorite poets...Bruce Lansky.

iPods in 1st Grade

Technology is my passion. I strive to integrate it into a daily part of 1st grade. Last year the kids were doing so many things with the computer, my iPad, and other digital devices I could get my hands on, which inspired me to get my hands on even more technology.

This year, due to a grant I wrote, the students have had the amazing chance to use iPods all year. Don't get me wrong, I have spent HOURS setting them up, updating, and managing software...but every hour spent, was more than worth it. The kids in my class have had the opportunity to learn, excel, and master the use of the digital devices.

THEY have inspired and blown me away ...they have turned into little tech-gurus. I admire their excitement, and their innovative ideas. They have been able to learn new languages, fill their brains with knowledge, google curious questions, and actively respond to questions. They have been able to become true photographers, and video editors. These students have interviewed people, written stories, and increased their reading fluency- all through the use of their iPods. Their love of effortlessly acquiring new information without boundaries has opened my eyes to a  new world of learning, that expands beyond the walls of my classroom.

Overall, this year has inspired me to new levels. I cannot wait to see the future that these kids hold. 

Spring Break!

Hello Families,

What a year it has been, thus far. Words cannot express this year, in a nutshell. As Spring Break comes along every year, it is always much anticipated, however it is somewhat bittersweet. Your sweet little ones came into our class, 7 months ago as young, scared, fresh out of Kindergarten-students. We are more than half-way through the year, and as we look around the room…we no longer see young, scared, Kindergarten students…but we see, smart, independent, loving almost 2^nd grade students.

 

This year has truly been a blessing. We have such a wonderful class, and so many unforgettable moments…and it’s not even over yet! We are full of so much PRIDE when we listen to the students read or as we watch them becoming little independent self-managers. We just wanted to take this time before we go into Spring Break to THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts, for ALL of your support and encouragement this year. We know that all of the parents have busy-lives, with a lot of things going on, and we know it’s not easy to stop your life to comment on the blog, or email me, or just be so actively involved…but you all have, and that’s what counts. Being a teacher is full of ups and downs, challenging and rewarding moments. Having the support of your parents, and the respect and love of your students makes the experience as a whole uplifting and 100% worthwhile. Words cannot express our “thanks.”

 

Over Spring Break, please continue to read with your child, and go over the high-frequency word list, because when they come back from Spring Break we are putting it into high-gear, and diving in the material head first. Your support with their reading and math skills makes all the difference; even if you don’t notice it…you can take our word for it, it makes such an impact!

 

Thank you!

Mrs. Ramirez & Ms. Bladon

Martin Luther King Reader's Theatre

Enjoy these amazing students reading their parts on a play called "Martin & His Sister." Also below that, I posted a picture of some of the assessments that the students have done in class-  because I am majorly impressed!

New Years Special 2013

 

First we conducted interviews with a partner, asking them 6 questions. Then we practiced holding a camera, and asking and answering the questions with confidence and courage! Then we recorded each other. Last year when I did this with the kiddoes, their parents absolutely adored them, and it's a true keepsake. It was so cool! I adore these ALMOST 2nd graders! Hope you enjoy!

 

This week has been a blast, getting back into the routines. Next weeks vocabulary words are tricky, so please study them with your child. Also, please see below for some evidence-based learning. I will do my best to have the first graders document some of the charts we do with the kids, throughout the week.

 

Thank you for being a part of your child's education, and please comment!