Safety first has quickly become a class mantra as we learn procedures and expectations.  We have discussed safety on the patio, safety when using scissors, safety when walking in the hallways, safety when washing hand in the bathroom, safety when sitting on the balls, safety when walking to and from the playground, safety during carline, etc.  Today, we applied our safety first motto as we participated in our first fire drill of the year.  To prepare, we read aloud Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill by Jamie Harper.  In the story each of the students and their teacher is represented by a different animal.  As the animal class prepared for their school fire drill, we discovered animals may use any number of defense mechanisms to protect themselves from danger. Although students giggled and smirked as animals responded in various ways, they knew that fire drills are a time to be quiet, to listen, and to pay attention to their surroundings. After our school practice, first grade students felt they could do a little better, and on our second attempt, we nailed it!  Safety first!