Grinch Fun

Students enjoyed our thematic fun with activities from the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  This is a great story that lent itself to lots of great conversation on many things that can be gifted without having to purchase it in a store to help warm someone's heart.  Some of the great examples students shared were spending time with someone, sharing a toy and making something special as a gift to give.  We challenged ourselves to exhibit random acts of kindness and also to recognize others showing kindness.  Last, in the classroom, we had fun brainstorming ways we could get the Grinch to grin as well!

 Here are some of the ways a First Grader could get the Grinch to grin:
*Make him a Christmas meal
*Sing him a song and act out a puppet show
*Give him a candy cane to eat
*Read him his favorite story
*Clean his house

 Grinch faces completed by First Graders!

Students worked hard to add a heart to the Grinch door as they noticed someone showing an act of kindness to another friend!

Herbert Hoover Field Trip

On Tuesday, December 10th, the first grade classes at Wellman Elementary traveled to West Branch to enjoy the Herbert Hoover museum's annual holiday display highlighting Christmas trees from the Heartland. Students enjoyed the wide variety of Iowa themed Christmas trees, but some of the favorites included a tree featuring the state universities, a Star Trek tree, and a tree featuring the Iowa State Fair. Our learners also enjoyed some winter stories featuring Laura Ingalls Wilder, a young pioneer girl.  Ask your first grader what tree he/she enjoyed the most!

 First Graders enjoying the story time!

 Christmas tree tour!

Having some fun in the Heartland!

 Thank you Herbert Hoover Museum for the experience 

of seeing beautifully decorated Christmas trees!

Healthy Eating in Science!

We have spent a little more than two weeks in science discussing healthy eating habits. Students have enjoyed learning about balanced eating from their friend Moby on Brainpop! Students were challenged to create their own healthy and balanced meals. Encourage your child to plan a meal or two this month and see how he/she can incorporate the different food groups! After discussing the food pyramid, students had an opportunity to work together to create their own posters displaying foods from all 6 food groups.