I try to update photos as often as possible. I love to share the happenings of the class. At the end of the year it's fun for the class to go back and remember what we did but also see
how much they have grown.
This is our first day of school! Our first lesson took place in the closet! We decided we want to keep it tidy and clean. I'm hopeful anyway!
how much they have grown.
This is our first day of school! Our first lesson took place in the closet! We decided we want to keep it tidy and clean. I'm hopeful anyway!
To become a Wild Reader, students need to take a look at who they are as a reader now and then begin to develop a plan for who they want to become. So, we made Shelfies (a snapshot of their bookshelf). They had a guideline (all time fav, book they wish existed, book they want to read, book that made them think, book they dislike).
The sHelfies will be posted in the room if you'd like to take a closer peek.
We ARE Wild Readers! We find books that catch our attention or we challenge ourselves to try something new. We settle into places that suit our needs for comfort, temperature, noise level, air quality and lighting. We agreed to be quiet (only a whisper if needed) and take breaks IF we need.
We have a well stocked and current library so that helps too!
We have a well stocked and current library so that helps too!
We participated in Dot Day. The Dot is a picture book written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. It is about a girl named Vashti who thinks she can't draw but still manages to make a mark on the paper. We discussed how we will make our mark this year. This class has some really thoughtful ideas! The final dots will be displayed above name tags in the closet area.
In math we are taking spending time with the YouCubed math program. The week is about inspiring students through open, beautiful and creative math. Through a variety of tasks students learn the science behind the task, how to work together, build off of each others ideas, and find many solutions to a problem. See the blog for more info about You Cubed.
The first activity was called Four 4's. The goal is to find equations with any operations that equal numbers 1-20 by only using four 4's.
The first activity was called Four 4's. The goal is to find equations with any operations that equal numbers 1-20 by only using four 4's.
You Cubed mat inspirational activities. Along with various ways of thinking about numbers and symbols, we discovered that our brains can be molded and we can change our math mindset.
SEL
The discipline in our classroom begins with the kids. They develop agreements and work together to hold each other accountable. Here are a few of our lists and ideas for how our year will go.
These are our agreements.
We are writers! Students have set up notebooks and are ready to go for the first writing unit (literary essays). First though, they were given an opportunity to write a personal narrative story. It was fun to share stories about our lives as a way to get to know one another better. We laughed (really hard) and even cried while sharing. Students also have a journaling/doodling section in their notebook, meant to provide space to filter our minds and express self.
More SEL
Students are getting in touch with their feelings through vocabulary and role play. They found out that there are feeling words that describe every kind of feeling, not just mad, sad and glad. They also realized that facial expressions and hand motions are a major part of communication.
Pure Food Workshop
In the Pure Food Workshop students had the opportunity to become Food Detectives. The workshop was intended to equip students with information and skills to make healthy food choices for life. This workshop was also organized to kick off our PBL Food Literacy Unit.
The 2.5 hour workshop was meant to be fun and interactive. It included:
The 2.5 hour workshop was meant to be fun and interactive. It included:
- Sparking curiosity about what’s really in the foods kids eat
- Teaching kids how to read nutrition labels and ingredient lists
- Raising awareness about how food companies are marketing to kids
- Kids learn to be chefs, cooking and eating tasty, nourishing veggie chili right in their classrooms!
Reading Buddies
We meet with Ms. Smith's 1st graders once a week to read, play games, celebrate our writing, and share creations on our ipads.
Jog-a-thon
We're ready for the Jog-a-thon! We incorporated math into our banner. We gathered data for how long it took to sprint, jog at an easy pace and walk a lap. Then, we considered how much time we had to run (40 minutes). While calculating our goals/number of laps we could run, we also considered factors like rain, stopping for water, facing crowds, stopping to help or encourage a friend, etc. Students set goals for themselves based on their calculations. Then, they represented their numbers in various ways (symbols, numbers, and equations). I love the theme and saying they came up with too, "we run for QAE to the moon and back."
I took these videos with my phone but am not sure how to rotate. They are worth watching with a tilted head!
Writer's Workshop
Students are working on writing summaries. They have received numerous lessons focused on steps and strategies. We're practicing those strategies in groups now. Eventually, students will be able to complete the task on their own!
Open Mic
Students share a variety of skills, projects and interests through open mic. The class works on listing skills while students present. At the end the class always give compliments, ask questions and gives feedback.
A Fine Dessert
We read a great book connected to our Food Literacy unit. The books beautifully lays out how Blackberry Fool, a simple dessert, was made through 3 centuries.
After reading the book we just had to try it for ourselves! We tried different tools and techniques that were used in each century. Unfortunately, the blackberries were frozen (not wild or from the farmer's market) and the cream was pasteurized (not fresh from a cow)!
P.S. So sorry if any clothing was stained by blackberries. Also, we talked about this treat as a "sometimes" food.
PE
A game called "Hungry, Hungry Hippos"
Compliments to JeffRo for such a hilarious game!
Math - Factor Game
Geography
We're practicing our cardinal and intermediate points on a compass to prep for Mystery Skyping.
Genius Hour
We kicked off GN by testing our creative skills. I drew a circle with a dot in the middle and an arrow attached. Then, I asked the students to do something with it only using their pencil. It was incredible what they came up with and how their imaginations ran wild. We discussed in more detail what creativity means to us and how we can apply it to our GN time.
Lois Brandt visited our school! She shared the real story and small details behind Maddi's Fridge and how it inspired her to write. She also shared how she was denied numerous times by publishers, and quit writing a few times. She still felt like the story was clouding her head and she needed to share it so she pushed forward. Lois's book was eventually published and now we all get the chance to enjoy it!
Lois created an activity to help us as writers. They were inspired by stories in their head but knew they could make changes to it to make it more interesting. They loved sharing the stories!
Food Literacy
Students are working pairs or small groups to determine the story of particular foods. They are tracing the food back to the farm and figuring out what it took to get to the table. The common foods are turning out to have complicated lives! In that process we are also comparing industrial food systems to local food systems.
Students shared stories of food in each of their families. They shared how recipes have been passed through generations, why the food is special, and even sacred recipes. Many students brought dishes in to sample too!
Math
Students have focused on factors, multiples and prime/composite numbers this week. We have completed many activities and played many games so it should be ingrained in their brains! Ask your student what each means!
Halloween
More math games
Students are practicing factors and multiples of numbers and looking for patterns.
Students are practicing factors and multiples of numbers and looking for patterns.
More reading buddy shots
Food Chemistry
Testing liquids for starch and looking for a chemical reaction with iodine - We found out the liquid turns
black if starch is present.
Food Presentations
All students presented but we don't have photos, unfortunately.
All students presented but we don't have photos, unfortunately.
Food Chemistry
Testing solid foods for starch
Testing solid foods for starch
Brain Breaks
We have been working really hard and we need breaks throughout the day. We found some
new dance videos that seem to be quite fun! Within 3 minutes our hearts are pounding and
we're feeling pumped for learning again!
Hour of Code
All kids were excited about it and were pleased with their willingness to push through tough challenges.
Genius Hour
Students are busy thinking and crafting their projects. Sometimes learning looks hectic!
Students are busy thinking and crafting their projects. Sometimes learning looks hectic!
Math
Ordering fractions is a lot of work when you have many to do at the same time. Thankfully, we gathered many different strategies to do it!
Ordering fractions is a lot of work when you have many to do at the same time. Thankfully, we gathered many different strategies to do it!
Open Mic
When students share learning and exploration that takes place outside of the classroom
When students share learning and exploration that takes place outside of the classroom
Shout outs
Our board is filling up with so many kind and thoughtful moments.
Our board is filling up with so many kind and thoughtful moments.
Genius Hour progress
Writer's celebration
Valentines Day
Discovery Park
Auction Art Project
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