1st Grade

What are we doing in the library?

In September, we will explore the library space and will be reminded of the rules and expectations. Here are some books that we will be reading together:

• Manners with a Library Book by Amanda Doering Tourville

• Do Not Bring your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15th to October 15th, we are honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a special author study focused on Yuyi Morales. Students will be reading two of her beautifully written and illustrated books: Dreamers and the Caldecott Honor book Frida. In addition to our reading, students will explore Spanish-speaking countries using PebbleGo to deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures around the world.

October

This month, our students will be using Code & Go Mice to explore the basics of programming! Through fun, hands-on activities, students will learn important skills like sequencing, problem-solving, and giving step-by-step directions. These early coding experiences help build critical thinking in a playful and engaging way! 

Students will work with a partner to design and create a costume for their Dash robot.  Aligned with the ISTE Standards for Students, this activity encourages learners to be Innovative Designers and Collaborative Communicators as they plan, build, test, and refine their creations together. Once the costumes are complete, we’ll celebrate with a Dash Robot Parade, where students will showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in action!

This month we'll read Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, and students will take part in a design challenge. This activity aligns with the ISTE Standards for Students, as students will practice being Innovative Designers by using their imagination and creativity to plan, build, and improve their own solutions to a problem inspired by the story.

November

Students will read Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal and participate in a virtual author talk and draw-along. This engaging experience allows students to explore the story, connect with the author, and express their creativity through art.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, students will read We Are Grateful by Traci Sorell, focusing on identifying the theme. After reading, students will create a grateful chain to reflect on and share the things they are thankful for, connecting the story’s message to their own lives.

Students will read How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace, focusing on identifying key details and problem-solving strategies in the story. After reading, they will take on a hands-on design challenge using KEVA planks to create a structure that could “catch a turkey,” applying ISTE standards as Innovative Designers. This activity encourages creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on problem solving while connecting reading comprehension to real-world design and engineering skills.

December

We will read Tree by Loren Long, using the Depth and Complexity icons to explore Changes Over Time and Details. Through close observation and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of how the tree changes throughout the story. After reading the story, students will participate in a hands-on STEM challenge, designing and building their own tree using a paper bag. This creative activity encourages problem-solving, imaginative thinking, and an understanding of structure and design.

Students will also take part in a Book Tasting, sampling a selection of fiction, nonfiction, and early chapter books. This engaging activity encourages students to explore new genres, discover fresh interests, and build excitement around reading as they “taste-test” books they might not have tried before.

January

This month, students will learn about online safety using the Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship curriculum. 

Starting in January we will be reading the Colorado Children’s Book Award picture book nominees. Students will explore all 10 titles, vote for their favorite book, and help cast our school’s official vote.              

2026 Colorado Children’s Book Award – Picture Book Nominees

Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe

Bitsy Bat, Team Star by Kaz Windness

Broken by X. Fang

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb and Erin Kraan

Cat Nap by Brian Lies

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat

Old MacDonald Had a Farm E-I-UFO by Zach von Zonk and Benjamin Chaud

Odder: An Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate and Charles Santoso

To Catch a Ghost by Rachel Michelle Wilson

Design challenges: