First Graders Study Ponds at Minto-Brown

On Friday, June 6, Myers first grade students ended their study of pond habitats by visiting, observing, and studying the ponds at Minto-Brown. In the several week unit the students had learned about the plants and animals that make up the pond habitat. Then the students used this information to create a diorama of a pond that included at least: three pond animals, three pond plants, and the three layers of a pond. Next, the students gave a speech to their classmates explaining their diorama and describing the plants and animals they choose to include.

So, this trip to Minto-Brown was a culmination of what they had learned and a chance to see these animals and plants in real life. While at the park students wrote in observation journals, played pond BINGO, completed a pond plant and animal scavenger hunt, and listened to an expert speak about the park. If you see a first grader, be sure to ask them about the pond habitat - they will have lots of new knowledge to share!

Magnificent Masks

First grade artists were hard at work on Wednesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 7! Artist, Doug Dacar, came and taught the students how to create wonderful, creative masks. He was kind enough to teach how to create the mask out of clay and then come back the following week to share the finer points of painting the masks. Students had a fabulous time creating. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your time again Doug!!

First Grade Author's Night

On Thursday, May 8 Myers first grader authors read their favorite pieces of writing to a packed house at the West Salem Starbucks. The students had chosen two of their works from this year to share with the family, friends, and community members that gathered to honor them. Visitors enjoyed complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee courtesy of Starbucks. It was a wonderful time to celebrate all of the hard work done by the first graders this year. Thank you to Kellie Leavenworth and Starbucks for supporting Myers authors!!

First Graders Explore the Zoo

On Wednesday, March 19, Myers first graders took a field trip to the Oregon Zoo. Since the students have been studying maps they brought along their highlighted zoo maps to be sure they saw all the animals on their list. Each group of students had met prior to the trip to plan which animals they wanted to see and mark their route. The first graders carefully studied their maps and were able to use their new found map knowledge to easily find their way. A wonderful time was had by all! Thanks to all of the amazing volunteers - you are the BEST!

Grandparents Visit Myers

On Monday, March 3, the Myers first graders celebrated their grandparents by inviting them to lunch. Students asked a grandparent or other special person in their life. This was a great opportunity for the students to show the visitors what they have been learning this year. Also, the Scholastic Book Fair was open for students and grandparents to visit during lunch. Thanks to all of the visitors that made the time to come!

Incredible Ice Cream & Friendly Valentine's

Love was in the air, not to mention the smell of ice cream, sprinkles, M&Ms, syrup, whip cream, and more! In the first grade classrooms the students celebrated in style by opening Valentine's cards with friends and creating amazing ice cream sundaes. Students excitedly opened their cards and shouted thank yous to their friends. Then students devoured the personalized ice cream sundaes they created. The teachers and students thank all the parents sent in toppings and ice cream and those that came to serve ice cream, help with toppings, and clean up! We could not have done it without you ~ Thanks!

Buddies + Free Book = Wonderful R.I.F. Day

Fall in LOVE with a good book was the theme for the Myers R.I.F. Day, Wednesday, February 13, 2008. The first graders began the day by mixing it up and meeting new friends. Students buddied up with a friend from another first grade classroom. As partners the students chose from many activities including: buddy BINGO, buddy reading, and buddy read aloud. The first graders were happy to fall in love with a great FREE book and a new friend!

Bookmobile Visits Myers

Myers first graders had a enjoyable and educational visit from the Salem Public Library's Bookmobile on Tuesday, January 29. Thanks to the generosity of the Assistance League of Salem, the Public Library is able to offer the opportunity for all first graders in Salem-Keizer to check out a book from the bookmobile.

The visit began with a short informational assembly about the library, what can be borrowed, for how long, and treating the books with care. Then each classroom had a chance to go to the bookmobile and choose a book to check out. Many students received their first library card as a part of this experience!

The first graders thank the Assistance League of Salem, the Public Library, and Youth Services Senior Librarian Karen Fischer for a fantastic day!

Learning from a Local Artist

On Wednesday, December 5, local artist and Myers parent, Doug Dacar came and taught the first graders how to create clay ornaments. He brought many of his own clay "tools" so students could create texture on their ornaments. The students created many different shapes and textures. The result was beautiful, unique ornaments. Thanks Doug!

First Graders Having "Snow" Much Fun With Reading

Myers first grade students had "Snow" much fun with R.I.F. Day on Wednesday, December 12! Students enjoyed a free book, hot chocolate, Robert Munch stories, and free reading time. The first graders wore mittens, hats, and scarves to celebrate R.I.F. Day. Students are looking forward to the next R.I.F. Day on February 13th, when they will "Fall in love with a good book"!