The Big Blue Ox, A Fox and a Kit

Last week we read The Big Blue Ox from our Reading Street series. The kids made these oxen which turned out really cute. The idea came from lifeinfirstgrade.blogspot.com. They had a really good time making these, although some of them took for-e-v-e-r. We also talked more about realism and fantasy.

                                                    Ox picking apples and digging.

   In the story Ox cooks for Mom and Pop. He's wearing an apron.

                              Ox mopping. I love the horns on this one.

Ox helping with the groceries. If you ask me, Ox needs to get paid!


Our story this week was A Fox and a Kit. We did this labeling activity where the kids draw and label a fox. Then they write three facts they learned. We were going to finish it today but ran out of time. We'll finish it up on Monday.

The comprehension skill this week was 'the main idea' which I've always found a little hard to teach. My kids seem to have a hard time grasping this concept. I made this chart for The Big Blue Ox to try to help them find the main idea. They gave me lots of details but it took a while before one of them figured out the main idea. Oh well, I guess it will take a little time. Then we found the main idea for A Fox and a Kit.

Ten Frames

I didn't feel well this morning so I stayed home with baby girl. She's so awesome. I finished some charts for tomorrow and made this big ten frame. The counters are from one of those big checkers sets from Cracker Barrel. I was going to use electrical tape but couldn't find any.

Pig in a Wig

Our story last week was Pig in a Wig. We talked about realism vs. fantasy. The kids made these pigs. Turned out pretty cute! Got this idea from life in first grade blog. Except they did The Big Blue Ox. The only bad thing was it took way too long for me to cut out all those circles and body parts. I think next time, I'll draw the pattern and let them color it and cut it out themselves.

                                                         The "wigs" were interesting.

                                          We made a list of what real pigs could not do.

                                                                                                  Realism/fantasy anchor chart


                               "Dinomite Work" bulletin board

About Me

My name is Ruth Anne. This is my first attempt at blogging. I really don't quite know what I'm doing. First of all, I didn't know how much time this takes! It took me an hour to pick colors..

I am a first grade teacher. This is the start of my ninth year. I love, love teaching! I have recently discovered all these teaching blogs and am amazed by all the great ideas out there. So I thought to myself, "I have a few ideas. Maybe I should start my own blog." So here goes....

I have been married to my wonderful husband for a little over two years. We have an amazing, beautiful baby girl. She is nine months old and a joy to everyone who she meets. It's been a little bit of an adjustment being a working mom. I'm trying to balance. I think it's impossible...



Most of my ideas I've stolen borrowed from other blogs or teachers. Like this one... Number bracelets! My super sweet nieces helped me make these last night. Took forever!

I do have a few original ideas. Mostly things I've made to go along with Reading Street. I will post if I ever figure out how to upload them.


My favorite hobbies- tennis and blog hopping. Oh, and I've recently discovered the wonderful world of modpodging!

Dollar Tree Finds

I think my husband's going to ban me from Dollar Tree. I found some great things to use for math tubs (which I haven't created yet). My kids have always done literacy stations, but I've never seemed to be able to get math stations together.  We switched to a new curriculum this year so it's probably a good time to try it. Anyway.....

My favorite find~ coordinated cutouts... I think I'm going to laminate these and make a math game. There are 24 in each pack. There are lots of different ways to use these. Compound words...number words...

Peanut Butter & Jelly

                                                               

frog & lily pad

mouse & cheese

bee & honeypot

paint & paintbrush

They also had these pumpkin ice cube trays. I am thinking we can use them for ten frames!

They had these awesome Halloween erasers, but there was only one pack. I want to use them for counters. I'll have to try another Dollar Tree.

                                                   Tray from Fourth of July

mini-hoodie journals! So cute! Think I will use them in a spelling station.

addition and subtraction workbooks- actually from Target. Thirty cents! I bought them out.