First grade lessons started on the first day of school with an exploration of the school gardens. Students smelled the basil, picked mint, touched the prickly cucumber vines, and decided on an interesting item to focus on. We will revisit the garden in the winter and spring to observe changes in the garden throughout the year.
We practiced the scientific skill of classification as well this month. Using magnifying glasses, students discussed the attributes of a variety of natural and man-made objects. Each pair of students then classified the items in any way they wanted. This open sort method has many right answers or ways of sorting and students were then asked to explain why they sorted each group the way they did. I am always surprised at some of the interesting groups students make and explain.
We practiced the scientific skill of classification as well this month. Using magnifying glasses, students discussed the attributes of a variety of natural and man-made objects. Each pair of students then classified the items in any way they wanted. This open sort method has many right answers or ways of sorting and students were then asked to explain why they sorted each group the way they did. I am always surprised at some of the interesting groups students make and explain.