A Brand New School Year

This is the first time in 7 years that I have had a full first grade class.  Eighteen wonderful children full of energy and ready to learn.  School began a week and a half ago, I am enjoying each moment...and sleeping well!!  It is amazing how 6 and 7 year olds can wear you out!  This year I am trying some new things to enhance student learning.  The biggest change being the implementation of Daily 5 during my reading block.  In a matter of 5 short days, all 18 kiddos have managed to reach 6 minutes of Read to Self time.  A real accomplishment, since after the first day I didn't think we would ever reach a minute!  It now looks like 20+ minutes is actually a feasible goal!!  Yea for first grade!