My first day back with students was the 5th and we have been going full blast since we started.
My school is pretty small. We only have one 5th grade class and one 6th grade class (although with 39 5th graders right now we are hoping for another teacher!!). We are semi-departmentalized and I teach all the math, science and social studies.
I didn't have any new students to the building in my 6th grade homeroom so I didn't need to go through all those get to know you activities or learning procedures. It had been a short 6 weeks since I had seen my kiddos and they knew what I expected. We started right in on the curriculum which included a walk outside to find a list of all the biotic and abiotic things we could find. This was the jump start to our life science unit.
The students recorded the things that they saw in their science journals and then cam in and drew a picture that included 5 biotic and 5 abiotic items.
When I got the 5th graders in the afternoon, I had them complete this get to know you activity. I honestly don't remember where I got the idea from, but I think it was in one of the monthly Mailbox Magazines.
I give them large pieces of paper to compete it. I gave them an example by answering all the statements about myself so that they could get to know me a little better.
Day two had my six graders researching biomes. They paired off and had to find certain information. Once they found it, they had to put it on a poster.
They then had to present their information to the class as those at their seat took notes in their interactive graphic organizer. The students really enjoyed being the "teacher."
The fifth graders started their life science unit by examining different types of dirt and then building a terrarium for their lizard that will be coming soon.
One thing I am doing that is new this year is adding a grade sheet to all the journals that we keep. I got the idea from Jessie at Mrs Hester's Classroom. I think it will keep both the students and parents more informed.
If you have started school already, what are some things that you did the first week of school? If you are still on break, what do you plan to do the first week? We'd loved to hear what you did or what you have planned for the first week of school!
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