Activities
We decided together that...
Students were excited when I told them that we don't have "rules" in our classroom. When I told them that they get to create how our class flows they were even more thrilled. So, we started a process of planning. I asked them a question, "To create the best school year ever, we would...?" I allowed students to write all of their ideas on post-its. They added thoughts to the board, we read out loud and discussed each. We noticed a pattern and quickly created general categories. The categories were respect, safe, learning, helpful and fun. Later, we created more sophisticated terms for the categories to make "We will..." statements (see photo descriptions for more details). Students then broke out into groups and figured out exactly what it would sound like and look like if we followed through with the statements. We now have a complete understanding of each others needs and how we can work together without "rules"!
Class Agreements
Students decided together that these statements will help guide us throughout the year. I love that they are student generated!
Time Capsule
Students created a time capsule that will be opened at the end of the year. The time capsule is simple but students love to go through it at the end of the year to see how they have changed. The capsule includes a very detailed interest survey, self portrait, tracing of hand, measurement of height and handwriting sample and a letter from their parent/guardians. In the gallery you can see them working intently, most quite privately!
Class Jobs
I believe that students take care of their classroom when they are empowered to take charge. So, I create a job list and assign students. They will rotate each week. I did not tell them how to do their jobs, instead they got to design the purpose and determine what the job entailed. Students made detailed descriptions for each. The descriptions can change and be edited over time as our class evolves. I was very excited to see how seriously they took to the task! In the gallery you will see students working on the description as well as doing their jobs!
Like or Dislike and Agree or Disagree
Students participated in a couple different activities in which they thought deeply about simple and complex statements. After thinking about their opinion and perspective theny paired up and shared. Students realized that we can accept each other's thinking!
Reading Buddies
Every Friday students participate in reading buddies. This year we are paired with Ms. Smith's first grade class. The 4th graders get to become the teachers by reading out loud and helping 1st graders read. It is a beautiful scene!
Students share and edit classmates writing. We do this by listening intently, complimenting and making suggestions that are helpful!
Students play games during math centers/stations. In the past weeks students have focused on learning new games OR teaching classmates an old game. Eventually students will be playing games that focus on specific skills related to lessons.
Open Mic
Students are eager to volunteer for Open Mic during snack. It's hard to capture their talents with a camera but it's a start! We have had a range of performances, stories, riddles, jokes, and impressions. Here is a glimpse...
Olivia performs several songs on her violin
Nyah and Camden perform a dance
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Ava performs interpretive dances to a pop songs
Hope and Emma perform a dance
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Isla whistles a few tunes
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Camilla plays her electric guitar
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Isla whistles another tune and has the audience captivated
Hope, Nyah and Camden sing along and dance
Ava and Camden dance to a pop song
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Liam sings along to an educational rap
Nyah and Emma dance
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Word Work
Students are studying different word patterns quite intently in these photos. FIrst, they work in groups to decipher different categories (words with commonalities or not). Then, students work to practice sorting, completing various activities and a spelling test.
Halloween
Students wore creative costumes and we paraded around the school to show them off. Then, students participated in stations for the afternoon. The party was filled with mad scientist exploration with dry ice, cookie making, scary storytelling and estimation jar activities. Not to mention, there were some delicious treats! Thanks to parents for planning a great party!
Beecher's Cheese Foundation Visit
Beecher's Chees Foundation came to our classroom and presented important information regarding marketing, food additives, types of fats and reading ingredient labels. Then, we prepped and cooked chili made entirely of whole foods! We are excited to kick off our food chemistry unit now!
Valentine's Day
The party was a hit! The class played two games, participated in stations, opened Valentine's and snacked on treats! While the energy level increased during the competitive games, the overall spirit was positive and friendly!
Music program
We are very lucky to have a music program this year. It's a short program but it's amazing what they are accomplishing. I got a sneak peak into what they are working on with the music instructor. They are learning how to hold a rhythm while clapping and they created a song. The song is based on something that they have experienced together this year and they chose the Northwest Coast People unit. In the video they are just beginning to learn the song.
Recess time
Thanks for Mr. Jefferson for encouraging kids, of all grades, to run from the zombie!
Thanks for Mr. Jefferson for encouraging kids, of all grades, to run from the zombie!
Spring Clean
For the first time ever, students requested time to clean out the bins. It was definitely needed and students were surprised to find so many goodies (overdue library books, lost pencils, compliments from classmates, etc.). Now they know why I immediately direct them to their bin when they can't
find something!
For the first time ever, students requested time to clean out the bins. It was definitely needed and students were surprised to find so many goodies (overdue library books, lost pencils, compliments from classmates, etc.). Now they know why I immediately direct them to their bin when they can't
find something!
Class challenge
The class is planning out different fundraiser's to raise money for Islandwood. So, as a way to encourage them to keep up the great progress, I planned an activity that is similar to Islandwood activities. In this challenge, students have lived on an "island" but have ran out of resources. Luckily they are not far from another "island" with plentiful resources. The challenge is to get to that island without facing the dangers of the water. They have a couple tools (pieces of wood) that they can use to aid in the transition to the desired island. Unfortunately, troubles occur throughout the process and the students have to figure out how to deal with the changing situations and work together as a team.
Success! They have discovered plentiful resources!
Oh no, a landslide has taken out part of the desired island.
Stacking cups
Another way that students have been challenged to work together is by stacking cups (pyramid style) without hands. They were only allowed to use a piece of string. It was interesting to see different techniques and to watch students collaborate. All groups had to discuss ideas and strategies before beginning. They focused on listening to each other and then acting. All groups were successful due to communication and patience. I have to say, there were plenty of different ideas but not a single argument!