This past week we've been working hard on building our stamina during Read to Self time.  The goal is to have the students reading independently for 15 minutes.  We started off slowly by just doing a few minutes at a time and we have been gradually increasing our time throughout the week.  We even video taped ourselves and then watched it to see how we did and what we needed to work on. Everyone loved watching how we progressed throughout the week.  On Friday I introduced something called a Toobaloo (see pictures below) to help keep our room quiet and distraction free during this time.  The students LOVED using these and they couldn't believe how well they worked.  When using a Toobaloo students can whisper read to themselves and hear what they are reading clearly while no one else can.  It's pretty cool!  

A note came home in your child's folder on Friday giving you a little information about share days in First Grade.  Each week your child will have a specific day designated as their share day (this will be the same day each week throughout the entire year).  On this day your child has the opportunity to share something with our class.  They can choose to bring something special in from home, or to just verbally share something.  This time of day gives kids an opportunity to share, ask questions, make connections and learn from each other all while practicing their speaking and listening skills.  Below you will find the share day schedule.  I've also placed it on our calendars and schedules page (under the "more" tab) for easy reference throughout the year.  

Wow!  What a great first week we had in First Grade!  I'm am so happy to have all of your kiddos back with me for another year.  We all make a great team and I look forward to having another amazing year full of learning, laughter and fun.  While some things are new in our classroom, our general rules and routines are not and this has made for a very smooth start.  The kids already know exactly what to do and what is expected behavior.  I've never "looped" before, but I think I am already in love with it!