Summer Memories

First day back to school and of course it's raining outside, which doesn't seem to bother the first and second graders that enter eagerly into the classroom. Week one is always an adjustment period for students and teachers alike. Since this is my first year I wanted to ease into my new schedule with a simple lesson...Summer Memories. In this lesson I begin by asking students what they think a memory is followed by a quick questionnaire of some memories they might have from summer. After each answer I write a key word on the board for students to reference and as a brainstorming activity. The guidelines are simple; fill in the entire page (which is large) with crayon or colored pencil (or both), and the image must represent a memory from summer. I quickly demonstrate that I don't want to see any scribbling, but a solidly colored  drawing. Walking around the room I'm able to ask students about their summer memories getting to know them, chat about their drawing and where it's going, and of course to see where they fall developmentally. 
First Grade Work:

Second Grade Work: