Mexico

First graders have begun studying Mexico! When we studied mapping earlier in the school year we learned where Mexico in on the map and this week we talked about borders and using passports to travel to other countries. I showed the class my real passport and the kids made pretend passports as well as a packing list of things they would need to bring if we were going to visit Mexico (there are some photos of them working on their passports below). We have also been comparing weather forecasts here and in Monterrey, Mexico, connecting to our previous weather unit, and helping us to notice differences between where we live and Mexico (today's forecast in Monterrey was 100 degrees!). We chose Monterrey because, as an exciting new element to our Mexico country study this year, we have a buddy class there! Technology is now helping to form a global community and this year I used a wonderful teacher resource called ePals to connect with a teacher in Monterrey Mexico. She teachers a kindergarten class there and for the past week our two classes have been emailing back and forth, learning about each other, and comparing/contrasting life in Colchester, Vermont to Monterrey, Mexico. We are planning to have our classes Skype next week and are very excited about this incredible opportunity to learn by meeting kids in the country we are studying! It makes our unit so much more meaningful. Stay tuned for more on Mexico!

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