Brianna O’Connell

First grade teacher

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

To wrap up our identity unit, we made identity self portraits inspired by the book, “Looking Like Me.”

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We started our new science unit this week: all about light and shadows!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

In writing, we’re talking about different genres. Ask a first grader which genre(s) they have tried!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

Here’s a peek at some of our math centers this week! Ask your child which one is their favorite!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

In 1OC, we’re writing our first books! Ask a first grader what their book is about.

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

For word work this week, we’re focusing on reading, spelling, and writing our classmates names!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

It’s International Dot Day! We read @peterhreynolds book, The Dot, and talked about lessons the main character learned. Then we made our own colorful and unique dots!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

An important part of establishing a classroom community is sharing hopes and dreams for the year!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

During our literacy block, we have been practicing Read to Self. Our goal is to read for 15 minutes. Check out the graph; we’re building our stamina!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

Thank you, @support_heath, for teaching us all about how you and other school counselors help students!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We will use lots of manipulatives in first grade! Today we explored with pattern blocks, then started this poster of things mathematicians do. Look at all the skills we practiced in one day!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We read this silly book and then brainstormed some hopes for our teachers. I think we can make each hope come true!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We had a great first day of first grade! We read a book about being big and brave, and then wrote about what we like to do with our friends.

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We kicked off our first science unit by observing mystery seeds, drawing detailed pictures in our science notebooks, and writing our observations.

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

Did you know September 15th is International Dot Day? Now you do! Happy Dot Day!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

During Reading Workshop we read this book about a dog who can’t read YET. Ask a first grader about why the word YET is important. Students then practiced Read to Self for 6 minutes!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We’re starting our year by reading this silly book and sharing some hopes for teachers. I wonder how many of these hopes will come true…

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

Happy New Year! Thank you to the families who planned an amazing afternoon full of engaging activities and rich learning experiences!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

We enjoyed making snowflakes with our 4OC buddies today!

[Brianna O’Connell @Heath1OC]

Today we looked at a maze from different perspectives, drew what we saw, and compared our drawings. When we looked at a “bird’s eye view” photo of the same maze, we realized how helpful this view can be! This is why maps are created with the same perspective.