Saturday, May 2, 2015

The Magic of Spring

Hello Everyone!
My apologies for the lack of posting lately.  I am sure you know how busy it gets at school this time of year.  Along with all the regular testing, field tripping, and other curriculum "have-to's," I wanted to share  another fun project we've just finished up.  A couple of weeks ago, the Spangler Candy company (yes, the ones who make Dum Dums and Smarties!) contacted me about a special project.  They have a "Magic of Spring" campaign going, where you create a magic garden.  Well, of course, when they asked if I wanted to participate, I said, "Absolutely!" They sent me a little kit and I took it from there! It turned out to be a wonderfully sweet project and it was a great lead-in to our plant unit!!!  Here are a few pics.
The mystery package arrives!






Making "soil" by crushing chocolate cookies!


Planting a magic jelly bean!



"Magic Sprinkles!"

What will grow?

Waiting...waiting...waiting...

What?????  Magically, some Dum Dums grew!!!





Let's plant some more!


The Magical Mystery Garden grew!!


It was so fun, we decided to write a shape poem about our Mystery Flavor!

Our Magical Mystery Garden poems



You can watch a little video I made to showcase the fun!

 http://youtu.be/JhIDA3_s_As

I also created a little printable unit in case you want to try this wonderfully sweet little "Magic of Spring" fun!  Here are some pics from the unit!









We couldn't have done this without the amazing ideas from The Spangler Candy Company!!  Thank you, Everyone!!

For more info on this opportunity, go to
www.themagicofspring.com


We had so much fun!  What a great inspiration for some thinking, talking, writing, and so much more!



Next up? Some more amazing poetry!! 
Until then, thanks for stopping by for a peek through the window of wonder that is first grade!
Don't forget to leave a message!  We would love to hear from you!!
Joyfully and "sweetly!"
Nancy









Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Showing Not Telling and a Quick Printable Earth Day Unit

Hello Everyone!
I loooooove this time of year. I  (OH! And the kids, too!) can really start seeing all the work we've put into our written express come to fruition!  The last couple of weeks we've been working on "showing, not just telling" our stories.  I am so happy with how they are taking those ideas and running with them!  We started off writing about what made us happy. We brainstormed how happy looks on a face, on a body, and what our voices do. Then the kids wrote a rough draft of their happiness. We revised, edited, and rewrote.  I love hearing the voices in these pieces!





Next we moved on to writing about a place. We had the opportunity to go to the zoo last week so we used that as our springboard!  This time we worked on the setting's sights, sounds, smells, and how it felt.






Way to go, Kids!!!  If you would like a printable copy of the steps and templates for the kids,

I can't wait to see how far we can go with our writing.  My first graders believe they are authors!!!

On another note, tomorrow is Earth Day.  I put together an ultra mini unit to help kids understand its importance and relevance to their lives.  During this time of year we are learning about our natural resources and conservation, so Earth Day fits!!












I am looking forward to using some of this tomorrow!! 

I hope you're having a good week!  To my friends in Australia, please be safe!  I am hearing about some crazy storms down there!!  To my friends around here, be safe as well.  We are in the start of tornado season!
Til next time, thanks for stopping by for a peek!!
Joyfully!
Nancy