With two amazing weeks behind us, first grade is in full swing.  We’re raising caterpillars, studying the fascinating properties of air, writing about the wishes we have for the year to come, and perhaps most importantly, genuinely enjoying each other’s company.  It’s inspiring to see a new group of six year olds working together so positively.  They jump at the chance to support one another, and the room seems to be permanently flooded with compliments.  Below are several student quotes about the friendship, cooperation, and the togetherness Rainbow Fish and Swimmy learn about in their respective stories, and what we can learn from them.

“I liked that Swimmy helped them make a big fish.  They used teamwork.”  - Cameron

“By making a big fish, they scared the other fish away”  - Deven

“I liked the story, because Rainbow Fish went from bad to nice.”  - Darius

“I liked when Swimmy worked together with the other fish.”  - Eli

“ He learned that not just his family would play with him, buy all the other animals that were different would play with him, too.  Sometimes we can be shy and want to play with our brothers and sisters.  We should try to make friends with other people, too.”  -Eden

“I like the story because Swimmy made a plan with all his other friends.  When I make a play with my friends it turns out good.”    - Carly

“I liked when you see a lot of fish in the book.  Swimmy is tiny.”  - Trent

“At the first point, he was a bad friend, but a the story went on he got nicer.  The octopus gave him (Rainbow Fish) advice.”

- Ian

“Swimmy and Rainbow Fish both have the same story.  They both lose their friends.  They find more and learn to be nice.  I am nice to my friends.”  - Taryn

“He learned that sharing is very nice.  And it made him feel really happy!”  - Logan

“Swimmy and Rainbow Fish both felt sad.  They lost friends and then they found them back.  They would be good friends together.”  - Nadia