Well...I am sitting alone in a quiet, empty classroom reflecting on what a wonderful year it has been in first grade. It was with great sadness that I said good-bye to the children and families of room 26 today, but looking back we have a lot to be proud of. This year's first graders are truly exceptional. They have a level of compassion for others and hunger for learning that is unparalleled. As their teacher, I ended this year wishing I had more time with them...there was just so much more we could do together! I will be watching this "bunch" as they move forward. I know they will do great things. Parents...thank you for your support this year and for giving me the chance to be a part of your child's life. I am honored and humbled to have been the teacher of this wonderful group of children.

Wishing you the best, today and always...

Ms. Bennett

Today, we gathered together for the last time as first grade writers. We met in the courtyard outside of our classrooms for a Poetry Slam (a session of sharing poetry). Children volunteered to read one of their own original poems at the microphone. They were poised, heartfelt, and articulate. It was a beautiful way to culminate our year of writing and it will certainly live on as one of my favorite first grade memories.

Summer is fast approaching (yikes! Only 2 more days of school) and it is a widely known fact that children's academic skills will recede if not attended to over the summer. Luckily, there are lots of fun and educational things families can do over the summer to keep kids thinking and learning. Here is a great link to an article by Dr. Jenn Berman on Barnes and Noble about reading with kids over the summer: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Jenn-Berman-Summer-Reading/379002685

Also, here are a few suggestions of my own:

- Join your local library reading program. Read a certain number of books and get special certificates and treats to celebrate your accomplishments. (See if you can get a grown-up to take you to the library once a week and look for your favorite books and also look for the ‘I Can Read’ section.)

- Talk your parents into taking you to the Red Balloon, Wild Rumpus, or Barnes and Noble bookstore. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the stores!

- Turn a favorite book into a play or ‘Readers Theater’. Write a script and invite friends over to be a part of the play. When all the parents come to pick up the children, have them stay for a performance.

- Keep a journal or diary of any special trips (real or imaginary). Notebooks work well or you can get a fancy journal at your local bookstore.

- Write letters to Ms. Bennett and she will write you back! Her address is:

317 Groveland Ave. Unit 411

Minneapolis, MN 55403

- Buy fun postcards. Write to classmates and other teachers from Breck. Look for the addresses in the Breck directory.

- Go on a reading treasure hunt. Make a list of all the interesting words you found. Or make a treasure hunt for family members to follow. Writing and reading clues are a fun way to practice reading. Hide a special treat at the end of the hunt. Maybe you could hide a good book and a snack for all to share.

- Publish your own story. All you need is an idea, some paper, pens, and art supplies.

- Play math and reading games on the computer!

- Make your own game. Use tag board for the main playing area. Make cards that tell the players where to move next. Write the directions. Borrow dice from an old game and invite some friends over to play.

- Write poetry.

- Try a new recipe. There are some great kids cookbooks. Read the recipe. Make a list of yummy ingredients you’ll need. Shop with an adult. Read the recipe mix and bake…… YUMMY. Make your own recipe. (Be thinking of measurement and fractions!)

- Try some science experiments! You can find a simple science book at the library or local bookstore. Many ingredients for science experiments can be found in your kitchen, too. Make sure you have a grown-up help you with your experiments.

- Have your parents or siblings play board games/ card games with you. There are a variety: Othello, Yatzee, Memory (using number facts or sight words), a form of War, but you toss down two cards and the highest total wins. Many games are available at Creative Kids, Target, etc…

Choose one of these activities or make up your own. Of course, one of the most important ones that can be done each and every day ……READ!

We had a beautiful day for our fossil hunt at Lilydale. The children had a great time collecting fossils and enjoying a picnic lunch at Harriet Island. Please enjoy this slideshow of photos:

Our Fossil Hunt is almost here!

Wednesday, June 1st at Lilydale Park on the bluffs of the Mississippi near St. Paul.

Here are some things students should remember:

• This is a muddy field trip. MUDDY!
• Wear comfortable sturdy walking shoes (no crocs, flip flops, rubber boots).
• Dress in layers for the weather.
• Wear jeans or long pants as the rocks and terrain are rough.
• Bring a water bottle. You may want to partially freeze it ahead of time.
• Bring a backpack that is emptied of all "extras" like toys and books. It will carry your fossils and tools and will get dirty.
• Bring extra shoes to change into when we get back on the bus.
• Bring extra clothes just in case you need to change when we get back to school.
• Bring an old toothbrush for cleaning fossils.

In preparation for our fossil hunting trip, we staged a mock fossil "excavation" on the Breck grounds. Here are some photos of the room 26 paleontologists in action!

Despite the rain, the kids (and adults...thanks parents for coming out in the soggy conditions) had a great time at Friday's Field Day. We participated in 8 games including tug-o-war, a baseball throw, ring toss, and an ENORMOUS inflatable obstacle course. By the end the kids wore wet clothes but huge smiles.

We've had a lot of fun in our Guided Reading groups as we wrap up the year by playing with some Reader's Theater. Here is a recording of Ry, Ava, Jaden, Kate, Sam, and Thayer doing "Three Billy Goats Gruff."

There has been a slight change to field day due to the potential of rain tomorrow. Field Day will now be held on the Tennis Courts and in the Field House. Please plan to dress your child for the weather as it is likely we will still be outside for part of the time if there is light rain.

Finally, springtime weather is here and the playground has been a busy place. Here are a few photos from our fun in the sun. Plus, a few kids have invented a new playground activity with hula hoops. Yes...there have been a few "turf-burns" but they are having a lot of fun with it and wanted to show some video.

On Friday, we celebrated our most recent published books. The children put a great deal of effort into their craft as authors in these books, so we decided to celebrate their work with special awards. Our authors earned a variety of awards including "Strong Ending Awards," "Colorful Awards," and "The ... (elipses) award. "Thanks to our publishing parents who served as "Masters of Ceremonies" and helped the authors to share their stories and celebrate with awards. Enjoy the photos!

It is hard to believe that the school year is nearly over, but the activities in Room 26 certainly show that the busy spring season is here!

Last month, we began our study of dinosaurs. In the classroom, we have been reading about dinosaurs, making model dinos, and creating prehistoric habitats. We are also learning about paleontologists, how dinosaurs are excavated, and how to identify them. On our trip to the science museum, we had the chance to see these unbelievable creatures up-close. Soon we will turn our focus to fossils commonly found in Minnesota.

In math, we have been learning strategies for two-digit addition and story problems. The first graders have been encouraged to pay careful attention to detail, show their work, and be thorough in their problem solving strategies. We also continue to practice counting money and telling time. Soon we will wrap up the math curriculum with a unit on measurement.

The first graders continue to make great strides in their reading. They have grown into such capable readers and are experiencing the joy of reading everyday. Soon, we will be wrapping up our guided reading groups to focus on more class based and independent reading activities to prepare for 2nd grade.

In Writer’s Workshop, we spent the past month looking to other admired authors to mentor us in our writing. We studied books by Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, and Addie Boswell. We even had the opportunity to learn from children’s book author, Nancy Carlson, when she visited first grade. She emphasized the importance of revising and rewriting your work to make it better and better and encouraged our writers to use their imaginations. She even taught us how to draw some of her famous characters. We are working on publishing our 5th and final book. At the end of the year, your young writer will take home quite the collection of published books! Next, we will begin a study of poetry and will soon be writing our own!

All in all, we are looking forward the final few weeks filled with learning, reflection, and celebration. The first graders have a lot to be proud of!

Ms. Bennett and Ms. Schneider

The end of the school year is a busy and exciting time at Breck School. Be sure to check the calendar below as there are many upcoming events!

May 20-Lower School Field Day

May 24-Lilydale Field Trip (Bennett and Murphy classes)

May 30-No School for Memorial Day

June 2 & 3- 1st Grade Portfolio Viewing (More details to come)

June 5-Baccalaureate Service (1st graders sing) Meet at room 38 at 4:45

June 6-Lower School Closing 11 AM (Casual Summer Dressy Attire)

June 9-Senior Commencement at 7 PM (Optional)

Ms Grams will be doing a t-shirt project with the first graders for use on our field trip to Lilydale later this month. Please send a clean, white, cotton shirt BY MAY 10. It helps if you label the tag with your child's name. Extras are always appreciated.

Here are some details about the events at Breck for Children's Book Week:

Tuesday (5/3) – Poem in Your Pocket Day Each child will receive a poem to keep in his/her pocket for the day. A fun way to always have a little something to read! On this day, First grade is having author, Nancy Carlson visit to mentor our young readers and writers.

Wednesday (5/4)– Read In at Cargill theater from 8:35 – 9:30. The entire Lower School will gather to share in a little reading time together.

Thursday (5/5) – Storybook Character Day Dress up as a storybook character. Please note that students not choosing to dress-up, should come to school in their uniforms.

After a very successful birthday wishes collection, a group of first grade representatives took a trip to the STEP food shelf in Minneapolis to donate our collection. There, the students toured the facility and hauled in our generous donations that included a variety of cake mixes, frostings, noodles, rice, cereal, and a pinata! The grand total was...272 pounds of food!!!

Thank you for helping to make so many birthday wishes come true!