Teddy visited with the first graders of 1R during the holiday season.  Here in the United States, people celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year among many other holidays in December and early January.  One of the things these holidays have in common is that people often exchange presents.  We wanted to share our culture with Teddy, so we got him some special holiday gifts.  Teddy had tried on a jacket at the Build A Bear workshop that he really liked.  So, he was really happy when he got that coat as a holiday gift from 1R.  We thought he might need it in Norway.  He also received some items to play baseball.  That is one of the most popular games here.  Maybe Teddy can teach other children around the world how to play!  Happy Holidays, Teddy!

1R first graders made snowmen using cray-pas and collage techniques.  He even helped us clean up afterwards!  In this part of the world (Brookline, Massachusetts, USA), we usually have snow at this time of year.  This year has been different.  We have only had one snowstorm so far, and all of that snow has already melted.  Teddy is wondering if he will get to see more snow when he travels to Norway soon.

Teddy loved learning about plants and insects in first grade.  We planted broad bean seeds and watched them grow.  We then introduced aphids who quickly ate the plants.  Lastly, we had ladybugs eat the aphids to try to save the plants.  Through it all, Teddy had a front row seat!  He loved learning all about the world around him and was very curious about our investigations.

The boys and girls eat lunch in our school cafeteria with all of the other first graders and third graders.  There are five sections of first grade and five of third, so there are a lot of students eating together!  Every day, students can bring lunch from home or buy a hot lunch.  Teddy really enjoyed seeing all of the different foods that the children ate.  From sandwiches to pasta to dumplings, the boys and girls loved sharing their lunches with Teddy!

In the United States, most first grade students get to play outside once or twice a day.  At our school, we have a playground and a field where students can play American football, soccer, or baseball.  On the playground, we have slides, monkey bars, and climbing structures.  1R students go outside to play before we go to lunch every day.  Teddy loved joining in on the fun!

We were so excited to welcome Teddy to our classroom in Brookline, MA, USA!  The first graders loved seeing all of his treasures…his baseball cap, beautiful coat, school supplies, and even socks came with him from across the globe.  We have been tracking our new friend for the past couple of months, so were thrilled that he arrived safely to spend December with us!