Our 'One of a Kind' Firsties!

During our first week and a half of first grade, the Wellman Elementary 1st graders have focused a lot of attention on how each of us is a 'one of a kind' and special for many reasons.  To help guide our discussion in this area we enjoyed the story of Elmer, written by David McKee.  In this story a kind, patchwork colored elephant does not want to 'stand' out from the others with his multiple colors and works hard to try to turn himself the color of gray like the other elephants.  However, through his learning journey he discovers how wonderful it is to be cherished and appreciated for his unique qualities just like each first grader.  Below are the first graders' patchwork elephants, reminding us of how special and unique we each are.

It's Official!!!

Here they are.....the 'Official 2015-2016 First Graders' of Wellman Elementary!!  What an exciting start to school it has been as we have been sharing, learning, and working together over these last 3 days!  We also can't help but love our newest four legged friend, Bowie.  He has been a great addition to the Wellman Elementary staff, often checking in with the first graders throughout the day!  Ask your little one to share what one of Bowie's job is at Wellman Elementary.

What a great first 3 days!

Bowie being a great friend to all!

Celebration!

First graders had a grand time celebrating their year of learning and hard work this week! On Thursday we began our festivities at the Kalona Park with beautiful sunshine and a wide open playground! After taking a lunch break, students were surprised with a sweet treat from Yotty's ice cream shop. The gang then loaded up the bus and headed up for some bowling fun. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work and learn along with this special group of kiddos this year and send them out into the world with all the best wishes on their continued learning and growing. Have a great summer!!

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Mexico Trip

The First and Second Graders headed to Mexico on Friday afternoon and had a fabulous time with this fun event.  Students were immersed games, danced along with some creative Mexican dance moves, dabbled in yarn art and enjoyed the flavorful tastes from this beautiful country.  Ask your little traveler what his/her favorite part of the Mexican tour was!  A big thank you to the many hands that helped prepare for this special day!  This day would not be possible without all of the help from parents!

One of our 1st grade travelers!

Students enjoyed hearing the Mexican Cinderella story of Adelita!

The Mexican Restaurant was a hit!  Students enjoyed a 'taste' of Mexico by enjoying beans, rice, chips and salsa, a small taco and a churro.

Travelers also experienced how to make 'yarn art', a traditional Mexican form of art.

Zumba instructor, Debra Elam taught the students 'moves' to the Mexican Hat Dance and the Quebradita!  

Students enjoyed a fast paced game of stealing the sombrero! The last two players with a sombrero attached to their backs were the winners of this running game!  

Cinco de Mayo!!

In preparation for our upcoming "trip" to Mexico, the firsties at Wellman Elementary continued their learning about the Mexican heritage this week. Many students had an opportunity to take a whack at a pinata in honor of Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday, celebrating the Mexican army's victory in the Battle of Puebla.

More Fraction Action!

As we near the end of our school year, students are being challenged on many levels to use their mathematical understandings of fractions to compare their parts.  We have been reviewing how to show equal parts and also comparing fractions to one another.  We decided to explore the world of fractions a little more deeply by using shaving cream to assist us!  First graders will continue to work with fractions into next week.

Animal Visitors

The first graders have begun their unit study of Mexico!  Within the past couple of weeks, the first graders have learned about the geographical features, climate and historical information on this beautiful country.  Over this past week, students were exposed to some of the interesting creatures that call this country 'home'.  To help further our inquiry of the animals, 1A high school intern student, Kennady Miller, shared two of her own pets with the class to help relate to some of the animals students had learned about.

Although the hedgehog is not an animal of Mexico, its' external features are very similar to the porcupine, which does make its' home in Mexico.  Students were also overjoyed when 'Stella' the Chihuahua came to visit our classroom!  Students were very surprised to learn that the Chihuahua originated in Mexico. 

Meet 'Nyx' the hedgehog!

 

Kennady sharing background information with the students on the animals of Mexico.

 

 Meet 'Stella' the Chihuahau!