Making Apple Sauce

This morning first graders began the process of making apple sauce.  They each washed and helped slice an apple which then went into a crock pot.  The apples cooked all morning filling our room with a wonderful aroma!  By the afternoon, the apples were soft enough to put through the foley mill.  The students each had a turn milling the apples while working on an apple tree project.  The final product was quite tasty!!!

Geometry

Last week first graders began our second math unit which focuses on geometry.  They have been describing shapes, using pattern blocks to fill in different shape outlines, and today they played a game called "Fill the Hexagons".  Ask your child what he or she discovered about different ways to cover a hexagon!

Four Winds

First graders were treated to a Four Winds session on the sun today.  They investigated sunlight, shadows, and how the sun gives us energy in the form of light and heat.  Ask your student about the fun activities and puppet show!  (You can also see some crazy hair!!)

A Chrysalis!!

This morning students discovered our first chrysalis!!  We also found two more caterpillars hanging in a J shape!

We Have a J Shape!!

First graders came into the classroom this morning to find a caterpillar hanging from the top of our cage in a J shape!!  This means it is getting ready to do it's final molt which will bring it to its chrysalis stage.  Another friend was making its way to the top. 

Apple Trees and Apple Farms

This week first graders have been focusing on apple trees. It has allowed a nice transition into our unit on farms as we have been learning about the life cycle of the apple tree as well as apple farms.  We have also begun learning about the economic cycle of farms (buy, produce, sell).  This afternoon we sequenced the steps of how an apple grows.  

Huge Caterpillars!!!

We are patiently waiting for our caterpillars to make it to the top of the cage to make their chrysalises.  They are eating machines and are getting huge!!!