The month of April was a very busy month for the first graders at the Searingtown Elementary School in the Herricks School District. The month was filled with many fun and interesting things that kept students busy and active.
Author Stephanie Calmenson, who wrote such children’s books as Dinner at The Panda Palace, Ollie’s School Day, and May I Pet your Dog came to visit the children. She talked with us about why she decided to becomea children’s book author, how she comes up with her book ideas, and herbeloved dogs, which have inspired her in her writing. She also read two ofher books to students.
Classes also had a special visit from the Teddy Roosevelt Sanctuary to share their “World of Reptiles” program and were able to see and learn about animals such as snakes, turtles and a bearded dragon.
The first graders also went on their second field trip of the year to the Long Island Children’s Museum, learning about bloodsucking bugs like mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Students explored how they grow, what senses they use to detect where warm animals are to bite and what attracts and repels them. At the museum they also learned about the difference between carnivores and omnivores, explored bubbles and were able to experience theways people with various physical challenges live.
Students were able to explore aspecial house with many different adaptations made to it such as a vibratingbed alarm, flashing lights attached to a doorbell and a sign language area. They also had a special car designed for a person in a wheelchair to drive.
Ms. Dena came to teach us Little Lotus Yoga, demonstrating how to relax our bodies and minds through special “Ahh- Ohh – Mmm” breathingand many different poses like crab, dog, three-legged dog, cat, and flamingoposes.
On Monday, April 22students celebrated Earth Day by discussing all of the ways in which we can help keep the Earth clean. Students had a visit from Town of North Hempstead Councilman Thomas Dwyer. He read to the first graders and talked with them about the importance of protectingthe environment.
Classes also talked about different ways we can help the Earthas first graders. Councilman Dwyer and the Town of North Hempstead visiting team also talked to us about special bags that can be reused for shopping so that they don’t create waste by using new plastic or paper bag search time we shop.
Students also decorated paper shopping bags with Earthfriendly reminders and tips, which were handed out on Earth Day to remind the shoppers how they can help the Earth as well.
Lastly, they had a special pajama day and first grade reader, as part of a prize won at the PTA Benefit Dinner earlier this year.
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