Have you ever wondered?

To all my parents, because we have been so busy in our classroom working on the Texas program, class station videos, guided reading groups and other assignments, I have been very impressed with what the kids have accomplished.  I apologize for not placing recent blog entries but as you can understand, we have been working hard tending to the students work.

The first grade team had discussed replacing the weekly 15 work stations with a single project of interest.  This project entails the teacher giving the student a general topic and then the student deciding what area of the topic the student wants to research.  This gives the student an opportunity to learn about a more focused area and able to complete work with more detailed quality.  The students have made videos, on their own, where a friend video tapes their presentation of their interest.  With their amateur recording skills, many 'takes' were done.  I am sure you will be impressed with their presentations and camera work.  Several  videos are attached. I am trying to attached more.
We also have been working on "I wonder..." books.  The individual student initiates an "I wonder..." statement regarding what they may be curious about in the world.  They go to the library, sign out books regarding their topic, research their curiosity and then complete a writing assignment.  So far their curiosities have impressed me!
We have also discussed the concept of Skype.  The students have learned about what Skype is and what it is used for.  We are currently trying to find someone that our class can Skype during class time.  If you have a relative or friend in another state or country that you feel our first graders would love to meet, please email me information about them.  THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR WONDERFUL CLASS!

I am currently having trouble attaching the kids videos to the blog.  I am trying to convert the videos to an adaptable format.  As soon as I get them attached, I will post them.