It was a busy day in first grade!  Listed below are center activities and projects we worked on today.

• Ending Blends – We reviewed sounds ending blends make, brainstormed words to fit this week’s pattern (-lt, -st, -ct, -ft, -pt), and selected spelling words.
• Noun Review – Students completed a noun cut and sort.
• Headsprout – First graders each completed their next episode of Headsprout.
• Reading Folder – Students practiced their personalized sight words, read from instructional level text, and completed a comprehension activity by identifying and writing about the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
• The Great Plains – Students began a mapping activity learning about the Great Plains.  They identified mountain ranges, rivers, and plains.
• The Amazing Buffalo – First graders read about the buffalo, or the American bison, of the plains.  After reading, they completed a cross word puzzle by identifying things made from buffalo (blankets, clothing, moccasins, drums, spoons, ladles, cups, etc.) and began a cut and sort determining which items (tipi, whistle, scraper, bow string, shield, arrowhead, robe, etc.) were made from bones and horns and which items were made from hide and sinew.
• Subtraction within 10 – Students are working on their next math packet, subtracting within 10.
• IXL – Each week IXL awards certificates for a variety of accomplishments such as skills mastered, number of problems completed, or hours of practice.  On Mondays, we are passing out certificates to honor individuals for their accomplishments. Congratulations to all of those receiving a certificate this week. During centers, students completed subtractions skills in category D.  Many are eager to continue practicing at home.
• Wasna – We sampled buffalo jerky, or wasna, this afternoon.   It received mixed reviews.  While some loved it, others thought it was a little too spicy and difficult to chew.