Happy Earth Day!

First Grade did a fantastic job at their Prayer Service today - I was so proud of them!  A highlight for me was when they led everyone in singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth."  They love this song, and sometimes spontaneously break into singing it in the classroom.  Enjoy and Happy Earth Day - let peace begin with us!

Cal Endowment Basket

The Endowment dinner and auction is coming up in May, so it's time to start getting together the First Grade Endowment Basket.  This year it will be a GO BEARS basket!  Please gather Cal gear, memorabilia, and tickets to make it a great success.  You will receive PPP hours for your donations.  THANK YOU!!

Ms. Lucchese got an ipad!

I came back from Palm Springs with an ipad!  We will begin using it in our classroom soon!!  If you know of any great, educational apps that you have used and enjoy, let me know.

San Francisco Symphony

We are preparing for our trip to the San Francisco Symphony!  We watched part of the movie Fantasia to see how artists depict music using their imagination.  After we learned about the many instruments that make up the orchestra, we started listening to the actual music we will be hearing at the concert.    Here is a video of the piece, "The Elephant" from The Carnival of Animals by Camille Saint-Saens: 

"Silent E" Video!

We have been exploring "silent e" - here's a fun video for more practice!  

February Field Trip!

We are looking forward to our upcoming trip!  Highlights include the Yerba Buena Gardens, the MLK Jr. Fountain, an amazing playground, and a carousel!  All hidden in downtown San Francisco and right by BART!  Other field trips this Spring: the San Francisco Symphony in March, and the Marin Audobon Center in April.  Stay tuned!

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

This week we have been reading The Doorbell Rang, it's all about sharing cookies!  Here is the recipe to make your own cookies - share them with your family!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions


-PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
-COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. 
-Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. 
-Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
-Gradually beat in flour mixture. 
-Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if desired). 
-Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
-BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. 
-Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. 
-Remove to wire racks to cool completely.