The "Sleepover" At School

"Do we really get to spend the night during the first grade Sleepover?" wondered many of the students. Not exactly, but we do get to pretend that we are during the school day. We begin this fun unit by having the kids make a stuffed teddy bear at home. Thanks to CH's grandmother and her generous effort, all of the children this year had a homemade teddy bear. During this time, we begin reading fictional books about sleepovers. During Reader's and Writer's Workshop, the students learn about story elements, strategies for comprehension, responses to text, and functional writing (How To). The weeks prior to the big day are filled with fun and creative activities such as completing teddy bear glyphs and decorating paper pajamas. When the big day finally arrives, all of the first grade students and teachers come dressed in their pajamas and slippers. We begin the morning with a our Teddy Bear Parade, walking around the school showing off the bears while the principal (in her pajamas as well) leads us around the school singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. This is followed by a yummy pancake breakfast. Thanks to our amazing resource teachers, for the rest of the day the students participate in different centers such as Bear Square Dancing, making book covers for their narrative stories, and participating in a scavenger hunt. During the afternoon, each class is invited into the media center for a "Sleepover Party". There we dance with the lights off, watch a movie, eat popcorn, and listen to great stories. Thanks to Mrs. KK and her awesome team, this is a slumber party that the students will never forget!