First Graders Experience Divali

On Friday, Room 5 had the opportunity to learn about and practice some of the traditions that coincide with Divali.  Kriyan and his mom, Ms. K, read to us, taught us about diyas and traditional outfits that are worn during the festival of lights celebration, and shared a sweet that their family enjoys throughout the five day celebration. Ms. K brought in outfits for students to try on, sticker bindis for the girls to wear that represent positivity and well-being, and shared coloring pages of traditional dress and practices that are used throughout the celebration.  We learned so much and had a fabulous time!  Thank you Kriyan and Ms. K!

Harvesty Halloween Celebration in Room 5

Room 5 had a wonderful celebration this week to celebrate the season with the help of all students and their families.  In the morning, Aidan's grandmother, who we all know as Mini, visited us.  She read us a silly story that was quite a hit.  After that, we had a Halloween parade of animals dressed in costumes, and then had witch fingers and goblin teeth for snack!  First graders loved playing games and learning new songs with Mini. 

In the afternoon, we had another celebration.  Together, we made ooey, gooey slime with glitter and spiders.  We also read the story, Room on the Broom, and built our own brooms that would help solve a problem that the witch in the story faced.  Her broom broke because there were so many animals riding on her broom.  Students were challenged to figure out how to build a broom that would be strong enough and have enough space for the dog, the cat, the frog, the bird, and the witch!  Students built brooms with legos and used their imagination to create a "comfortable ride" for the characters.  We ended our celebration with lots of yummy (but healthy!) snacks and the movie version of Room on the Broom. 

Fire Safety in First Grade

Lieutenant Dattilio visited first graders from the South Burlington Fire Department to teach us about fire safety.  The theme of this year's Fire Prevention Month is Look.  Listen.  Learn.  First graders have the opportunity to create fire prevention posters to be entered into a contest.  The winner and their family will get to have a dinner at the fire department and their teacher!  Here are some pictures of our experience.

Pumpkin Picking

First Graders spent the morning picking pumpkins and enjoying the balmy October 9th weather!  We had a blast on our field trip.  Everyone picked a pumpkin, enjoyed cider donuts, and fresh apple cider.  Thank you to all who helped make our day run smoothly--even with a bus running behind schedule!