Today was the first taste of what is to come, and I must say, the kids were a bit surprised. It's always hard to explain how much expectations change from first grade into second grade. However, once the work starts, it's obviously clear. Case in point: I always give a "plan for the day" as soon as announcements are over just to let the children know what to expect during the course of the school day. The practice also helps eliminate questions from the more patience-challenged students in the class because they've already been told what to expect.
Student work starts as soon as they walk through the door. After making their lunch choice, putting their take-home folders in the bin, and getting unpacked, there is a list of morning work on the board. The list always starts with the Daily Edit (talked about in an earlier post), and contains about two more items. These items vary between a math box, journal, practice book page, etc. Students have until the announcements are over to finish; any unfinished work is to be done during free time.
After morning work, announcements, and the plan for the day we jump right into Language Arts. Today spelling lists and homework was assigned, a new reading theme was started, a writing activity was done, and some preview work for our story was done. Somewhere in there was a read aloud, done during snack time. This was followed by recess.
After short recess, we went over the daily edits; there were two because there was no school yesterday. Then we were on to lunch.
Following lunch was another quick read aloud before we dashed off to special. After special we had Content, where we read about and discussed the purpose and history of Labor Day, as well as what other countries celebrate. (I just didn't have time on Friday with all of the routines and character education lessons.)
Math followed Content. Since we are in a review of skills unit, we covered coin values, counting strategies for money, and read a short story about the history of money (I am a big fan of having math stories for reference!). Then we were out to long recess.
The students were surprised at the amount of work we were able to get in today. Not that they don't work in first grade, but the level of work and the execution of the work is different. Learning how to work with a partner without relying on me for step-by-step-by-step directions is something we are working on. We are also working on reading directions at the top of the page and following those directions. We are working on being able to look back in the text to find responses and support. We are working on managing time to get things done in a timely fashion.
It's like being a magician. Under my guidance, day by day, bit by bit, they will get it. It's always neat to see the surprise on the students' faces and in their confidence levels when they realize how much they can do by the end of the first quarter, not to mention by the end of the year.
Just watch me work my magic.
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