First graders have now launched into first trimester science and social studies topics. Building on our science introduction last week, today, we enjoyed sharing in the Dr. Seuss favorite, The Lorax. Making connections to the book, we are learning about natural resources, energy sources, causes and effects of pollution, and our individual roles in caring for our planet. We will find that our socials studies topics are intricately woven into the story as well as we begin learning about goods, services, needs, and wants. In addition to providing a solid foundation in which to build our content area learning, we are using the story to further our understanding of basic story elements including characters, settings, problems, and solutions. Focusing on elements of character and setting, students completed a cut and sort comparing the two main characters, the Lorax and the Once-ler. Incorporating math, students completed word problems relating to the story and practiced sequencing numbers to 100. During our project workshop, students created a Lorax character. Tomorrow, we will further examine the setting, comparing scenes from before and after the Once-ler and creating our own truffula tree scenes. Students will participate in several writing activities explaining what they would do with the last truffula seed and how they can help our Earth. Be sure to check out the student links page for additional online activities relating to The Lorax.
Our Habitats
Trimester 3 has just begun and first graders are beginning a unit on animals, classifications and habitats. Before we can dive deep into the six