Summit first graders are learning about a third animal classification, reptiles. We have discovered reptiles are vertebrates, have scaly skin, are cold-blooded, hatch from eggs, have lungs, and breathe air. Students enjoyed listening to the read aloud Miles and Miles of Reptiles. They worked in pairs to read Really Cool Reptiles and practice reading comprehension strategies by classifying and identifying problems and solutions. Introducing our upcoming study of linear measurement, we read aloud Snakes: Long, Longer, Longest, a book comparing snakes. After reading, students selected their own snake. In the coming days, we will research and write reports, as well as design and measure snakes.
In addition to learning about reptiles, students are learning about the desert habitat. We have discovered many features of the desert, including the fact that all deserts are dry and get very little rain. We have found that while deserts are hot and sandy, many are not. Completing a book about desert animals, student are comparing deserts, examining desert animals, and discovering animal adaptations. Coming up, we will take a closer look at desert animals, bringing a few of their adaptations to life. Looking at the camel, for example, students will conduct experiments simulating how the pads of their feet prevent them from sinking into the sand and how the bones forming broad ridges over their eyes protect them from the sun.
The pictures below depict first grade students as they collaborate with one another using a variety of books and websites to research information about reptiles and deserts, completing the next sections of their animal and habitat books.
