After learning all about mammals and insects, first graders are now learning about amphibians.  We have discovered that amphibians have each of the following characteristics:

• vertebrates
• cold-blooded
• lay eggs (oviparous)
• live on land and in water
• have smooth, moist skin
• can have lungs or gills and many can breathe through their skin underwater

As we learn about amphibians, we are focusing more heavily on frogs.  Several books read aloud, in pairs, and individually have enabled students to review life cycles and expand their understanding of amphibians.  Comprehension activities have included sequencing events, distinguishing fact from opinion, generating fact and opinion statements, and identifying the main idea and supporting details.

This week, after viewing a BrainPop Jr. video and measuring the length of frog tongues, students each selected one frog to research. First graders have been tasked with the following:  determine where in the world their frog lives, describe their frog’s habitat, find out what their frog eats, find the size and weight of their frog, discover how their frog stays safe, and list interesting facts about their frog.